cell phone

Relationships can be scary, especially when you're young and you don't know much about the person you like. Lucky for me and my generation, cell phones were the next big thing. I didn't know much about him at all, except his name, a few things he liked to do, and kind of where he lived. When we got off the bus after our first "date", our cell phones were always glued to our hands. Through my phone I found out more and more about him. We texted mostly, scared to actually call the other person and ask what you'd consider semi-personal questions. The more I learned, the more intrigued I was. The only reason I'd go home from school was because I knew when I got home, he'd text me while I did my homework, while I cooked dinner, before bed to say good night. Over two years later, we're still together, though after that first month's $600 phone bill, it's a miracle we're even alive.

I was standing behind the counter at work, ringing up people at top speed, taking care of two customers at once, grabbing bags for the people with seven and eight items, all while the chatter of people on their stupid cell phones went on in the background. They would approach me, not saying hello, not catching my eye, not even taking the two seconds to pretend I existed, because obviously the person on the phone was just that much more important. They don't want the people they're on the phone with to know where they are, so they mouth the name of what cigarettes they want as if I'm just supposed to catch it. And often times, I do, mostly out of practice. Of the 2000 customers I handle each day, about 85%. . . are on their cell phones. They're inconsiderate, they're rude, they're loud and obnoxious. As if I really needed to know about your construction plans, or your marital problems. . . nope, not one bit. So, please, hang up. . . it's common curtesy.

They used to be the size of bricks. Literally. Cell phones so huge, they covered an entire side of your face when you held them up to your ear. They were only good for one thing, of course. . . calling other people. But, no. Not anymore. Now, they have become one of the most versatile pieces of equipment ever. Small enough to fit in your pocket, but with capabilities unlike anything else. You can call, text, send pictures, take pictures, get online to check your e-mail, hook up your blue tooth, do a million and one things all with one tiny piece of equipment. . . the BlackBerry. Next generation? I guess you could say that, if what you mean is a generation of people literally addicted to their phones. Can't live without them for two minutes, must always have their e-mail at their fingertips. . . Not exactly what I have in mind for the next generation, but then again. . . why else would they call the "latest technology" a CrackBerry? :P