This past weekend my wife and I returned, after ten years, to a small inn near the Pocono, PA mountains. It's quaint, quiet and rustic and reminds me of the inn featured in the movie 'White Christmas'.  My fondness stems from a few memories; it was snowing quite beautifully the last time we visited, the food was excellent and the accomodations were comfortable. We even did some cross country skiing.

This past trip was a bit different which isn't surprising. I wasn't expecting to replicate the magic of the first one, in fact, I was just hoping that we wouldn't be dissapointed. We had some snow during our stay, but not enough to allow us to cross country ski and the accomodations and food were as remembered. Though, I've been in a few more fine dining establishments since then and this one was good, but not nearly as exotic as maybe I remembered it. It was a trip to a recently built 100 store outlet that got me to thinking just how much our lives have changed in ten years and what was different about our stay at the inn this time. Specifically the changes to our families and the technology that is pervasive in so much of our day to day living.

Family Before: No Kids, no dog and plenty of sleep and time to hit the gym or go to the movies on a whim or, just nap on the couch.  Time was your own and frankly, it rocked.

Family Now: 3 kids, 1 dog and awake every night, kids shows on TV constantly, dog poop in the yard that has to be cleaned up and napping on the couch is consider slothenly. Time on your own has to be scheduled, babysitters consulted and four pages of logisitcal instructions left behind on how to manage a significant event, like the baby pooping in the crib or the dog barfing on the new sofa.

Technology Before: Cell phones, but LIMITED coverage, pagers still around, movies in your room only if the VCR worked or they had a VCR, (let's not talk about the selection of movies that might be provided) no internet (maybe dialup at home) and certainly no email. Cameras still used film and our car had a radio and probably a CD player.  Phone in the room, yes, but you'd have to use a calling card to get out. No music, unless you carted your portable CD player or played the clock radio. Used directions taken over the phone to travel to the inn.

Technology Today: Cellphone AND Blackberry worked in the middle of the Pocono mountain range. (even down in the valley between mountains) Email about our trip, kid planning and personal/work issues were sent and delivered on demand, pictures were taken from a 'digital' camera (no film) to be viewed on our laptop. Pictures and video were also captured on my handheld 'Blackberry' device and sent immediately to friends and family. We carried a small laptop computer around and could choose from a selection of over 7,000 movies from Netflix that we could download immediately over the wireless internet connection in the room. Over 7 million or so songs to choose from via a digital music service called NAPSTER streaming from my laptop via that same wireless internet connection. Used my iPod in the truck to carry 7,000+ songs with me to listen to over headphones or in the truck. The navigation system in our truck, using satellites, showed us where we are and how to get where we are going and Sirius radio, again connected to satellites, allowed us to listen to CNN and broadcast TV during our trip. No breaking up of a fuzzy FM or AM signal and no commercials on any of our favorite Sirius music stations.

My body weight Before: Probably 175 lbs

My body weight After: Probably 190 lbs

Ok, so the weight thing needs some work, but I probably have more muscle, yeah, that's it. More muscle.

 I think you see my point, change is pervasive and impressive. I'm amazed to think about what we can do today with small devices made of plastic, alloys and electronics versus just a short ten years ago. I'm more impressed and proud that I have a healthy and happy family. Technology can connect us, entertain us and make us more productive, (and probably spoils us and makes us expect more) but only our family can enrich and fulfill us.

Last Person Out.......embrace technology, embrace change and love your family. Happy V-Day.