Shoemaker's shoemaker

Sometimes I feel like a shoemaker who walks around life in bare feet. I'm a software development professional... consultant even. I help companies create advanced software.

My colleagues are hot on IPods, Macs, PS2, XBox, fancy cell phones.

What's wrong with CD's? I've got a CD player... a bunch of CD's and I can cycle through them. I know, the IPod and other MP3 players allow you to consolidate. OK, good. I have sparse financial resources (4 kids!) and have to wisely allocate those resources. Do I need an IPod? Focus on the word "need". Do I really NEED it? Yes... I'd like one. (feel free to post a response and I'll give you my mailing address for your to send me a check.... or maybe I'll even figure out how to do PayPal, or whatever the cool version of it is now)

Macs.... I really don't understand this one. OK, it makes some cool things easier.... like creating movies, music, art, etc. I'm a left-brained guy. This is not as important to me. If you're a computer guy complaining to your management/IT department that you can't be effective with a PC.... but if they were to get you a MAC, boy, you'd be smokin'.... check your motivation. I mean, really... as an IT professional.... you can't figure out how to make your Windows experience efficient? Be honest with yourself.... you're after the cool factor. You couldn't get the chearleader in school, so now you're trying to be the "football player" of cool technology. Give it a rest. If you want a Mac, buy one yourself. And stop your bitchin.

Gaming machines.... really. Sounds cool. Why don't you try LIVING life instead of experiencing it vicariously through the imagination of some geeks who create virtual worlds? Reminds me of a guy ... good friend actually.... who claimed he couldn't make our volleyball match because he had to sit at home and watch a Giants game. What's with that. Do you live life, or are you a spectator?

Do you really need to check your email via the phone? Really? Are you that important? Ask yourself ... as you thumb through your emails in mid-conversation with a colleague or employee of yours.... is this more important than human contact? I had a manager once who thumbed through his blackberry as we had a "one-on-one" at a Taco Bell of all places. As I was conveying my career goals and such, he was thumbing through the blackberry and mumbling... "uh huh". Please.

Lastly... this "connectedness technology" does not exist for you ... it's for me. If you expect me to answer my cell phone when you call, you have severely mistaken my motivation for obtaining said cell phone. You see... I bought it to make it easier for ME to connect to others.... not for YOU to find me at all hours of the day and night.