Despite a career that involves digital media and forward thinking technologies, I would say I’m behind the times. A grandma in the making. I decided an almost obsolete iPhone was better than paying an arm and a leg for the new stuff. I also audibly whined at the fact the newest Macbook Pro only has USB type C outlets, and grumbled as I “dongle-fied” my life.

So if you knew me well, you’d know how two “small” purchases have finally advanced me enough to consider “dipping my toes.”

TL;DR – I now have a digital reader (Kindle Paperwhite) and Blu-Ray player (via a used Playstation 3 – HA! Still behind technology!)

In true granny fashion, I waited a long time, pondered hard, and eventually gave in primarily because the price point was finally in my favor. My boyfriend’s family gifted me a very generous $50 Amazon giftcard for Christmas that I’ve been saving for something good, and with Prime Day, I felt like I made out like a bandit with less than $40 (after GC) out of pocket for that Paperwhite. I also put my boyfriend through the ringer when I heard him say he was selling his old gaming unit, said I was interested, and then took forever to decide I truly wanted it. Luckily, he was patient.

My progress into completing my Konmari festival is laughable, and I’ve acquired quite a bit, when I should be minimizing, but I do think my two latest purchases work in my favor.

I still prefer real printed books. I just do. They’re cheaper and tangible and I appreciate their covers, the way they smell. And I can buy them used and pass them on. However, not every book needs a place on my shelf. My new M.O. is if I know I will read it, I may thrift a book. Only if I treasure it will it have a spot on my bookshelf. If I would still like to reference it or have it on hand, I can also get it on my Paperwhite. New titles I mostly won’t treasure, that I won’t find in thrift/secondhand stores, I’ll get on my Paperwhite. Free reads. Paperwhite. Basically, I’ve allowed myself up to 20 books unread to read and donate/giveaway/treasure, and the rest of the shelf is stuff I absolutely need in print for pragmatic reasons (like recipe books, Bibles) or sentiment (amazing reads, vintage treasure, signed, etc).

The PS3 gives me a way to stream services on any TV should I move (I’m looking at you, Netflix) and for the first time, gives me blu-ray playing capabilities. Also, if gives my brother a way to play games if and when his head is able to handle it. The distraction of game play actually tunes him out from the constant migraine he has from his concussion. So, a win, win, win.

Toes fully immersed, ankles embracing the idea of a rising tide!