The phone we had in the kitchen before the new countertops didn't match anymore. Besides, I wanted a corded phone. If there's an emergency during a power outage, I want to be able to call for help; corded phones do that, cordless phones don't. I know touchtone dialing is supposed to be faster, but come on, does it really matter if I save 10 seconds each time I call someone? I've actually lost so much time searching for cordless phones that had wandered away from their cradles, that this is proving to be a net gain in the time category. This phone also won't cause lost calls because of batteries that run out in the middle of a call. And we'll save the time and frustration of having to run to the electronics or battery store to replace worn out batteries (one less errand to run and one less trivial detail to remember). It's also not possible to hang up on someone by putting my cheek too close to the receiver.
At first, I looked for the kind of rotary phone my grandmother had, from the late 60's or early 70's. They're out there, but that style just didn't seem to fit with the new kitchen (although I must say that I love the idea of the red rotary cell phone that resembles Mémère Bert's old phone (except for the color) - yes, you read that right - click on the link if you don't believe me, but don't forget to come back!). I looked at candlestick phones. Jared wasn't excited about going that far back in time. The antique candlestick phones come with a subset that contains the ringer and are quite, quite pricey; reproductions include touchtone dials set in a circle instead of a square (not my idea of an authentic reproduction). I kept looking, following links, checking out websites, and finally found this reproduction. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. It isn't just functional, it's a work of art.
This phone also a reminds us to stop and think about all the claims of contemporary society. Do cordless, touchtone phones really save us time? How much time? Is it really necessary? What's wrong with trying to slow things down a bit? Is what society is selling worth the price? Sometimes yes, sometimes no; but either way, I don't want to embrace trends thoughtlessly.
The phone is reminding us to slow down a little. Slower is good. (And, I don't even mind answering telemarketers' calls anymore. ;-D)
SDG!
you said:
ReplyDeleteI've actually lost so much time searching for cordless phones that had wandered away from their cradles, that this is proving to be a net gain in the time category.
That was so funny and SO TRUE! I'd never thought about it that way. Enjoy your new, pretty phone. It almost looks like you need an elegant gown on and a martini in your hand before you answer it. (think The Thin Man)
Even though I may be wearing jeans & a t-shirt and drinking from my pink Powell's Nalgene water bottle on the outside, I'm wearing an elegant evening gown and sipping wine on the inside when I answer it! (We love The Thin Man!)
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