Not to be chronically online but… I didn’t have a phone for 48 hours and forgot how to function as a member of society.
No like seriously though. Obviously, not having something to scroll mindlessly on for 8 hours a day was weird, but so many things that I relied on day to day were seemingly gone and I didn’t know what to do.
I’ve obviously been told and heard that our generation relies too heavily on technology and “back in my day we had to do this and that ” and I rolled my eyes and laughed and I knew I did but then when I didn’t have access to one I really realized that they were right. Everything I did revolved around that phone.
I went to bed and realized I didn’t have anything to set an alarm for. Okay, I can deal with that. I don’t have class and I’m usually up by at least 10 so that’s fine.
I woke up. Okay, I’ll just get out of bed instead of checking all social media for at least an hour. Cool.
How should I dress today? Can’t check my weather app. Okay, I have to leave my apartment and go outside to feel the temperature, that’s fine. It’s been raining but it’s not raining now. Should I bring an umbrella just in case? Or will I look funny because there’s no rain in the forecast? Idk.
I work at 2 today. Or was it 2:30? Wait, now I’m not sure. I can’t check my schedule because that was all in my phone. Shit.
I’ll just call the store and ask my store manager.
(Spoiler alert; I couldn’t call my manager either).
I go to work at 2. Thank god my shift was at 2.
On my way to work I give myself extra time to walk because I don’t have access to a clock and I don’t want to be late.
I pack my bag and leave for work- keys, wallet, headphones, and still no phone.
I put in my Airpods and start walking. Wait. Why did I bring headphones? I don’t have anything to connect to and listen to music. Whatever. That’s annoying but it’s fine.
I get to work and clock in. Work is fine. Nobody goes on their phones anyways because we’re working so it feels normal.
“Keilena you can take your 30 after this”.
I clock for my break. I have nothing to do for 30 minutes. No phone, no social media, no texts to answer, nothing.
Okay it’s fine I can figure it out. I decide I’ll go outside and just walk around.
Well, I go outside and realize that I don’t have anything to keep track of time. How will I know when my break is over? Well thirty minutes is a long time so I stood for a second and walked around a little (constantly peeking at everyone around me whose phone is open to check the time)
I wanted a snack, but of course I didn’t think to grab my wallet because everywhere takes apple pay. I roll my eyes. No phone, no apple pay, and now, no snack.
I decide to go back only to find the back door closed and locked. Shit. It’s only my third week so I’m embarrassed but it’s fine. I’ll just call my coworker to open it.
News Flash. I couldn’t. I walked through the front door red faced to all my coworkers looking a little confused.
I tell them the story and they laugh but I’m annoyed and a little embarrassed.
I go to the back and sit down and stare at the wall for the remaining 10 minutes of my break
I was excited to get back on the floor (said no retailer ever). Except me, at that moment.
“Keilena do you think you could stay a little later”? Sure!
I couldn’t tell my roommates or boyfriend and I’m slightly too embarrassed to ask to use the work phone to tell anyone I’m staying late so I don’t.
My boyfriend calls the store worried sick because I was supposed to be off an hour ago and never showed up. Whoops.
I go home (silently).
I talked to my mom and insurance is sending me a new phone tomorrow. Thank God.
I think to myself. I’m never taking for granted my music, weather app, maps, alarm, apple pay, phone calls, funny tiktok.
And I’m in the market for a watch and alarm clock as of today. You know, just in case.
PS. Whoever took it, give me my Hello Kitty phone case back.