I miss when the days seemed to last longer. Life or the speed of time hasn't changed; we have. I really like some technological advances; I appreciate that certain things are easier or simpler, and I love the Internet, but sometimes I miss the lifestyle of two decades ago.
While at my mother's house, I came across items from my childhood and adolescence. Among them was a timeless green sweater it still fits me, so I wore it again. I also found a Converse leather wallet I used to carry as a teenager; it’s still in perfect condition, as if time had stood still for it. I love Converse, so I’m going to start using that wallet, too. Finally, I found a Barbie-themed USB drive/MP3 player with 500 MB of storage. I used to love that thing; it was my first step up from a Discman. Later on, I had a beautiful MP4 player, but I lost it. That Barbie drive still works, so I’m going to give it to my daughter to use as well.
I want my daughter to experience her childhood away from social media and all that crap kids consume these days. I want her to enjoy music to look up from the touchscreen and learn to use the radio, feeling that thrill of not knowing what song comes next because it’s a surprise. I’d also like to get her a basic phone with physical buttons no internet access just something so she can communicate with me without getting distracted by the device at school. No, I don’t want my daughter living in a cave; I’ve taught her how to browse the web, use AI, and handle my phone, but always in moderation. I want her to understand that there are other options, that not everything comes easily, and to build character to learn patience and how to wait, realizing that some things can’t be achieved with just a single click.
Better yet, listen to music without ad interruptions.
I find it boring that everything is based on subscriptions these days; I dread the day I won't be able to open my fridge because I forgot to pay the monthly fee, or have to watch five ads just to open it for 30 seconds.
It seems to me that we used to enjoy the pleasures of life of everyday things more. Or is it just me?
I feel this. Found my old Tecno T201 phone in my mom's house last month here in Benin — still works, battery still holds! Used to save 20 songs max and felt rich. Now my daughter uses 128GB card and says "it's too small". That green sweater still fitting after years is real joy — things used to be built to last. Keeping your Converse wallet is right, we need to bring that slow life back small small.
Downzap
Sue me
dunno if you or your daughter will like it, but ben arc ( LN bits/ Nostr guy) has built Napstr - music sharing/streaming - no ads or interruptions, maybe give it a try -
https://napstr.net/
Thanks! Will check Napstr — exactly what we need. If it works offline like old MP3, my daughter will love. Appreciate! — chikasun@blink.sv
Interesting post... life really does move at a million miles an hour. I have a daughter and I've set limits on her technology use. I use schedules so she doesn't overuse it and I try to get her to interact physically with other girls her age. I like Converse; you reminded me of some sneakers I had when I was a kid. I wore them a lot and they're very durable (I'm about to buy some to relive those times... hahaha).