Short term

I really have to take some steps to remember the multitude of minor tasks that I really need to do at regular intervals but somehow manage to easily overlook for weeks upon end. Updating this blog would be a good start. This evening has been something of an exception, in that I've so far successfully remembered to do such menial but necessary duties of doing the washing up, emptying the kitchen bin, putting the laundry into the washing machine. The real challenge will be to see if finish the job and actually remember to take the laundry out once the cycle is done. Aaah, the lack of a working short-term memory is a glorious thing.

Despite the occasional effort into remedial solutions, such as carrying a little book around which inevitably was quickly misplaced and forgotten, I feel that I'm going to have to look into getting myself a PDA. This is not a bad thing as, aside from the obligatory forking out of money for such a device, it could actually prove a useful companion. From the point of view of my memory, the functionality of PDAs today means that it's worth carrying along for all manner of purposes, meaning I'll not forget to bring it along for all of those less important notes and reminders. No longer are these handheld objects merely the preserve of businessmen with a requirement to keep on top of their busy daily appointments diary, they have evolved into what are nothing less than mini-PCs.

Better still, the modern prevalence of wi-fi, not least free wireless hotspots means that this handheld PC is likely to be near an internet hookup too. Just imagine having the internet almost anywhere. That's bordering on the scarey, given that I already spend many of my waking hours on-line either at work or home. Fortunately the battery life of PDAs should prevent too many hours spent blinking at a relatively tiny screen. The internet in this mobile form however offers much more than its typical home-based application. Any thoughts that cross my mind are now less likely to be forgotten, can be quickly recorded and using minimal effort put those same thoughts online, should they be so worthy. Even writing for offline should be improved. The greatest thoughts don't always occur at the most convenient of times. Having a PDA should limit this creative loss, and with the added investment in a portable bluetooth keyboard could even support more sustaining writing.