Good Thing, Bad Time

Man, I missed something really special today. I intentionally set aside the morning to go out with my little girl so we could spend quality time with each other. She and I haven't been getting along too well lately. Mommy and Daddy have been working really hard, trying to begin a new business from the ground up.  Even though she can't put her feelings into words, we can see her frustration.  The weather has consistently been too cold to burn much energy off outdoors.  The gloom of winter has taken a toll on the four of us, especially on her.  

So, the two of us headed out for breakfast and shopping early this morning.  As we pulled out of our driveway, I did something that has become second nature for me.  I grabbed my BlackBerry and made a call.  Now, that in itself isn't a terrible thing.  But before I realized it, our trip was over and I had missed it.  The two of us were together, yes.  But mentally and emotionally I was completely absent.  

That first call led to another phone call, to reading and returning several emails, to a few more calls, to following friends on Twitter and Facebook, etc.  You get the picture.  A good and useful tool has invaded my life in a negative way....

My mother/daughter date turned out to be a huge wake up call for me.  And I answered.

Third "Tour's" a Charm?

Back in late October 2009, my husband and I entered the world of smartphones.  Since both of us would rather yank our toe nails completely off than switch to AT&T, we knew that iPhones weren't an option.  We reluctantly settled for two BlackBerry Curves from T-Mobile.

We saw right away that yes, smartphones really are all they're cracked up to be.  Especially when it comes to staying connected in business... having a tiny computer in your hand is VERY convenient.

After having the Curve only 1 week, the trackball just stopped working out of nowhere.  For those of you unfamiliar with BlackBerry phones, a Curve without a functioning trackball is like a computer without a mouse.  You pretty much can't do a durn thing without it.  Returned it to the store for a full refund.  Goodbye, BlackBerry #1!

The very next day we paid big $$$ to get out of our contract with T-Mobile and switched to Verizon.  GREAT DECISION!  They had a nice BOGO deal going on with their Blackberry devices, so we walked out with two Tours in hand.

Fast forward to mid-January 2010... While downloading a new application from Blackberry App World, the phone suddenly died.  Gone.  Kaput.  This was a really big deal for several reasons-- 1) We don't have a home phone, only cell phones. 2) We had just launched our new business and had already become very reliant on having email, contacts lists, etc. right in the palm of our hand.  I bundled up my toddler, who was running a fever, and drove to the nearest Verizon Wireless store.  Their solution?  "Go home and we'll mail you a new one."  Ummmmm.... EXCUSE ME?!  No. No. No.

Long story short, I refused to leave until I could leave with a phone in my hand.  After two hours and many choice words with an incredibly rude manager (Hey Jermaine... find a new job!!!), I was handed another Tour.

Here I am today, ten days after receiving the replacement Tour, and the headphone jack suddenly stops working.

Seriously, BlackBerry?!  Are your phones really this cheaply made or am I having an awful string of bad luck?

So fourth Blackberry, third Tour, is on its way to my house via Fed Ex.  I'm anxious to see what will happen next.  Will the third time really be lucky?  Or three strikes, you're out?  I guess only time will tell.

I'd love to hear any and all comments from BlackBerry users.  What have been your experiences, especially with the Tour?