Cell Phone Use.

Cell phones are for the convenience of the owner, not the convenience of the entire world. I answer my phone when it is in fact convenient. It drives my mother crazy, but there times when it is simply not appropriate to answer and have a conversation. To continue the argument, I don't see the reason to answer the phone and say "can, I call you back?" I think it is just as easy to ignore the call, listen to the message and respond when you can give your undivided attention. I am happy to respond to a text, but that too, is at my convenience. It is a personal phone and one used at my discretion. If you are in a conversation with someone, it isn't very nice to keep looking at your messages and then to respond to text messages, even if its only to right "ok." My mother is slowly coming around the idea that I am simply not available. I am also making more of an effort to respond to her as quickly as possible.

Last night, I took Swallow out for a drink to celebrate the culmination of tax season. What better place to do that, then at the cheapest happy hour in town? It also happens to be the longest happy hour, so that is too positives. On most days, it would matter that its the longest happy hour, but yesterday we each had two. I was proud of us. Wow, if that isn't a terrible tangent, I don't know what it is...back on target.

It was such a gorgeous day/evening that we decided to sit outside. I had my infamous Florida sweatshirt with me. As you can see, it has a great kangroo pouch. Since, I am so good at carrying a purse, I usually have my cell phone and keys in that large front pocket. 95% of the time, I keep my cell phone on silent. If by some chance I do get a phone call in at a not-appropriate time, it wont disrupt anyone. However, unless I have my phone actually on my person or have it sit on a hard surface, I don't always hear or feel it vibrating.

Since, I haven't seen or talked to Swallow in five days, we were of course in deep conversation. Solving my problems, her problems, and of course every problem the world has. I mean what better time to talk about every problem in the world then as we toast with a Blueberry Press and a vodka water with lots of lemons. We were catching up on everything and anything. It really was a great evening...(do you all feel the BUT or the UNTIL coming on?) Until, my phone started being blown up with text messages, phone calls, and voice mails. Unfortunately, someone wanted my attention. They needed to know where I was, who I was with, and when I would be finished. Since, I am not good at giving people what they want. I didn't give the phone stalker the time of day. I simply placed my phone on the table and continued on with the conversation. At some point, Swallow and I actually got a good laugh over it.

Yes, I could have responded to at least 1 text message in a timely manor. However, as soon as I get attacked with a message after message that say things like "why, does it take you so long to respond?" or "if you have someone who makes you feel cool then more power." Growing up, my mother always said, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." I didn't have anything nice to say, so I didn't say anything at all! No response seemed to be wrong answer, as I ended up having about 8 more text messages throughout the next few hours. All a little more comical then the next. When text messages weren't enough, then I started getting phone calls. Swallow put it so nicely, when she asked me, how do you find these kinds of people?

When it comes to cell phones, I have a simple rule. It is for my convenience and I refuse to be one of those people that are permanently attached to my phone. I like to carry it, but I also like to keep in on silent, so I don't have to hear it. Let this be a lesson, if you send someone a text, make a call, or leave a message, at least be courtesy and give them time to respond. Just because people have cell phones, that doesn't mean they are always available for a conversation.