As a working parent and one where evenings fly by in a flash once we get through dinner and homework, I often use my drive time to make phone calls as do many others I know. I don't have a long commute but sometimes it's just enough time to touch base and have a short/sweet conversation. Okay, so don't cringe. I use my speaker.
I love the apps, I use it to jot notes to myself, I use it to check-in at the office via email, etc. It has a terrific camera. Oh and I love the app to keep track of the books I want to remember at the library.
So I'm one of 'those' people that have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I like it for the way it allows me to keep in touch with long-distance friends and family where making a phone call is challenging because of the time differences. I love it on a Sunday morning when I'm up real early and feeling a tad lonely - tada! - open Facebook and see the friendly posts and photos. And now, actually, I have added "like" to a few news sources where I used to separately read their enewsletters or other news alerts. During these times, I totally love my iPhone; I couldn't wait to upgrade and get one last spring.
At the same time that I'm an avid fan of my cell phone, cell phones can drive me crazy just as often. Sometimes it's the barrier between me and my hubby when we're home at night (we've both been guilty at times!). Sometimes it's that other parent at the park that's carrying on a long conversation not even aware of their child being feisty with my kid on the playground. Sometimes it's the irritant at the grocery store when the person in front me is rudely talking rather than finishing their order so I can get to my turn.
And frequently lately, cell phones make me want to yell at other drivers I see holding their phones - I'm amazed at how often I see such a driver lately! I'm not simply being critical, I speak from experience. A few years back when the law was first passed, I had rounded a corner in Hamden and had just picked up the phone when the speaker died, and sure enough I got caught - and ticketed. It's an expensive mistake! And, I was treated to a lecture about safety, albeit an important one.
Like me, I bet many of you can't imagine living without your phone - again from experience - when I was lost in New Haven in the fall and the battery had died - there wasn't a pay phone anywhere! It's my gateway to connect with family/friends, it's my address book, to-do list, and my link to feeling safe and able to get help when needed. But, I am trying to figure out the right balance for myself, (hopefully the hubby), and my daughter who wants to know when she can have one.
I've read some news accounts about attention-deficit and the effects of frequent cell phone use for all the apps/activities. You can't help but wonder! Looking at the tiny screen, jumping from app to app, and feeling the immediate "hmmmm should I check my phone?" I'm totally guilty of that mode when sitting in a doctor's waiting room. I still like to read the celeb magazines but you know what, my first instinct is to quietly pop around on my phone.
Oh and I haven't even mentioned the texting aspect! Another love/hate feature of the modern cell phone. I often use it to shout a quick hello to a friend I'm having trouble reaching or to confirm plans, among other messages I've sent.
A good friend at work has told me about her house rule for putting away phones at a certain hour, a curfew, of sorts. I'm beginning to think us grown-ups need some rules to follow, too. I'm eager to hear what others are trying at their homes for cell phone curfews...
