My mother-in-law threw down the gauntlet today and created her first email account.  While it’s the longest email address I’ve ever seen, she’s taken a giant step into our digital world. And while she’s a very hip and independent 60-something woman, I am still sort of reeling from her change in online status.

We've all been like my mother-in-law—venturing into something radically new to us—at least once in our lives. Remember when renting a VHS tape instead of Beta was a big deal? Or when a single computer on television took up a 10 x  10 foot room and the Walkman was the coolest portable device ever? Today is not so different. Instead of tangible items (excluding mobile devices of course), we've been fast-tracked into a mostly invisible world of rapid-fire communication.

Despite my profession, it’s challenging staying on top of  the many current and emerging (think Google+) social media trends. And there’s pressure to not sink into a nice comfortable pair of  favorite old Levis when skinny jeans are suddenly the new thing. Becoming “dated” isn’t an option.

I slightly envy my mother-in-law’s less complicated (online) life. However, I know that taking an extended electronic holiday would drive me to desperation. Even in my personal life, I’m sort of at the mercy of my iPhone. While smart, let’s just hope that these devices don’t develop their own artificial intelligence and one day rule the world. I guess it's possible. More likely, however, is that I'll soon get a request from my mother-in-law to friend me on Facebook. :)