As a mother, I find myself in a unique position—standing before you with a flip phone in hand, seeking your understanding and acceptance. Yes, I reside near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but I assure you, I am not part of the Amish community. Interestingly, I know many Anabaptists who are currently riding in their horse-drawn buggies, perhaps headed to purchase the latest tech gadgets like the Apple Watch.
While the Amish may keep their cell phones in the barn rather than inside their homes, it’s amusing to note that they still possess some remarkably advanced devices. Picture this: I’m on my flip phone, trying to connect with an Amish-owned construction business.
Me: Hi, I need someone to construct a shed in my backyard. Mr. Miller: Sure, we’re busy on a job right now. Could you text me the shed dimensions? Me: I’m afraid I’m not very skilled at texting. Can I email you instead? Mr. Miller: We don’t really use email around here anymore, except maybe my aunt in Ohio—she's a bit old-fashioned.
Yes, my flip phone does have limited texting capabilities. Given some time and a bit of frustration, I can manage to type out messages like “Whem r u goimg tm be hme?” or “thnx fr te brTHDYm eSSAG!!!%%”. However, when my phone emits that cheerful “ding!” signaling an incoming text, I often find myself sweating and anxiously chewing on the inside of my mouth. Will this be another question? Will I need to provide an address? What if I have to type out numbers? It’s a cycle of anxiety that could very well lead me to old age, still clutching my flip phone, struggling to text “415 East 23rd Street.”
When you ask if I’m some sort of technological novice, I will respectfully agree. My choice to stick with a flip phone stems from the realization that smartphones come with a hefty price tag. Even if the device itself is free, the cost of a service plan is anything but. With three kids who are all clamoring for phones (even if they insist that a flip phone is not what they had in mind), I frequently have to choose between paying for a smartphone plan or affording basic necessities like heating and running water.
You may be eager to share budget-friendly smartphone plans with me, and I appreciate your enthusiasm. However, my challenges extend beyond financial concerns. I often find myself overwhelmed by the myriad ways people want to communicate with me—some prefer texting, while others leave voicemails, and a few only reach out via Facebook. Additionally, there are those who approach me in person, delivering lengthy monologues about upcoming fundraising events, complete with dates, times, and the number of cupcakes needed for the bake sale. By the time they reach the 24th word, I often feel my brain disengage, leaving me to mentally retreat to a happy place where I can avoid volunteering forever.
In these moments, I’ve learned to be candid: “I’m a doofus and tend to forget things easily,” I admit. “Also, I’m not an Anabaptist. Instead of texting, could you please send me this exhaustive information via email? I promise to read it later when I’m not in a state of panic.” Most people are understanding and willingly dust off their email accounts to accommodate me, with the exception of the Amish construction worker.
Another reason for my reluctance to invest in a smartphone is that I have a knack for accidentally damaging my devices. It’s practically a yearly tradition for me to drop my phone in a creek while hiking, run over it with my car, or inadvertently launch it from my purse, leading to explosive results that resemble plastic confetti. Such incidents are much easier to handle when the phone only cost me $9.
Despite my outdated approach to technology, I acknowledge that I am, in fact, a screen addict. Utilizing a flip phone allows me to spend part of my day looking up, engaging with the real world, and minimizing the chances of walking into walls—a skill I’ve unfortunately mastered.
In conclusion, while I may not be the most technologically savvy mom out there, my choice to stick with a flip phone is driven by practicality, personal preference, and a desire to remain present. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, consider checking out resources like Make A Mom’s Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit and American Pregnancy’s informative guide on donor insemination. For a complete home insemination kit, Make A Mom offers an 18-piece kit that can assist you in your journey.
Summary:
This article reflects on the unique experiences of a mother who chooses to use a flip phone instead of a smartphone. It highlights the challenges of modern communication while emphasizing the importance of being present in the real world. The author shares personal anecdotes about managing daily tasks and interactions, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood without the aid of advanced technology.
Keyphrase: Mom without a smartphone
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