I like paper

Today I sent out Christmas cards. And not those e-cards either. Real cards, in envelopes that you have to lick to seal and with real stamps. One of the cards I sent was to a friend who thinks me a luddite, or, less harshly, as someone who was born in the wrong generation. I put up an argument, but I know there's a grain of truth in that assertion.

To be crystal clear, I love the privileges of modern life... air conditioning, heat, microwave, *television*, and the almighty internet. Goodness knows I can't carry on my bummy lifestyle without those modern conveniences. And here's something else I appreciate immensely about this day and age: my entire life goal is not reduced to just getting married and bearing children! O the joy of living in the 21st century. Wouldn't give it up for a hot minute.

Yet, as much as I love being a part of the 21st century revolution, I can't help but feel nostalgic (?) for some of the less-than-convenient ways of earlier days. Nostalgia. That might be a bit of a strong word for a 23 year old.... but it feels apt. Nowadays, it is much easier to stay connected, but are we really connected? Text messages, FB posts, email messages, *tweets* ... there's no denying the ease. But I'm inclined to think somewhere along the lines, we have sacrificed personal intimacy for ease of use.

Now some might argue that intimacy is enhanced with the progress of technology. Can you say "Sexting"? But that's not the intimacy I'm referring to. What I miss is more intangible. The feeling of ripping open an envelope to find a personal letter inside, the squiggly 's' in a friend's chicken scratch, the voice of a person. I miss the stuff that can make a person so endearing... the stuff that can't be replicated even with the most sophisticated machines.

An email and a letter can contain the same message. But for me, the message feels more meaningful in the form of a letter. Maybe it's because I know that a person actually took the time to pen that letter with ink and paper, and then had to put it in an envelope, lick the seal, place a stamp on it, and walk it out to their mailbox. A letter is inherently more personal in its inconvenience. We rarely receive such letters anymore in this day and age. I guess its rarity is also part of why I put such high value on it.

So... am I a luddite? Hardly. I am using my laptop to "blog" aren't I? That's a definite 21st century act. Not to mention I use Google and email everyday! But while I don't oppose the progress of technology, I'll always prefer handwritten letters over emails, actual post cards instead of facebook posts, conversations over text messages. While I'm at it, I'll always, always prefer a crate of books over a shiny Kindle.

For my friend who is super-mega-advanced in all that is technology, I included a hand-drawn comic about his probable perception of the extinction of holiday cards in the card I sent. O the irony... it couldn't drip more of irony than if I had included actual iron in the card. For him more than anyone else, I hope he will appreciate the personal touches in the card.