Cell Phones-Confessions Of A Talker

After I wrote the column about slowing down to be more civil, several friends pointed out that “they will, if I will.”  So, I started thinking about it and many things have been revealed to me in the past week that I think are sending me a sign to slow down.  Among those things-

Not an artist of any means, I took a 3 day painting class, a silent painting class.  Thursday’s YOU section discussed cell phone etiquette and pet peeves of cell phone use and there are ALOT!  Then, on Friday, I watched Oprah and she asked for her birthday gift to be that her listeners sign an agreement on her website titled the NO CELL ZONE this means you stop talking, texting and emailing while driving.  She says 71% of people 18-49 admit they do it.  Additionally, 500,000 people were injured in accidents involving these tasks and 6,000 people were killed last year.  Those stats include the worst commuter train accident in history caused by the conductor that had sent 40 texts before they crashed.

I felt compelled to stop – even though I only talk with “hands free” while in my car and I don’t text unless I am stopped. I decided to sign the agreement and see how it changes my life.  I think the constant connection doesn’t allow us to ponder, relax, slow down enough to be civil, listen to music, be creative or see the beauty of our city.

Two years ago tomorrow,  I was the victim a severe car accident and my daughter has also been rear-ended and her car totaled by a texting teen.

So, here is to Day One, my no cell zone…..lots of calls had to go to voice mail, but I returned them while safely in a parking space….it was hard, but if I turn it off, I won’t be tempted to look.  Goal for tomorrow–hear my first Lady Gaga song while driving and less intro to the blog.

Best regards,

Hilarie

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