In which it really is the network

Today was the day. I called our cell phone provider no less than four times to verify that since we had reached the end of our eternal and endless two-year contract, we were fully free to drop them like the hot, stinking sack of unreliable swamp muck they are select a new carrier.

Quick refresher on the Four Reasons for Changing Cell Phone Providers located here.

We had done the research and selected our new carrier based on the following criteria: they have (a) a reliable network; (b) a service plan to suit our needs; (c) a reliable network; (d) high-quality handsets; and (e) a reliable network.

Shopping online, I decided that I rather liked the LG Cosmos.When we got to the local store, I learned that not only were they running a promotion where the first phone is really inexpensive after mail-in rebate, the second phone is totally free after mail-in rebate.

Both rebate forms have been completed and are currently cuddling up with the proof of purchase labels inside their individual, stamped and addressed envelopes.

Our old cell phones were the same make and model and they used to be difficult to tell apart. Well, they were until Neatnik stuck a bright green, foam flower onto Number Guy's phone.

The new phones are the same make and model but this time we will not need any bright green, floral additions since we got protective snap-on covers. Number Guy's is a bold, cobalt blue and mine is a matte finish magenta.

In addition to purchasing the colorful covers, we also invested in a car charger and a micro SD memory card. A couple of Bluetooth hands-free sets jumped into the shopping bag, too.

During the account set up process, the sales rep asked me where I work. I told her that I work at the local junior college and she informed me that I am entitled to a 19% discount.

I sent Number Guy home to retrieve my end of semester pay stub while the rep and I finished the rest of the paperwork.

Who would have thought? Even better? The activation fees will be written off as well.

Once home, we started playing with our new *toys*. Sorting out the basic set up features didn't take long and figuring out how to send send text messages, pictures, and ringtones to the phones from my computer took only a little bit longer. I even located a web site which allows you to edit any music file and create your own ringtones.

Now I know why my teenaged students are constantly twiddling their thumbs. This is freaking electronic crack.

Excuse me: I need to make a few more ringtones.