My life is cluttered with wonderful things. Too wonderful. So wonderful that I question whether I need all this wonderful-ness. The truth is that I purchase some things simply because I think I’m supposed to have them. It’s not like I have a real need for them. It’s more like they seem like something that someone like me would buy, or that I’ve been in the habit of replacing time after time. That’s a rut and I don’t like living in ruts.
So, I’ve made a mental inventory of things I do not plan on replacing when they expire, break, run out, or what have you. In some cases, it’s simply the thing I no longer need. In others, it’s the brand I no longer need because there are perfectly suitable alternatives.
Apple Watch
It feels more like s gamified leash than a useful device. Plus, it’s just time. I’ve always had one since the first generation. There are only so many times you can close your activity rings before feeling like you’re doing it for Apple more than yourself.
And I hate notifications. I want to check things when I decide to check them. Other than my immediate family, I can’t think of any reason why someone would need to reach me to the extent that they can virtually tap me on the wrist at any moment when I might be, you know, living life. Same goes with anything related to social media.
I do find the Maps integration useful when I’m driving, but that’s an easy convenience to let go of.
iPhone Pro
I don’t mean for this to be Apple-bashing list. I’m still hopelessly reliant on Apple for maybe 90% of my digital footprint and that doesn’t bother me. Sure beats trusting most other mega tech companies with my data. And I prefer having all my stuff in one place.
That said, I’m not the sort of iPhone power user that needs any of the phone’s “pro” features. I use as few apps as I can. I stick with the defaults. I rarely take pictures anymore. Voice memos might be my most-used feature and that’s no different on a Pro model than the most entry of entry level models. In other words, I’m not using the phone to whatever its full potential is or what it’s supposed to be.
And I’m on a roll cutting down on the amount of screen time I spend on it. At my worst, I might’ve been clocking an hour and a half a day. I’ve got that down to an average of 30 minutes which is mostly spent texting Marcia and reading The Athletic. Again, why pay a premium for something I’m actively trying not to use, and even then, is only being used for basic functionality.
I remember someone once telling me that using the iPhone’s defaults is like going to Disneyland and only riding the teacups. I’ve had Disneyland annual passes before. I don’t always need or want Star Wars Land.
Standing Desk
They’re super cool, aren’t they? I actually really like mine and it’s the second one I’ve had. There’s no need to chuck it out the door or anything because it still has a lot of life in it and is still genuinely useful.
But I also got one because I had an incredibly bad back at the time and being able to go up and down was super critical. How bad was my back? I did use a cane for a spell if that’s any indication.
Since then, though, I’ve had two surgeries and feel a heckuva lot better. I’m even running again which only helps things. We bought a treadmill and that is something I would definitely replace if it crapped out.
But the desk? I’m mostly sitting these days. The only time I raise it is when I’m lecturing for a class online and that’s not very often. I can make do without that convenience. And like I said, I think there’s still plenty of life in the desk I have now.
Snowblower
My father-in-law snagged us one when we first moved to Colorado. So nice of him! Especially since our first winter was a big one that dumped several feet of snow on several occasions in the midst of negative Fahrenheit temps. Our water heater and furnace went out that season. It was trial-by-fire-snow, tell you what.
I haven’t used the snowblower since then and we’re three, maybe four years in. (I can’t remember, I’m old.) It could still be useful, but we haven’t had a snow like that since. And even then, I’m fine using a shovel. Funny enough, it’s so dry here that a leaf blower works even better.
I’m also very inept and using the thing. I never know which direction to point the chute (is that what you call it?) and it constantly chokes on the snow it chews on. Could be the model or the brand. I dunno. Maybe I’ll feel different about investing in a different one when the next “Big One” hits.
I really do like using it to help my neighbors, though. You know, get the common sidewalks and clear things out for your immediate neighbors. Builds good relationships.
That family-sized box of Saltines no one eats
Seems like there’s always a box of Saltines in the pantry, even back when I was a kid. But when’s the last time I had one? Sure beats me. They expire before I think of it and a new box somehow mysteriously shows up in its place. I think it sneaks in my shopping cart when I’m not looking.
Anyway, no more! Down with the Saltines! There’s always something else I’d rather eat.
Skateboard
I really did use one daily when we lived in Long Beach. I even fancied myself rather good at it. I mean, I could ollie a curb which is pretty freaking sick. See, I can even talk like a skater. I also have great memories teaching Harper to skate and riding with Alice in my arms up and down The Promenade.
I live in the mountains now. Well, the foothills. Or is it the start of the Great Plains? Let’s just call it the Front Range. The roads here suck for skating which is probably why everyone and their mother bikes here. And I’m well into my forties. I ride less than ever (read: never) and probably look stupid. That’s the way I feel, at least.
Anything “Smart” Home
Yes, I was all-in on smart bulbs when they came out in, what was it, 2012? Every light in the house is somehow connected to the network, be it bulb or light switch.
And I hate it.
There’s literally no added benefit being able to speak lights on and off than flipping a switch. It literally feels like more work because Siri is so gosh-dang dense and never knows what anyone in the house is saying. “Siri, turn on the basement lights.” Then it’s, “Here’s Mandy Moore on Apple Music.” Huh?!
I’m also getting more paranoid about having so many things connected to the Wi-Fi. It’s also yet another “thing” to manage. I hope all the bulbs burn out so I can go back to the tried and true manual lights.
FM9 Pedalboard
I know you or anyone else reading this doesn’t care about this one. I play guitar in a band and love having a good effect within reach. This pedalboard is king at that. You don’t even need a traditional amp. Simply plug it into the house speakers and simulate any of hundreds of amplifiers, complete with any effect imaginable. You can even create different sets of songs for whatever gig you’re playing.
I had the FM3 before it and it blew out. So, of course, I upgraded to the FM9. It’s like my iPhone. I don’t use it to its potential and everything it’s capable of doing. I need to get off my high horse and stick with a couple of individual pedals I know I love. That would sure be a lot lighter to carry around!
The Bedroom TV
There should be a law that bans TVs from bedrooms, especially for married couples. It’s too easy to make a habit of watching the same Seinfeld reruns night after night to fall asleep. I’ve always been one to fall asleep to the radio, and I’ve finally cut that out of my life. The added sound can’t be good for getting deep, healthy sleep. I’ve slept better the past six months than I have in my life after eliminating music, podcasts, and even TV.
I really like chatting with Marcia before going to bed. It creates a bond and a better mood for slipping into sleep. TV interrupts that.
I’m not anti-TV or anything. I just prefer being more intentional about where a TV is placed. So far, I’ve been able to prevent a TV in the living room since we moved here. The only two in the house are in the basement, and yes, my bedroom. It’d be cool to get that down to one. I would insist that we get rid of the bedroom TV if I eventually lose my hold on having one in the living room.
There’s probably more I could add to this list, but I’m writing this off the top of my head away from my home. And it’s a good start.
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