Cell: Hell's Bells

I've been living a sheltered existence out here in the country. Birds don't walk around with cell phones; nor do dogs and cats. Retirees are pretty good at avoiding them too. We like to listen to birdsong, creeks gurgling, the wind in the trees, and the water lapping the dock. But now that I'm back downtown on a regular basis, it amazes me how many people walk around with a cell glued to their ear, some even have handy little ear lugs. Not to mention the idiots driving (or attempting to drive) with them.

But I wonder...who are they talking to? Is it business, friendship, shoring up relationships, gossiping, getting instructions to pick up a loaf of bread? How can people be so engaged? Why do they want to be so connected? I followed a woman down the street today as we were headed in the same direction and happened to be walking at the same pace. I couldn't help but overhear the entire one side of the conversation. She kept looking over her shoulder at me as though I were eavesdropping (well, I was but purely involuntarily) or as though I should pass her. She talked and walked for 2 blocks before we parted ways.

I have a cell phone but I don't give out the number. It's intended for emergencies or the odd "Why are you late?" kind of call. I don't want to be called. I don't relate to people who do. Maybe I don't have enough friends or family...now, that's a stretch...I'd hate to start counting! I wonder if it's a sign I am finally getting old-fashioned. Ironically, I was voted Miss Telephone in high school because of the amount of time I spent on the phone but times have changed. Now I relish silence. Now, I relish time to think. Now, I want to control how I spend my time because I value it so. I don't want to be a slave to a machine. Oh, excuse me....gotta go blog now!