Back in the thick of it

Or should that be, back in the thick of *I.T.* ? I have been away from all things technical for the last two weeks - mostly walking, with a bit of surfing and swimming. Leave behind the computer, the phone and all that sort of thing. "What is the weather going to be" was answered by "are there clouds or blue sky on the horizon"!

Sometimes it pays to see just how dependent we have become on technology. It seems many of us could not function at all without it. Of course, there are those like myself whose work is based on computers, whether that be administering them or programming them. I am thinking more of how we seem to 'need' technology for entertainment. Gone are the days for most people (did they ever exist for some?) of gathering together to talk, tell stories, sing or dance, or enjoy walking in the countryside.

In a couple of weeks I am taking our family to an Open Air concert, complete with full orchestra, singers and a firework finale. We shall go with a picnic meal and (given that this is England in summer) raincoats.

I will 'escape' to the country whenever I can. How about you?

"The city is the home of the body but the country is the home of the soul" (Baha'i writings)

What a busy life!

Progression and advancement at work - I have been asked to take on more responsibilities, joining a working group to develop and improve our software testing methods and systems, and to become a mentor for some of the less experienced staff.

Together with unpaid voluntary work designing membership systems, it has left me with little time spare this week.

There is a danger that I will neglect my family, but I am determined that should not happen, so for the last two nights we have removed the table cloth and been doing a 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle. Many years ago as a teacher I first became aware of 'latch key kids' whose parents were so busy making money that they had no time to share with their children.

We all live in a world where the pace of life seems to be getting faster and faster, yet the quality of life is not improving.

I am reminded of the poem by William Henry Davies -
"What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs and stare as long as sheep or cows. ..."