Disgusted with Consumerism

I'm slowly, over the past few weeks, started to get disgusted with the fact that I am a slave to consumerism. I love having the latest designer denim, $2,000+ handbags, a $5,000 watch.. But why? What's the point really? I love all of my purchases, but sometimes I wonder why I spend so much money on these things. It's not like I can take them with me when I die. It just seems so selfish of me to be thinking only of myself when there are so many less fortunate that can barely afford to put dinner on the table. I'm only 18, I don't need any of this.

I'm not going to say I will never step foot in a designer boutique again. As a matter of fact, I just bought a brand new laptop yesterday (see previous post). My pacing will just be different. Only expensive purchases for special occasions, not "just because".

I think sometimes we get caught up with the idea of keeping up with the Jones's. It's really silly when you take the time to think over it. I have more than enough clothes (3 closet's worth), jewelry, and purses to last a lifetime. I think I'm just dabbling in so much excess that it's started to disgust me. When did I become so obsessed with THINGS?

I cleaned out about 5 big shopping bags full of clothes recently, and I can't wait to donate them and get them out of my room and out of my life. I'm trying to nail down the idea that life is about more than just a stupid purse with a logo on it. I'll always love my designer swag, but with the prices, it's something I'll have to buy a lot less compulsively than before.

I'm trying to just be content with what I have, because trust me, I have so much. My thirst for things has been insatiable the past few months, and I'm honestly not sure why that is. I guess shopping provides a temporary burst of happiness for people like me. Obviously, the key word is temporary, which is why people like me are always shopping to replace the "high".

I need to just avoid malls and stores period!

Apple Convert!

I am a new convert to Apple computers. I have been hooked on Windows and PC's for as long as I started using computers. I tried to get myself to like Apple computers during high school, where the computer labs were filled predominantly with Apple technology. I just couldn't get myself used to how they ran, the way the touchpads on the laptops dragged so slowly. Little things irritated me about how Macs were made.

Only recently have I seen the light. Apple seems to have redesigned the 2008 MacBooks to be quite different than their predecessors. The keyboard is easier to type on, it's more customizable, and the touchpad is a lot more user friendly. You can even "right click" on the touchpad by tapping it twice with two fingers. Previously, a lack of this function made PC users who were used to the right click wary of getting an Apple computer.

Thankfully, I am a new convert to my new laptop that I bought today with a fantastic education discount through my university. It's a white MacBook with a perfectly sized 13.3" screen. It's not too heavy, but not freakishly light either, and it's the perfect size for a traveling student like myself. I must say, aesthetically it's probably the most attractive laptop available.

Setting up my laptop was a BREEZE. I didn't even have to open the manual. I simply took it out of the box, plugged it in to a charger, and turned it on. It automatically led to a set up wizard that basically took all the guess work out of the equation. It instantly sensed the WiFi connection we already had set up in my house, and I didn't have to do anything at all to figure out proxy/cable settings to get hooked up to the web.

Literally, within minutes of getting my computer out of the box, I was already downloading my favorite programs and surfing the web.

I thought I would have the hardest time switching from PC to Mac, but honestly, it's been smooth sailing so far in terms of ease of use. I absolutely adore this laptop! I've been using an ancient desktop PC that dates back to around 2001, and I honestly have no idea how I managed to put up with it for so long. I will actually have to use a program called VMWare to run Windows simultaneously with Mac OX so that I can run certain programs that I have grown to love that aren't compatible with Mac.

One bad thing about the pristine design of this MacBook is that the white does tend to get dirty easily. I have yet to experience this for myself, but from reading online it is a bit hard to keep it clean. Luckily, the sales associate who helped me with my transaction recommended an iSkin keyboard protector that acts as a shield to keep dust, food, hair, etc, from getting underneath the keyboard. It's great, and doesn't interfere with typing the way I thought it would.

For any of you who are dabbling with the thought of getting a Mac, do it! If you can, find a student who can help you get an education discount on Apple products. Any questions or tips for a new Mac user like me, feel free to drop me a note at miss.chanelbelle@gmail.com!