flushing my phone down the toilet
June 16th, 2008 @ 9:49 am
as long as i’ve been able to, i’ve been getting email on my phone. maybe four years or so? i dunno.
i’ve always felt this sense that if i wasn’t in the loop or didn’t know something, the whole world would come crumbling down. what if someone left dirty comments on my blog? i can fix that from my phone. what if a friend emailed me an urgent prayer request? what if….?
chris and i have done a lot of traveling over the last month to see family before we move to nashville. on these trips, i haven’t cracked open my computer. i don’t even keep my phone with me all the time. and you know what? i haven’t missed it.
i have over 20 unread emails in my personal account. and another 44 that came in over the weekend that i read last night and haven’t responded to. and i’m learning that nobody’s died and no wars were started because i haven’t responded.
lately, i’ve been pondering ditching the email and data plan on my phone. sure, i’ll lose some cool things like my GPS/google maps, twitter, and google reader…but it’s been sounding really good lately.
part of me doesn’t like spending the extra 50 bucks a month to get all that i “need.” part of me knows i have low self control and low self esteem to boot so i am always feeling the compulsion to check my phone and see if i’m “needed.” part of me realizes i’m setting an example for people around me of how i respect and honor those i’m with.
most of me has been cherishing the time away from my phone and in front of my husband or friends totally focused on them instead of the “buzzzzz….buzzzz….” chris saying, “can you please put your phone away?” has happened too often and i’m sure for every time he says it, he isn’t saying it the other ten times.
so really…i’m thinking of going back to the basics.
have you ever been tempted?
EDIT: As of lunch time, I took the plunge. I canceled it. Only voice and text (and only a handful of people have my number so I don’t get pinged with texts very often). I’m excited to see what this freedom brings!
Authenticity · Confessional · Marriage · Tech
Jonathan said,
June 16, 2008 at 9:50 am
Every Single Freaking Day!
blair farley said,
June 16, 2008 at 9:56 am
i gave up the data plan about 6 months ago when our family was going through a low point in our finances. I could not justify the cost. my logic… if my work (in a church by the way) needs me so bad, then they can call me, but why should I foot the bill to be available whenever they call. I have not missed it for a second (not true… i had the jitters for a week not having instant access to email… but I got over it!). Now I still text from my phone, but the constant buzz of email is not present. The coolest feature I use a lot with no data plan… texting to google and getting a response back via text with the answer.
Chris S. said,
June 16, 2008 at 9:59 am
Haven’t had a “smart phone” and trying to stay as far away as possible!
5th Street said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:00 am
“Google maps is the best, Tru dat, double tru.”
John Ventry said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:03 am
They don’t call them “crack”berry for nothing.
Jan Owen said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:06 am
I don’t have a blackberry for the reasons you’ve listed. Now I have to figure out how to break my addiction to my laptop - again, for all the reasons you’ve listed. Except one - I use it to avoid housework too. :)
I do go on trips and retreats and just love the absolute freedom of not being relentlessly connected. I’m learning something from that.
Van Metschke said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:07 am
I could have written this post, verbatim. I have thought the exact same things. My wife has said (and thought, Im sure) the same things a your husband. Just reading your post makes me very uncomfortable, as does admitting that I am the same way. I have a friend that is a fellow Tech Director at a local church. Last year, he gave up his cel phone because it had become an electronic leash. He told me the staff eventually got used to only being able to reach him by VM and email at his office. I honestly dont know if I can give it up. I will be following your journey. Godspeed.
Julie P said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:10 am
It sounds like you’re ready to let it go. Besides, if you get to a point where you truly need it, you can always re-evaluate later.
andy said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:11 am
I have never been tempted (because I never bought one in the first place [because I never wanted to become a slave to an electronic device {read: the expectations of others}]).
Not saying this is you, but I know myself well enough to think that it could be me, were I to get one.
Will Young said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:11 am
I’ll agree with John, the term ‘crackberry’ has taken on a whole new meaning for me.
I’ve been pondering the same thing you are now for quite a while. Part of me knows that I CAN live without all the extra junk, because I did, for quite a while, however the other part of me is filled with so many what ifs. Like you though, I’ve found in the moments I don’t have my phone I am not nearly as tense as I am when I do have it. I’ve found myself leaving it in the car during church, or when I’m going into a meeting with someone, and I’m so much more relaxed.
I’m still contemplating my decision, as there are features that are very handy, such as the ability to pull up the internet and find a phone number for a restaurant instead of paying $ 2.49 to call 411. However, I could still save money, and stress by dialing 411 those maybe 2 times a month I need that. :-) (Those what ifs will drive you nuts) Good luck with your decision.
Crystal Renaud said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:13 am
yes and no. i haven’t been entirely thrown over into the “have to have it all the time to survive” mode of the data plans, but more of a “it is there if i need it and convenient.” i have adjusted my plan with sprint to be somewhat economical as well as convenient. in that, i don’t have unlimited minutes even tho i have the simply everything because i don’t talk on my phone very much (and sprint to sprint is free). it is always smart to work with your phone company to find the most affordable plan that still gives you the add-ons you desire. saved me a $30 a month.
tawny said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:17 am
I just took the counter off my blog because I couldn’t think of one good reason to have it. I am trying to keep my reasons for blogging pure. It is hard to sort it all out though.
Alison said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:24 am
I don’t have a data plan for many of the reasons you listed. The two main reasons being money and borderline addiction to technology!
I also just spent 4 days ‘unplugged’ from my phone and laptop, and had the same realization….the world did not crumble because I left my blog/twitter/googlereader unattended!
People are always more important AND more fun than technology. :o)
John Ireland said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:25 am
i think you are on the right track, here, anne :)
i increasingly enjoy leaving the cell at home or in the car. though i use it mostly for calls and a few texts, it is not a necessity.
joy and i are on a path of minimizing tech at home: she jettisoned her cell, i plan to small-down my plan soon, probably will cancel cable soon, and we “borrow” wi-fi from our neighbor (with permission :)).
it’s liberating and much less expensive!
Kaye said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:27 am
I’m going to make a confession that might make me out to be a Neanderthal: I only use my phone as a phone. Yep. I don’t even text people. I know how. I have a phone that allows me to connect to the internet. I just don’t use it for anything but a phone. It serves me for a quick call and for all of my long distance. Otherwise I don’t use it. Does that make me un-cool? Maybe. But it’s by choice, as I know HOW to use the phone’s features, I just don’t see the need. I survive although some people cannot fathom how! Let it go…you will survive and in fact, you might just feel liberated!
David said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:44 am
Do it!!! Unplug, it won’t hurt, I promise.
amoslanka said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:50 am
few things annoy me more than people texting while i’m talking to them in person or even halting our entire conversation to answer the phone. If its some sort of emergency, i can understand, but it seems taht today telephone takes precedence over the more real form of communication - face to face
Tom Lister said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:51 am
I know for me. I have a huge interest in most things to do with technology. I don’t have a phone with the data capabilities but a part of me really, really wants one. But I know that when I first got the cell phone I have, I hated it because like another poster said above, if someone needs to reach me they can leave a message if I am out. So anyway, anything like this is a distraction for me and I always need to be on guard. I am finding in the last six months of my life that I am really missing out on the quiet. If it isn’t internet/email, it is music, it is talking just to talk. So I back you in your thoughts Anne about dumping the data plan. What will you do with all your free time?
tony g said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:53 am
I resisted the Crackberry for a long time. My company recently insisted on it, and offered to pay for it, so I couldn’t really say no.
It is tough to put it down. It’s a compulsive deal; that’s for sure.
Rhett Smith said,
June 16, 2008 at 10:58 am
Anne,
This is really good. I have the BB Pearl….now I want the i-Phone, but I’m really wondering if I really don’t need any of it. I’ve noticed that I’m not very present with people sometimes cause I’m always looking at my phone…
The real insanity is when I find myself on a date with my wife, and I’m Twittering about it. That’s crazy.
rhett
JudiFree said,
June 16, 2008 at 11:03 am
YES! I was tempted and set free as we recently cancelled our cable. It was a huge step and we feel so free now. We both have BB which we have for work, but we don’t feel tied to them (no twitter or texting at the dinner table)
Amy (BeyondJEMS) said,
June 16, 2008 at 11:45 am
Since I started twittering, i have had more complaints from friends & family about my ability to ‘be present with them’. I went on a twitter fast the weekend at my mom’s and i was ok. i felt out of the loop at first, but that passed as i became more engaged with what was going on around me.
My phone of 2 yrs just crashed and i replaced it with a cheapo $25 one. I am debating to go with an iPhone in July or just keep the cheapo. Everyone is pushing iPhone and I’m considering it, but for other reasons, not email & such.
If you get a chance, listen to Pete’s messages on Sync. His series on unplugging from this techie world to engage deeply with God is excellent. The irony that had me laughing is he tweeted when he was stuck on something and we both tweeted back. But there is a difference in low tech & no tech!
spence said,
June 16, 2008 at 11:53 am
i’m constantly tempted to through my phone in the river but then again…i do love it. i’m trying to limit my emails on weekends, nights and text messaging to just my good friends like you…
mandy said,
June 16, 2008 at 11:53 am
i recently started working full-time, and it has totally limited my blog-access.
at first, i went through withdrawals. dreamed about blogging. dreamed about the blogs i loved. couldn’t make it ’til the end of the day.
but, you know, it feels good to be at home in the evenings and NOT feel compelled to get on the internet and check the UMPTEEN blogs i’ve subscribed to.
it feels good to be able choose to do other things. and to actually WANT to do other things.
so. yeah. i’m glad.
sharon said,
June 16, 2008 at 11:57 am
I wish my husband would do the same. takes that &8^%(!! iPhone with him everywhere, even to the nitestand by our bed. A few weeks ago he dropped it into my backyard pond I am building. I laughed out loud & told him that’s what happens to idols.
We all think we are much more important than we really are. Having to check our “e” everything. It wasn’t like this 10 yrs ago and we all got along just fine.
I’m curbing my Mac addiction with a plan of 1 hr per day. I can’t tell at my kid that he can’t play the Wii, etc if I’m on my computer everyday.
Ok - it starts right now.
Rachel said,
June 16, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I want a smart phone! *pouting*
Libby said,
June 16, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I think all of this is awesome! I often mentally debate about the ‘benefits’ of technology. I’ve been wanting to receive emails on my phone but also realize there is great freedom in not having it. :) And I know my hubby is strongly against my receiving emails via phone as well! But I laughed at your comment about being in the know!
tony said,
June 16, 2008 at 12:53 pm
$50 a month, invested over 20 yrs at 6% - well, you do the math
Rob said,
June 16, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Anne,
I’m 38 and have never got into texting…I figure I can call people quicker than I can punch it in on the phone! As far as getting rid of it, I’d say only if it’s becoming too important. I used to try to blog on weekends just to keep posting every day so if someone came, they’d have something to read. For the last month or so, I’ve intentionally took the weekends off…and it’s been good. Now, I’m writing when I want to and when I’ve got something to share. If it was getting in the way of my wife, kids, work, or other relationships, I hope someone who cares about me would tell me.
Long story short, I love having the opportunity to share and communicate through mediums like this…but just like any good thing, too much can be a problem….but that’s something we’ve got to figure out on our own.
I’m a fairly new subscriber to your blog…I really enjoy it!
Mike said,
June 16, 2008 at 1:16 pm
14 years in I.T. here.
No blackberry, no iPhone. Work emails are work emails and I don’t check them after 5:30pm or before 8:30am.
Instead I have a basic Motorola RAZR cell phone. Occasionally I check personal email using the gmail app.
I did the Blackberry and Treo thing for awhile, but even then I didn’t sync with work email. Ultimately, I just wanted a phone.
The uber mission critical automated data geek stuff is set to text and/or email my phone directly. But that’s only for things like “fire in the datacenter!”.
In short, the best strategy is to have two email worlds…work and personal. That way you can prioritize.
Do all the cool stuff with personal email/data. It’s fun when it’s friends/family.
Limit with extreme prejudice the access ‘work’ has to you. It will aggressively expand to consume whatever bandwidth you give it.
Jason_73 said,
June 16, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I eliminated Twitter. Great decision. I am turning cable and internet off at the house for the summer. I can’t wait. Partly do to your post on deworming African kids.
You should do it! Just keep blogging!
Heidi Reed said,
June 16, 2008 at 1:21 pm
No girl. Walk away. Walk away. You only need it in the extremely rare event of an emergency. Take it with you in the car. Otherwise, can it.
Good luck!
Steven Russell said,
June 16, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I personally don’t see why griping against technology is so “in” right now.
We have all met each other through the technology.
Think of how many friends and such you have met through Twitter.
I think the key is knowing yourself.
Of course, I don’t have the amounts of texts, readers, etc. that you do.
I applaud you for doing whatever it is you want.
drew.martin said,
June 16, 2008 at 2:47 pm
i’ve gone over a year without a cellphone. being a 16 year old w/out a car, that is not the best situation. mom wants to know where i am, so i have to borrow a phone. not only do i feel bad for having to borrow a phone, but some of my friends have complained about it. i recently was able to get a blackberry 8700c from a friend. now i am just waiting for a battery to come in, then i will get service. my advice: stick to phone features and text. get data if necessary. its tempting to get data, but then i look at the price and cringe.
rachel said,
June 16, 2008 at 4:53 pm
i have a friend who refuses to answer her phone if it rings while she is talking to someone else, or even if she is otherwise engaged in something that she cares about. it’s amazing how very self-indulgent (to our egos) it can be to jump to our phones/emaails … and it’s all under the guise of “being there for someone else.”
i’ve definitely tried to adopt her method, or to leave my phone on silent more often. i don’t have any bells and whistles, and judging by how much time i already spend on google reader and facebook when i have the chance, i don’t think it’s be a good idea :) but i do find that my pocketbook likes it better when i don’t use a texting plan and i use my phone (which is my ONLY phone) as minimally as possible. and for as happy as my pocketbook is, the peace of mind can be immeasurable.
and i think about this over-used little scriptural treasure: “be still and know that I am God.” or it’s NASB rendering: “cease striving …”
perhaps if we stop using our blogs, emails, readers, twitters, and texts as ever-present distractions, we will hear a bit more clearly the voice of our ever-present God.
tam said,
June 16, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I don’t have the fancy schmancy things on my phone. I blog. that’s it. probably too much. if i’ve over done it i usually get “the look” from my kids!
and i agree with Julie P. Ditch it and re-evaluate later on. you can always switch back.
rachael said,
June 18, 2008 at 6:02 am
I really admire you giving it up. I can’t tell you the numerous times my husband or I are having a deep conversation and the person we are talking to stops us mid sentence, with, excuse me. Our generation is getting so impersonal! I know we joke and call it the Crackberry, but it seriously hurts when someone chooses a text over you. some people we know won’t even answer calls, they only take texts! Don’t get me wrong I know that advancement in technology has helped the church grow tremendously-but the church should be the cover model for authentic relationships-what was it like working or sitting in church before the Blackberry?