lady in waiting

Finally making her debut in a new outfit that coincidentally befits its name, she has patiently been a lady in waiting. Vietnam experienced its first iPhone craze in 2010 around the time I was researching things to bring. Contrary to the enormous expectations and initial shortages, I have seen a few vendors that have them in stock (not entirely sure of their authenticity or premium). There have been speculations that the shortages are due to the small orders that the local carriers ordered, as they were worried about the true demand given the cost compared to local salary.

Since factory unlocked ones are not sold in the US, I had to get creative which included possibly involving friends or relatives of friends. In the end, my friend Zaj hooked me up. So the phone has been sitting in its original box for months waiting to come out and play. I ended up ordering two skins, unsure about whether one would make it through customs as well as how it would be perceived. After much thought, I ended up dressing her up in the one that reflected my personality. Voila!

decalgirl ~ lady in waiting

I have discovered that most phones are not equipped with voicemail (further research unearthed that the option is available but only for end-of-month contracts - see luck be the lady post). Even businesses do not have voicemail beyond the receptionist. My curiosity usually solicited responses with the attitude of 'no big whoop' and everyone has your mobile number to get a hold of you. 

When I first started working after college, we were told to check voicemail at least twice a day. This has evolved into perhaps once a week and sometimes once a month. That's because pda's have made it easy to just send emails (or even text messages) if you needed to find someone and have them call you. Although it was commonplace for people to give out cell phone numbers for work purposes, I was always reluctant, and ended up carrying two phones so that I could disconnect at my whim. Also, I'm in the camp that thinks it is rude to either check your phone or talk on your phone while you're spending time with someone (unless you let the other person know in advance that you're expecting a call or message).

Yet even with cell phone voicemail, I know so many in the US that either don't leave voicemails, opting to text if they can't get a hold of you, or don't bother listening to voicemails and just call you back to cut to the chase. So perhaps voicemail is not really needed, and was one of those things that you don't use when you have it but feel the need to have it just because...