New Attitude; New Toy

July 7
Saturday

This began as a difficult day. Disgusted with my lack of discipline I sulked and got very little done. It was still brutally hot so stuck inside with Duke except for one short trip into Columbia City. We went to the ATM and a drive-in for an Italian sausage.

This evening I had pouted long enough. I cleaned the house, read and cooked. I seasoned chicken breast with Tajin & pepper and baked it with pineapple and red potatoes with butter Parmesan and parsley. Very good and enough for four or five meals.

I then sat down at the computer to write. I am committed to journaling each day, writing haiku, and, when possible, adding a photo. If I am unable to capture a relevant picture I will look at previous shots. Only if nothing is there will I do without the photo.

I will read something each day; books, poetry or scripture. I do not want to waste this time. If the day doesn't yield material for introspection I will turn to my library of quotes and notes. There will be something for study or meditation. Then the journal.

Resisting my natural bent to procrastinate will be a constant battle. Meaningful change is good, but seldom easy.

Part of my problem is that I would prefer to be something of a Luddite. Less is more sounds great.  Unfortunately I am easily seduced. Books are the worst for me. But there are other things, too.

Lately there is new problem.   

My friend Kerry has often urged me to get an I-phone. He says it will be useful when I am in Mexico. He uses his for everything from email to checking the weather.

Frustration with inanimate objects comes easily to me. My temper frays quickly. Knowing this, I didn't want to learn a "new" phone. I resisted. 

Returning from Mexico I was awaiting a connection in Chicago. An older woman sat down next to me. We exchanged greetings. She was Irish and talked about her home. Then she took out an I-phone and sent her fingers flying over it.

I excused myself for interrupting and asked her what she thought of the device. Her answer? "Brilliant!" She volunteered that she was seventy-five when she got her phone, and assured me I would be able to learn quickly.

I returned home and purchased a phone. I was intimidated and learned very little. Then the son of a friend of mine came over to work on my computer, saw the phone, and began to tutor me.

I'm hooked.

My entire CD collection should be on it by the end of tomorrow. It will join a dozen audio books and assorted other goodies. Among them are an app that translates from English to Spanish and vice versa.  So enthralled am I that I spent $300 for something called a Jambox--a portable stereo that runs wirelessly from my phone.

When I bring a new toy or bone to Duke he carries it with him all day. Inside or outside he keeps it close; throws it in the air, chases it, guards it, and chews or sleeps with it. I'm not so different.

The child laughs aloud--
rocking on the porch swing
his shiny, new, toy.

I promise not to chew it or sleep with it.