THE sound of obligation

I haven't had a cell phone for some time now.

In some ways that's lame and it makes me stick out from the herd of cellphone toating sheep aka the american people, like a fat chick at an anorexics convention. But I have been LUCKY. Because I don't have to hear the sound of obligation. which most often takes the form of a ringing cell phone. I don't have a cell phone therefore I don't get as many phone calls as I once did. Meaning my obligation to answer has diminished. Diminished to the point that I do not miss it. Most people ask me how could you live without a cell phone. Or for that matter how could you live without the internet. I simply answer “the same damn way I was living before any of this mattered to anyone!” and I ask how on earth was I living with it all. Taking a break from technology is refreshing. It almost feels like you’ve taken a bit of your life back. Like you suited up in your best armor climbed through the forest of wires and up to the castle of “technology” --it’s a nosy beast. Then you scale the wall, slip into the window. And steal yourself away. Cell phone free! You don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. And your own whims. Though it may seem a little hermit-ish and selfish, its necessary to maintain a clear self notion. It is comforting to know that you’re in control not it. And so you say just put it on silent. And shut up--you’re whining. Even then messages get left behind--damning you for not dedicating your time. I guess I would fit in better with the Amish. At least their methods of communication are meaningful and not delivered by some halfhearted text message. Eye heart u!