Only as Smart as the Owner

So back in…oh, August, I think it was…I finally came into the 21st century and gave up my little flip phone for a Samsung Galaxy S4. I didn’t want to–I dislike what I call “slab phones.” I liked flip phones. No butt- or purse-dialing, and no pressing buttons with your face as you talk. Also they are not fragile flowers that break when you look at them. I didn’t need any of these so-called “apps” and I didn’t need to check my email in the grocery store. And I wanted these darn kids off my lawn.

Now? Do I wonder how I ever lived without a smart phone? No. But I sure do love my pretty pretty phone that does all sorts of cool things. I bought it a pretty case. I bought a nice stylus. I carry it with me nearly everywhere. If I leave my purse, I stick my driver’s license in my phone case, grab my keys and I’m off.

My favorite apps so far?

Duolingo. Learn a language for free. Or, if you’re like me, resist losing what you spent two years acquiring. Lessons take about five minutes, so when I have to wait places, I pull out my phone and off I go. Fun and easy.

Kindle. Well, you knew that, right? Makes it so easy. I’ve put a couple writing books on it, all my books, and The Princess Bride. I am fully prepared for any waiting room or stuck-on-the-wrong-side-of-a-very-long-train contingency.

Cozi. We use Cozi as a family calendar and shopping list. While sitting at work I can add a chore I just thought of to my daughter’s to-do list, and there’s a chance (a slim chance, yes, but a chance. It depends on what she wants from me) that the job will be done when I get home.

How about you? What do you do or wish you could do with your phone? What should I really be checking out? No games, please, I lose enough productivity as it is.