By RJ

February 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

I use my plain old Nokia to remind me of everything. I’ve been doing it since they put reminders on cell phones years ago. It beeps to remind me of important events. I can also check my email on my cell so it’s great. Don’t have a blackberry yet, but maybe someday.

By JJ

February 21, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Everything goes on the calendar at home. I keep a back up calendar at work too.

I only have one child, and she is in high school, so there is really no high-tech need to keep us organized…

I feel bad for parents who have to use something like this to stay organized. Maybe you need to cut back on something…

By JD

February 21, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

There have been some goofy topics on this blog, but this has to take the cake. If you can’t keep track of what’s going on in your home without a blackberry, you either have too much going on or aren’t very organized. If executives can do without them, you can do it too.

By DYJ

February 21, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Initially, I got my Blackberry for work but I get just as much personal use out of it. I have all of my daughters appointments in my calendar. I keep a Grocery, Costco, Target, Books to buy, gifts to buy list. I keep photos of my daughter on it and throughout the day my husband send me photos of her which I can then forward to the grandparents, too. I love having a Blackberry.

By Kat

February 21, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I have a “traditional” DayRunner type product for my on-the-go calendar needs. Since I now work from home, it doesn’t get too much of a workout; however, I do keep a wall calendar in my office and in the kitchen. I like those better than a PDA system because I always intend to scrapbook one day, and the hard copy (and thin!) size of the calendars help me keep track of important events, dates and so on so I can refer back to them later.

By EDC

February 21, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing wrong with using a PDA to keep yourself organized. Whatever keeps your household functioning and reduces stress and confusion, works for me! I think that most mothers - stay at home or working - can agree with that.

By mamaj

February 21, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Who paid for this blog?—the makers of the Blackberry? Moms have been running households for eons years without a little expensive piece of status symbol to help them, and I agree with JJ about cutting back.

By One

February 21, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Not necessary, all of this can be accomplished with a regular cell phone. Folks are funny, looking for ways to justify their “ways” of thinking…………

By Five in the family

February 21, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I am a stay-at-home mom with a Blackberry — actually just got it a few weeks ago. Our mobile contract was up and my husband was consolidating his regular Blackberry with his normal phone so that he only had to carry one device. I have traditionally kept a calendar at home, carried round my mobile and a notebook filled with lists (to- do/grocery/etc). I probably wouldn’t have considered a Blackberry (or similar device) if we weren’t already looking at new phones. But now my phone holds the calendar/schedules for the five busy people in my family. It also lets me keep an on-going grocery list and to-do list without using scratch paper (that ultimately gets lost) or wasting pages of a notebook. I am more organized and carry round much less “stuff” as a result. It also wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be — we received an incentive for staying with the same wireless company and they were having a really good online sale and rebate combo on their Blackberries.

JJ — I probably wouldn’t want a Blackberry for one child and myself — but I do find it useful to help juggle five family members’ schedules. While I have some days where I’m strictly round the house doing housework, I also spend hours at the kids’ schools, running errands, driving to/from activities, etc — in essence the Blackberry is my “work” computer.

By WW

February 21, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I agree with EDC, be easy slamming someone for using a product you don’t. Just because it doesn’t work for you doesn’t make it wrong for everyone.

By Jesse's Girl

February 21, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Y’all….embarrassingly enough…I ust learned to text! So, no. I think I will be sticking with my hand-dandy dry erase calendar. I also carry a dayrunner that acts as a note pad, lyric sheet, funny quote catcher and prayer list. I’ve never even allowed video games in the house….I think I can make it without the pocket fruit. There is a such thing as too much technology.

By Never met a CEO who didn't have a Blackberry

February 21, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

JD — The executives I know all have Blackberries. They also have executive assistants, whose sole job is to keep them organized and on schedule. Their executive assistants also have Blackberries.

By ExecutiveAssistantGirl

February 21, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with “Never Met a CEO…”

I am an Executive Assistant to a CEO. He carries a Treo, I carry a Blackberry. I am also a divorced Mom of one. My Blackberry allows me to keep my work and personal life organized.

If it’s not for you, that’s fine. But it works for me. No shame in it.

We have enough to worry about - why slam mom’s who find these devices helpful?

By Amy in the ATL

February 21, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I’m a working mom with 2 kids, 2 dogs and 1 cat and for me, a pda is a must. Having my phone, address book, AND calendar all in one is fantastic, since I always have what I need when I’m out and about. I’m also a big list maker (always have been), and being able to make recurring tasks helps me remember when tuition checks are due, when I need to schedule vet appts for my animals, or even when I need to make travel arrangements for work. I feel I’m a better mom because I have this aid, and it saves me valuable time I can spend with my girls. By the way, the best advice I ever got was to combine my work and personal calendars to make sure I didn’t overcommit….and that helps to make sure I don’t schedule a work meeting when I should be at a parent-teacher conference, etc.

But I do think there is probably a generational gap here. Those of us who have grown up with computers are more likely to find tools such as pdas absolute necessities, whereas those a little older are probably more comfortable with their own organizational methods. Neither is wrong, it’s really a case of what works best for you.

By anonymous

February 21, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Nice southern hospitality you guys have going here. Do you realize that you’ve demeaned yourselves into judging one another about blackberry use? The number of WTF moments this site inspires is baffling.

By Jesse's Girl

February 21, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I fear it would take me so dern long to use one that it would be obsolete by the time I “got it”. All moms do what they have to do to keep the balance…well, good moms do. If a Blackberry makes life easier…go for it! Mr Jesse carries one and he hates it! Of course, that probably has something to do with how cheap his company is…they refuse to get new ones.

By Joyce

February 21, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

What’s the big deal? My mom uses a paper calendar/organizer to this day, just for her. When I was growing up, we had a calendar by the phone that held everything the five of us were doing. So now some moms want to do the same thing electronically? Is that decision somehow immoral? I don’t think so. Now, if I could just remember to get everything off the Treo and on to the dry-erase calendar in the kitchen…. :)

By JJ

February 21, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

What’s a “treo”. I’ve never heard of that until today.

By JJ

February 21, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I’ll admit I’m technology-challenged. I don’t like all this modern technology.

I have a computer at home, but I very rarely use it. Maybe to plan a vacation once in a while, or order a CD or DVD. My daughter uses it all the time. I know how to use mine at work, but at home, no thank you. I would much rather be outside, or take my dogs on a five mile walk than sit at a computer monitor.

I have no black/blueberries, blooth tooth, etc. I have a cell, but it stays at home. We don’t have a land line either.

I will not ever, ever, ever have any type of navigation system in my vehicle. I am a natural navigator, and have been all my life.

And I absolutely hate the do it yourself check outs at the grocery store and Home Depot. I will not use them. I like human interaction.

Plain and simple is how I like my life. The less electronic intrusion the better. I think I’m happier without all this modern technology. I’m not against them, I just have no use for them.

By Jesse's Girl

February 21, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I feel you JJ…although my disdain for the self check out is more selfish. It ALWAYS indicates the need for a CSM. Which of course creates the need for human interaction…but with some of the most intellectually challenged people I have I ever met! Mean? Perhaps. But WalMart seems to have a maximum IQ allowance for all employees.

By Joyce

February 21, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

A Treo is the Palm version of a BlackBerry. It’s a combination cellphone and PDA.

By Rachel

February 21, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

No - but I would like one in the future. DH says there isn’t a PDA that is compatable right now with my Bluetooth. My planning diary works fine for now.

By Never met a CEO...

February 21, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

The people who are commenting that they hate modern technology are using it to post their comments on this blog. They are also using mod tech to get their day-to-day jobs done efficiently — which is the reason Theresa said these moms are beginning to use PDAs.

I think we can all agree that motherhood is a big job — whether you stay at home or work outside the home. Using an electronic tool to help with the job of motherhood isn’t any different or worse than everyone in the business world using a computer right now — even though people ran businesses for eons without the benefit of computers.

There will always be technophiles who use all of the latest technology. There will always be technophobes who want to live the Walden life.

Most of us are in the middle. We choose to use technologies at work and at home that help us, and we don’t use gadgets that interfere with our quality of life. For some, the PDA is a useful tool. For others, it’s an intrusion.

Needing to cut back on your activities has nothing to do with it.

By Joyce

February 21, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

When I used a paper-based system, I semi-jokingly referred to it as “my life”. I feel the same about my Treo, when it’s not giving me fits, that is. We only have one child, but all of the family commitments go into it. I also keep a dry erase calendar (2 months at a time) in the kitchen so that everyone has access to all the information. My son has recently been very interested in loose teeth and losing teeth, since his classmates have started, so he began writing down his stuffed animals’ progress in that area. Last night he was even trying to write down all of their “appointments” until I told him that this calendar was for (real) people only. He began writing all of that stuff down on another paper calendar I gave him. All of this at age 5! How did I end up with such an organized kid?

By JJ

February 21, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Joyce How cute. My daughter did that sort of thing with her stuffed animals. Except they were in “School”, not loosing teeth…..

She used to line them up and sit and read to them, and show the pictures like they do at school.

By One

February 21, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Having my phone, address book, AND calendar all in one is fantastic

Okay, doesn’t a cell phone do all of these things. Most cells (even my older LG model) have address book, calendar with reminders, notepads, calculators, camera and photo gallery, music, emial, text, and a bunch of other stuff I didn’t mention. So what’s the need for a Blackberry? Not that I care if whoever has one or not, but you all are acting like these things do something most cell phones don’t. Duh………..

By SK

February 21, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

JJ - I think I am your polar opposite…I love technology; I love my Blackberry (nothing like being at the ortho and being able to see if I have any work conflicts for that next appt. in 3 months); I use the computer every day; I manage all my bills online and I absolutely LOVE self-checkout. I don’t miss the human interaction, probably because I don’t find many of the cashiers these days interact very well. I, too, am a natural navigator, but I love watching my progress on the GPS in my mom’s car (don’t have it in mine - too expensive still). But you know what, I say, to each his own. I admire anybody who can keep their lives organized by whatever means they find useful. I could live without technology, but I wouldn’t have nearly as much fun. Have a great day!

By SK

February 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

One - the main difference for me is having a full keyboard - makes it much faster to update. I have it because of work, though, and probably wouldn’t have one if I had to buy it myself.

By AK

February 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

I have to say I am unimpressed with this blog. Is this the best you can come up with?

By One

February 21, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

SK, I hear ya. Many cells now have the “QWERTY” keyboard also. Most people probably wouldn’t if they had to buy them, too! I was just a little perplexed because there seemed to be a disconnect in the fact that cell phones do all of the things people are raving about the Blackberry’s doing.

By HI tech mom

February 21, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Whatever you need to do as a mom to make your JOB easier then do it. as I read this blog it reminded to to add an event in my calender as we speak. I am appauled and the number of people who trash this.

By Theresa

February 21, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hey AK — I am always totally open to suggested topics — it makes my job easier Please feel free to write in the blog some of things you would like to see us discuss or feel free to email me at ajcmomania@gmail.com I am happy to work in requested topics.

By Tamika

February 21, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I love blackberries.. they make a wonderful pie. They are great to make fruit juice drinks.

I go Blackberry picking ever fall.

So i dont see the Big deal on why someone can have and eat blakberries.

Dont eat too many blackberries they will make you have runny poopy

By Tamika

February 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I Love that Blackberry from Wild Vines. That stuff tasets so damn good!!

By Tamika

February 21, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Oh my god — I just found out I am going to Australia for my Anniversary!!

OH YEAH!!!!!

By ugh

February 21, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

boring

By Akima

February 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Big Whoop Tamika, We are taking a month to go over to Europe and cruise the Mediterranian Ocean for two weeks, then country hopping for another two weeks. It’s our 25th Anniversary.

By Magenta

February 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’m seriously considering getting a Blackberry. My cell phone is very convenient, but doesn’t offer enough space for detail on the phone numbers you key in. I still use paper planners, though, but try to get the smallest thing possible. I back this up with Outlook and reminders galore. My only worry about a PDA is, gadget gets lost or battery dies.

By Belinda

February 21, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Akima, how classy! I’m sure Tamika’s trip will be equally satisfying for her. People kill me with their one-upmanship behavior. Grow up!

By Bernie

February 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Oh, I thought this article was about black people.

By ???????????

February 21, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

How in the world is Tamika going to Australia?

By Together for 12

February 22, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

Ok, I’m not sure I get this. First, we claim that stay-at-home-Moms DO work via caring for the house & family. But then we (some people anyhow) are saying that SAHMs shouldn’t need Blackberries or PDAs to stay organized like other working professionals often have. Are working professionals the only people who actually should have such devices because their work brings home a paycheck? It smacks of a double standard.

Anyhow, I don’t have a Blackberry or a PDA. I have a day planner because you can’t carry a pen, pencil, eraser, stamps, deposit slips, business cards, paper clips, coupons, etc. in a PDA, and nobody wants to steal a cheap binder with a bunch of paper in it. PDAs are valuable though, so they’re way more often stolen.

If your PDA breaks and you’ve lost all your info since your last backup, what then? Let’s be honest, who backs up their PDA even once every day?

By Becky

February 22, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

OK, guess people are going to think that I very strange. BUT, I don’t have a Blackberry, PDA or even a daytimer..I have custody of my 2 neices 16&14, so yes I have things to keep up with. I’m a lot like JJ, I’m not into high tech stuff much. I don’t have a computer at home, no land line phone, nor do I have any movies channels..I’m more into cooking & reading..I think it all just depends on each person..If you want (or need) a Blackberry, then you should have one..We are all different for reasons..

By Lifesaver

February 22, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

I had to get something to keep me “together”… I tried everything, but then one day I cleaned out my purse and found all these pieces of loose papers, notepads, etc… I said “that’s it!”. I looked around and ended up with the Moto Q 9h. I LOVE IT! I can see all my events right on the home screen, no having to open the calendar everytime I need to see what is going on that day. I just got to pick up the phone and just look at the screen! I also have instant messenger on it so I am just click away and not have to been on the phone all the time. Mostly it is just me being told to pick something up, a reminder, etc. I do work, but this is NOT for work… it is for my home life!

By FCM

February 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Joyce—sounds like your child is born organized.

I did the paper system for years….these days it goes right into my online calendar…I can have reminders sent to me home/office/phone (text)….I always have a camera (phone)…my phone numbers, email addys etc right at my hip or fingertips.

I pay bills online too. I wish the school would do their updates/news letters online instead of sending the ‘junk mail’ packet home with the weekly grades each week.

We are becoming more and more a paperless society (as the AJC can attest).

By nurse&mother

February 22, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

I am so glad that my life is not so hectic that I need a big calander or an electronic device. I have my work schedule and I very rarely have to write appointments on it. I have friends that I rarely see because they have so many obligations with school and ball etc. I am extrememly thankful. I would also say that I plan it this way. I think it is important for growing children to have some time to themselves at home. It’s ok to have activities planned, but I don’t think it is healthy for children to constantly be on the go. To each his own, though. Just MHO.

By nurse&mother

February 22, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I certainly don’t see a problem with a blackberry if I ever get to the point that I need one. It sounds pretty neat (no pun intended).

By Karen

February 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I dont feel theres anything wrong in needing one.

I dont want one or need one.

I dont feel theres anything wrong in wanting one or needing one.

I do feel its wrong to put someone else down because they choose to have one for whatever reason.

I’m not about tell a grown man or woman how they should spend their hard earned money.

Wow blows my mind how judgemental some people can be.

By TJ

February 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I don’t “need” a Blackberry or other device to stay organized. But having my iPhone saves time and effort. I work at home and have 3 kids, including an infant. I use my iPhone with a headset so I can be hands-free (HUGE benefit). I can return emails while nursing my youngest. I can work or make appointments while waiting in the kindergarten pickup line. Even if you don’t work, if you have a nursing infant or multiple children you can see how this could be useful.

By deidre_NC

February 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

to me a blackberry or any other tech planner is just a new version of a leather covered day planner…whats the big deal. i have FINALY learned how to text as this is how my kids communicate with me and now theres the unlimited text plans you can get tc…why does anyone care so much if a mom whether sahm or out in the workplace kind want to keep up with their stuff via tech…it always seems to amaze me how many people waste precious time dissing others for not doing things their way.

oh yeah-i funally also learned how to use the notepad and alarm thingy on my cell and i love it..maybe i will get a blackberry soon lol…just to have a new toy—

i also agree with tamika that blackberries are great for pies

yall all have a great day

PEACE

By Joyce

February 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

FCM-I’ve thought that too. I don’t want to kill that organizational impulse with my lack of it, so I use my treo.

By Joyce

February 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that it took a 5-yo to reform me!

By deidre_NC

February 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

i have to add this:tarted doing everything online because it is so easy-now all my phone numbers are in my cell phone instead of my head-the reason i can think of for not having things so electronic is what if there is a major whatever that stops all satellite transmissions…id be lost-and im sure here are others who would be too—-do any oa yall ever worry about that?

By mica

February 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

What are you tech-dependable ones going to do in the almighty satellite blackout?

By FCM

February 22, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

@mica—-well apparently then we will start missing or being late for appointments…..until then we will stay on time.

By DB

February 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I LOVE my Treo! We’re networked at home, and the family puts their schedule on one calendar program on the home network. I put the school schedule in at the beginning of the year, daughter puts in her rehearsals, sports schedules, and work and babysitting appointments, husband puts in his out of town trips and appointments, son puts in his college schedule, I put in my work schedule, meetings, etc. — then I download the whole thing to my Treo every week or so, and print out a copy of the calendar for the next couple of months for the ‘fridge.

Could I live without it? Sure. (I could also live without chocolate, but what would be the point? :-) ) But it sure is handy, and I love having everything at my fingertips, especially if I have to schedule a doctor or dentist appointment when I’m away from home, or if I’ve forgotten my brother’s zip code and I’m standing in line at UPS. And mine is programmed to back-up every time I download, so that takes care of that.

Folks who are sneering at our PDAs should remember that it wasn’t that long ago that people sneered at people who carried around those little leather-bound organizers as being “anal” and “overorganized.” It’s just a tool that I enjoy using. I used to enjoy my organizer book, too, but that Treo fits in my pocketbook a whole lot easier!