by Tricia
My guess is that from the beginning of time, mankind has had a fascination for new things that provide pleasure or provide something useful. Nowadays, that fascination can lead to some big spending of money and that’s partly why we are so deep in debt in the first place. My solution? Try to shield myself as much as possible from new gadgets and doohickeys so the fascination isn’t a problem.
Such is the case with the iPod. I’ve heard of it and saw it on the internet and TV. However, that doesn’t stir the fascination. I’m more of a hands-on, see it in person type. Believe it or not, before my friend’s visit last week, I have never held one in my hands.
He sat his iPod down on the end table and I was very tempted to pick it up. I leaned in for a closer look. My friend saw me and immediately said, “Wanna take a look?” Darn me. I said, “Yes.” It didn’t take long for the drool to start.
As I listened to Amy Lee sing “Lithium,” I could hear her take her first breath to begin singing the song. That’s even there? That’s amazing. I never heard that before when listing to the song through my computer monitor speakers. Then I found his stash of Enya songs. Before I knew it I was closing my eyes and listening to the soothing music.
I wanted one right then and there.
The next day? I searched around to see how much iPods are running. Wait…what was I doing?!? I shouldn’t be looking for a deal on an iPod. It’s something I clearly do not need. Sure, it was nice listening to music and being able to discern the individual instruments. But it is clearly a luxury in our case.
I still thought about that iPod for a few more days. I’m happy to report that a week later, I am no longer thinking about it. The urge has passed, and I didn’t buy one. Had this happened a few years ago and I had some available credit, I probably would have bought one.
To think of it, I’ve been doing quite well with my LCD TV obsession as well. It’s weird. I almost think it feels more gratifying to resist the impulse urges to buy something. I feel like I am accomplishing something by not buying it.
