The New Phone

Last week, during an extended power and internet outage, I did a foolish thing.

I bought a new phone without researching it first.

I don't do well without access to the internet. Some of my best friends are online on a Weight Watcher thread called RML. Most of my F&B (flesh and blood) friends are overwhelmed with their own problems. RML is my escape, my support, and, possibly? an addiction.

I also check my e-mail regularly. I get the news and prayer requests from my church and fun things from my friends.

So, I bit for a Palm Treo 680. It was an older model, but I really liked the size of it and my ability to see the screen clearly. Not knowing how long I would be off line, I bought the thing without really knowing enough about it.

It has bugs! For starters, the battery does not completely charge. Strike one! At times, the little AT&T at the top of the screen turns to gibbersish and tells me I have no service. It takes a time consuming reset to fix this problem and it is only temporary. AT&T sells no ringtones for this phone. I can download a costly ringtone creator, but why should I have to?

So, this phone is going back to the store, to be replaced probably by a Palm Centro. I like the Palm OS and want to be able to sync it with my other Palm Pilot data. I don't like the size of the Centro as well and the screen size is smaller. The keys are closer together and harder to manage. But, I want something reliable. I must admit to a lusting for an iPhone, but that is not in my current price range!

So, I am off to research phones and make a better choice when I am of sound mind and not suffering from internet withdrawal!

Wish me luck!

AI & DWTS

For those who are fans, these initials need no explanation. For those who are not, these are the initials of two of my favorite TV shows: American Idol and Dancing With the Stars.

Talent shows are nothing new to television. I still remember Ted Mack's Amateur Hour and Star Search. There is just something that fascinates me about some ordinary person being "discovered" and carried on to fame and fortune. If American Idol had been on when I was a twenty-something, you can bet your bottom dollar that I would have been one of those people lined up to audition. I am a ham. Just slice me up and serve me with honey and mustard. :)

I am really impressed with this year's crop of talent. They are the most original and talented bunch since Bo and Carrie.

Dancing With the Stars fascinates me because it takes people who are already stars of some sort, whether in entertainment, sports, or business, and gets them out of their comfort zones. I never cease to be amazed at how very good some of these humongous athletes can be, given the right partner and a lot of hard work. And even entertainers who have some dance experience find ballroom dancing a whole new ball game.

My favorite "star" this year is Kristi Yamaguchi. I have been a fan of hers since she was a 14 year old pair skater with Rudy Galindo. The discipline and dedication she showed on her way to her Olympic gold medal is standing her in good stead in this competition. I look for her to take the whole thing! :)