hello, iPad

It's safe to say that my college degree has already proven worthwhile. I was thoroughly spoiled by my wonderful Aunt Val and Uncle Max when they drove up to Santa Barbara from LA for brunch at Shoreline Cafe... and brought a special something with them. I opened the sexy, red leather smart cover first. I almost couldn't continue... An iPad!!!!??? FOR ME!?

Becoming the owner of an iPad 2 was a pretty sweet initiation into the world of Apple product consumption. I don't know if I was off sailing or just plain aloof when the whole Apple craze first happened, but my only experience with iGadgets thus far has been a preprogrammed hand-me-down iPod from Gleb (thank you, darling). I seriously didn't even have iTunes on my computer (I'm more of a Pandora kinda gal... just let it play).

Now, I understand the craze. So sleek. So intuitive. So small enough to take to Africa! One wireless keyboard, one camera connection kit, and a whole lot of hours later, I am proud to say that I am creating this entire blog post via iPad! Thank you, Max and Val, for making this all possible!

Tomorrow we venture to LA-- really, CARmageddon is THIS weekend?-- and sleep one more night in the States before jumping on a 16-hour flight to the other side of the world (Dubai, to be exact). It's 9pm on the eve of our departure, so I thought I should upload a few pics to prove that this blog, pictures and all, can really happen via iPad :)

The essentials (iPad included)

Abby weighs in (she and the pack made the cut)

My saving grace on the mountain (wish I could bring my real Grace, too!)