Technology.

Growing up in the 20th century, technology has always been normal to me. I remember the first computer my family ever brought. I was about four or five years old, when a large cow print (it was a Gateway) box came in the mail. My dad convinced me that it was a baby cow. At the time, I didn't know enough about computers, to read "Gateway" and know it was a computer. There were little holes in the side of the box, and every time I would walk by, I would try to stick my finger in but get scared and run away. My family finally, opened the box after I tried to put a handful of grass in the box for the cow to eat.

Does Gateway still make computers?!?

Overtime computers became more and more popular. I remember my mom getting her first laptop. I wasn't allowed to have a laptop because I played to many games. Eventually, she had to get a new one and I got the old one. Since I was in middle school, I have always had my own computer. I used to make videos using blue screens and effects on my computer, so I always had my own computer to process the information I needed.

Today, its all about Apples. I was in middle school when I got my first Ipod. It was a light blue ipod mini. It only played music and had one game (brick beaker). I'm going to age myself here, but it was BLACK AND WHITE. I've gone through a series of ipods. I had a purple ipod nano. A blue Ipod nano. An original Ipod. And for the past four years, the Ipod touch.

Last year, I gave in to the new fad and bought a MacBookPro. Someone once told me, "once you go Mac, you'll never go back". I quickly learned, that saying is VERY true. Honestly, I have no idea how anyone could graduate college today without a computer or laptop. I could barely make it a week without failing one of my classes.

My favorite technology invention? My phone. I have a purple blackberry. I use my phone to text and receive phone calls. But I also use my phone to receive both my personal and school email. I upload my calendar from my computer onto my phone. I use my phone's camera regularly. I receive Facebook notifications on my phone. I use my phone to search the web more then once every day. It's like a personal computer in the palm of my hands.

Last night, I found a new technology related addiction. Apple's Iweb! Iweb lets you create your own websites on your mac. You can then upload your website to the "world wide web" using Apple's MoblieMe. MoblieMe is a website hosting serve (or FTP) that cost 99$ annual. Did I forget to mention that technology is expensive?

It wasn't till today when I realized that my GPS for my car is broken. (100$) My phone is slowly dying because I need more memory (I'm thinking about the Iphone?). (200$) My computer needs a heck of a lot of help (I probably just need a new one). (1500$) I really want to upload my blog using MoblieMe. (100$) I need ink for my printer. (50$) (I also want an Ipad, but I currently have no REASON for wanting one). Technology is changing our lives! Not to mention, robbing our bank accounts.

People used to think that technology was a "phase" or a "fad". But the truth is that technology is a lifestyle. For the average American, we use technology at least twice a day, to complete some type of task. I'm using it right now, and so are you. I'm typing on my MAC and your reading my blog on some sort of internet based electronic. Technology is always changing. New technology is always coming out. I can't even imagine what it will be like in a few years? Let alone, what kind of new technology will be available next month.

So I challenge you, can you list ALL the ways you use technology in your every day lives?!?!

Rachel.