Surround Sound

I cannot believe I did this, but I lost the iPod Nano Dante so generously donated to my cause. It must have slipped under my sleeping bunk on the train to DC. When I discovered the loss, my first thought was APPLE STORE. WHERE IS THE NEAREST APPLE STORE? Maybe they'll have refurbished models? That counts as used, doesn't it? And if not, maybe my reading public would forgive me for buying a new NECESSITY like an iPod? Because what city dweller can POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT THEIR HAND-HELD MUSIC DEVICE??

But I checked myself because damn it, it's September. No faltering now. And then I boldly went where few Generation Xers have gone before: for a music-free, podcast-free run.

Listen, I don't know if you are aware of this, but there are singing birds out there. And rustling trees. And buzzing insects. And barking dogs. As if for the first time, I heard my heart beating in my ear and the squeak-squish of my shoes hitting the pavement. I was totally focused on my form and my breathing and the world around me. I felt...connected. And it was good.

Now that I'm home, I've been taking the MUNI sans iPod as well. Oh The Humanity! The passing dialogue I've recorded for future novels more than makes up for my inability to tune out weirdos. Yesterday I was pinned in my seat by a herd of jolly septuagenarian Spaniards lisping wildly and hurtling "Claro que si"s at each other. I have no idea where they were going, but I wanted to come along. It's surprising what dislodging the ear buds can do for your people skills.

Universe, I beseech you.

Ring-spun Japanese denim, stupidly expensive tee shirts, fetching shoes and charming handbags: these are the items I formerly threw my money at like a subprime mortgage lender circa 2005. But in fact, there is a whole list of consumer goods that I really, truly don't care about, and only replenish when they stop working as advertised. This list includes cell phones, iPods, computers and cars. Oh, and workout clothes, but I believe we've already retired that sad horse to an afterlife of mucilage and violin strings.

Let's review. As of April 14th:

• Cell phone: Sorry? What did you say? Oh sorry! My phone didn't ring. Hello? Hello? No I didn't get your text...and I'm not just saying that to make myself look like a better friend.

• iPod: Will no longer load music. (Not even Coldplay.) Have restored factory settings five times in seven days. Is currently click-rev-repeating the Apple screen in endless cycle. Considering burying it under floorboard a là Tell Tale Heart.

• Computer (aka Carrie Bradshaw): Spins beach ball of death 78% of usage time. Had to reopen iPhoto six times to upload that picture of my butt. (Was it was objecting to the subject matter?)

• Car: FRANTICALLY KNOCKING ON WOOD