Updated: July 26, 2023
Originally Published: June 23, 2005
Let’s face it: technology has its challenges, especially when it comes to managing screen time for our little ones, and maybe even for ourselves. But when it helps simplify my daily grind? I’m all in! Here are some errands that have been made a whole lot easier thanks to tech:
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Text Messaging
Honestly, how did families with multiple kids ever manage to find each other in a crowded amusement park before cell phones and texting? And when it comes to babysitters, forget about playing phone tag! Just a quick text and boom—no more forgetting the pickup time (not to mention the awkward small talk we can skip). Plus, group texts may annoy some, but would you really want to call every friend to see if they’re up for happy hour? No thanks, I’d much rather sip wine with them.
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Online Bill Payments
Stamps, envelopes, checks—no, thank you! I can’t express how much I love getting an email notification that my bill is paid without having to deal with all that paperwork. If only my computer could fill out my kids’ endless registration forms too!
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Library Holds and Renewals
Does your library do this? I can request books online and get an email when they’re ready to pick up. When my family has about 50 books out at any given time, I love getting reminders and renewing them with just a click—no more lugging heavy stacks back to the library. Plus, some libraries even have drive-up windows now. Genius!
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Drive-Thru Pharmacies
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the drive-thru. You’ve just dragged a sick kid to the pediatrician, and it’s strep throat. No more waiting at the pharmacy with a kid on the verge of a meltdown. Now the doctor calls in the prescription, and we can pick it up from the car. When are we getting drive-thru grocery stores for those quick milk-and-bread runs? Drive-thru everything, please!
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ATM Machines
I found a bank that offers old-school passbook accounts for my kids, which I thought would teach them about saving. But oh, those forms and long lines! Luckily, I only take them a couple of times a year. Give me an ATM, and make it a drive-thru, please.
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GPS Navigation
Gone are the days of fumbling with crumpled paper maps or MapQuest printouts. GPS makes getting around a breeze—except when you lose signal in the mountains. Then you might wish you had an actual map, but that’s a whole different story.
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Amazon
I can’t hide my love for Amazon! Supporting local businesses is important, but let’s be real—life gets busy, and sometimes I just need to click and get what I need in two days. Amazon Prime has become my best friend for everything from birthday gifts to kid socks, and even cat food.
So, what do I do with all this time I’ve saved, you ask? Well, I’m engaging in all sorts of fulfilling activities—like scrolling through Facebook. Okay, maybe a bit too much scrolling. But hey, I’ll see you in the digital world!
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Summary:
Technology has revolutionized our daily errands, making them faster and more convenient. From texting to pay bills online, navigating with GPS, or picking up prescriptions without leaving the car, we’ve streamlined our lives significantly. These advancements allow us to save time for more enjoyable activities, even if that includes a little too much time on social media.