I Must Have a Smartphone – Even If I Do Nothing with It

You have seen them, many of us know the type. They have to have the most expensive, newest smartphone in town with all the bells and whistles. But heaven forbid they know how to really use all those neat features. Worse yet, they don’t even need them.

Now, don’t go beating up on me, I am happy you have been stepping in beat to the technology. I'm all for advance and am happy for the success of others. If you can afford a smartphone, good for you, but please use them properly. Believe me, they are for much more than making and taking calls and sending messages. Some folks use them to go online, but there is still so much more. I’ve even met those persons who have an iPhone and have no idea how to even send a text message.

I know people who forget assignments and appointments, and yet they have a smartphone. Come on, they have a calendar option for a reason. Send yourself a reminder once you have a date set for something. Every smartphone has this option, make use of it. I’ve heard the excuses, “I didn’t remember…” or “I totally forgot I had that to do” so often, I’m about to scream. The saddest thing, these excuses are often from someone with a Blackberry or iPhone. My response is always to remind them of this.

Gone are the days when having a cellphone/smartphone was a status symbol. Just about anyone can afford one now. Come on folks, if you have a smartphone do the smart thing and make the most of these fascinating tools. They are called smart for a reason!

Persons with Some Illnesses…Shouldn’t Have children

At a recent family gathering, one person said that people with certain illnesses should have children. I strongly disagreed with that statement. Unfortunately I was unable to fully give my views as too many discussions were going on.

My concern is who gives anyone the right to deny others their dream of experiencing parenthood. If someone is physically and financially able to have and care for a child, why shouldn’t they? A diagnosis of cancer or other lifestyle-related illnesses shouldn’t be the trigger to say, “You shouldn’t have a child.”

If we are to go down that road, then why not say that persons who are physically and emotionally abusive to their spouses shouldn’t have children. Isn’t the kind of emotional trauma resulting from having an abusive parent just as damaging, or even more so than having parents with a serious medical condition?

Research has shown that many serial killers and abusive persons lived in homes where spousal and child abuse was the norm. Unfortunately, too many persons do not accept that physical and emotional abuse is a sickness. No one has the right to play God. Granted, there are persons who are incapable of caring for a child due to certain illnesses, but that is another matter altogether. In a few cases, these persons are incapable of having children anyway.

It is funny how people can easily see what’s wrong with others but not with themselves. We really need to look at our own faults and shortcomings before we look at other people’s faults – the world would be so much better.