Last Friday my iPhone was stolen. It was a real bummer. I have no idea who stole it, and there’s no way to find it at this point because I had to erase all of its data so all my personal stuff wouldn’t be compromised. At first I was just kind of shocked  that it was gone, then I had hope that maybe it was just misplaced, or that it would turn up again soon– maybe I would find it’s hiding spot, or a good Samaritan would find it and bring it back to me. No such luck. And unfortunately I was foolish enough to decline insurance, and I’m 8 months into a 2 year contract, which means I have to buy a new phone at full price. Of course, I don’t have that kind of cash right now, which means i’m phone-less until my next paycheck– next Friday. So yeah, two weeks without a phone. 

Not having a phone is not the worst thing in the world (it’s really just mildly inconvenient), but I didn’t realize all the things I used it for until I didn’t have it anymore. For instance, I don’t have a watch now because I always used the clock on my phone. When I’m on public transportation (like the bus, or Bart) I have no way of knowing what time it is until I get to the next station. I also don’t have my bus app anymore, so I can’t look up when the next bus is coming, and I can’t call 511 to see if I missed my bus to work. If I miss my bus I can’t just take a lyft or uber because I don’t have the apps anymore (because I don’t have a phone). I don’t have an app that counts how many steps I take a day, and no I cannot afford a fitbit to do it form me. I don’t have my own alarm clock anymore to wake me up in the morning, so I’ve been using Kourtney’s phone. This is not super great for her because she often has to shake me awake– even at its loudest setting I don’t seem to hear the alarm go off in the morning. I used my phone as an ipod as well, so now I don’t have any music or podcasts to listen to on the way to and from work, or in my office. I had just completed my NSYNC collection, so that was a real blow. And I no longer get that instant gratification of googling anything and everything that pops into my head wherever I am, with no real limits.

It’s not as if any of things impairs my ability to function, and honestly I’m doing pretty well without it. But it does throw me off my game a bit. I mean, I’ve been living in a world where I have my cell phone with me almost 24/7, and now suddenly I can’t google cat memes when I’m on the Fremont train? NOT COOL. I know, I know. First world problems. Give me a break, I’m a product of my environment.

I’ll miss you, sweet iPhone. You were the best, even when your battery was at 15% and I had to stop playing soda crush so I could request a lyft before you died. I hope whoever stole you from me is treating you well. Maybe you can tell them to bring you back (because stealing is kinda rude). I promise I won’t press charges.