November 30, 2011.
Today is my last day connected to my bleeping, binging, ever beckoning so-called "smart phone."
The reasons why I'm choosing to turn my back on this seemingly useful technology are many, and through the course of this blog I hope to explore my relationship with a technological gadget which I've grown to rely upon and loathe at the same time. I welcome you to follow me on this journey.
But first, some rules and some warnings to friends, family that may be following this blog.
1. To friends, family: do not give into my pleadings. The only time I am allowed to borrow your device is in an emergency (can't find keys, need medical help.) To strangers: if my car breaks down, I am in an accident or anything involving my own safety or those with me, you will give me your phone. I've done it for countless strangers, surely cell phone karma will come my way and you will allow me to make a call using your phone.
2. Buying a cheap phone that's not so smart, namely has no texting functions or internet connections, is not allowed. This would be cheating.
Make no mistake...this will not be easy. In fact, I reckon it'll be damn hard. I, like millions of others have come to rely upon my phone as a way to instantly connect with those around me. Take this morning, five minutes after getting up I'm already checking my email. Why? Do I really need to know the latest traffic update (from yesterday) sent to all of my colleagues at CBC or the latest twist in the city of Edmonton's long running saga to secure a new arena for the Oiler's. I am ridding myself of instant emails, instant information, which is superfluous to my life at home with a toddler and soon to be born new babe.
Aside from the daily onslaught of work emails I firmly believe information can wait. What truly is so pressing that it can't wait until I sit, comfortably and with undivided attention, at my home computer?
But oh, how I will miss thee, my blackberry. Your shiny, tiny white letters, your built in camera, your instant line to my quick texting friends,to gmail, facebook and news anytime I crave it, and oh, brickbreaker (I never did beat 10 thousand points, damn you and that bouncing ball.)
As I write this, bberry bings. I check, it reads "Media notice - Stakeholders available to discuss traffic safety and Bill 26." I don't give a damn, but just checking it helps me feel connected to a life I'm slowly trying to wean myself from: a day to day journalist hungry for the adrenaline rush of a breaking story and the need to be fulfilled by technology.
