But the world could still come to me.
On a mundane level, we needed a light bulb changed in the bedroom, so Betsey placed a work order, via the computer, to the management group. A few hours later, here came Hector with a new bulb and a ladder. We had a great conversation about the jazz radio I was listening to (Accuradio Jazz 1940s). He asked if I knew who was playing this one song when he walked in. Without even looking up I said "Lionel Hampton", like who else could it be. He told me how he had all these records (real records on vinyl, not records as a euphemism) dating back to the forties. It was a bond.
Then I got on my computer and ordered dinner from Munchery.com. They bring high end gourmet dinners prepared by some of the Bay Area's best chefs directly to your door. Fish Tacos and beet salad for Betsey, Short Ribs and lentil, feta, and chickpea salad for myself. Since Betsey won't be home till 6PM today I set the delivery for between 5 and 6 and happily sent the order in.
Lastly, we needed a few essentials so I called upon Google Shopping Express. If you haven't heard of this I'm not surprised. Unless you live between San Francisco and San Jose you are not eligible for it. Don't worry though, I'm sure it will be in your area very soon. Basically, Google goes shopping for you, then delivers your purchases directly to your house. They go to Target, Walgreens, Costco, Nob Hill Foods, American Eagle Outfitters, Toys R Us, Whole Foods, REI, Staples, and a few other stores. You can have them get you one item from one store, three from another, six from another, it doesn't matter. You can shop for the best price (though honestly most of the prices are the same for the same products) or just tell them to find you the best deal. After they put it all together they deliver it to your door (right now it's free delivery).
I will admit it's a little disconcerting to order something online and have it show up a few hours later. Add to that I found myself feeling a sudden need to defend my purchases ("Hey I know the Costco toilet paper is cheaper but I don't need five dozen rolls") even though the delivery person made no comment on it. As a matter of fact the girl who delivered for Munchery complimented me on my choice of the Fish Tacos. It's almost as if the computer took human form and showed up at my door.
So here I am, modern man. I have my house kept in order, my food delivered to my door, as well as my toilet paper, all courtesy of my computer. I watch a soccer match from England at noon, download a new book from Amazon at 2, catch a movie from Netflix at 3. If I didn't want to interact with anyone except delivery men I probably could.
On the one hand I could go on about how dehumanizing all of this is and how the future will be filled with non-social people incapable of interaction other than with the person at the door. You might be right about that. I prefer to think that I just contributed to the economy even though house bound. Somebody is eating dinner tonight because of the job they have because I got online this morning and did some shopping.
I just hope they're getting it from Munchery.
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