IPhone :: Don't Need Access To Call Log / While On A Phone Call

I don't know why apple decided that you didn't need access to your call log while on a phone call. When I'm on the phone with someone I like to send emails and texts to others and being able to get to the call log or favorites list is the quick way to get access to the people I talk to the most. As of now I have to go to the contacts list which takes longer and inconvient. Also if someone calls while I'm on the phone if I don't check the caller ID right then to see who is calling I will miss the person and I won't know who called until I get off the phone.