I forgot my mobile phone
I rarely forget my mobile phone somewhere however for the second time in a row, I have forgotten it at the office.
Why ?
Because it was not in the center of gravity of my desk nor in sight when I left.
Why ?
Because I have to charge it every single day (the battery life is appaling) at a colleague‘s desk.
Why ?
Because the N-80 has a new charging connector which means it is incompatibe with Nokia Standard charger. The only compatible charger I have is at home, the only adaptor I have is in my car, and I have decided to rely on “others” at the office. BIG MISTAKE.
Why has the connector been modified ?
I don’t know. What I know is that Nokia Standard chargers are ubiquitous in most parts of the world; and it’s (was) a great peace of mind in case your battery runs out.
I have realised I have left it in the office while I was in Topenga Canyon (15 minutes away from the said-office). Within seconds, I decided to continue my commute home although my mobile phone is:
1) the only communication instrument with my family in France and friends in L.A.
2) the device I have that can wake me up in the morning – I have a 9 o’cock appointment tomorrow morning in Santa Monica
3) my prefered note taking/documentation tool.
Let’s see how wise it was not to return to the office. To be continued…
The Aftermath
I went shopping for a surfboard yesterday, and I could not take any photo of the “candidates”. I had to scribble their brand name with my car keys on a Moosejaw magazine, and then spend 20 minutes googling. A couple were custom made so forget about it.
I woke up on time thanks to Cali sunshine and made it to my appointment.
Then I drove like a maniac on the 405/101 to make it to the office for a project planning meeting (which I was bound to be late) to find out when I got there, it has been canceled. If I had my phone, I would have known since I would have checked my emails right out-fo-bed and see the meeting update.
I have missed 3 SMS:
#1 an impromptu dinner/drinks invitation in Venice yesterday night.
#2 out-of-town colleague needed a ride to the office from Santa Monica this morning. Sorry Axel!
#3 “How are things, any news?” from Mike on vacations.
Also I have pat a few times my pockets, I have tried to reach for it a few times, I have glanced at my home center of gravity a few times, I have formulated the plan to call/SMS people a few times.
Conclusion ? In a world with fluid, fuzzy and impromptu schedules, (I feel) I am highly dependent on my phone. Am I really ? Honestly, yes. Although I did not miss anything really important, I was missing all these signals and information that allow me to make informed decisions and feel I am in control.
Filed Under: behaviour, charging, mobilephones, Nokia