Okay, so I got a Kindle. I've wanted one for a couple of years, but just couldn't bring myself to buy one for myself. I don't like to buy things for myself that cost more than $10. And usually the things I buy that do cost under $10 are things that I need - like a new colander, or vacuum bags. And I feel kind of guilty when other people buy me things that cost more than $10. So, I told my husband, "I don't need a Kindle. I don't want a Kindle. If you buy me a Kindle, I will just read and you will never see me again." My husband knows me so well. He knows that I love to read, and he knew that I really did want a Kindle. So, he ignored all my protestations and bought me one. This is one time I'm glad he didn't listen to me. It is wonderful to be able to hold a library in my hands. Well, not exactly a library yet. I have seven books on it (five of which I have already read), but soon enough it WILL be a library. I hadn't picked up a book for a very long time . . . until now. And now I don't have to actually pick up a book and turn the pages, I just pick up my Kindle and touch and the pages turn by themselves - - oooh, I'm so cool! I know lots of people like the feel of a real book, with real pages. I thought I would miss that. But the words are the same and the feelings I get when I read those words are the same as if I were holding a real book made from a tree, instead of plastic and whatever else. I'm just happy to be reading again.
However, I'm not sure how long it will take my husband to regret buying me this gift. I had my face to the Kindle for about five hours the other day finishing a book. When I was finished, I looked up and he said "You back with me now?"
I'm not sure I can ever make the switch to the Kindle. My fear is that one day I'll have no choice. I'll be like those people still hanging on to their vinyl records...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! I hear there are lots of great books out there legally free. I'd hate to see what kind of bill I could rack up downloading stuff to a kindle. My husband would definitely regret getting me one.
ReplyDeleteS. Stauss - I still have my VHS tapes, so I understand :)
ReplyDeleteTammy - I put myself on a budget :) Lots of good stuff for $.99!
I echo S. Stauss' fear. I cringe at the thought of no more books, no more paper cuts, no more new/old book smell. But I hope you're enjoying your new kindle, and reading time!
ReplyDeleteI'm going through all my VHS tapes, one by one, making sure there's nothing important on them, and tossing them. I figure I'll be done by the end of 2012.
ReplyDeleteI still have vinyls and cassettes. I started converting them to CDs years ago and gave up in the middle. I'd like to get back to that someday. VHS tapes are easier at the moment!
Re your husband - at least he knows you love your new gift :)
I wasn't keen on the kindle because I need COLOR and then they came out with the Kindle Fire - but Santa actually surprised the heck out of me and gave me an ipad2 - wonderful for the books but also for the access to internet and periodicals. I love it.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Judy, I get what you mean about buying things for yourself. I can justify buying books, brushes (as in paint), and acrylics -- oh, and a new pair of boots annually!
And thus my education continues. I now know that a Kindle is an electronic book. I saw people with little computers on the plane to Ireland, but I didn't make the connection. Thank you, Judy, and all. You'll get me into the 21st century yet.
ReplyDeleteOh, Mark, maybe the 21st century is a little over rated! And I'm jealous that you went to Ireland, by the way.
ReplyDeletesebtown - i would love an ipad! I hope you enjoy it for the both of us!
Oh, what a wonderful gift! I'm a former librarian and swore I'd never read for pleasure on a machine. And then I picked up a Kindle and was hooked. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI have a little e-reader called a Cruz. Nowhere near as nice as a Kindle. But I love it all the same - I love not having to wait for a book. No trips to the store unless I want to browse.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you. The newness will wear off, and you'll pay attention to your marvelous husband again :)
paranormalist - my husband looks forward to the newness wearing off :)
ReplyDeleteI am one of those people who is clinging to vinyl records and raising kids who search out records at garage sales and thrift stores to see if there is a treasure waiting to be found....I can't imagine switching to a Kindle! Unless, I'm traveling through Europe or something like that. Then I'd like how it could hold tons of books for me, and I could pack my bag with clothes instead of books!
ReplyDeleteWill the newness ever wear off? My husband would definitely regret giving me one. I'm already spending way too much time on my new phone. AN electronic book? Oh, he'd never see me.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!!!