Books and Random Conversations

I had an appointment to go to yesterday morning before heading to work, and as usual, I brought a book along to pass the waiting time.  This time it was a novel called Words by Ginny L. Yttrup, which I will likely write about in the near future.  I was sitting in a large waiting room, all alone, when a man walks in, pauses in front of me, as I'm focused on my book and strikes up a conversation.  "That's something you never see anymore!"

I look up and he explains how long it had been since he had seen a person, especially a young one reading a physical book in a waiting room.  Apparently tablets are becoming a lot more popular than paper.  In the 20 minutes or so that followed, I had discussions with three complete strangers about the direction of the book and music industries, e-readers, cell phones, other technology, teenagers and social etiquette.  I left feeling inspired and filled with joy that carried me through the rest of the day.

I'm amazed at the discovery I just made.  I never would have thought that something so small and seemingly insignificant could lead to something so meaningful.  The book I was reading was of no significance.  It was simply the fact that I was reading a paper book.  Maybe the fact that I was young, dressed for work and looking preppy had more to do with it.  I really don't know.  But a book for me produced an opportunity.

In 20 minutes, I had a chance to share my perspective with individuals much older than myself.  I had a chance to show them that there are teens out there who think differently than the rest of the world.  I had a chance to put a smile on their faces.  I had a chance to share what I've been learning and why I have made some of the decisions I have.  I left feeling not only inspired, but also that what I have to say really does matter.

Here's what I have to tell my readers.  The small, seemingly insignificant things you do matter, even if you'd rather use a Kindle over paper.  Your choices in all areas of life hold the power to impact.  Don't be afraid to be counter cultural. When opportunities present themselves, don't be afraid to share your perspective.  Even if you don't have a chance to share the Gospel, if they can see that your life is different, that you're not following the norm, you never know what kind of seeds you may plant and what fruit they may later produce.

Why do I read physical books?  Because I simply love a physical book.  I prefer to read off of paper than a glaring screen.  Don't get me wrong. I use my computer a lot and make use of the countless online resources available to me.  Although some people have encouraged me to purchase a Kindle, I'm not quite ready for that. Yes, the idea of being able to carry my whole library around in my purse is enticing, but I still love seeing books on a shelf.  Books are meant to be shared.  Technology has provided alternatives for so many things, and I love it, but I'm not quite ready to let go of my books.

Here are a couple of articles I wrote that I used in my conversations yesterday.  Who would have thought the ideas I ponder on my blog could prove to be so useful in everyday life?
Why I Don't Have a Cell Phone
New Trends in Education

Why I Don't Have a Cell Phone

"You mean, you're a teenager and you don't have a cell phone?"

This is kind of the typical response when people find out I'm phoneless. After all, I'm a young woman living in the 21st century? Why wouldn't I have a phone? That's just really weird.

In a way, I kind of take pride in this fact. I must admit that there have been times when I've been really tempted to get one. But I think of it in a "Go big or go home" sort of way. If I get a phone, I'd like a smart phone, because they're the cool thing to have. When my friends are all getting the latest iPhones and Blackberries, getting a cheap phone would be nothing to brag about. Kind of embarrassing if anything.

As you may have guessed already, one of the reasons I don't have a phone is the money. First buying a phone and then adding a monthly bill is not what I need. Right now, I don't think I have very much use for one, although I'm sure I would when I had it. Sometimes the convenience would be more than nice, but that doesn't happen often enough to really make it worth it. Besides, people can get a hold of me most of the time through email, facebook, home phone, work phone, etc. If it's really important, they'll figure out a way.

One of the biggest reasons I don't have a phone is because I don't need another distraction. My computer/Internet is a big enough one. If I don't have Internet access for a few hours, it's like I'm gonna die or something. I need my connection. And because of this addiction, I've also been taking a break from facebook and music for a bit. So much of my time is wasted on those two things or decrease my productivity while I'm working. A phone that I would carry with me everywhere would no doubt make it worse.

Also, when people have cell phones, they can be very annoying in social settings. I don't want to one of them. It can get mildly irritating when you're hanging out or having a conversation and half the people around you are busy on their phones, texting, web browsing and the like. They tune out of what's going on around them and instead of actually spending time together, most people are absorbed in doing their own thing. It's bad social etiquette and disrespectful.

There you have it. A few reasons why I'm a cell phone free teenager and proud of it!