I did it. I kicked the Blackberry habit. Call me crazy or call me out of touch, but if you e-mail me, be prepared to wait for a reply. I was tired of the spam and the butt dials (technically, it was my purse calling everyone) and the addiction of checking e-mail every time the light blinked. I surfed and used it for directions and to get last minute information many times, but it was a crutch.
It had been on my mind to move to another mobile device for a while, but I could not quite give up the Blackberry. The day after Christmas, as I was headed out for a hike, my hand slipped and I accidentally tossed the thing across the kitchen. The screen went black for good. Some say there are no accidents.
So before I went to the store to replace it, I took that hike. I was totally unconnected on the mountain preserve for a good hour or so. I didn't really need to check e-mail or the news out there in the desert anyway. It was a gift to be fully present and unaccessible.
My new phone is just a phone with a great keyboard for texts. I can add the internet option and other bells and whistles later. Heck, in a few months I might be ready for an I-gadget or Droid. For now I plan to enjoy the peace of electronic simplicity.
