Lost Cell Phone

For those of you which have not seen me freak out, shuffle about despondently, or mutter to myself over the course of this last week, "Where can it be, where can it be, where can it be", I have lost my cell phone. I am hoping it is just misplaced. I am now resigned to the fact that I may never find it. But an amazing thing happened this past week ... I survived. I also learned a little about myself in the process.

Cell phones, none of which are mine since mine is LOST!!!!!!

I was getting ready to go down to Philly to see my sister Sheryl for her birthday celebration and had just texted her if she needed me to pick up anything. Her response was no, she was in the store. OK, I texted, I'm leaving now. I packed up the car and in the span of 10 minutes, I lost myself phone, simple as that. You could say I just misplaced it but oh no, baby, it has gone waaaay beyond that!

With the car all packed, I tore everything apart, went through every bag, the entire car, the deck on the way to the friggin' car and nothing! I returned to the house, retraced my steps, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, both bedrooms, library, NOTHING. I searched for an hour. Now there comes a time when you just have to accept you won't find it at that moment and just need to come back and try later. It was so hard but I pulled myself away from the search and left for Philly. I was paranoid that something horrible would happen and I wouldn't have a cell phone with me in my impending emergency.

This isn't my cell phone either, but it could be for all you know.

While I driving on Route 183, I hit a quick moving thunderstorm.  A tree fell down in the road ahead of me. (OK it might have been a branch, but by now I was completely freaked out!) I swerved around that and continued on my way, heart racing.  While on the PA turnpike, I heard honking and then a crunch. I tensed up and looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see the aftermath of a fender bender with both cars pulling over to the shoulder. Great, that could have been me WITHOUT A CELL PHONE!  I had beads of sweat forming on my forehead. I just wanted to get to Philly, just wanted to get to Philly. 

I did arrive (after much needed comfort food stop at the rest stop Burger King) and immediately hugged my sister retelling the horrible events of the last couple hours. I was determined though to have a great evening without the cell phone. I mean, it's only a phone, I could do it. How hard could it be?

The birthday evening with Sheryl and her friends was wonderful. We dined at the incredible Columbian/Cuban restaurant Tierra Columbiana. I shared the most incredible paella with my friend Jen. I even captured the evening with my old school digital camera.  But I noticed something. I was really fidgety. I had difficulty concentrating and kept glancing around rather nervously. After several rounds of cocktails, beer, sangria, and something called a Citywide Special at Bob and Barbara's Lounge (a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam), I finally found myself medicated and relaxing. AND it was a great birthday evening for my sister.

Sheryl, Strange Tall Man, Medicated Marc, Jen & Marie at 'Bob and Barbara's!'

Once home the next day, I began to look everywhere for the cell phone. Obvious places were searched. The floor, the bed, the counters, etc.  Then I began to search less obvious places:  the litter box, under dressers, the last bag of garbage (HURL), behind large appliances, the car for the 5th time.  I felt myself going through the stages of grief for this damn stupid phone!!! (By the way, that's acceptance and anger.)

I am still looking here and there. I will order one through the crappy insurance policy on my next payday. Sending in that horrible $100.00 deductible can wait until then. My friend Cathy has graciously provided me with her old Track phone to use for an emergency in the car as well. A curious thing happened though. I got through the withdrawal and have survived.



My phone looks like this one. Lemme know if you find it ... :(

I rediscovered how to eat my dinner, watch TV, and just relax without the urge to glance at my phone.  I have seen families at a restaurant with each member on their phone, not conversing with one another. I never thought I was that bad but I definitely felt "lost" without my phone attached to my side. Could losing my phone be one of the best things that have happened to me?

Oh wait! Lemme check under the bed just one more time ...