Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Unplugged - and proud of it!

As many of my followers are aware I have been absent from the world of blogging, some haven't noticed while others I am sure may have wondered if I may have been swept up with the "Toronto 15" in recent raids. Ah but that's for another day.

I was recently sent to our nations Capital ( Hilary that would be Ottawa ), and it was during this time that Hommee's eyes were opened. As I was working downtown, I noticed that it appeared there was not a person without something stuck to their ear. As well many have invested in these head sets so that they can keep talking while they sip on their $5.75 coffee purchased from some hippy joint wishing it was still the 60's.

I was about to say something to my partner when I realized my word's would have been wasted as he also was speaking to who ever. I then noted that he did not have one cell phone but two, as well as a pager and some other fancy looking device which he later explained could give his global positioning to anyone in the world at any time. Global What !!!! and who needs to know where he is - was I working with James Freaken Bond AKA 007 - if so where were the Bond girls?

This sparked a conversation in which he indicated it was important for us - especially in the work we would be doing that we are always " PLUGGED IN ". Plugged into what - or who I asked. He asked to see my cell phone at which I sheepishly admitted to leaving at "home base", felt that was a good global word. It appears I broke the bond we had built - I could see it in his eyes - was I to be trusted, would I take the ultimate fall if needed, was I carrying my capsule of arsenic should I fall into enemy hands. Our relationship was being tested.

I attempted to explain that when I go to the moving picture show I still stand in line to purchase my tickets from one of the staff with pop corn and butter on their fingers. This is mainly because I can't quite figure out those automatic movie things. The last time I tried I wound up pushing the wrong button - something about a guy who broke his back while on a mountain. I had to pay again for the right picture show.

Feeling definitely lesser a man I slid over to Tims to purchase my $1.55 steeped tea while the team played with their toys. As I stood at the counter the new Canadian asked in the politest of voices - " will that be all sir " I was stunned and shot back with " no that's it, that's all I need, I'm just a simple man". The people lined up behind me parted as I slipped out the door. Reaching the streets I noticed immediately that all those around me were still plugged in.

What was I missing, have any of them ever just sat on the dock with the love of your life as the sun set into the treeline. Have they ever heard the cry of the loon or the splash of the ducks as they landed in the bay for the nights rest. Do they know what it is to lick peanut butter from your fingers and the edge of the knife because you were at the bottom of the bucket.

I think not! - I may be a simple man but I am a man!

Unplugged
Hommee Dad