“More Breathing Room…”

I forgot my cell phone at home today… for the second day in a row.

Hearing this staggering fact, several people asked, “HOW, HOW, HOW can you live without your cell phone????!!!!”

My response: Quite well, surprisingly.

Sure, while I was at work, I missed a couple texts and a few calls, but let’s not overlook the fact that I was still on my computer all day and I do have an office phone. (That means, for those who have forgotten the power of a land line, that I was reachable in case of an emergency.)

But the amazing thing was—driving home, I didn’t call anyone, didn’t glance at my email, and didn’t text anyone (of course, I wouldn’t have anyway with the no texting laws in Colorado…) What I did do, for a fleeting moment was wonder, “What will I do if my car breaks down??!!” And then I thought, “Hello, Celeste! You car has NEVER broken down, so I doubt it will happen today.”

And the rest of the drive was quiet. It Twilight Zone peaceful…and I loved it.

I think it is crazy that as a culture, we (and make no mistake, I am including myself here) are so addicted to these little boxes. Pete sits up in bed late at night reading emails and playing Scrabble with 22 friends across the country. I use my phone as an alarm clock in the morning—and then scan my inbox before my eyes even adjust to the daylight. Seriously, that’s me, head still on the pillow—blink, blink, blink—squinting and deleting spam email from Jos A. Bank, Express, and Family Labels.

Do you think old Alexander could ever have imagined this when he invented the telephone?

With phone in tow, I must admit, I keep in great contact with people: a quick text here—an email there—a phone call (or six) from friends. But it’s hard to turn off; I almost keep in too good of contact with people. If my friends, family, co-workers, boss, and husband all know I have my phone with me, then an immediate response is almost expected—and I don’t know about you, but I just can’t keep up.

A girl needs some time to breathe. So, I am in the pursuit of some serious breathing room.

The funny thing is, for several weeks, I have been pondering the plausibility of taking a regular day “on vacation” from my cell phone…and apparently, my subconscious agrees it’s a wonderful idea, as demonstrated by my Freudian Slip the last two days.

Now, a work day really is not ideal to leave my phone—what if I actually do blow a tire on the way home to meet the girls at the school bus???—but when could I do it? That is the question that has been stopping me, wheels stuck in the mud, for weeks. It seemed like at some point during everyday, I’d need my ol’ Rasberry. However, the last two days have helped me realize, no matter what day I pick, I’ll survive. People will live without my immediate response and I’ll be the better for it.

So, that’s it! I’m gonna start with Mondays—a home office writing day—and I’ll let you know how it goes.

(Ahem...If you weren’t paying close attention, that means if you need me on Mondays you better email me reeeeeaaaallllly early…cause, well, you know, a girl still needs an alarm clock…)