No Cell Phone

So Friday (2/20) morning was a bit of a blur. I got up fairly early so as to shower, dry my hair, and pack for my trip to California. The morning went rather smoothly, only because I had done all of my laundry the night before, and I left the house feeling like I had everything I would need and then some. John and I hopped in the car and sped toward DIA, only about 10 min. behind schedule (so basically on time for me). On the way there I got a phone call which I answered. Afterwards I placed my phone on my lap for the remainder of the trip (bad move). During one of the many turns, though not a sharp turn, my phone slid right off my lap towards the door and I was unable to safely retrieve it and drive at the same time. John assured me that we could get it when we reached the airport, about 15 min. away. But as everyone knows, when you get to the airport you jump out of the car, grab your things, and say a quick good-bye. I did the same, kissing John and saying I'd call when I got to California. Skip forward 30 minutes or so, after I have checked my bag, gone through security, and meandered into a book store to purchase something for the trip. All of a sudden, and for no good reason, I realized that my cell phone was sitting safely on the floorboard of my car, on its way to work with John.

As anyone who has accidentally left their phone at home will attest to, you feel a slight bit of panick. "How will I call anyone?" "How will they know where to find me?" "What if there is an emergency?" So I put down the possible purchases in my hands and head straight for the information booth. The very kind lady sitting behind the desk informs me that she has left her phone at home today as well and offers for me to make a non-longdistance call. I called John, one of the few phone numbers I actually know by heart (and the only non-longdistance number I know by heart). Finally I have made contact and let him know that I am alright. He called Caroline, and everything is okay now.

The wierd thing, I felt like I couldn't leave the state because I didn't have my phone. Remember when we had emergency only cell phones? I feel unsafe as I venture out into the world without a way for someone (anyone) to get in touch with me instantaineously. How have we as a society become so attached to something we didn't have 10 years ago. I don't think I had my first personnal cell phone until my junior year of college, when I could pay for it myself. Now, 10 year olds have a cell phone with unlimited minutes, usually in some kind of fancy carrying case, that will download music, play videos, and send text messages in a building where I can barely get a signal. Isn't it funny how things change? Now I am left to figure out if I depend on my cell phone too much. Should I try to wean myself from it? If so, this weekend is a good start.