People who are seemingly always talking on their phones, you know the ones walking down the street, driving in their cars, riding on a train or bus with a phone constantly to their ear. They say a few words from time to time, so I suspect there is someone on the other end of the call, but who? And what on earth are they talking about? Now I will admit that I have never fully recovered from 9 years of work, that was done primarily on the phone (over 12,000 calls were logged.) But I don't really want to spend that much time talking on the phone to anyone, nor are there that many people for me to talk with.
If people are not talking on their phones, they seem to be glued to the screen, click-click-clicking away. Smartphones have gone from an innovation to an obsession in 20 years.
And am I the only one who remembers to charge my phone overnight? Admittedly I don't use my phone a lot, I charge it every two or three days and never need to search around in public for someplace to plug in.
Another thing that mystifies me is the obsession with water bottles. How did we survive to adulthood without having a water bottle as a constant companion. If I had a dollar for everytime I have heard or read on a list of must have items for a happy life or successful travel, buying a $40 stainless steel water bottle, I would book that around the world cruise I'd like to take, and no I would not take a water bottle with my on the cruise. I assure you the water is drinkable. I am not hiking across Death Valley. Everyplace I go, has drinkable water available. I can leave home without taking water with me, and be very confident that I won't be desiccated by the time I return home.
Now I will admit that when I was cycling, I took a water bottle on the bike. Especially when I was riding in clipless pedals, it was difficult to stop, walk in someplace and take a drink of water. And a 25 mile bike ride in the Florida heat, will take it out of you.
But I see people leaving their comfortable home with an abundant water supply, walking ten minutes to the subway, and taking an climate controlled train, to a climate controlled office, and seemingly unable to do so without lugging a quart of water along. I just don't get it.
I worked on a college campus before I retired and I was always dismayed to see the students walking between classes with their eyes on their phones instead of looking at friends and fellow students passing. I remember always smiling or saying hello to classmates as we moved between classes but that doesn't seem to happen anymore.
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising more people don't walk into posts and trees.
DeleteYour post gave me a chuckle. I've wondered the same thing. About two years ago, my employer gave everyone one of those fancy water bottles for a holiday gift. I think mine when to Goodwill. And, I charge my phone about the same amount of time as you do.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Southampton.
I had about a 3 miles walk in Southampton today, then time in the pool, and a nap.
DeleteThe Phone Cult is a mystery to me too. However, if I go out for a long walk in the countryside I need to take some water with me. It's only sensible and a stainless steel flask keeps the water nice and cool. It is important to keep hydrated. With a short walk, I would not bother.
ReplyDeleteGreat day in Southampton, I spent too much time in the sun.
DeletePeople are living virtual lives instead of enjoying what is immediately around them. I think it's FOMO. Fear of missing out. They need to have constant conversation or internet access in case they might miss something. Also a dissatisfaction with what they have and want more, more. More stuff, more stimulation, more friends, more fun, more, more. They never have enough.
ReplyDeleteI have grown content with what I have and have done.
DeleteYes it is fascinating and at times appalling. I put myself at a little distance, like Margaret Mead among the Bantus observing tribal behavior.
ReplyDeleteAt times it is fun to sit on the sidelines and observe.
Delete