Here in Laura Ingalls Land, we don't have cell phones. We also have only one bathroom for a family of five, and no dishwasher, but perhaps I'll write about that some other day because today, I'm thinking about how it seems to be increasingly difficult for people to understand that I'm not reachable all the time, every day.There's an activity my kids go to where if they arrive late, there's a note on the door to call xxx-xxxx, and someone will come to the door to let them in. I see that sign and imagine myself yelling the numbers at the door.
People don't stick to their plans like they used to. I've had people make plans to meet somewhere and not show up because I didn't call that day to confirm the meeting. I've had longstanding plans changed the morning of an event, too, a change sent by e-mail at 7 a.m. I don't check e-mail before I leave the house, so I'm out of that loop. Perhaps I'm irritating with my "stick-to-the-plan" mentality. I have a paper calendar, which I write on with a pen, and when there's something written on it, I do that thing or go to that place.
Does all this make me want to get a cell phone? Sure, I guess. But they're really expensive. I don't understand where everyone suddenly got the money for them. Also, it would mean learning to use an electronic device, and I hate that. It has been a couple years now that I don't even know how to use the TV; I have to ask my kids which channel I need to watch a DVD. Thank goodness we don't have cable, either, because I suspect that would complicate things.
I think some friends assume I have a secret cell phone that only special people are allowed to know about, an "A-list" of friends who know my number. Nope, that's not it.
I've had other parents say that our family will need cell phones when the kids get older and are out on their own more, that we'll need to be in touch to know where everyone is. I'd hope, however, to know pretty much where everyone is because we talked about the plan beforehand, and that the kids are doing what they're supposed to be doing. If not, how is my having their phone number really going to help?
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3 comments:
I'm a cell phone avoider, too. I got a Tracfone a few years ago to use when I'm traveling (largely since pay phones in airports and gas stations are getting so hard to find), but I rarely even remember to turn it on. I just don't want another thing to keep track of, and honestly, most of the time if I'm out & about running errands, I don't want to be found.
None in our house, either. :)
We don't have one either! People think we're Amish.
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