It was a beautiful spring morning in LaJolla, California . I had flown to San Diego
evening before. After a pleasant breakfast, cab driver had taken me five miles to LaJolla. In an hour and a half he was to pick me up for trip to San Diego airport, where I would catch a shuttle for two-hour trip down to Ensanada, Mexico. From there I would board Dawn Princess to Hawaii.As I strolled through LaJolla, I was completely charmed by its gorgeous Pacific setting and its quaint shops. I sat in one of shops and sipped coffee, while reading a book and looking at ocean.
As it got closer to time for Ebbie, cab driver, to pick me up, I started walking back to LaJolla Cove, where we were to meet. Passing through Ellen Browning Scripps Park, I noticed joggers, walkers, lovers and sightseers. I walked up to a rail and joined sightseers and stood speechless while gazing at grandeur of breakers against rocky shoreline.
A hundred yards or so below was a middle-aged couple sitting on a rock. It appeared they, too, were enjoying sights, as well as each other’s company.
Suddenly, I couldn’t believe my eyes! “You’ve got to be kidding,” I thought. “That lady is actually talking on a cell phone.” In one of most beautiful and romantic places in world, while apparently with her husband, she was on her cell phone. If I had been her husband, I would have been sorely tempted to push her into water.
As I turned to walk to spot where Ebbie would be waiting, I spotted a bag lady who was walking around in park talking to herself. I couldn’t help thinking she had more sense than lady on cell phone.
What is it with people and cell phones? I admit to being biased on subject. After all, I’ve not only had to stop cutting hair so customers could answer trivial calls; I’ve also had someone who was seated on front row talk on his phone during one of my speeches. So, I have some rather strong feelings about rude people and their phones. I understand that devices serve a vital purpose when used wisely. What I don’t understand is why they have become as important to average person as an oxygen bottle to a respiratory patient.
