*If you’d like to read blog posts prior to November, 2013, please visit my past blog site at www.jamieelmer.wordpress.com. Thanks!
Adventures in Communication
Recently, Tobin and I decided to turn off our cell phone service for a while. A few things led us to this decision. For one, we’re going to be traveling more out of the country and roaming becomes expensive. And second, even in the US, we pay too much for cell service. People have reacted to this decision differently. Some can’t fathom how we could live without cell service, while others simply don’t think its safe not to have a phone for emergencies (I get that). But, it is just temporary, and its been an interesting study in my own “relationhip” to my cell phone.
One of the things that is interesting about turning off our service is that our I - phones, since they had been activated by AT and T already, still work with the internet the same way when we’re on line. We just don’t have cell service. Our apps work, e-mail works, everything works the same on the phone except we don’t have cell service. (similar to how an I - pad works) We’ve been using Skype from our cell phones (installed with the Skype app) and when on line I can call anyone wether they have Skype or not. Just like a regular phone call.
The week prior to turning off our cell service, I was literally waking up in the night with anxiety. Not for any particular reason, just general anxiety about life without constant cell service. As if I was about to try living without food. Within a couple of days, I realized that I was already more productive. I was more productive because I started structuring my time differently. In the past, I would be at home with my computer on, able to check e-mail periodically, have my phone on and able to make calls, check texts and receive Facebook and Twitter updates. Now, I’ve made designated time to be on line and “connected” instead of just having the constant stream of internet and phone connectivity around me all day long. Having designated time on line and to talk has already made me more focused when I am on line. And yes, its a little annoying to not be able to just pick up my phone and call someone any time, anywhere. But, in reality, most times I call someone, they don’t answer anyway and we end up communicating via e-mail to set up a phone date!
I see this “no cell service” as a trial and study. So far, its interesting. But I do know, if and when I go back to having regular service with a carrier, I will never again get myself in to a locked in contract!
