They don't call it 'Crackberry' for nothing

I need a 12-step program for my smartphone addiction. Are there support groups in the area?

One year ago today, I didn't own a smartphone. In fact, I had no idea why I would even want a smartphone. I didn't see myself as super-important and needed SO BADLY that I had to be able to be contacted at all times via email or voice. Plus, my work wasn't about to supply me one so what was the point?

But when my husband (who did have a work BlackBerrry until he switched jobs) started feeling depressed from not having one anymore, slumming it with the rest of us with plain old flip phones, I thought we should get one for him. And we just might as well get me one too since our household is all about democracy...and we could share a plan...and weee! BlackBerry!

It would be a sacrifice. But, I'm a really great wife.

Since then, that CrackBerry has created a magnetic forcefield centered around my hip holster. I sit down for a second? Check the CrackBerry. At a red light? Need me some Crack. At the playground with the kids? Must. Check. The. Crack.

The scary thing is, I'm realizing that I am losing all kinds of manners and etiquette from my addiction.

They say you should never check your CrackBerry in any situation where you wouldn't want to be doing a crossword puzzle, say at a work meeting. *looks around, whistling* And isn't it rude to start doing a crossword puzzle while you're supposed to be engaged with your children. *looks down, kicks a rock*

I have violated that cardinal rule many a time. I fear I'm turning into a SMARTPHONE BOAR.

*shakes arms and shoulders out*

The only good thing is that I realize I have a problem. I WILL become a rude, obnoxious, disengaged, self-absorbed buffoon if I let this addiction control me.

And, I've decided I am going to make a conscious effort to limit my Crack habit. Starting now. 

I need to be more in the moment. At work and at home. Because, really? I'm really all not THAT important. It's not like I'm getting emergency emails from the President or time-sensitive invitations to go hang out with fabulous celebrities.

It'll be okay. (But I still need a support group, or at the very least, a crisis hotline.)

Original DC Metro Moms Blog post. KC also writes at Momicillin.com.