I Need a Phone: Can the Stubborn Donkey be Convinced?

Top Ten Tuesday

I have wanted a cell phone for a long time, but have gotten used to doing without. However, recently I was on a cell phone plan with Chris's mom; she was stuck paying for her son Daniel's old phone when he moved, and was kind enough to let me use it. Unfortunately, I ended up losing it, presumably by throwing it away on a fast food tray. Of course by then I was accustomed to having a phone, so it has been difficult to go back to doing without. I have been searching for a good phone, a good plan, and a good way to convince Chris.

Of course, geek that I am, I can't just settle for a simple phone; I've had my sights set on a Treo (phone/PDA) for the last 3-4 years. Today, I finally looked into the details of the discount plan Chris has access to through his work, and I found an appealing option. I went to Chris with the details and he seemed hesitant, but at least willing to discuss it. He asked me to write a proposal, detailing the need, the advantages, and the costs. I was a bit annoyed that he wanted me to write this all out, since I could just as easily recite it all to him in about two minutes. However, I was excited that he was actually inviting some dialogue on the subject, so I quickly typed up a bulleted list of reasons for him. I thought about making it fancy or clever, but I didn't think this would be a great use of my time, since the house was a mess and I had tons of laundry to do. Little did I know that my Treo Proposal was being published to his blog, so he could run a poll and let the blogosphere vote on my fate.

I invite you all to visit his blog and vote. Had I known my proposal was being published, it may have looked a little more like this:

Top Ten: Reasons It's Treo Time for Nancy

10. In the past month, I've had to search for, then stop and use a pay phone at least 3 times (usually to get in touch with Chris). Have you seen how expensive those things are these days?--Not to mention the fact that I need a HAZMAT suit before I dare touch the phone and put it to my ear!
9. I am the one in charge of all information coming in and out of the house--mail, bills, school reminders, car registration, taxes, health information, important addresses, lists, gift shopping and shipping, travel arrangements, babysitting schedules, prescriptions, magazine subscriptions...
8. The Post-It Notes just aren't cutting it anymore, especially with 3 little guys who think any piece of paper they find is for paper airplanes or confetti-making.
7. I am in the midst of setting up a Getting Things Done system, which will be greatly enhanced by a method for keeping digital lists and information at my fingertips.
6. I am not a big spender--I don't shop at the mall, I don't buy expensive shoes, I don't even order soda when we go out to eat!
5. I have waited long enough that this is certainly not an impulse purchase.
4. I am in charge of transporting our precious cargo (3 adorable little boys) 90% of the time, and have no way to arrange for roadside assistance in case of an accident or emergency.
3. I am Chris's personal secretary--I set up his doctor's appointments, I proofread everything he writes, I drop off his dry cleaning, I mail his letters to his missionary-brother, I pay his tuition, I even provide a personal reminder service when he has special calls to make or meetings to go to.
2. I am often Chris's chauffeur, and he often requests a phone call reminding him to start packing up his things and meet me outside of his office building.
1. Chris has a cell phone/PDA which he uses constantly and can't be without!

What do you think? Be sure to cast your vote!