This week I’ve decided not to listen to any records. I will clean, catalog, and organize them; just no listening. As I write this, I’m using my underutilized Sonos bridge, fed to my preamp via optical cable.
If you have been reading for a little while, you know I love records. In case Vinyl for The People wasn’t enough foreshadowing. I deny myself the pleasure of vinyl listening for six days. What will come of this, perhaps my head will implode from bits and bites? In which case, it was nice writing to you all.
Let me say that I am not anti-digital. I have a far more extensive digital collection than I do a record collection. The disparity between digital and analog is in part due to growing up during the golden age of Napster. I’ve bought hundreds of CDs, but some albums that didn’t pass the $19.95 value test in the early to mid-2000’s. Of those albums, the ones I cherished most are among records.
I could call this practice for shipping my belongings to San Diego. Leaving Hawaii is bittersweet, I’ll miss the Aloha, food, views, and people. Going back to the mainland has distinct advantages, Amazon Prime, pizza delivery (Dominos nor Papa Johns deliver to our house), a variety of record stores, airfare. But some things are worth more than others.
Being in the military brings a unique point of view. I’ve done my share of stuff begrudgingly. A transoceanic move from New Hampshire to Hawaii, transferring to a different submarine because they “needed” me, and cleaning up real “shit” under the sinks in my kitchen (Galley for you Navy types). What I’m saying is San Diego is not a place I would like to avoid. My girlfriend, however, is not coming with her sailor. Choosing to come when she feels is right. While saddened by this fact, I am glad that we talked about that before we go to the juncture of moving. That is a story with a few parallels surrounding my ex-wife. I’ll make due.
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As always, keep spinning.
–Tom
