Also might consider the Android. Thinking, thinking. Love the meditation “mode”. SIP – another intriguing idea.

@MooNWalker – thanks so much for your input. Have run into a few times recently where I REALLY wished I had a phone, but managing pretty well overall without it. So much is retraining yourself – like dog training – it’s more about training the owner than training the dog.

1) Safety – first and foremost. There are times when it would not be appropriate to call 911 – flat tire, for instance. (I DO change my own tires, but those darned pneumatic wrenches often make it impossible for me to loosen the lug nuts)

2) Connection to friends and family. I know I am missing out on spur-of-the-moment get-togethers. I feel a bit disconnected, and not necessarily in a refreshing way.

I guess those are the only two I can say are really justifiable. I loved being able to Google answers on the fly, but what did that REALLY bring to my life? More people who hated what a know-it-all I was? Being able to Google directions was a huge advantage. I’ve since discovered there are things called “maps” made out of paper that you can carry in your glovebox. You don’t even need to charge them!

So, perhaps a small voice allowance with unlimited text might be a good choice. I’ll ponder it for awhile more.

How has giving up my cell phone change my life?

- I’m a safer driver – no more fumbling for a ringing phone at the bottom of my purse. No more struggling to read texts without my reading glasses.

- I sleep better – no temptation to grab the BB and hide under the covers, surfing all night.

- One less interruption at work

- One less bill to pay.

- I anticipate gardening will be much more relaxing.

- I don’t drop the darned thing when I’m juggling two big-dog leashes and a potty bag. (Never dropped it IN the potty bag, thankfully!)

- I’m living more purposefully. I pay more attention to my surroundings: the sounds, the smells, the views. I touch the soft spring leaves on a newly-budding tree, listen to the birds sing and wish I could tell them apart. But I’m no longer compelled to Google the answers right then and there.

- I guess you could say I’ve got more patience. Delayed satisfaction and all that.

- I connect with the people around me. I smile at cashiers, students on campus, chat with people in line at the grocery store. The little niceties my mom taught me.

- Coupled with giving up cable, it has provided more opportunity to read, to write, to do some of the things I had replaced with things like Facebook and silly online games (never was a hard-core gamer).

- I meditate more. More opportunity to just be.

It has made me, for the most part, more relaxed. If I had young or old ones depending on me, I wouldn’t feel right about the decision, but the dogs can usually fend for themselves during the day. Even the speed dial buttons on the phone are too small for their massive paws.

Hmm – but a webcam? With a remote controlled treat dispenser. Maybe that would finally train the puppy out of chewing me through house and home. No cell phone required.

Specfically this one:

“My head ducked under the covers at night, I would text and browse until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. It was the tool I used to re-connect to an old flame that would have been better left extinguished.”

I used to do this every night. It was like going to bed after running a marathon. My mind would race to sleep, and I would wake up profoundly unrefreshed. It wears you down after a while.

I explored a wealth of options when giving up my phone. I’ve simply settled on a pre-paid emergency phone that I house in my car; yet, this works for me because I’m usually either on the road, at work or at home. I don’t travel much, so no need to have a phone otherwise.

I looked into using Skype on an iPod (or soon the iPad) when connected to wifi; the only problem is that you’re connected to Wifi rarely (unless you’re at a Starbucks or Panera bread all day).

It’s critical to identify exactly why you’re considering a phone again. I think after identifying exactly what it is you’re missing, you’ll be prepared to make the correct purchase decision (whatever it may be).

Please do share how giving up a cell phone has changed your life.

How’s everything else going now? Are you able to find work? Feel free to shoot me an email; I’d like to learn more about what you do. Perhaps I have a contact in a related industry that’s looking for someone like you. Email me@scottscheper.com

I would use my BB as a procrastination tool. My head ducked under the covers at night, I would text and browse until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. It was the tool I used to re-connect to an old flame that would have been better left extinguished.

It was the lifeline when my elderly mother was still alive. But I no longer have to field late-night emergencies or argue with insurance companies or doctors (at least on her behalf).

I also don’t have a TV. Well, I have a TV – I just don’t have cable (since about last June), and the few shows I still keep up with, I watch online. The local TV signals are not strong enough to make it out to where I live. Heck, when I did have cable, there were only a few channels I would watch anyway.

My decisions were not about saving money – although that has been a bonus. My cell phone bill was running about $120/month and cable/internet was around $100. These weren’t conscious decisions: they were motivated – or planned? – by outside sources. Sometimes some of the best decisions I have “made” have come about in this manner.

I set up a Skype number a while ago, and aside from the crummy internet connection I now have, it has done quite well. And it’s about $12 per year!

I have been fiddling with the idea of getting another cell phone. I’ve hemmed and hawed and tried to justify the expense, and indeed, the distraction, but I’ve been unable to. Others have suggested what you have done – a pre-paid cell phone, and now I’m thinking that’s not a bad idea. Right now, I just keep a charged inactive cell phone in my car. I can always call 911 on it.

I’m thinking of investing in an iPod or some other device I can use as a cell phone when wifi is available. I have an old iPaq, but not sure I could use it as a phone. Any suggestions?

If you’re interested, I can let you know how this decision has changed my life. I think this post a little long as it is . . .

I’m unemployed now. I purchased a pre-paid phone for emergencies and for people to contact me when I’m on the road. I honestly don’t understand how people can afford cell phones. A basic cell plan is $40 a month (nearly $500 a year); Data plans are about that, as well.