iPod Game

This winter, my daughter saved up the money she earned dog walking.  Now she has a cute, annoying, iPod.

I must admit, it can be a useful thing, especially when she’s away from home.  She can text, email, find directions, input reminders, take pictures, listen to music, and even play games.  Games.  Bonus.

What I dislike about iPods – or any portable electronic device – is the amount of time spent on them at inappropriate times, a trend that seems to be increasing.

We’ve made some rules for iPod use in our family – like when we should be talking to or listening to other people, or even doing something like watching a movie together – THE GADGET IS OFF!

I’ve started playing my own iPod game – without an iPod.  It’s called, “What Are They Doing With Their iPod?”

When someone stops dead in her tracks at the grocery store and stares into the palm of her hand, what is she doing?  Checking her grocery list?  Calculating price per gram?

Or when he takes his electronic device up to the salad bar, is he texting his wife to see what he’s allowed to eat?  Looking up calories?  Sending a picture and message to his friend: “food looks good tonight – come on down”?

Or when a couple stands together, embracing, looking at their separate iPhones, are they calling other people or texting sweet nothings to each other?  I don’t know, but either one sounds terribly romantic.

What I find most alarming is how often I can play my game.