Hell started freezing over last Wednesday when I, the self-proclaimed advocate for not owning a cell phone, caved in and bought one. Well, technically the phone was free (and it takes pictures) with the service plan. This is my confession.

However, I have convinced myself that here, in Japan, the same rules do not apply. It is impossible here without one. Impossible to have a social life since the only way people talk to each other is text messages. It has already proven itself a helpful communication tool. After a late night and long day at work I realized my keys were still in the pocket of my pants, laying on the floor next to my futon. This much I can picture perfectly. I emailed a flatmate. Within minutes he responded and I conveniently found out that for the next 3 hours I have nothing but time to kill.

This is not a testament to the cell phone, but more of convincing myself it is a good thing.