Smartphones: Friend of Foe? Both.

Freelance Writer Nina Badzin has a problem.  And it may sound familiar to you.

Here at 19th Century Connie, we accept, sometimes embrace, the gifts of modern day living (love ya, Tivo!) while simultaneously crave the habits of yesteryear (why does it feel weird to take a walk in the 'burbs if you don't have a dog?  Remember when people would just take a stroll to get fresh air, sans dog but perhaps avec parasol?).  So when I read Nina's iPhone lament, I had to make her an honorary member of 19th Century Connie.  Read Nina's article here.

I especially like when she mentions being at a restaurant with her husband and having a phone on the table in case the babysitter texts, as if that person has little ability to solve problems that might arise.  It used to be good enough to tell your babysitter the name of the restaurant where we would be, so that in case of extreme emergency - house on fire, fever of 103 - they could find a way to reach you.  Now your phone chimes while you are eating the pear and Gorganzola salad asking you if there are new batteries for the Wii remote.  Because seriously, those texts are never about a 103 fever - wouldn't the babysitter actually call about that?  So my complaint is that with your phone on the table, those precious hours away from the mundane issues of parenting, where someone is serving you vs. the other way around, are really no escape at all.