Born on Another Planet
Being in my 70s, I am having more trouble navigating the world of technology. Yes, technology has provided many positive changes. The medical field, security, and robotics. I remember switching to technology when computers came into the school system. It helped do scheduling and manage attendance records. Writing and editing documents were much easier to manage. Technology continues to evolve, and I find many more practical uses that make things easier. Yes, I do zoom, word processing, and excel spreadsheets.
At the same time, I am finding challenges. I hope I am not alone with the experience I am going to share. I bought a new car in 2023 (ok, my engine blew up on my previous vehicle, so I had to make a change!). I was used to getting an oil change and lube every 3000 miles, and I proudly pulled into the service department and was told I didn’t need an oil change until 7000 miles. Are you sure? So, I adjusted to the new schedule.
Last Monday 4.28.25 I pulled into the service department with 21,000 miles to schedule my third maintenance. I was told that they could not schedule a service appointment. I had to call a number to schedule. I said, “I am here, just give me an appointment for next week.” The service person, who was very nice, said he couldn’t do that, and I would have to schedule by calling a number. What? I want you to know this service department in the past has been wonderful to work with and I trust them.
I said the car, or someone, sent me an email that it was time for service. My car keeps informing me on my dashboard I need service! The sticker you put on my car said it was time for service. That is why I am here! None of this made any difference. The service person politely said he could not make an appointment for me. However, he dialed the number on my smart phone to help me make appointment for the exact place where I was parked.
The person on the other end of the line asked, “how many miles do I have on the car?” I replied, 21,000. She said come back when you have 23,000 miles. I will not report what I said. #$%^&* To the person I was talking to I stated, “so let me get this straight. I shouldn’t believe the car which tells me I need servicing, I should not believe the dealership who said every 7000 miles, I can’t believe the sticker the service department put on my car at the last service appointment.” Can you tell me why I get these nasty grams by email telling me I need servicing when you won’t schedule an appointment? Answer: no, we will tell you when you need servicing. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Am I going to get a personal phone call?
So, I can’t make an appointment in person, I can’t believe emails I get, I can’t count on the sticker put on my car from the last appointment, and I can’t believe the car which keeps telling me I am overdue for servicing. And I am supposed to be enamored with technology? Give me a break!
So, I left, angry, disappointed, and frustrated by the technology gods. I then went to get my car washed. Two places had big machines, a gate, and nobody to help me figure out how to get my car washed at the price I am willing to pay. I backed out of both places since I wasn’t sure what package I would be buying, and nobody was out front to help me. I didn’t want to pull forward and get soaked, literally and figuratively.
So, I went to the pharmacy I have used for 15 years. They have all my records and have been great to deal with. New procedure! I can’t walk up to the counter, retrieve my prescription, pay, and walk out. I have to sign in and they will call me. There were only two of us there, neither knew of this new procedure. The person working the counter could see us. I finally asked, can I just get my prescription and leave? No sir, you have to sign in.
Not to cause a scene with my insides burning up with disbelief, and the third encounter with technology in an hour, I went home to contemplate (and kick something)…how I can register my resistance to being driven by technology that won’t get me arrested. The scene from ‘Father of the Bride’ where Steve Martin started tearing hot dog buns out of the package did occur to me! Of course, he landed in jail.
I feel like I was born on another planet. I don’t know which one, but it wasn’t this one. Am I alone?