It wasn't that long ago that I learned that I have a terminal condition and that I will only be around for a limited time. With that in mind, I've been trying to savor every moment, and to work hard to keep my chin up and avoid being maudlin. In that context, today was a good day. Given my quickly dwindling time here on planet Earth, I have been keeping a look-out for time saving devices. I finally took the plunge and bought an iPad2 (I wasn't convinced that the brand new version offered anything I needed). The iPad 2 has an excellent screen and lots of potential uses for me at work and at home (I'm already using an app called Note Taker, which allows me to use a stylus to scribble on pdfs on the fly. I uploaded the Kindle app, and I'm delight to say that I have a new tool for reading and reviewing books. The Kindle offers a function for capturing passages of books as "notes," and then accessing those notes as a batch. I loaded up quite a few other apps that will help me at work, including Drop Box and Jump. Twenty years ago, I wanted to be on the cusp of technology. These days, I'm thrilled to be one step behind, because time seems to be one of my most precious commodities. I'll let others screw with the newest and greatest, while I sneak in behind the commotion and enjoy things that have been out long enough that most of the bugs are worked out. I'm still exploring the iPad and the Kindle, but I think this will be a great way to absorb and review books. Last night I foolishly bought a stylus at Target for $20, when I could have bought a 3-pack on line for $10. You've got to watch out for those accessories. Then again, I can't take it with me . . . [Notes . . . ]