Whiskey and Pie

Technology has irrevocably changed the human landscape. Studies have proven, however, that we’re not quite the multi-taskers we fancy ourselves to be. In fact, we’re more distracted than ever. I sure feel more productive when I have a minute at a red light and I can read an email or return a text. It’s allowing me to take a vacation because even in the deep woods of northern Wisconsin I’ll have phone, internet and fax. Thanks to Verizon, I can hear you, text you, email you, while sunning on the dock. Gotta love that. I also have to quickly admit I miss the days I’d get in the car to go see a client and no one could get a hold of me. It was 15 minutes of peace. Each way. I don’t need to see you anymore to have a relationship or do a deal. Easy breezy. Seems ideal. Reminds me of growing up in Bloomfield Hills where the neighbors barely knew each other’s names let alone have a conversation or develop a relationship. You’d pull up in your driveway, hit the garage door opener, pull in, and close the door behind you. Brilliant when I’m tired and crabby. What about the other days?

Whiskey and Pie. It’s an old automotive colloquialism. Let’s get together, hang out, do a deal. As much as I enjoy Facebook and its ability to alleviate some occasional loneliness, not to mention its networking attributes, I want to work with folks I like. I can’t tell if I like you on my laptop. I really can’t tell if I can trust you. Behind our emails, I see your face, hear your voice, remember your smile. It matters. I currently live in a sidewalk neighborhood. I had no idea how awesome that could be. Lathrup Village is about 1.5 miles square. It is a true community. Residents are involved in city activities. I have loaned my expertise to the art fair a few times. We wave to each other as we drive by. We know each other’s kids, dogs. Keep an eye out. I need my BlackBerry to keep up with business and I like it to keep up with friends. I miss alerts if I haven’t gotten one in a couple hours. Don’t you love me? Where is everybody? Technology is here to stay but it isn’t pie. I love pie. Let’s have some whiskey and pie. I’ve got about 15 minutes.