Some of you know that my husband went to Poland last week. He went to trace the path of his grandfather’s life in that country before he escaped during the Holocaust. He also joined our Montana Senator, Steve Daines, on a moving visit to Auschwitz, which was extremely impactful for all involved. Read more about his trip here.

I don’t love being home alone with the kids (I do love leaving, though ), but I’m perfectly capable of it, and I really had a good attitude and handled it like a champ, 8,000 carpools and all.

All was going (seemingly) well until Thursday when we hit some really big challenges. Amid the chaos, my phone was destroyed. So, I’ve been without a phone since Thursday afternoon.

It’s been interesting to experience the phone-less life, and here’s what I’m noticing:

I’m really ok. I’m not having any major withdrawals. I am pretty proud about the fact that it doesn’t feel like I’m struggling. Of course, we can always use our phone less, but not having it made me realize I have pretty good habits around my phone.

There are many little things for which we rely on our phone. It’s so integrated into our lives that not having it can make life pretty inconvenient. I miss my Google Maps and I really miss listening to my podcasts and music a lot a lot.

Here’s our latest prompt! Send me a voice note on WhatsApp at 406-600-4935.

Ok, so let’s talk Instagram: for me, and for a lot of us, it could be the most interesting to analyze. On the one hand, being off the grid can be pretty cool AND it’s getting old fast. I feel disconnected. I miss having conversations in my DMs, I miss knowing what’s going on, and I miss sharing with all of you. I had a lot to share that was planned, and a lot that I share off the cuff, and I feel frustrated that I have my hands tied behind my back. My phone-less time is reinforcing for me the many positives that social media has brought to my life. I love Instagram (I would be thrilled if it loved me back a little more 🤓), I love the connections I’ve made, I love the opportunities it gives me to share, and share I do! Ain’t no mysteries over here :)

So, all to say, I’m really excited to get a phone, and it’s also good to know that I am totally ok without it (for a limited time).

Stay tuned because I’m going to have double the content once I’m back!

Chavie

Totally Unexpected Roundup

Here’s what’s happening in Totally Unexpected! land:

The Sisters Chat

The always hilarious Sisters Chat! Come get all the tea on our longtime beef over long vs. short podcasts :).

My earlier conversation with Mushky

The Brief

I was so proud to be featured on The Brief with Liv Longin! and be on the other side of the microphone for a change. Liv is a sixth-generation Montanan who features local Bozeman icons on her show. So, does this officially make me a Bozeman icon??

Erica Pelman on Totally Unexpected!

I’m so grateful to people like Erica Pelman, who advocate for women and bring attention to issues that are still so hidden or taboo in our community, especially unwanted or unexpected pregnancies. I had the opportunity to hear Erica’s own story, including how a call from a friend planning an abortion eventually led her to start SHIFRA. We talked about the practical and emotional support women need, and how much it matters to keep the mother at the center of that conversation. If you haven’t listened yet, the episode is called What the Abortion Debate Misses About Mothers. You can listen or watch here:

Life Without a Phone