Phone Gap

There is a definite difference in the way generations think of phones. I think of it as a Phone Gap. For example, some of the older generation function better with both a landline and a cellphone, but ... having both doesn't always simplify things.  A case in point is the situation that a writer friend of mine described recently in an email. It was about two recent calls from her daughter. I can picture the whole thing and admit that I find it very funny. 

She called the house phone. I was on the deck, so by the time I got my feet off the chair that I pull close and use as a stool, moved it out of my way so I wouldn't trip over it and face-plant on the deck, got my sandals on (the deck floor was hot ) and into the house, she'd left me a message........but she was calling me now on my cell, which was out on the deck. 

Tell me, that you haven't had a "been there" kind of "phone" experience. In another situation ... just this week I accidentally hit something on my cellphone that made it start to record the conversation I was having with my son, and I couldn't get it to stop even though I tried hanging up on him twice.  He later texted me instructions on how to handle the record feature on an android and, once again, patiently suggested I get an iPhone. I find that very funny too. Poor guy -- he must be just shaking his head. I am a fan of Android.

Back to the phone gap for a minute -- there is the tendency of the younger generation(s) to think of the cellphone as a permanent addition to their body... perhaps attachment is a better word.  Have you seen anyone lately without a phone in their hand?  Is it true that more and more people are tripping and bumping into things?  I gave up smoking because I didn't like that something stupid was controlling my life.  I leave my phone sitting places on purpose now for the same reason. I will see that you called. I will get back to you... probably shortly, because, I, too, am a bit too attached.

One more thing -- I think I still have a pretty good reason for keeping my landline even though I rarely answer it as it seems to have morphed into the recipient of all things SPAM. Here's the reason. The last time I checked, my county was still unable to track the location of an emergency if the call comes in to the 911 Call Center from a cellphone and the person calling is unable to speak for some reason.  A landline they can track.  That seems like a good reason to me. I probably should check again to see if that situation still exists.  I know they were working on being able to track a cellphone the last time I called. 

There are some disadvantages to living in rural NW Pennsylvania.  However, I still think the advantages outweigh them. I do have excellent cell service, so there is that.