My husband has been in the cell phone business since the old days when they were called “car phones” and were only audible every 15 words or so. My point being, I have owned a mobile phone since Bill Clinton’s first term, and yet, I have always prided myself on not really actually using them.  In fact, one (of many) of my husband’s pet peeves is my lack of cell phone enthusiasm. But I just don’t want to be in touch 24/7 with anyone  – I like a little mystery . . .

But over the past year my kids, M & N, have pretty much resorted to communicating with me primarily through texting, so now I keep the phone on.

M:  plans 2nite, can I hav ur car?

me:  fine

M:  can I hav dinner b4?

me:  ok

M:  do my laundry?

me:  nice try

N:  waz for dinner?

me:  pasta

N:  need ur car tonite

me:  dads

N:  need $$  4 gas

me:  nice try

The problem is, all those people who have asked for my # through the years are now getting hold of me 24/7:  friends, hairdresser, teachers, doggie day care, renters… even the carpet cleaner guy called recently while I was grocery shopping asking if I happened to know my neighbor’s cell phone # which he’d lost somehow when he stopped to close the ….. blah blah blah. Ugh!

I’m thinking of turning the darn thing off again – back to the glove compartment for emergencies only. But then how will I check my email while I’m out and about?