Planting new ideas and seeds

Yesterday I felt a bit lost. All was well, but it seemed like something was missing from my life. I wandered around the apartment, then in and out -- to the dumpster, to the mailbox, to the laundry room. Did plenty of exercising to try and burn off calories and this slight state of discontent.

I think it was a matter of feeling unproductive. The symptoms seemed familiar so I should have known transition would eventually show its face. Mid-afternoon I timidly began writing an article. The next thing I knew it was past suppertime, the article was done and posted on Helium.com, and I was well into researching another article. Huge, huge sigh of contentment.

Encouraged by writer/blogger Greg Spinks of Northern PA, I'm going to buy peas today. Peas to plant, that is. I'm allowed to plant in a very small piece of land next to my apartment building. So far I haven't seen much sun hit that spot, yet I feel inclined to give it a try. My son-in-law plans to bring a shovel and stone rake sometime to loosen the soil. Meantime, I'll get out my little trowel and dig individual holes for the seeds at the back edge of the area - right next to the apartment building. Starting Wednesday of this week, we're expecting temps in the fifties. A good time to plant peas.

Speaking of planting seeds. I am in desperate need of a new computer -- mine being seven years old and so-o-o-o slow -- and my son planted the seed of an idea. He recently bought a Mac. He talked, explained and worked with me to figure out my exact needs. End result is that the little seed of an idea will, within just a few days, become a full-fledged Mini Mac (6.5 x 6.5 x 2) Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB, with iWork'09 preinstalled, free shipping, 3-year service. Initially couldn't find Mac service in this area, then son found someone forty minutes away. I searched again and finally found someone local. What's really great about this whole process is that I'm getting really good about taking my time in implementing decisions. My previous MO was to decide I needed something, get an estimate or find it in the store, and buy on the spot. This time around, I've taken months of thought, then weeks of research and gathered three estimates. The best part? There are numerous videos/tutorials on the Apple/Mac site on using Mac, such as "Anatomy of a Mac", "Windows on a Mac", "PC to Mac: the Basics", plus many text tutorials. I'd better start studying... shipping time (free shipping, yay!) is 2-3 business days.

Any Mac users reading? Share your hints on getting started in this PC to Mac transition.

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