Hello Laura, and welcome to 2012.
Ladies and Gentlemen, last week, I got my first cell phone.
I know, I know. While I know I’m not the last person in America to get a cell phone, I do believe I am among the last. And I am very okay with that. I’ve never been one to do something just because everyone else is doing it. In addition, neither Matt nor I ever buy something without seeing the big picture and recognizing the big need. He has had a cell phone for several years and has made very good use of it. But me? I really didn’t feel that I needed one, and admittedly, I’ve been rebellious about getting one. I’m home (with a land line) most of the time and ultimately, when I’m away from home, I have been very glad to have a bit of silence. No one can call and ask me where their shoes are? Sweet. My inbox isn’t screaming at me while I’m at Wal-mart? Okeedokee. I’ve been just fine without a phone.
Until recently.
As our children get older, as our schedules outside the home get busier, as my business grows…the need for a cell phone seemed to be coming up more frequently. And at times, I’ve even had moments of frustration that I haven’t had a phone with me when I’ve really needed it.
And so, last week, Matt and I headed downtown to check out our options. While I was fine to stick to something very basic, Matt was assessing my needs and looking at how a nice cell phone with great perks would benefit me and make my life much easier. We spent the good part of that afternoon asking questions, discussing our options, and considering the financial picture. And wow did we get an incredible deal! (It pays to spend three hours making a decision, apparently.)
Friends, my husband didn’t just get me a cell phone. He shocked me and got me a cell phone with some bells and whistles. One that truly will make my life easier in all kinds of ways. To be able to check and answer email during half time of one of a million soccer games this fall? To be able to moderate comments on this site while waiting to pick up a boy from practice? To be able to quickly text Matt to find out where he is and to ask what time we should meet him after a game? Well, instead of being a nuisance to me like I had once felt a phone would be – I suddenly felt that I’d been given a third hand and a few more hours in my day. (If only the cell phone could clean my house…)
Oh, and for those moments when I don’t want anyone to call and ask where their shoes are, and I don’t want my inbox screaming at me while I’m at Wal-mart? There’s a lovely little “off” button on the side of my phone, and I’m not afraid to use it.
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Wendy says
Linking up with your grateful heart is always fun for me. Thank you
Tina says
There’s probably a clean-your-house app available for that snazzy phone. ;)
Laura says
Ooh, yes. That’s what I need is an app! :)
Andre says
Good for you! I hope you enjoy your phone!
Sarahlcc says
Yes, if only it could clean the house! Lol! I’d go out and buy one tomorrow!
I’m still waiting for the 2 year contract on ours to be up…..then who knows, maybe a smartphone?!
Danielle B says
Yesssssssss, same here(5 months to goooo)!!!!!! I want a Droid, Iphones too many of my friends have had problems w/them.
Jill Rope says
I love it! I am trying to go the opposite way!
Blessings
Tabitha says
I’m amazed at how phone can really help with productivity. :) Enjoy your new phone Laura!!
Anne Kimball says
You know, you just might be the last person in America. Welcome to the new age! You can store your rock away now. ;-)
Vicki says
I don’t have a cell phone yet and don’t want one. :-)
Laura says
You go girl! Until it seems that you really need one, I completely understand you not wanting it. :)
myheartsmission says
I have a cell phone, but I frequently leave it at home these days- or just turn it off- or let it ring.
But both of my kiddos are home with me most of the day, so I don’t really need it right now. :)
Good word about technology and not letting it run our lives- but also using it when it can be a blessing.
Barb says
Congratulations! :)
Holly @ Faithful Womanhood says
Oh, yes, the “off” button and me are good friends. I also like the silent button so I can see who called later, but not feel compelled to answer it right then. My cell phone is not my master, it’s a tool to help me. I often leave my cell phone in the back bedroom & we don’t have a land line, so I get peace & quiet. Lovely! Congrats on your transition to the cell phone age.
Holly @ My Plant-Based Family says
I have a fancy schmancy phone that does make life easier. I do waste quite a bit of time on it sometimes but I love not having to get on the computer to handle email, facebook, or blogging business. I also love being able to take a quick picture on it to share with family and friends.
Brooke says
LOL – I totally had to laugh because I think that is awesome that you just now got a phone. I’ve asked my hubby if I can rid of mine to save on money b/c he said no b/c he likes me to have it in case I’m out at night with girlfriends or stranded with the kids. But I have a very basic phone. I got the basic one that was free and my plan is very limited… I can text but not unlimited. I don’t use internet on my phone nor do I car to get my emails on the phone. The computer is an enough of a distraction for me ;) But I think that is so wonderful that you Matt talked about your decision and planned it out wisely :)
Today, I’m especially thankful for my daughters and that I am blessed to be able to stay at home with them. I thankful for all the cute little things that they say that don’t make any sense or just make me laugh!
dep31 says
Thanks for the laugh! Years ago, I got a basic-basic phone with 30 minutes a month, and it’s been grandfathered in at least a half dozen times. My current plan – also so old that it isn’t available anymore – is 90 minutes a month, and I’ve only exceeded that twice in 10 years. No text, no internet, no voice mail (it forwards to my house instead). I’ve thought about upgrading, but the jump in cost is too much for the increase in benefits to me.
What makes it all hilarious is that my husband works for a major software company, has the latest and greatest in phone technology, and practically hyperventilates when the computer turns 2 years old. He calls my phone a ‘brick’. LOL!
Cheryl Sammons says
I understand your reluctance for all the bells and whistles. I had a smart phone for 2 years. It was frustrating not to be able to find what I was looking for without searching for 10 minutes. I have recently on Sunday upgraded my phone at the end of the 2 year agreement. Spend lots of time looking at phones. The one that I have now is so much easier to use. I’m only on page 10 of the user guide (yes, I read them so ‘maybe’ I can find what I’m looking for) out of 36 pages. No question is stupid or dumb. Not when it comes to being informed and saving money. Let us know in a month what you find to be the one thing on your phone that you can’t live without. For me, it’s the camera to take instant pictures of the grandkids. Precious memories are gone in a ‘flash’. Enjoy!
Kristine A says
You will wonder how you ever managed without it. Remember to set an example for your boys by never texting or even talking on it while driving! If I must talk on the phone I have one of my kids dial for me and do as much of the talking as possible for me.
Dawn (One Faithful Mom) says
I recently upgraded to a smart phone after being in rebellion for many years!! I, too, wanted to be able to check e-mail and bloggy business without having to open the laptop.
I got the iPhone adn absolutely love it. So many apps to help with a busy life!!
And now that my two oldest sons live away from home, I don’t want to be unavailable to them! I keep my cell phone with me always.
Gail Griner Golden says
Your comparison to a third hand is a great one. I love my phone.
Blessings to you and yours,
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