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I'm A "Crack" Addict . . .

By Kim Darling

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 BRE#01322859

August 26, 2010 06:26 AM

I'm a "Crack" Addict . . .

Berry that is.

I didn't realize it until yesterday when I found myself feeling restless at stop lights and wondering what messages were waiting for me while my phone was securely tucked away in the backseat of my car. I had mixed feelings, one part of me was so proud of myself, the other had all this nervous energy.

I'm surprised my kids haven't noticed yet. This morning was Day 2. This morning was even harder, I Blackberry Curve
must have had more idling time during my short journey to the office. I must have changed the radio station over 100 times this morning because I just couldn't sit at a stop light and wait and do nothing. I was a mess. I felt like someone going withdrawals, it was crazy.

So, why is my "CrackBerry" secured away in my purse? Well, it's because I am BAD!!! I have a problem!!! I text and email when I drive. Driving has been a time when I can get those messages sent out or replied to. I like to be doing something every second of the day. I have to be engaged at all times. Can you believe my kids are always yelling (politely asking) me to stop? Hello? What kind of example am I? I would be so upset at my 15 year old who is learning to drive if she did this? What makes me safer than everyone else? The answer is I'm not. I need to stop.

So, you may be thinking, "She got a ticket!", "She got in an accident!". Nope, I didn't. Nothing bad happened to me or anyone I know. That's the point. I'm going to quit now, while I don't have a bad story to tell. I will tell you though, that Active Rain had something to do with it. I was reading blogs at midnight on Tuesday night and came across A Very Sad Last Tweet written by Holly Kirby Weatherwax. It just hit me. I needed to stop.

Oprah's No Phone Zone Logo I didn't even comment on Holly's blog that night. I immediately went on a quest to find Oprah's No Phone Zone Challenge. I had heard about the pledge and I was going to do it. So, I found the information, and bookmarked it. I completed Day 1. I signed on Day 2. I'm waiting to tell my kids. Not because I don't want to be accountable, but because I want to see if or when they will notice. Then, I will show them the hard copy I printed of the pledge and this blog.

So here's to my "Recovery"!!! I have made it through the biggest step, admitting I have a problem and telling the world how unsafe I have been. I have to say, this will be difficult, I don't sit still well. I like to use every second to be doing something. I guess I will find other things to do at the stop light, look around, observe the scenery, maybe smile at a handsome guy. Oh wow, the possibilities this can open up!!! Maybe it won't be so hard :)

So, if you find yourself talking, texting, emailing, facebooking, tweeting while you are in route to places in your car, please join me. Take the pledge. Be like me, do it before you have a tragedy. Who is in???

Click on my pledge below to join in.

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Garreth Wilcock

Sherlock Homes Frisco - Frisco, TX

Sherlock Homes Frisco

Smoking crack is bad for your teeth. Texting while driving is bad for everyone's teeth

Aug 26, 2010 06:29 AM

Louis Snitkin

Halstead Property - Manhattan, NY

"Results That Will Move You"

Good luck Kim. Life has been much better since I discovered the "Power Off" button. I have what I call the Crackberry twitch; I think my phone is vibrating, only to realize that it's not even on my waist!

If you need some support to get over your addiction, call me. However, don't be upset if you get voice mail - I'm probably with a customer and don't want to be disturbed.

Aug 26, 2010 06:31 AM

Marilyn Boudreaux

Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

LOL I am a Crackbook "Facebook" Addict!

Aug 26, 2010 06:32 AM

Anonymous

Sandy Darling

As your Mom, I'm VERY proud of you for "kicking the habit"! I want you and my granddaughers to be safe, especially when you're behind the wheel. Love you, Mom

Aug 26, 2010 07:00 AM

Kim Darling

Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA

CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

Gareth-Luckily I don't have to worry about the first one :) and I agree 100% on the second!!!

Louis-Thanks, I appreciate the support, and boy, have I been twitching already!!! :)

Marilyn-Me too!!!! If I didn't have messages when I was at a stop light, I would catch up on people's updates. I'm pretty good when I'm on the computer, so much to do always, but when I have my phone and a free second, I'm always checking.

Mom-Thanks, this does mean that my phone will go to voicemail and I can't answer when your calling!!! You know I drive a lot, so just leave me the message, promise to get back to you soon as possible!! No fussing and saying I never answer my phone :) Love ya, thanks for stopping by!!!

Aug 26, 2010 07:16 AM

Tammi Copsey

Perry Hall, MD

I'm a Crackberry addict and freely admit it LOL! I had to use a normal cell phone while my Blackberry was being repaired and I thought I would chew my arm off not being so connected to the world. It drove me crazy LOL! I do not text or email when I drive because I use my Blackberry for GPS...that puts a stop to it really quickly ;)

In case you aren't aware, there is a website for people like us...http://www.crackberry.com There is so much advice, fun and free stuff there, I make time at least once a week to visit, read and play :)

Aug 26, 2010 07:20 AM

Joni Bailey

101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX

Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

Hi. My name is Joni and I am a iCrackphone addict. P.S. What a wonderful Mom you have!!! :O)

Aug 26, 2010 11:24 AM

Emmary Simpson

Las Cruces Homes and Land - Las Cruces, NM

Serving Las Cruces, NM

I decided that, when I finally updated my phone a couple of weeks ago, I would NOT get a Crack Blackberry. I bought a phone that has everything I need - and more but it's fine because I can't figure out half of the fun stuff anyways.

I look at it this way - there is nothing so important in the world that would make me want to risk my life or anyone else's for a phone call or a text message reply. It just isn't worth it at all.

Aug 26, 2010 02:12 PM

Kaera Mims

Liz Moore & Associates - Fort Monroe, VA

Associate Broker, e-PRO, REALTOR; Hampton, Newport News, York Co.

Kim I am so proud of you. I am not a Crack addict, b/c I don't have a Blackberry, but I am attached to my cell phone and must stop. I commend you for your effort and support your continued effort. Much success to you...

Aug 26, 2010 03:16 PM

Todd & Devona Garrigus

Garrigus Real Estate - Beaumont, CA

Broker / REALTORS®

Kim - I read the same blog and made the same decision. I think I'm fairing better than you, though. I can put my phone right next to me and not be tempted to look at it. I use news radio or music to keep me occupied. Good luck and stay strong!

Aug 26, 2010 03:20 PM

Kim Darling

Keller Williams Westland Realty BRE# 01864461 - Fresno, CA

CRS,GRI, "Your Home Team" Fresno/Clovis Homes

Tammi-I will check out that site sometime when I have some free time, sounds fun!!! I do use mine for GPS sometimes, and it's half way through Day 3, and its getting easier!!!

Joni- LOL!!! Glad I'm not alone!!! Yes, my mom is great!!!

Emmary-Your right!!! Nothing is worth that risk. Good for you. I know what you mean about the features and bells and whistles, so much to learn. I'm ready for a new phone, just waiting for Supra to support Android or Verizon the get Iphone, whichever happens first.

Aug 27, 2010 10:46 AM

Peggy Wester

Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI

Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Excellent, excellent, excellent! I am guilty of pulling out and glancing at the Blackberry at stoplights, but you have reminded me of the importance to just stop. I saw the "Oprah" episode that covered this topic and will never forget the woman who's mother was killed by someone who was on the cell phone while driving. She asked if any message is more important than someone else's life and reminded us all that these victims are not statistics -- they are people. Continued success to you!

Aug 28, 2010 01:17 PM

Karen Bernetti

Southington, CT

Kim - I wish you the best of luck overcoming your addiction. I'm very motivated by my desire to set a good example for my almost teenage boys. It scares me to death to think that they'll be driving soon. I don't want to be a "do as I say and not as I do" kind of parent. The best advice to come out of any parenting book .... we must BE the person we want our children to become. Those are such hard words to live up to!!

Aug 28, 2010 03:51 PM

Vickie Nagy

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA

Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

It's amazing how something so simple can become so addictive. I think all the social networking has really led to fuel the fire of addiction.

Aug 29, 2010 06:23 AM

Sussie Sutton

David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX

David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Good Job! I am proud of you!

I am trying not to talk at all on the phone while I am in the car. I hate to text so that is not an issue. I can't read emails on my cell phone because I don't have a Smart Phone.

So I am good. And so are you!

Coming to you from Texas...

Sep 03, 2010 03:46 AM