I used to listen to music most of the time. Whether riding in the car, cleaning house or just relaxing, there was always music playing. I loved music. I enjoyed playing the piano for years and now never touch it. All 5 of my kids played instruments constantly and we used to play together.
I attended numerous concerts of all kinds from classical to rock....Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffet to Elvis and Elton John. I went to concerts in parks, the ballet, evenings at the Wharton, the Fisher Theatre and every high school concert for 20 years. How and why did I stop?
I think it began when the stereo systems disappeared from the house. Everyone had an Ipod...except me. I realized everyone in my house had a set of earphones and the house had no music. Music is good for the soul and maybe this was one more step in my return to life to recognize how much I missed it.
As I rationalized that it was a waste of money for me to buy an Ipod, my mind continued to wander. I could install my photos on it and everyone knows how much I love my photos. I started to notice how many people were showing me photos on ipods, listening to music and asking them questions. Now I learned about Podcasts and it really started getting serious. I could listen to audio books while I drove, knit or fell asleep. I used to read 2 or 3 books a week and for the last year or more, I just couldn't concentrate enough to read. I missed that too.
Then I came back to reality. I was just to darned cheap to buy one. So I stopped by my local pawn shop. I have found one "deal" after another on instruments, Ipods for my kids and other cool stuff over the years. Maybe I could find a cheap one. I made the mistake of stopping with Joe in tow. I hadn't yet made my decision and hadn't told him what I was thinking of.
I knew I was in trouble when the manager saw me and yelled out "There she is! How are you? Looking for another Ipod?" Just great. So I wandered over and began to play with them. I started with the cheapest, never intending to spend much.
Ok, they were cool and came in pretty colors and the guy offered me a great price of at least $50 bucks less than a new one. So of course, Joe says "Do you want it?" I absolutely cannot admit that I don't want to commit because it is so cool that I now want to see the bigger model.
That night I start to research online. There was an even BETTER model than I had seen. The more I read, the more I want it. The next morning, Debbie and I are headed out shopping and stop at the yarn store. Of course, the owner is sitting with his new Ipod and begins to tell me just how great it is. I have to get out of there. So we go to.....Best Buy. Stupid move.
By the time I leave, I am doomed. Deb says, "You know you are going to buy it, so quit torturing yourself and get it done." I call Mikey. "Hey Mike, do you know where I can get a good deal on an Ipod?"
"Sure!" he says. "You bought ME one and you can have it. Could you get me a Nintendo DS instead?" What a great kid! I just saved so much money that I can't NOT buy it. Right?
So tonight I spent hours learning how to download songs (photos, books and games are for tomorrow) and I drove Mikey crazy calling him over and over for help. Did I need it? Nope. But Ipod's ad that says "It's the funnest ever!" is no lie. I am having fun.
But now I need a cool case, good earphones and an I-Home!
