Last year’s birthday present to myself was a MacBook Air. I had lusted after one since they first came out — the sleekness, the silverness, the speed. Dan only had to watch me with my new toy for a day or two before dubbing it “The Precious.”
It was expensive. Dan and his son — both avid Apple aficionados — couldn’t fathom why I didn’t get a PowerBook, which can do a whole lot more. I didn’t care. Brook loved her MacBook Air, and like her, I wanted something portable with a keyboard for writing. Besides, “The Precious” is a work of art.
This year it’s “The Pretty.” Last week, after discovering I had won a Rockower Award — clever Dan dubbed it “The Jewlitzer” — from the American Jewish Press Association (Jan. 8, 2011 Gabrielle Giffords shooting), I bought a new bike.
The Fuji Absolute 2.0 was also expensive. It’s smooth, it’s fast, it’s quiet.
I start collecting Social Security this month, but who knows when I’ll be able to retire. “The Pretty” matches my MacBook Air in color, a muted silver, with lovely lines that somehow remind me of the archway to the tiny purple-carpeted reading nook at Oz Books.
Ah, the sheer beauty of purple and/or silver.
The discarding of crapola started with the purchase of a new windbreaker at REI a few years ago. I didn’t have that essential article of clothing for heading to Mt. Lemmon on a windy day. Dan encouraged me to buy a decent one, not look in Savers or another local thrift store. I’m grateful to him.
It’s time to get rid of the crapola. I want to bicycle more, keep up with Dan better when we do ride together, and not be burdened by an old clunker bike that has a mind of its own.
“Holy shit,” I often blurted out as the clunker decided to shift gears moments after I did.
No more crapola means knowing when I can afford what I really want and not settling for less. So let some University of Arizona coed thrill to the clunker’s purple and white streamers flying in the breeze. I’m moving on.
Let’s see a picture of the new bike!
I’m all about words, so here’s a link:
http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?mpe_id=12754&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&partNumber=31-0106&storeId=10052
I used to race bicycles in the 70’s. I’m old now, but I still like to get out on my bike and tool around the area. I too write on and love my 13″ MacBook Air. I love gizmos – fine instruments. The MBA is one. My old racing bike was another in its day. Nice post. Best regards.
So I signed up to follow you on twitter, which I rarely look at. How do I subscribe to your blog? Couldn’t figure it out on your site. Thanks.
fab bike. I bet you look very slick on this riding machine. I will watch
you wiz by from my kitchen window.
So did you see me this morning?
The clunker was your past, “The Pretty” is your now.
Your movin’ on!
So true!