Overwhelmed by minutiae

I increasingly find that the minutiae of daily life becomes more trying. Is it hypersensitivity to minor irritations? I don't think so. They seem to be everywhere and in such great detail.

While over the decades items like washer/dryers, dishwashers, tv/cable, computers and electronics have given us more free time and more ways to spend that free time, almost all of these devices are getting more and more complicate to purchase, setup and use... not to mention costly especially if you make a mistake (home support, device contracts and cancellation fees, etc). As if they are built in to force delayed choices and stick with those choices.

I remember you used to be able to get basic cable for $20... now that will barely buy you local channels... and the next leap up will cost you almost $70 more, then add special language or movie packages and its even more. On top of that there are now gaming or HDTV choices all of which are dependent on the movie system or television set you already own. The same goes for internet, cell phone and plans, etc.

I find it most infuriating. Mostly because as soon as you buy something it is outmoded. Buy a laptop... a better battery technology, touch screen or superfast processor comes out. The only other option is to be independently wealthy.

There is little use in complaining. These devices have allowed unprecendented access to information, even on the go. This seemed to be key to the uprising against the Iranian govt that they could exercise little control over (as blogs and twitter were outside Iranian jurisdiction).

But the speed of change and the sheer mountain of minutiae does make it awfully hard to 'catch up' when you've taken a time out with children, family illness, sabatical or whatever. Here's to finding the way back in.