That’s why, thankfully, marriages don’t rely on having the same kind of DVDs to rent from Blockbuster. Well, at least not this one.

Sure, we both love travel, music, movies, food, and a few other things. Sometimes, we even get to choose the same destinations, CDs, films, and restaurants…

But, if my first instinct is to look for museums and galleries in a city that we’re visiting, he has the inclination to find out if there was a famous sporting stadium or exciting game that he can watch… And, while I love fish sauce in my food, he warns me never ever to cook my Asian dishes with them.

Celebrating differences, of course, is what we’re all about. Sure, the differences can both drive us insane a bit, but hey… We kinda knew that was going to happen anyway.

There are times, however, when things just click.

When I say something’s amazing, and he agrees without gritting his teeth…

Or, he finds something extra cool, and I actually think he’s right!

One of these moments was when hubby introduced me to this band called Scouting for Girls. They’re a British band who’s been making waves in the UK, apparently.

Due to a project that we’re helping our son with, I ended up purchasing their first album of the same name (Scouting for Girls) on iTunes.

As I downloaded their songs, I already became amused by song titles like ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘I Want to be Like James Bond’.

Then, the other day, I started listening to their songs on my iPad whilst I was on the way to work on the train. And, I had to stifle a few laughs and chuckles. I think listening to them just put me in such a good, giggly mood for the rest of the day.

With songs like ‘It’s Not About You’ and ‘I Need a Holiday’, I just couldn’t contain my delight in this band.

The songs are clever and humorous. The tunes are catchy and fun (even with sad sounding songs like ‘Sob Story’). And, I’m well and truly captivated.

When hubby picked me up that day, he was listening to the album in his car too. We started talking excitedly about the songs and the band. Sharing a laugh in-between gushing. And, by the end of the evening, our whole family was singing away.

Ah, yes. Marriages and families may not be held together by shared interests and common passions. But, it’s always great to find these little bits of glue, isn’t it?

- Blogged from my iPad

You Might Also Like To Read…

• Playlists of the Moment: Friends’ Top 3 Fave Songs
• On Last.fm and BWE ‘08 Playlist
• On Umbrellas and ‘Stuck Song Syndrome’
• On Secret Dreams and Frustrations That Won’t Go Away
• … and The Boy Can Play Music!

… you love meeting all the new people that go with doing the job.

… you don’t even mind working on Windows again (temporarily?), even if every part of your being is longing for a Mac.

… (and) you panic on Day 2, as you realise that you haven’t got a clue how to turn on the silly Dell laptop because you’ve never seen the ‘on’ button placed on that part of the computer ever. And, well… wouldn’t it be embarrassing to ask someone how to turn the computer on? Especially because you’re working in a TECH-oriented organisation, and you’re meant to be a WEB specialist!

… you jump right in to the projects with little to no hesitation – and just get going because you can’t wait to get started.

… you wake up at 4am, having dreams about the projects that you’re working on – on several occasions!

… you find yourself reading as much as you can about the organisation, the work that you do, and… well, just about anything regarding the whole thing… and actually have fun with it.

… you enjoy talking to – and getting to know – your new colleagues. And, you find yourself laughing about all sorts of things while on the job.

… you find yourself sharing nice morning teas with said colleagues who bring cakes to share (it just so happens that there had been 2 birthdays in 2 weeks!).

… you don’t even mind the thought that the boss and your colleagues might be reading your blog, your Tweets, your FB updates… (it’s always a strange thought, but… )

… you like learning about the different “work traditions”… and perhaps, even unwittingly finding yourself starting new ones.

… you find yourself with extra 15 minutes or so before you need to catch the train, and you’d rather choose to spend the time doing more work in the office than sitting in the train.

… you are able to hum or sing while getting ready for work (even when it’s freaking cold and you’d rather be in bed!).

… you try to keep up with the work energy, even when you’ve got a very challenging time outside of work (such as hubby going away for a week while you start your job and you have to take care of kids, home, dog, etc mostly by yourself!)

… you do work-related tasks (e.g., brainstorming, mind mapping, To Do lists, wireframing, research, etc) even out of office hours, just because you feel like it.

… you get unsolicited compliments about what you’re doing on the job from brand new job-related acquaintances (whom you’ve never even met in person!)…

… you meet lots of new people who are also excited to tell you about their work, in jobs that they love…

… you receive your pay slip and you still can’t believe how awesome it is to be getting paid for this work.

… you are thrilled when Friday comes – but Mondays don’t seem too bad because you get to do more fun stuff, see more exciting things, meet more amazing people…

What about you? How do YOU know you’re loving your job?

So yes, folks. I survived my first two weeks at The New Job. And, as some of you may have gathered, I am loving it.

Of course, I’m exhausted at the end of the day. The To Do lists are mounting up and all that. And yeah, I haven’t had much time to blog here or to do any of my other personal projects. But, I can’t complain. It’s all good. I’m hoping my system will slowly acclimatize and I’ll develop a better rhythm for things. We’ll see…

For now, I’m peeking in here to say hello and to keep you all posted. And yes, I know I still owe you guys the final 52WoC Party and a few other things. I’m definitely planning on catching up on all that as soon as possible. For now, please bear with me.

You Might Also Like To Read…

• The Return to a Connected Life: Obliquely Finding My Way to a New Job*
• The Best Job in the World : A Call for Applicants
• 10 Ways to Kick-Start Work in the New Year
• The Magic of Teaching: Some Thoughts on the End of My Final Prac
• Teaching Practicum – Part 2 (+ a University Award!)

Well, I’m happy to report that not only have I managed to create a number of short videos lately, I’ve also been given the exciting chance to pick the brains of a talented Australian filmmaker. It was all done through the magic of the interwebs, of course (Thanks, Melissa Cook and Hopscotch Films crew!).

But, yes… I’m pleased to present to you my first official virtual interview — with Claire McCarthy. Claire has written and directed the film “The Waiting City,” which has been shown recently in the Toronto Film Festival and the Sydney Film Festival.

The Waiting City will be shown in Australia from the 9th of July (Friday) to the 11th of July (Sunday) 2010 in selected cinemas nationwide (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth). And, if you leave a comment or Tweet about this (or post on your Facebook, etc), you can be one of 10 winners to get a double pass to see the film for free. I’ll have to go with the first 10 comments/Tweets/FB posts. Please don’t forget to add @shaicoggins to alert me!

Now, here’s the interview video with Claire (+ my mash-up intro/ending)… Enjoy!

And, here’s the official trailer for the film -

You Might Also Like To Read…

• 60 Days in Action – Or, How to Get Things Done {Thoughts on Writing and Filmmaking}
• On Films, Clive Owen, and The Boys are Back movie
• The Movie Studio: January 2010 Edition
• The Movie Studio – February 2010 Edition
• Monsters vs Aliens: My 3D Movie Experience

1) Chalkboard Message – Back-to-School Sign Generator – One of my favourites from these message generators, probably because it’s school-themed.

2) Spell with Flickr – I <3 typography. So, this sign generator that enables me to create a customised sign using Flickr images just blew me away. Love it.

3) Street Sign Generator – This cool sign generator tool from Easy Street is simple and fun. You can even choose from small, medium, or large.

4) iPhone Message Generator – No iPhone? Well, you can still send an iPhone message through this generator… Er… Kinda.

5) Word Mosaic – This message/sign generator is fun. Just type in your text, choose symbols, and you can also customise colours and background.

6) Twitter Logo – Create your own Twitteresque sign using this sign generator. Simple.

7) Alphabet Soup Message Generator – Have you ever tried to spell words with alphabet soup? Well, now you can do it easily using this tool.

Dog Tag Sign Generator – Create your own dog tag signs using this online tool. You can even order them and make them in to real dog tags!

9) Chinese Restaurant Sign Generator – I would’ve loved to come up with something more witty, but, oh well…

10) Absolut Vodka Bottle Generator – Create your own bottle sign using this online Absolut Vodka bottle.

Hat Tip: Go Make Something

You Might Also Like To Read…

• 5 Kick-Ass Brain Dumping Apps { Web Wednesday #28 }
• Web Wednesday #21: Spreading the Love!
• Web Wednesday #19: New Year Edition
• Web Wednesday #18: The Return!
• Web Wednesday #27: First Random Finds of the Year

If you were to define your reasons for catching the “blogging block feeling,” would your reason be:

A) You just wrote a couple of massive posts, so it feels like anything that’s not as massive feels too puny or insignificant.

B) You have too much going on in “real life” that it’s getting more and more challenging to translate those things in to “online life”.

C) You are looking at your “Things to Blog” list and you can see that you’re getting further and further behind.

D) Distractions both on and offline abounds.

E) Life just simply gets in the way.

Me? It’s all of the above at the moment.

My solution?

Just do something completely off the typical blogging schedule and wing it. Yes, that’s what I’m doing right now.

Oh, and psssst… I wasn’t really planning on sharing this at all, but since I’ve decided to share one of my latest digital doodles (yep, made on the iPad) right here, I thought I’d let you know that I’ve been archiving some of these doodles and sketches via Studio Sketchpad. I’m also slowly planning on posting some of them on my Flickr account. Yes, I’m doodling/sketching again!

- Blogged from my iPad

Random Notes & Things…

• Abstract Diptych Project
• Happy Holidays!
• The English Connection
• Of Kings, Wontars, and Congos
• Shai Coggins: About The Artist

“It turns out that if you want to go in one direction, the best route may involve going in another.” ~ Suzi Dafnis

Just when I thought I was getting ready to graduate and to pursue a new career, I found myself back to where I started some time ago: Looking at a job in Online Content & Community (and Social Media) in a Technology environment. This time, connecting another personal interest: the Nonprofit Sector.

Woah! Where did that come from, you might ask?

Well, okay… Let me back up a bit here…

After my work at b5media ended, the last thing I wanted was to do more of the same. At least, not in the way that was available back then. I didn’t even feel like “keeping one toe in the water.” I just wanted something different.

At the time though, other than a couple of work possibilities, I was also invited to write for a long-running blog for bloggers, asked to do a podcast show or two with local and overseas media players, and given the possibility of working with a popular blogger who wished to run a Social Media/Blogging Conference here in Australia. I was interested, of course. But, I was also tired and worn out. So, I did not pursue any of it. I just wasn’t ready.

And, while I was honoured and pleased to be named as one of Fast Company’s “Most Influential Women in Technology” (2009), and being called as “one of the Web’s most talented writers” — along with a number of “Top Bloggers’ List” from different sources… All I wanted to do was unplug and disconnect.

I mean, sure, I maintained my blogs and social networks. I even started some projects. And, I even began working on various online freelance work.

So yes, I stayed online. But, for the most part, I lived an offline life over the last 18 months – pursuing my second Masters’ degree, working for a nonprofit organisation on a part-time basis, writing for a print magazine, finishing my novel and starting to revise it, travelling to Singapore, England, and South Africa… Spending some time with family and friends… Making new friends and connections and rekindling old ones…

Generally, just loving my life and the world around me.

And slowly, I felt better and better. Over the last few months, I began to feel stronger and energised.

But, I wasn’t looking for a job. Well, at least, nothing big and heavy. Not quite yet.

I wanted to wait for something special to come along. Preferably, after graduation.

However, life doesn’t always go as planned. And sometimes, you just go with the flow when opportunities come along.

You see, the thing is, I have this really strange habit. I LOVE reading the classifieds. It goes way back. Seriously. I’ve been reading classified ads long before I was legally allowed to work. It’s that bad.

Although I occasionally send an application here and there, when something captures my eye… I don’t always apply for jobs. I just like reading the ads and finding out what kind of jobs are available in the areas and industries that I’m interested in. I enjoy finding out where the jobs are, how much money people make doing those jobs, what kind of skills and background job hunters are looking for…

Weird, I know. But, maybe that’s just the Renaissance Soul in me.

And… Well, while I was in my usual mode of reading the classifieds via my Seek.com.au email alert, I came across this job opening that read like a dream to me. My heart started pounding wildly, my head spun in excitement, and my mind raced as I thought of the possibilities.

The ad talked about the job being a new role in an Adelaide-based nonprofit organisation that connects other nonprofits and charities through technology — with an Australia-wide focus and an international flavour. It mentioned words like social media, web 2.0 tools, communities, travel, conferences… They were obviously really keen to fill the role because they even offered to relocate anyone who wins the job.

The more I read about it, the more I felt I needed to give it a go. To find out if what I immediately felt at the time would be confirmed: That I’m a perfect fit for the job.

So, I whipped up my résumé and wrote the most heartfelt, out-of-the-ordinary cover letter I ever wrote in my life. I’m still not sure where I gathered up the courage to do what I did, but I just knew that I couldn’t write the usual cover letter template when applying for this job – even though there was a part of me that wanted to stick to conventional letters. I just thought that the person who’d be reading my application would either appreciate my genuine enthusiasm for the job – or would not take me seriously.

The next day, I received an interesting acknowledgement email from the CEO. And, the process began…

It took a month to hear again about the status of that application. When I found out that there were about 50 applicants from interstate and overseas, I began to shake in my winter boots.

How do you compete with 50 people who want the same thing you do?

Then, I heard I was shortlisted for an interview.

The shaking stopped long enough for me to start preparing.

As part of that interview, I had to do a 15-minute presentation to a five-member panel. Yes, it was that time when I said I did a bold presentation using my brand new iPad and Keynote (my first time using these tools!). The panel interview lasted over an hour, even though I barely had a voice due to my long-running cold/cough. It was nerve-wracking but energising.

During my preparations, I slowly began to reconnect with why I love working with online media in the first place. I remembered what it is about this gig that I feel passionate about.

I know I want to be a part of something special. Something that can hopefully can make a difference in other people’s lives.

And, that can’t be achieved in any job.

I know that I need work that will excite me from the start. Something that will enable me to dream and to be engaged in something bigger than myself. A job that will enable me to work with amazing, passionate, and intelligent people.

This job seemed to offer that – and more (including working with an award-winning CEO who was named “Innovator of the Year”!).

And, just over a week after that massive panel interview, I received a call from Doug Jacquier (yes, the award-winning CEO) — offering me this amazing job (in-between coughing, no less – how embarrassing! ).

It’s a job that comes with an incredible team — For a local organisation, with a nationwide focus. Something that will enable me to connect with a number of incredible communities who are doing fantastic things in the nonprofit sector all over Australia (and New Zealand), as well as the fantastic donors and sponsors of the organisation. Working with online content and technology. Perhaps, even getting in contact with the organisation’s international partner, TechSoup Global. And, it’s all wrapped up in a fabulous work package.

How can I resist?

Life as I know it right now will change in a massive way. I have to re-arrange schedules and priorities. I have to reconsider certain goals and plans.

And I will need to get ready and take the commute to the city, where I’ll be working in an office everyday. (Oh, and yes, I will have to start looking at my work wardrobe once again – no pyjama working days on this one!)

It’s only on contract at the moment. But yes, I have accepted. And, in less than two weeks’ time, I’ll be starting this new job.

So, what’s this fantabulous job?

The role: Manager, Online Content (+ Community/Social Media)

The workplace: Connecting Up Australia**

Now, let’s see where this new ride will take me, shall we?

SIDE NOTES:

* Maybe I should add to the title… “The Return to a Connected Life: Obliquely Finding My Way to a New Job” … with a little help from my iPad! Or perhaps, do a sub-title: The Job That The iPad Helped Me To Win

* Obliquely = This term struck me after encountering the concept through Suzi Dafnis’ newsletter when she introduced the book, Obliquity: Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly by John Kay. I haven’t read the book yet, but it’s on my list. Sounds like a good read!

** Remember my 2010 Word of the Year? I said I couldn’t understand why on earth the word “Connect” stuck with me as a focus word for 2010. Now, look what that word has landed me! And, how I’m back to leading a connected life again… Yes, I even used my WOTY in my application and my interview presentation. How’s that for powerful words in motion?

You Might Also Like To Read…

• You Know You Love Your New Job When…
• On Becoming a Graduate Student (Again!)
• What Next? {A Book Review}
• 10 Ways to Kick-Start Work in the New Year
• On Renaissance Souls and The Perfect Jobs {A Book Review}

Anyway, this party’s just an appetizer, so to speak. Just a small taster. I’m including entries/participants from 52WoC #45 to 52WoC #50, as those tasks are already closed. I’m keeping 52WoC #51 and 52WoC #52 open, to allow more people to join in our final celebrations. But, of course, the participants from these earlier tasks will be included in the “Main Course” party.

Since this party is just for starters, I’m serving some homemade bread and soup. I hope you like ‘em.

And yes, I’m giving away three things (some of ‘em mentioned here): a copy of Cathy Yardley’s “Will Write for Shoes” book, a set of Redken, and a “Burn After Reading” DVD.

Here’s a round-up of our participants…

52WoC #45: Highlight Your Commenters

• blue rose (1)
• Kari (2)
• Rachel Cotterill (3)
• Lynn Stevens (4)
• Melissa W (5)

52WoC #46: Share Your Video!

• Nicola (6)
• Nenette (7)
• Kari (8)
• Toni (9)

52WoC #47: Holiday Wish List

• Kari (10)
• Em Dy (11)
• eds (12)
• Nenette (13)
• Nicola (14)

52WoC #48: Your New Year Challenge

• Melissa W (15)
• Kari (16)
• Heather (17)
• iHanna (18)
• Rachel (19)
• Em Dy (20)
• eds (21)

52WoC #49: What You Love

• Kari (22)
• Rachel Cotterill (23)
• Nenette (24)
• Tereza (25)
• eds (26)

52WoC #50: By Special Request

• Kari (27)
• Rachel Cotterill (28)
• Dawn (29)
• Frances Ivy (30)
• eds (31)
• Nenette (32)

Since random.org has already started charging for their random drawing tool, I just used their integer tool, where I asked it to pick 3 random numbers (for 3 winners). Each participant/entry has an assigned number (see number in parentheses next to each name).

So, without further ado, here are the winners…

Congratulations, iHanna (18) – you win a copy of Cathy Yardley’s book.

Congratulations, Dawn (29) – you win the Redken packet.

And, finally, congratulations Nenette (7) – you win the “Burn After Reading” DVD.

Please send me your mailing addresses so I can send you your prizes as soon as possible.

If you haven’t won a prize in this round, don’t worry. We have another party to go – with 7 more prizes to give away. And, if you aren’t a participant yet (or you want to increase your chances of winning), do join tasks 52WoC #51 and 52WoC #52 right now.

BTW, here’s a special shout out to Kari for completing all tasks from this round (45 – 50). Thanks so much!

Now, stay tuned for Part 2 of this party! Yes, we’re really, really almost at the end of this project.

You Might Also Like To Read…

• The Long-Awaited 52WoC Party #8!
• 52WoC Party #7: The Mega Giveaway
• Time for 52WoC Party #6!
• 52WoC #52: The Final Hurrah!
• 52WoC #51: Future Community Project Ideas

It has been two weeks since the international launch of the iPad. And yes, two weeks since I’ve been playing with Celebration, my cool new toy – my belated birthday present and my post-prac gift rolled into one.

I’m sure most people would be way over all the iPad talk by now. And, I can’t blame anyone for that. After all, it seems to be dominating the media lately. But, since a few people have been asking me what I thought of my own iPad experience, I thought I’d finally weigh in and share my review.

And yes, I’ve read and heard all the arguments about it. I’ve definitely acquainted myself with all its limitations, which is something I’m sure a number of the “iPad haters” never even bothered to try first hand.

But yeah, I know what the iPad doesn’t have and what it can’t do.

Admittedly, I felt the “missing stuff” for a short while when I first started playing with this gadget. I even felt a pang of disappointment knowing I can’t play DVDs and access Flash-based websites and do direct printing. Or even plug a USB directly in to it. And yes, it does get a bit heavy to hold with one hand while you’re lying down in bed trying to read an interactive book to your li’l one. I’m even one of those people who isn’t overly impressed with its given name. But, hey…

Anyway, the other stuff that some people complain about – the lack of camera, the lack of offerings in the international iBooks store, the on-screen keyboard, the not-up-to-par e-ink technology/ebook reading screen… They don’t bother me all that much.

In fact, the more I use the iPad, the more I find myself not missing the other stuff that I felt bad about initially.

Mind you, I don’t own an iPhone or an iPod touch or a Kindle or a pressure-sensitive tablet or a netbook. So, I can’t exactly know what it’s like for those folks who own those gadgets.

Me… Well, I’m happy to report that I’m one blissful iPad owner so far.

Sure, it’s not perfect. And, if you’re a heavy computer user like I am, it can’t possibly replace an existing computer or laptop. But, the thing is, I don’t think the iPad was ever designed as a replacement computer. That’s why it was never a secret that it’s meant to sync with iTunes on an existing computer. I think that made it pretty clear that the iPad is more of an extension of a current system, rather than a replacement. That’s why the netbook and laptop or desktop computer comparisons never really made much sense to me.

But, isn’t that a bit too frivolous, some of you might ask. What’s the point of buying an iPad then if a netbook is cheaper and maybe more capable in some ways (USB ports, etc)?

Well, my answer to people who asked me these types of questions: It depends on what you want out of your tech set-up.

If you just want a replacement or another portable computer that’s primarily for word-processing, browsing the web, etc, that’s inexpensice and portable, then perhaps a netbook will suit you more than an iPad.

Although I don’t know about you, but I’ve tinkered with a couple of those netbook computers and I’m pretty sure they won’t make great ebook readers… Nor will they be any good in making digital art.

So, why not buy a Kindle instead? Well, if you’re happy with your computer set-up and all you want is a nice ebook reader, then maybe you can forget the iPad. I heard the Kindle screen is kinder on the eyes and lighter to hold while lying in bed.

But, since I don’t usually read lying down (I tend to read in bed either lying on my tummy with elbows propped, or I lie on my side with my arms/hands resting on the bed) — unless I’m reading to my kids in bed — the weight doesn’t usually bother me, even if I don’t exactly have strong biceps. And, seriously, with the kind of delighted looks that my kids have when I’m reading them an iPad children’s ebook… I’d gladly endure the tiny twinges on my arms for a few minutes.

I don’t think you’d get a Guided Reading version of kids’ books on a Kindle. Not to mention, all those colours and interactive learning elements! This type of reading experience is definitely one of the reasons that I wanted an iPad from the start. It’s really exciting stuff, especially considering that we’ve only just started exploring the possibilities. As a geeky mum, educator, and children’s writer, I can’t help but be thrilled.

I believe I will always love “real” books… In fact, even though I’m a gadget girl, and I’ve developed a certain interest in ebooks… I never got excited about them in a big way until now.

So, what about that tablet thing? Aren’t we all better off with a Wacom or something?

If you’re planning to create digital art seriously, then a decent Wacom tablet’s definitely the way to go. Goodness knows how much I’ve been lusting after an Intuos. I just couldn’t justify the expense, as I don’t know how much I’d be using it. That’s why I only managed to buy myself a cheap Wacom Graphire tablet a few years ago. But, I never quite got the hang of it. So, I still didn’t make as much digital art as I’d like.

Besides, even if I did want to try and practise sketching, it isn’t easy to sketch ideas on the go while lugging a laptop and a tablet. Well, that’s what moleskins and pens are for, you might say. And, I would generally agree, as that’s one of the reasons I often have at least a pocket moleskine and a couple of pens in my bag. Not that I take them out that often. And, even when I do take them out, I still have the issue of having to scan them, if I ever want to use those sketches for some purpose.

Just the other day, however, whilst I was on the train… I got inspired to do some life sketching… With no sketchbook or pen or coloured pencils, I just decided to take out my iPad and do a couple of quick sketches of my ideas (in colour!) using a couple of favorite art apps. Afterwards, I could even decide just to email myself a copy of the sketch so that I can work on it more using a more sophisticated art program. No need to scan or take photos to turn my quick sketching session in to digital format.

And yes, I think I’ve done more digital art in 2 weeks than I have done in 5 years since getting my Wacom. It’s just so much more fun and easier on the iPad!

Other than ebook reading and digital art making, I found myself using the iPad more and more for note taking and organising. When I get a writing or blogging idea while I’m on the go, I just take out my iPad and start working on an article, story, or blog post. In fact, the beginnings of this blog post was started while I was on my way home on the train. I’ve continued writing it while I’m lying in bed, unable to fall asleep.

I can even record voice messages on it (my voice or other people’s – for meetings, lectures, interviews, etc) for personal use… Or to send as voice emails.

I also find it so much easier to use the iPad for organizing my calendars (even syncs with Google Calendar!)… And my To Do List… Because the iPad is ALWAYS with me now. Especially since it fits snugly in to my little pink bag inside its fitted purple Belkin soft case. Plus, it turns on and off instantly! I can’t do that with my laptop. I only take my laptop with me when I really have to.

I have also been using my iPad for some reading and writing practice with my kids. I’m even using a couple of handwriting apps as part of a case study that I’m currently working on for uni. So yes, I’d be writing an academic paper with an iPad mention in it. Heh.

I am also able to check and send quick emails while I’m in Wi-Fi hotspot cafés and malls. Like the other day, when my daughter was happily playing in a playground in the mall, I was able to send off a couple of rush emails when I found out that I was able to connect to the internet for free on my iPad while I was watching her play.

And yes, I have even learned to enjoy “letting my hair down” a bit, as I started playing some games again during my down time. Even playing some games with hubby and the kids. Something I haven’t done in a loooonnnggg time.

Some people might say the productivity apps, email checking and games are old news. They’ve been available on smartphones and iPods for a while now. But, as I said, I don’t have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, so the iPad has a place in my set-up.

Although, having said that, even if I did have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, I can’t imagine the experience being the same. Like, when I was playing this 2-player game on the iPad with my family. That experience can’t possibly be done on a small screen. And, since I’ve never been a fan of SMS/Text messaging, the idea of writing and reading emails on small screens just don’t appeal to me.

And yes… probably the boldest thing I’ve done with my iPad to date was to use it as a tool during a work-related presentation (yep, plugged it in to a huge plasma screen with a VGA connector). It was definitely useful to have an iPad while trying to deliver the message that when it comes to online content, mobile devices and apps are key. I think the message wouldn’t have been as clear had I been using a USB stick or a laptop.

So yeah, the iPad can’t take photos or videos. It can’t make calls, print directly, run DVDs, or plug USBs. There are a lot of other gadgets out there that can possibly do things better on an individual app level.

But, for ALL the things that it CAN do, I doubt if there’s anything quite like the iPad right now.

And like any True Love, it’s easier to get past the iniquities because the rest of it is just way too good to pass up.

For me, the iPad’s definitely keeper.

- Blogged from my iPad

Random Notes & Things…

• Something From The Grapevine…
• Gallery Update
• Under the Sea Birthday Cake & Party
• Most Underrated Blogs?
• Future Visions: Diptych Paintings