It’s come to my attention that I need a new phone. I have a flip phone that came free when I renewed my contract, and it feels like being the last kid on the playground with training wheels.
Of course, before rushing off to grab a bright, shiny iPhone-Droid-Skynet thingamajig, there is reality to take into account. I have an apartment I can just afford, groceries to buy, bills to pay, student loans to deal with soon, and of course fun to have. I’ve never considered myself a cheap person, and I probably worry more than I should. Then again I haven’t gone cloths shopping since Halloween. I just don’t see the point spending extra money on anything, be it designer cloths or comedic boxer shorts. Who before bumping uglies says “Wait, before we do this, don’t you think it’s hilarious how my junk makes Pinocchio’s noes grow?” No one, that’s who. At least not people I’d like to know.
Even so, as a writer and fledging member of the ever expanding digiverse, it’s important to be connected. Yet I’ve gotten along just fine without a smart phone. Logic, however rarely factors into such purchasing decisions. Like Smeagol and the One Ring, I just wants it precious. Even if I use it for the same things that my iPod and flip phone can do now. Is it really necessary to tweet my annoyance at the MBTA right as it’s happening (i.e whenever I need it) or can I wait a few minutes until they tape the tracks back together and I get home? I suppose it’s just the freedom of the former I’d enjoy, as though twitter wasn’t already filled with crap no one really needs to know.
The other thing is my strong sense of prioritizing. Going out to movies, museums, trips, dining, these are my priorities. Not the latest version of Angry Birds or marketing tweets. For dinner, I’m not staying in. As is our friday custom, my girlfriend and I will go to Deep Ellum for some of the best food in one of the chillest bars in Boston. I’ll likely order at least two nine dollar Manhattans. Why? Because they are worth each and every drop. If the glasses were edible I’d eat the damn things.
Life is all about priorities. Some people want cloths. Others want gadgets. I want delicious cocktails, fine food, a roof over my head, and some other things that we are not close enough to discuss yet. Suffice to say, there are some wholes in my wallet that could be patched up. But if that hangs over your head with every decision in life, you’re just feeding a bank account, and not truly living.
Cheers. Off to the bar.
