it had to happen. i’d been steeling myself for the inevitable, and yet ignoring the possibility at the same time. we’d been together for nearly six years, after all, and relationships like that usually don’t even last that long.

at the beginning, it was all fun and games and gee-whiz. we’d spend hours together, snugged in bed or keeping each other company on trips and during meals. it was shiny and new, and i thrilled every time we touched.

as time passed, the luster began to wane. it took longer to get warmed up, and minutes would go by without any communication at all. about a year ago, i knew the relationship was doomed. but disliking change, and reluctant to start over again elsewhere, i closed my eyes to the dwindling flame.

until today. today, my 12″ powerbook g4 functionally died.

and so now, i’m staring a brand-spanking-new 13″ macbook. i couldn’t bring myself to spring for a pro, but the new aluminum-cased ‘book spoke to me. i shelled out the extra $300 for the larger hard drive (yes, i’m a size queen) and the backlit keyboard. it’s taking some getting used to – the black bezel around the screen, the gently curved case, the buttonless trackpad. and i’m hoping i can eventually overlook the high-gloss screen.

the old powerbook is sitting a few feet away, its battered case and bent power cable slowly gathering dust. it’ll probably be gifted to someone in need of a mac to play with and destroy, but for now, it’s just a reminder of a relationship that was.