IT was hard for Parade not to feel sorry for a phone box she drove past this week.
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With most people owning mobile phones, the traditional roadside phone box has become somewhat redundant.
This was made more apparent to Parade when she came across a man, stopped next to a phone box, talking on his mobile phone.
If that phone box was a person, she imagined that their feelings would be quite hurt and they would want to shout "I'm standing right here!".
Although phone boxes aren't used much now, Parade is glad they still exist.
They can be helpful for children who don't have phones and in emergency situations when you may not have access to a mobile.
DON'T STRESS, IT'S ONLY A DRILL
BEFORE she gets into this story, Parade would like to applaud all those people who have been taking quick showers during the drought and water restrictions.
For Parade, her daily shower has always been something she has looked forward to as a way to relax and also reflect on the day.
Her showers have always been on the longer side, but since water restrictions were imposed she has tried to cut back to do her part to conserve water.
It hasn't been easy and she has slipped up more than once, which is why she has been worried about the looming level four-five restrictions that limit showers to four minutes.
Parade knows she needs to shape up to avoid slipping up come October 14, and for that reason has self-imposed "water restrictions shower drills" over the past week.
She has been practicing her four-minute showers, which requires her to split her routine into two parts with a taps-off break in the middle, and the end result has been a very, very stressed Parade.
In fact, the first time, she emerged from the shower somewhat out of breath from moving so fast.
While it has been stressful, Parade knows she will be better for it when water restrictions tighten and, more importantly, she will be helping to keep the dam as full as possible this summer.