She CAN Be Taught

So my iPhone and I are getting along much better these days.

We've come a long way in our user/phone relationship since the day that Bev and I were commiserating over lunch about our iPhone skill deficiencies. We kvetched and complained over lunch for a good two hours, much to the amusement and possibly some irritation of all of the other more iPhone savvy customers seated around us.

But I've learned a great deal since then, and from some interesting sources. Of course, family and friends have provided great coaching. My nephew's wife in particular has provided excellent tips couched in incredibly tactful phrases.

I love that girl. And not just for her techno-skills, which are superb.

The latest tutoring session came at an interesting price in an unusual place. I was doing some shopping, and decided to treat myself to a smoothie. After I placed my order, two young men walked in and also ordered. One chose the same smoothie as I had, only in a smaller size.

So my order came up and the server called out the name of the drink then slid it across the counter into this young man's hand, who took it and sampled a great big slurp. He commented to his friend, "Wow! That was quick!"

The other two smaller smoothies showed up next. I thought about this for a bit and realized that this kid had definitely scooped up my smoothie. I really didn't need the extra calories, but still, I HAD paid for that bigger cup.

I sat looking at the smallish styrofoam cup when the smoothie bandit took out his iPhone.

::lightbulb moment::

I cleared my throat. Excuse me, but can you tell me what size smoothie you ordered? Because I think you picked up mine by mistake.

He looked at his drink, and then at the size of his friend's drink, then flushed bright red with embarassment. "Oh, man! I'm so sorry. Aw..and here I've been slugging it down like crazy! Wow. I'll buy you another one..."

He began digging around in his pockets and counting his change. His friend took out his wallet and they put their heads together counting their money, all the while apologizing.

What nice boys.

No, really, you don't have to do that, I said.

The server got into the act. "Oh, lady, I'm sorry. I gave your order to somebody else. I'll make up a new one for you!"

Guys. Really. It's OK.

Pause.

I want something other than a smoothie.

The look on this kid's face was priceless. I would say it was a combination of skepticism and terror. "What? Um, what did you say?"

I laughed. Look, it's nothing TOO weird. I just got an iPhone and I noticed you have one too. Would you mind showing me a few things - kind of like a phone lesson - in exchange for the smoothie?

I could see him mentally digesting this little exchange, still a bit cautiously. He and his friend exchanged glances.

"Um. What do you want to know?"

I was encouraged that he didn't roll his eyes. Well. I slid my chair across to their table and pulled out my phone. What's some of your favorite apps? And how do you get the google navigation thing to work without letting them know EVERYTHING about where I am? And do you use a different chat/message app than the one loaded? How do I incorporate all my contacts and blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.....

Within seconds, we had our heads bent together over our phones, slurping and talking and laughing. Before I knew it, one of the guys looked at his watch.

"Oh, yikes! Hey, we've got to get back to school!"

Wow. We had been talking for a good forty five minutes. I waved good-bye as they raced out the door while slinging their backpacks over their shoulders.

What fun. I finished my drink, smiling. I wondered what they told their friends when they got back to school? I could just imagine...

"Sorry we're late! We were helping this old lady with her cell phone! Honest!"

If I were their teacher, I wouldn't have believed it either.