by Cathy
There have been many posts written here about how Patti and I have made the best out of disappointing or crappy situations. That's what we do, we women, because it's in our nature. We have so much to handle, do and live up to that we find ways to accommodate and satisfy at every turn - even if we have to MacGayver our way through it. So when I see traces of this resourcefulness start cropping up in my daughters, I'm proud enough to brag about it.
Some history...
We have been loyal Mac users and lovers for the last 15 years - way before the "i" revolution in forms of clouds, phones, pads and pods. We have owned a series of Mac-designed products - the MamaJamaJumboBox computer monitor with an equally large tower, the less bulky but still boxy version of the Mac desktop and even the colorful bubble Mac desktop.
We still have and use our nearly decade old iPod shuffle and Joe still uses his mini 13" Mac Powerbook laptop. I don't know if it's because that thing is old or compact or because it's discontinued, but when other Mac-ites see it they always stop and ooh! and aah! over it. Never mind that it's not wireless; Joe is very proud of that little engine that could (and still is). And our one home desktop, located in a central point in our home for the whole family to use, is aesthetically beautiful with its white, sleek, large monitor. But alas, we don't have wi-fi (GASP!) or wireless anything in our house (DOUBLE GASP!). In fact, Joe and I just bought smartphones this year (TRIPLE GASP!). Before that, we flipped our phones open and rarely texted. How did we communicate?
Since all of these Mac products have served us well and continue to do so (damn you, Apple) there is no reason, really, to buy a new laptop. Or another desktop. And we really don't need an iPad. I have my iPhone and Joe has his phone. Our kids? Bella has the 4th generation iPod bought last year and Ari always plays with my phone or her sister's DS. They don't have a Wii. They don't have an xBox. They don't have a Playstation. They don't have a computer in their room.
The only thing Bella, my 10-year old, is really obsessing after, is the ability to download music on her iPod. She can't do that because you need the latest version of iTunes on your computer. And to have that, you need the recent/newer OS for your computer. And since we have an older OS on our computer, apparently, one that can't be upgraded, we were told we need to buy a NEW laptop/computer, which......drumroll, please.......we really don't need.
So what does my resourceful, apple of my tree, do? She uses her will and finds a way. Music? She records it on her iPod straight from the car speakers, CD player or from the television or radio. Voila...homemade iTunes! Disney shows? Movies? She records her favorite snippets straight off the television and watches them back on her iPod. Voila...homemade YouTube!
Would she rather be able to download and view the real stuff from the real apps? OF COURSE. Does she really need to? NO. But will we probably cave and have to keep up with the Jonesing of technology? Probably.
