From My Corner of the Universe

Last week, husband and I upgraded our phones to androids.  We tried to avoid getting into the android world because it’s too expensive and too time consuming…time away from the family.  But, we did it.

For me, it’s really about having a good quick camera with me at all times.  I wanted the flexibility of being able to take a photo anytime and anywhere without carrying a big bulky camera or separate heavy pieces in my purse.  Before, I would carry my cell phone, Nikon Coolpix, my wallet, Kindle, calendar book, sketchpad, keys, sunglasses, and some beauty products all in my purse.  I even wanted to get an HD camcorder to record my daughters’ activities and family events when we are out and about.  Imagine all that in a large heavy purse!

One year in college, I only carried a small cloth zipper wallet big enough to fit my ID’s, credit cards, and a chapstick, and it fit into the front pocket of my jeans or into a pocket in my jacket…life was simple and I loved it.  I have no pictures or video to remember much of that time though.  And, with me being forgetful these days…photos and videos really help keep me together, and of course, they are also for memories of our family.

I am glad to say that my new android phone has been a big help.  The all-in-one thing is great (I still have to carry an actual calendar schedule though) and I’ve realized that I’ve been missing out on technology, especially in the area of apps.  My husband loves playing with the apps more so than I do, but I do have a few that I am child-like about:

1.  Instagram

Love love love this app!  This is the app that I’ve been dying to have and have been going bonkers with it ever since I got it.

Here are some shots I’ve taken:

2. Shazam

My sister (who does not have an android yet but will soon) introduced me to this.  It will come in handy when I hear a song on the radio that I love but don’t know the title or singer.  I tested it yesterday while driving home from my parents’ house and got way too excited.

3. Barcode Scanner

Used to scan Quick Response (QR) barcodes and books.

I learned that I could generate my own QR barcode and generated two of them.

This blog:

My digital scrapbook blog:

Go here to generate your own code.

I promise, I will not get too deep into apps.  I know how time consuming they can be.  I’ve watched my husband play with his apps and I miss having him sit next to me with us lost in a good conversation.  I got down on him about it last week and he put the phone down but he did get right back to it over the weekend.