All of human civilization is full of polarizing divisions and often we are characterized by what side we take. Liberal or Conservative, Republican or Democrat, iOS or Android. For me, the pendulum has swung back in the opposite direction and I’ve gone back to Android after having had a taste of iOS for the better part of a year. Why? Well, for me, I believe that it better suits my needs. The screen is larger, the keys are larger, it’s easier to read, easier to hit buttons and the customizable keyboard means that I can finally use Swype again instead of that slow, annoying, and archaic hunt-and-peck/make a mistake/delete/fix cycle I had to endure using my iPhone. (Also, I have large hands and fat fingers, so it’s nigh impossible for me to use the iPhone’s tiny keyboard.) Let’s face it, the iPhone is fantastically easy to use, intuitive, beautifully designed, and so many people use it, that it’s easy to just pull your friends into the comfortable ecosystem and swap iMessages or Facetime one another. But in doing so you sacrifice freedom and customization, because Apple tightly controls every aspect, nuance, and little detail of the iOS universe and you’re forced to accept it as it is, or walk away. There’s not much you can change on an iPhone without having to do some rather serious modifications to the phone. Android, by comparison, offers freedom to do whatever you like, change whatever settings you want, get a phone in nearly whatever size you feel comfortable with (up to eight inches, thanks to Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 8.0). You’re not forced to make it look a certain way, or behave a certain way for the sake of anyone. You can change, tweak, and screw up your phone as much as you like with great ease. I guess that’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned lately. Freedom is a funny thing, because it includes the freedom to do things contrary to what may have been intended or desired, but such is its nature and the risk you take by accepting it and all the benefits that lie therein. I’ve tried the other side and for now, I think this one suits me better. Maybe some day I may change my mind back again. (I reserve the right to do that.)

     My iPhone sold today on Amazon and so ends my year long Apple ownership. Also, I finally get to earn back some of the money I spent on my new phone, which is a relief. One of my cousins is getting married soon, which is going to bring my mother’s side of the family together. Unfortunately it looks like my sister might not be able to come, which is a shame because I feel like it’s been a seriously long time since our entire family (in one form or another) has gotten together to spend some quality time doing something other than sitting around my parent’s house. We (the groom and his groomsmen et al) are heading to Vegas this weekend for the bachelor party. It’ll be my first time there with people I know (the other time having been with a Korean tour group courtesy of my Aunts). I’m a bit apprehensive because I don’t know what to expect, but I’m also looking forward to relaxing and hanging out. As we get older, these kinds of moments seem more and more rare as we devote more and more attention to things like careers and family. I’ve learned a deeper appreciate for what time I do get to spend together with everyone. 

     I’m seriously considering getting a dog. Not until after my cousin’s wedding (because my parents will be visiting and that would probably be the worst time to have to care for a dog on top of everything else), but all things considered, I’ve always believed that the trade-offs of dog ownership have been well worth it. I have never met another animal that is so loyal and dedicated as a canine, so single-mindedly focused on their human companions to the point of being able to read your intentions and gestures. They ask for the smallest things and give so much in return. It saddens me tremendously that our family (my parent’s) dog Marble is getting so old and frail. The thought of her one day passing is heartbreaking. I want to see her again before that happens.

     I’ve been having strange dreams lately. Usually that portends big changes in my life. I guess we’ll see what happens this year, but I’m sure something is on the horizon.