Materialism

This morning I was enraged to find out that I had misunderstood the details of the 2.1 software update for my iPod Touch and mistakenly assumed that I would be able to use my Nike Sport Kit with it. It turns out that the Nike compatibility stems from the new device's hardware and not the software update, so my current Touch essentially becomes a useless lump of coal in my eyes. All was well when I thought that I could surpass the cost of yet another Apple gadget upgrade and reap some benefits with my now "obsolete" 32GB Touch model, but it's funny how that had changed in an instant. Upon finding out the damning news over the phone from an Apple technical representative, my 32GB Touch that had cost me $500 suddenly seemed worthless and I wanted a separation. Immediately my gears began to turn and figure out ways to earn the extra funds to buy a NEW 32GB Touch model, and I was willing to even pawn some gadgets if necessary. No matter what, I was definitely focused on getting my prize and not relenting one bit.

Sad and pitiful and pathetic, I know...but this is when I finally caught myself in the midst of my own irrational frame of mind. I had spent $500 of my hard earned money to Apple for a great device with full awareness of its incompatibility with my Nike Sport Kit and loved it nonetheless and made due. Spending another $400 at this point would not be wise at this time of paying down debt, even if it isn't from a credit card. The fact of the matter is that my current Nike Sport Kit works fine for my runs with my 2nd generation nano in my pocket as I hold my 32GB Touch separately for music. There is nothing about the new Touch model that screams necessity and I should keep that in mind each time I see the upcoming TV and Internet ads. Even though I am working to sell some tech toys for extra money, that surplus should go to my debt and not more toys. As I write this blog entry I notice a feeling of contentment coming over me for my current iPod Touch instead of the initial craving for the next best thing, and that's very promising. To avoid the trap of temptation is all that I would like to do to maintain focus and keep on track. Others around me may go nuts over the new iPods, but I shall remain devoted to my own units that presently work and have never let me down. Using the Nike Sport Kit on one device instead of two would be great, but not enough to lose sight of what's most important: being content with what I have.

TRENT
Sent from my Nokia E71-2