You know the kind. Alright, if you’re under 35 or so you know the kind. They are the people who have an iPod so therefore see it necessary to have it glued to their ears throughout every activity in the day. They go to sleep listening to it so naturally they’ll wake up with it still in their ears. Breakfast and morning routine they’re listening to something. Depending on the person it could be a soothing tune that slowly wakes them up. If it were me I’d need something upbeat and punkish to rock me awake. But remember this isn’t me. Next they’d have it either walking to class still beat-bopping away living in their own thoughts and melodies. If they’re older they’ll plug it into their car on their way to work; still be listening to a playlist they made 3 months ago about a now ex-boyfriend or girlfriend. Tears fall when that one song comes, but they still listen because heaven forbid the silence. In a class if the professor gets a little boring – instead of falling asleep and risk the embarrassment of snoring or drooling – might as well continue to have your iPod plugged in and kicking. They are walking down the street and can only hear the wails of just another pop icon. Back at their place its an excuse to get away from the world and be happy in their bubble. The artists and musicians don’t argue or blame you for anything you might have missed during the day. These are only subtle observations I’ve made and may have exaggerated.
On this Race I’ve tried it a few times. The iPod was something that past Racers suggested we bring, but since I had lived in the states without one I figured I’d be OK. For me, I was right. After a birthday dinner in Beijing I stepped out into the city night life. Good if your hearing is alert and keeps you safe from speeding traffic; bad if you have an iPod in at high volume making you feel like you’re in your own Kelly Clarkson music video. So, I’m a dork and made my way dancing through the hall of the hotel where our restaurant was. “Because of you….” Swinging around I skipped down the stairs exiting the building, by this time I was still impressed my team was even following me.”…I never strayed too far from the sidewalk…” Well I should have. I got to the parking lot and almost to the street to cross in order to get to the mall. Becky grabbed my arm saving me from the perishing lightning-speed traffic that I wasn’t paying attention to. That was my first real experience as an iPod person and I didn’t like it. It as so unreal. It was amazing at how in my own world I could choose to be in. I kept taking out the ear buds and “huh?” but missed the conversations and the girls just laughed at me. We stood and walked around the mall but I was determined to find out what was so fascinating about living in ones iPod. We walked around the mall and I didn’t get it. I was semi-dancing around and still jumping but since no one around me was hearing the same thing they weren’t getting it. (Oooh, another blog could’ve come out of that thought but that’s not where I’m going.)
This month Lindsey from team Less gave up her iPod and donated it to me for safe keeping. She recognized its hold on her life so she wanted a time of separation. I’ve tried my best not to hurt its feelings by keeping it in good use. During that 32 hour train ride to Cape Town it was useful but I still didn’t get the same kick out of it as I did just sitting. I do appreciates its handiness when I’ve been able to jump and dance around the yard and beach the past couple days. Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll ever have a long or deep relationship. It’s not you its me. The moment struck me the first week we were in Gordon’s Bay. A few times that week the iPod has accompanied me to the internet cafe or the beach which is about a 10-15 minute walk. In the walks the iPod brings me the quality time with David Crowder that I can’t seem to get anywhere else. As I walk I still wave to people but with the music playing I miss their voices. One day I walked by the same homeless man that sits on the stairs of a building and he had to wave me down to get my attention just to say hello. I said hello but not being able to hear anything else but music I walked by and continued with my agenda offering only a simple wave and smile.
This week God moved again. I like when He doesn’t give up on me. Walking back from the internet cafe, this time with Kari, Margaret, a homeless woman who stays by the same stairs and trees the man before does, approached us. She introduced herself and asked that if ever we had any extra clothes or food she would be more than willing to accept. Her toothless smile and caring hug along with the lighter and joint she held in her hands made me smile deeply. Thank You, God, for this moment. She asked us not to forget her as we waved good-bye. The next day before we walked down I packed a small lunch for her. As Heather, Renee, and I rounded the corner where Margaret and her friends sit I saw her talking. I came beside her to say hello and the same toothless smile and caring hug was there to welcome me. She was very appreciative and enjoyed the friendship of all of us. Someone I could have missed were I not able to hear her…or God’s leading.
I’m probably not going to be walking with an iPod in again, for a while. A long while, I hope. I like being conscience in my surroundings. I like being open for interruptions and momentary conversations of passer-byers. I like taking in the ambient sound of nature, traffic,…other peoples conversations. (Just kidding.) I like music but mostly when I’m able to share it with others or when I can still hear police sirens or traffic that’s about to take me out. So, from my experience with iPods, be careful. Know what you’re listening to and not listening to. If you’re one of “those people” I want you to know I still like you. You just might not be able to hear me saying it.
