As I was using the water closet the other day – with my smartphone in one hand and my iPad on the counter next to me – I started to think (as I often do while tinkling). Do people still have a basket with newspapers and magazines next to their toilets? You know, for light reading when things just aren't coming out right?
I'll admit it. My smartphone and iPad go everywhere with me – but mostly my phone. I get severe separation anxiety and the shakes each time my gadgets are not within a quick reach. Why? I'm whipped. Technology has its sultry hold on me for life.
It's not that I have all sorts of important things that have to get done right at that very moment. It's ... well ... two things, really.
One: I get bored easily. Sometimes I feel like using the toilet is time wasted that could be used to accomplish other things.
Two: I'm a bad-ass multi-tasker. To me, if I can take care of one duty while catching up on news, tweets, e-mails or a game of WordFeud then it's a no brainer. Done.
Sometimes however, I can lose track of time in there.
I uncover a lot of great material online, and ideas just flow while I'm sitting there. How can I justify NOT taking a few extra moments to read and think? The advent of mobile technology allows us to get lost in content that was once only viewable in printed, hard copy form. Content that would inevitably make its way into a lonely basket, wedged next to a toilet and against a wall. How often does that basket get new material? What if the content in that basket doesn't jive with the person who needs to read it for a bit? These are quite the conundrums.
I'm sure you're thinking: "Seriously, you're gross."
Actually, I'm not; I just like to make the best use of my time with the content-producing resources available to me. And I beg to differ – this really is no different than grabbing the paper from the front desk/waiting area and sauntering into the stall, now is it? Didn't think so.
Ironically, while having this post edited I was asked the following in all seriousness: "Where on earth did you come up with this topic?"
Really? The can, of course.
Fess up. How many of you take your tablets or smartphones into the bathroom for some quality reading time? Do you think technology is now replacing old bathroom reading material? Talkback below or on Twitter, I'm @bootyp.
Some may call her a digital wizardess. Others may call her a bolt of snark ready to strike. But we like to call her Katie. All ninjas must have a day job, and hers is with advertising agency Boelter + Lincoln in the Third Ward. As "BootyP," her wit, criticism and comedic banter have lit up the Twitter world in Milwaukee - and now she's attacking the blogosphere. Her faithful followers know her no-BS approach to most any topic.
Her snarky-yet professional personality makes her a must-read, must-know person in this city. You can find her 14,500 feet in the air, or walking down the street in a pair of stilettos with a yoga mat strapped to her back.
Want to bribe Katie? Best to deliver massive quantities of Diet Coke, candy (gummy candy more specifically), tea and music her way.
