Random thoughts | BAReed Writing, Business Writing

I Have a Dumb Phone

We had dinner the other night, several friends and I, and in comparing stories it came up – as it often does – that I am one of the last people in the US that doesn’t have a smart phone. Oh wait, it needs the quotes – ‘smart’ phone. You see, I just don’t see how people justify the extra cost. I don’t see why these phones are called ‘smart’.

I had a smart phone for work. First a Blackberry which I did come to rely upon to keep me up to the minute on office goings-on when I was away. And then an IPhone which I never cared for – the touch screen just isn’t for me. For personal use I have stuck with my little old dumb phone. Not quite the old brick phones – but mundane enough that I have been told on more than one occasion by the young people who work with my carrier that they never carried that model. I then quietly point out their logo on the front of my phone.

How do you like my low tech solution to cover up manufacturer and carrier?

Back to the dinner conversation. It was suggested that I write a blog post comparing the smart and dumb phones. Hmmm, I thought. No, I’ll start the post and then see if any readers would like to finish it.

So here it is, your chance to tell me one – significant – reason why it is a better idea to have a smart phone. Why I really MUST upgrade immediately, what I am missing out on. How your phone has made your life easier, more something than it could be without that phone. And the, in my opinion, oversized monthly bill that comes along with that phone. Justify that chunk of change for me, please.

Keep in mind that I am not even teetering on the brink of getting a new phone and been considered a lost cause on this topic by many. But I promise to read any responses with a most open mind. (Which doesn’t mean that I might not be compelled to ask follow up or clarifying questions.)

Change of Season

In my early twenties I lived in a couple different places in California for a few years – they have cool summer and warm summer and not much else. Rainy season and drier season. I thought that I would enjoy the no winter part, but found instead that I dearly missed spring and fall.

I have spent the majority of my life in the Midwest where we have all four seasons – though to varying degrees. (I liked living in the mild winter parts the best, but then the summers are a bit more intense – no such thing as perfect.) I’m not a winter person, though there is something to be said for being out on a cold crisp winter night. I can get my winter fix from photographs and movies. Summer has its benefits, but a bit too hot for my taste.

And it wasn’t until my California experience that I realized the importance of spring and autumn for me. That is where it is at – the world wakes up and comes back to showy noisy life in spring, and offers a final burst of color and crunch before slumbering in the fall. I can put up with the inconvenience of winter to enjoy these seasons. (Of course, if I could find a means to migrate like the birds every year I wouldn’t turn that down.)

I get a bit wistful in the fall, don’t you? Each season seems to have a predominant sentiment associated with it which gives us the opportunity to change our thinking with the change in season. I’m sure there are contrarians out there who have a very different response. I start out with my usual thoughts on all of the summer activities that once again I did not partake. The days were long and invited the thought that I had plenty of time, take it easy.

Suddenly the days are getting shorter and there is a hint of crisp in the air. The geese are honking in formation over my house, but the windows are still open to let in the warm breeze. Ah – woulda, shoulda, coulda got me again. But, not in all ways – I have learned a little something – I do have a short list of summer activities I did accomplish.

I’m going to make a point not to get too wistful in my posts in the coming weeks – help keep me honest, will you, let me know if you think that I do. Plaintive is good – in rotation with other viewpoints.

What is your favorite season, and why?