Just the Nine of Us

Just the Nine of Us

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Me and My Phone

So, I've had a few complaints that I'm so hard to reach by phone. When I reply that I usually don't even know where my phone is, most people look like either "Yeah right, I'm not buying that" or "How in the world could someone not know where their phone is?" I have pondered that myself. How are some people never without their phone, could not live without their phone, while others are blissfully unaware of its whereabouts? I think I have gotten to the true reasons for my phone issues, right or wrong though they may be.

99.9% of the time, I am in the middle of something that requires my full attention. Feeding or diapering Penelope, which requires both hands. Teaching Allie either Math, Bible, Science, Social Studies, Reading, or Language, which, let me just say, I don't know a teacher out there who talks on the phone while teaching. Reading to or playing with Maggie, which really does require my complete attention. Then Brian gets home and, I guess it just feels rude to the other 4 people in the family for me to carry on a conversation with someone else while they wait for my presence. Even when we're in the car, we're usually all talking. I would feel rude to interrupt the family conversation to talk to a friend they can't even see. I don't want to be that mom that's always on the phone and never available. I want to be here, 100% here, for my little Rodgers clan. And somehow I feel that the phone might interrupt that.

There are two other, much lesser reasons. One, I just simply don't like talking on the phone. It's not as personal as talking in person. There can't be a lot misinterpreted if you can't see the person's face. Two, you have to go through a lot of "Hi how are you", "I'm fine how are you" stuff at the beginning and the end is always awkward. You have to come up with some reason to get off the phone. That is where text messages come in and work wonders for me. You can just type in "YMCA at 11?" or "Missed you at church" or "Thinking of you- have a great day!" and the other person gets your message. I like that.

Like I said, right or wrong, those are my reasons, though I really am trying to be better about at least calling people back. :)

2 comments:

  1. As much as I like to be able to reach you when I need to, I understand. Actually, talking by phone is not my preferred method of communication either. Since '92 when Laura went off to Auburn, I have enjoyed e-mail. You can say what you want to say and the person can respond or not at his/her convenience. But, ultimately, face-to-face is best. However, if you're face to face with someone that means that someone has had to put on some make-up or clean up their house/car/porch/yard to keep from being embarrassed. So, there you go. I think it's different to settle in for a good long chat with someone when your family is waiting. Just answering a quick question can save time and agony in the long run. Right?

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  2. Right! That's why I say text message is the way to go with the quick questions!

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