A Picture-IMperfect life?

Over the years, I've come to grips with the fact that I am very exacting in some areas of my life. While other things languish (like keeping my home tidy), other things are subjected to meticulous examination. In this case, I'm specifically talking about specialized electronics.

Many years ago, I intended to buy a camera. Digital photography had arrived, and everyone was clamoring for cameras. For those of you who need a time line, this was before the entry level cell phones had picture-taking capability. That puts it around the turn of the century.

I researched the cameras that were in my price range and made a decision. And I waited. And waited. Six years later, I still haven't bought a camera, even though I now live in a place with some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. Not to mention lots of wildlife, picturesque snow scenes, performing musicians in dark halls, etc. Lots of photographic targets.

I've basically made up my mind about what camera I'd like to buy. Again. It helps that they've just lowered the price. For whatever reason, I can save close to 50 dollars in taxes by buying it from Best Buy in St. Louis as opposed to my local store, so I even have the knowledge that I'm filling up with gas, driving 200 miles, and it STILL works out to be cheaper. That's satisfying.

The only note of pause comes because I don't really need a camera. I haven't owned a camera for years. My last one took film, and the shots that I had developed were of me and my friends-- in fifth grade. Andy in elementary school seems a long time ago when I look at the pictures, but if I try to recall the scene, it seems fresh in my mind. That's a different entry, though.

There's nothing in my life that requires a camera. I want one, though. When I look back through the pictures from oh-so-many years ago, I remember each one. I remember everything about the days. I'd like to start work on that again, saving my experiences now so that in 20 years, I can laugh about my haircut and other people's clothes.

I don't begrudge myself the money spent on a camera, but it does make me pause because I'm considering buying another electronic device: a solid-state recorder. No moving parts (thus no mechanical noise) coupled with the ability to record hours of CD-quality audio, all in a convenient package. Sounds great! Considering it's been a few years since I've bought any complicated devices, perhaps I'm due. That's the justification I tell myself, anyway.

I have a device that can record .mp3 audio already, but it's a hard-drive based audio player, and the noise of the drive spinning is unbearable on any recording I've made. So, I'm buying something that does what another thing I own already does, only better.

But, hey! What else would you do with the money you make from jobs? Rent? Food? Pah!

I ate last week, and if that doesn't hold me until Easter (or at least Good Friday), I'm just a whiner.