Saturday, March 12, 2011

Skype - Can I really just log on and see his face?

One of the great things about Taylor joining the military today as opposed to having a son join twenty years ago is that I do not have to wait extreme periods of time to hear from him or see his wonderful face (after basic training, that is).  Today, we have email.  I can get updates almost daily. No long waits for letters to cross international datelines.  We have Facebook.  I can lurk to my heart's content without him having to specifically call or write to me. He will be tagged in pictures taken by others, so I can see his adventure without having to bug him for updates and pictures. And, apparently, we have Skype which makes video chats possible. There are even commericlas where people are "skyping" on their phones. What an amazing invention!!! I definitely want to see my child's face over the next four years without having to get on a plane.  Can someone explain Skype to me?

According to http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home, all I need to videochat with Taylor is we both need to have a computer with a mic, webcam, and an internet connection.  We both sign-up for Skype and I can select him for a video chat if we are both online.  There has to be more to it than this...

Years ago when I was still entrenched in the corporate world, the company I worked for held a video conference.  First, I had to track down a company who had the ability to do this and then, we had to book the conference room at th company.  Later, my company purchased the software and equipment to hold our own video conferences since our corporate offices were in California while the production phase was in SC.  I remember the first conference I sat in on.  It was odd to realize that the faces for the people I had been talking to on the phone for months did not match the faces on the screen at all. I also had to be very aware of what I was doing with my hands and face since they could see me, not just hear my voice.  Apparently technology has leapt ahead.  I can now hold these video chats from my home with just a webcam?  We are living in amazing times.

Is there more to being able to video chat on my phone? Do I need a certain phone or is it any phone as long as it has internet, web cam, and a mic? I definitely do not plan to let the darkness gather around me while I sit here and wait on Taylor to call. I think that does a disservice to him and me.  (I am also afraid that I will do just that...) If he has the opportunity to video chat, I do not want to miss it.  How do I Skype with my phone?

The entire idea that Taylor is available to me somewhere out in cyberworld is comforting.  I know that there will times when he will not be available to talk for weeks depending on where he is stationed and what he is doing, but there will also be days when he is just a click away.  I LOVE Technology!

4 comments:

  1. I've used google video chat some for the kids to talk/see my folks and it's worked well.

    I have an iPhone and I know it has a skype app but I have never used it.

    I love technology too, so I'd be glad to help you test and figure this out. Just let me know.
    I'm enjoying your blog.
    KChastain

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  2. Ms. Todd!! I can't imagine what you're feeling and thinking as Taylor gets ready to graduate and enlist. You and him will definitely be in my prayers.

    As for skype, it really is that simple. You just create a name, press the call button, and boom - you can see each other and talk to each other. I talk to my soldiers all the time over in Afghanistan. You do have to have certain phones to use it on there though. I think the iPhone is the only one right now that has skype. But using it on your computer is no problem as long as you have an internet connection.

    I hope God brings you peace and comfort in the coming months when Taylor leaves. And, if you ever need anything let me know! Love you bunches!!

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  3. No, you won't be able to talk to him every day. He'll be very, very, busy, and at times, his platoon will be up all night and sleep all day. Be sure you write him every day. DO NOT FAIL TO DO THIS. He won't get his mail the first eight days, but he'll have mail call every day after that for the rest of his time in the Marines. Do not send food to Parris Island.

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  4. I have heard to not send food to Parris Island or it will make things difficult for Taylor. I will write. Thank you for the advice.

    Abi, when Taylor leaves, be sure to write and call him too.

    Karen, PLEASE help me figure it all out. :) I'm glad you are enjoying the blog!!

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