I have something against my cell phone.

I'm not consciously aware of it, but I must. What else would explain why I've thrown my phone into the trash can -- twice -- in the last two months?

Maybe it's my subconscious effort to free myself of the trappings of technology that keep us in touch, all the time, no matter where we are.

The first time was on our way back from our trip to Florida in March. I hate having a bunch of trash in my van -- especially a van that's already overflowing with all the stuff needed for five people to uproot themselves, drive 800 miles, spend a week, and drive back. So as I got out of the car to make a quick stop, I grabbed some drink bottles to throw away. I ended up throwing my cell phone away too. Thankfully, I realized exactly what happened about 5 minutes, and only about 5 miles, later. We raced back, I took a dive into the trash can and came up triumphant! Just so you know, the trash can was fairly empty and I refused to look at what else might have been lurking down there.

The second time was Sunday, on our way home from a visit to Matt's mom's. We stopped at the glorious shopping mecca that is the Jeffersonville Outlets -- off I-71 between Cincinnati and Columbus. I ran in to buy some sandals while the rest of the family circled -(the girls were asleep when I sneaked out of the car - but of course awoke as soon as I shut the door) I didn't want to clutter up the van with more junk so I put the new sandals on, put my old ragged sandals in the new shoe box that was still in a bag, and threw the bag away.

After about 45 minutes of drive-thruing and bathroom breaking, we were on the road again. Five minutes after that I realized my phone was missing.

We debated even making the effort to go find it. This time I wasn't sure if I'd left the phone on the bench where I'd switched out my shoes or if I'd thrown it away with the bag. I knew if I left it on the bench I wouldn't find it again. But the chance was still pretty good that it was there in the bag, waiting (once again) for me to come fish it out.

We took the chance and went back. Matt dialed the number as I approached the trash can - and there it was, my ring tone -- U2's "Beautiful Day" -- slicing through the sounds of the busy holiday weekend shoppers.

So what do you think? Was this a sign that I need to loosen my ties to technology, or just a reminder to count my blessings? Or am I just careless... and lucky? Probably a little of all three.

I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend!

Penny