Let me call you back.

Yes, I have a cell phone. This business sort of dictates it. But frankly, I liked being able to be away from work when I wasn't getting paid.

Those days are gone, and I'm okay with that. What I'm less okay with are the folks with cell phones glued to their ears in just about every location and situation they are in... at the store, on an airplane, on the bus, at a restaurant -- even in the bathroom.

Overheard at the fair this year: "I'm walking over to the barn right now".

"I'll meet you at the ferris wheel".

"I'm gonna eat lunch".

Plus a slew of young folks trying to text while walking down the street.

Are these truly emergencies that require the immediate notification of another party in the midst of a crowd? I guess its not as bad in an open air public place like the fair (unless you happen to be following them - as many people cannot walk and talk (or text)well at the same time).

Frankly, I just don't want to know that much about most folks' personal lives. I don't have a desire to know what you ate for lunch, where your boyfriend last kissed you, where you got your newest tattoo or when you're next "hooking up" with someone.

During the flight for the last WCLO cruise, at least half the plane simultaneously flipped out their cell phones as soon as the wheels stopped moving and everyone had the same message. "Well, we just landed".

Thanks, I hadn't noticed.

I know folks have rides to coordinate and relatives to visit with. But isn't there a more private corner of the airport for both you and myself to enjoy our individual thoughts and conversations? That extra five minutes you'll save by calling from the plane before you get off can't possibly be that important.

We got along for a long time talking face to face with each other. Maybe its a good ritual to stay current with. And when a cell call interrupts that actual personal interaction - there are five words that are worth their weight in gold: "Let me call you back".