THE Lowly Peon

My Stuff: My Ode to Materialism 2009 
07 November 2009, 10:01am

After reading bentomas's Ode to Materialism every year, I've been thinking. I can't say I have everything I want, but I can say I've got some pretty awesome stuff. Here's a list of some of my favorite things I've acquired this year.

Because this is, in part, at least, a response to bentomas's Odes, I will keep this as a list of the things from this year only. Rather than writing my hopes for next year's supply of goodies as he did, I'm going to reflect on the things I treated myself to in exchange for having sold my soul. (After all, I think it's worth slightly more than the $5 Bart Simpson got from Milhouse (Bart got ripped off).)

First, and foremost, my iPhone.

I think all of you know how important this thing is to me. Which is why I back it up at least once a day, have all of my contacts and calendars stored in the cloud. My iPhones aren't cheap, because I buy them legitimately unlocked in Hong Kong. As of now, I only know of three or four countries that sell fully (and legit) unlocked iPhones. I happen to travel to one with some frequency. But I'll tell you, having a 32gb device that is essentially a computer that fits in your pocket, and can work on any mobile carrier, is pretty incredible. Part of me thinks it's a curse, because even though I was doing well without my iPhone before, now I can't imagine my life without one. (Think: I can barely even recall life without legit apps on the iPhone!)

Mac Mini (aka PhD-Mini)

I bought this in London because the new ones wouldn't have come to China for at least several months, and boy was it worth it. I can't think about life with only one computing device anymore! This thing hosts my media, essentially replaced the functionality of my problematic Apple TV (2008 purchase, though I'm not sure it would even go on that list). My favorite thing about this, though, is that I can remote into it at any time, from anywhere (using my iPhone). It doesn't need to be a powerful device. In fact, I like that it's not powerful, so I don't feel so guilty leaving it on 24/7. But when I travel, if someone says they want this or that file, I can send it to them from my Mini! Amazing!

Timbuk2 Man-Purse

I bought this initially with the intent of giving it to someone, but wearing it home after buying made me realize how wonderful it is. It's a Timbuk2 bag just like any other, except smaller and more comfortable. Perfect for taking everywhere.

Allen Edmond Shoes

Let me tell you. These things are amazing. They're simple dress shoes, which is why I like them. They made my heels bleed the first two days I wore them, so I was even thinking of ditching them. But these are some high quality pieces of footwear! And after a few years, I can pay a bit of money, and because they're under some warranty, they'll re-sole and polish and re-this and re-that! I may keep these shoes for a decade!

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard

The operating system isn't really what made this purchase amazing. It's that it encouraged me to clean up my computer, and now I feel like I've got a brand new MacBook Pro. And there are few feelings better than that!

Dinners at Mosto, Beijing

Thanks to my buddy Sarah, daisy and I were introduced to probably the best restaurant west of San Francisco. Best food ever. Honestly, it's the reason I'm still willing to go to Beijing. And the chef has a mohawk, and shook my hand and generally seemed like a good guy. Made me wish I were working in the industry again, and seriously got me thinking about my near future.

Cabernet Sauvignon at Hopper Creek

Not really that expensive, but probably the closest any wine could ever come to having sex. I'm sorry, saulemander, if my eyes started rolling back when we were out there tasting it. It was that good. I can't wait until I break open the bottle sitting in my excuse for a wine cellar.

The Talking iPod Shuffle

I didn't need a new iPod. I already have a 160gb classic and a 32gb iPhone. But getting this shuffle got me excited about listening to music I haven't listened to in a long time. It also got me into Podcasts, because the little thing seems so perfect for them. And I can keep it in my breast pocket all the time!

update
[07 November 2009, 10:17am]