I had been wondering about the Amazon Kindle since I first read about it. I’ve always laughed off all of the electronic book readers that have come and gone, but something about this felt different. People I really knew and trusted all seemed to want one. Those that had one liked it.

With all the traveling I do I don’t like carrying books with me. It is a pain. I usually end up reading magazines, but lately I’ve been running out of those as well. It was because of this that I wanted to check one of these out for myself. I’ll also give blame to Rick Klau for finally pushing me over the edge. His post talked about the good and the bad and what he wanted out of it. All of that together made me get one.

So what do I think of it?

I’ve had it less then 24 hours, but I already really like it. The screen scares me because it is so clear. It looks almost fake when you look at it because I’ve never seen a screen like this before. From any angle it is crisp and clear. Last night I even kicked back with it on the bean to read a chapter of Child 44 and I found that I liked it. Plus it was the first work of fiction I’ve read in a long time so that alone made me happy!

This morning I kicked back with my coffee and the Kindle and read through today’s Boston Globe. It certainly will not replace my Sunday morning paper, but for a day to day type of read where I mostly scanned all the headlines rather then reading any articles, it fit the bill perfectly.

I know that on my next flight it will really get the test and based on the smallness of it I’m sure it will pass. My big question right now is the battery life. Books don’t ever run out of batteries. I’d hate to be flying along, getting to the good part and the battery dies. That is one thing that paper will always win in.

I like it so far. I still find it stupid that you have to pay to read blogs on it. I don’t expect to be doing much of that. I also want to try the e-mailing files to it to read on the go. That has potential. I also see volume controls on it so I’m guessing it is only a matter of time before I can listen to music while reading on it? Audio books too I would assume.

Every so often I capture a photo that makes me stop and really appreciate the power of the lens and capturing a moment in time.

I somehow missed this photo the first time around and just tonight I saw it and it stopped me. The pureness of friendship in two little seven year old girls. The missing tooth. The difference in smiles. Everything about it just made me pause for a moment and appreciate why I take photos all the time.

I can’t wait to show this to Emily in the morning when she wakes up.

While this weekend was a blast at home and I got to spend some great time with both my parents and Laura’s parents, I was sort of bummed that I wasn’t in New Jersey on Saturday.

I can hear more then one person wondering why I’d want to be in NJ when it was such a gorgeous weekend here in New England and there is a simple answer. My good buddy, Cali Lewis from Geek Brief TV was there at “the lair” doing some filming for My Home 2.0.

Photo by Steve Coulson

We’ve been working with the amazing team at Campfire again this season on the My Home 2.0 project from Verizon FiOS. We arranged for Cali to fly out and film some up coming DIY segments with each of the gurus on the show. Thankfully Steve was there and we connected via Skype video so that I could watch some of the filming and give a virtual hello to the whole team. Sure would have been nice to be there in person to give Cali and Neil both hugs, but hey, that is the way life goes.

I saw this post before and and this one after on the site and it looked like it was a great time all around. Steve also posted some photos from the day and I can’t wait to see all the video that comes out of this. Seems to be multiple cameras in every shot I see so you know they captured some fun times. I especially can’t wait to see Brian and Cali on screen together. Big smiles for sure!

Photo by Steve Coulson

As I was writing this I discovered that the Geek Brief #360 is already out with footage from the shoot. They must have edited it on the plane or something because that is fast! I haven’t watched it yet, but you can be sure I’m going to once I get back from dropping the kids off at school.

Oh and before you ask me, I can’t talk about the Teddy in the shot above. I’m actually kind of surprised that Steve put up photos of it already. It is a project that you’ll hear about soon enough and I can’t wait to tell you about it.

I’ve known for a while that I’m most productive late at night and first thing in the morning. I hate waking up and could stay in bed all day, but for some reason after I drop the kids off in the morning and up until everyone starts arriving at their desks I get so much done. I know it is because of the lack of distractions that it allows me to actually focus and get things done. I’m actively working on ways to manage the constant flow of communication that comes with being a nomad worker and with getting things done.

I’m also trying to simplify the office environment to make it as streamline as possible. It is a constant evolution of thought, but after looking at Where We Do What We Do last night it just fueled the fire to get this office to where I want it to be. I need a funky cool curved desk or something like that. Simple, but effective. And I don’t think my white walls are helping any. *grin*

In other news things are good. Working on getting several new projects off the ground while balancing the growth of The Advance Guard. I always knew, but can now confirm that running your own business is one of the hardest, but most rewarding things you can do. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve got a great business partner that comes at things always from a different angle then I do and yet it always works. Last week when I was on the road Steve and I had some great forward planning meetings covering the rest of 2008 and we both left feeling really good about things.

This weekend is going to be really nice. Both my parents and Laura’s parents are coming down. It is surprising how rarely we are all together so it will be nice for sure. Coming together for a preview of Emily’s next play. Of course their instructor never showed up last week so we are not 100% sure that it is still happening, but we’ll make the most of our time together no matter what. We are good like that.

Yesterday my new iMac arrived. The transition has been fairly smooth so far since I’ve been using the laptop for a while now. The only thing I still haven’t figured out is my podcasting work flow. I put out a new Accident Hash on purpose in case it takes me a few days to figure out what I want to do. I’ve got ideas, but just have to find some time to determine which one is best.

Being a big Star Wars fan and an Obama supporter this video cracked me up!

Hat tip to Todd And for posting it on his blog which is where I first saw it.

This morning Nine Inch Nails released a new album called “The Slip”. Big deal right?

It is a big deal because they released it for free on their website. No hooks. No gimmicks. 100% Free. Plus, the key word is “they.” No label involved here. The band released it the way they wanted to.

On top of that they released it under a Creative Commons license so that you can play it on podcasts, use it in videos and share with as many friends as you want.

Of course, I downloaded it as soon as I heard about it (saw first mention on Twitter) and after one listen through I really like it. A couple of really good tracks on there. Sure, there are some throw away ones as well, but isn’t there always?

I can’t wait to play a track on Accident Hash. I’ve always said that NIN was one band that I’d love to play. Now all I have to do is get a track from Prince and I’ll be all set. *grin*

It has been a packed and busy past couple of days.

Wednesday I took the train to New Jersey for a big presentation. Yesterday I was in New York City to spend some time in the office and to have a few meetings. Afterwards we had a great dinner at the Tribeca Hotel which is just down the street from our office. Nice place and great food if you are ever looking for a laid back place for a good meal. Get the Gingerbread Cake for dessert.Trust me on this!

As I write this I’m sitting at a gate in A Terminal of Newark Airport. We’ve got an afternoon packed of meetings in Pittsburgh and then I fly straight home to Boston from there. Three days of highly concentrated work, but good work.

Somehow as I woke up this morning I was able to get out a post on what I called The Death of Hannah Montana. I’ve had the thoughts bopping around in my head for a while so I’m glad I finally got them out.

Soccer, drama camp and hopefully getting together with an old friend this weekend once I get home.

I’m sitting on the Acela, headed out for a couple of days of business travel. This trip is more fun then usual as Scott Monty is sitting next to me as he heads into NYC for some meetings of his own.

But, as the miles pass by the window and the train clacks along the tracks (actually I sort of miss that old sound sometimes as this train doesn’t make much noise at all) it lets my my mind wander to a bunch of different things. This is what happens when you roll out of bed at 3 am and are blogging from a train at 6 in the morning.

I don’t think I have a collective thought to share at this moment. I’ve got ideas brewing about the evolution of brands, Miley Cyrus and how respect is one of the most important things you’ve got to always have.

But, I’m going to hold off on writing or recording about them until I can completely wrap my head around them all. With all the travel in the next couple of days, I’m sure I’ll have the time.

Do you ever notice how one change in the routine can throw everything off? Right now I’m dealing with that as Laura is away at a conference and thus it is just me and the kids. That’s cool and we do great of course, but it is just different without Laura in the house. Little things are when it get noticed and even Emily mentioned it last night when she said “I’m use to you being gone, but not Mommy.”

I went to NYC on Saturday to check out PodCamp NYC 2. VERY different vibe then last year and I say that in a positive way. It felt more like a back to basics PodCamp. Not sure if it was the educational location that helped this or not, but it wasn’t nearly as chaotic as last year felt. I saw and met a lot of new people. People just getting started. People filled with ideas, worries and passion to take things to the next level. Sure, I saw a lot of old friends as well, but you know I love connecting with new people and getting to know them.

This was the first PodCamp for our client mDialog and I’m really glad they came and were part of it all. I know they had a good time and got to meet a lot of people. I really wanted to get them in front of this community. To talk with them, answer their questions and find out what they are looking for in a service like them.

Don’t forget that if you filmed any video at the event, consider signing up for a free account and contributing it to the PodCamp NYC Channel. Everyone that does gets a free 6 month upgrade on their account as a little thank you for trying out the service.

I was taking pictures as usual. My set is here if you are looking for some. The shot shown here is one of my favorite of the weekend.

A personal highlight for me was as I sat at JFK I saw a Twitter from Gregory Ng that he too was waiting and it turns out we were even in the same gate.  We sat down and chatted a bit and turns out we have a lot in common. I’m hoping to reconnect with him when I’m not so fried from such a long day. I hadn’t had a chance Twitter encounter like this before so it certainly made me smile.

Like I said the routine is off this morning. I did hit the treadmill and actually did a load of wash before the first cup of coffee. Yes, things are a little off, but all is good.

Appearing in Cinderella playing the part of Toni the Mouse.

It only took nine months, but yesterday we signed all the paperwork to sell our old house. Best part was that it was sold to a young couple just starting out their lives together. Brought back memories for Laura and I both and it made us happy to see. I’m not sure it has completely sunk in yet, but I know the first time we drive by and see changes it’ll hit for us.

A big thank you to Ray Paulk (aka Ray the Realtor) for helping us make this happen. He was a huge help from day one and really helped set expectations and goals from the beginning. I don’t know how he is on the buying side, but I highly reccomend him on the selling side. If you are selling a house in Massachusetts or Rhode Island check him out.

There were a LOT of delays in making this happen. The approval process to get an FHA loan was the main thing holding it up. Good that they are being more careful about these, but it dragged on for almost an extra month because of it.

I’ve also noticed a good 4-5 new “sale pending” signs going up on houses that have been for sale in the area for a while now as well. That is a good sign. People are buying. If you have good credit and are looking to buy a house, right now would be a perfect time. Horrible time to downsize most likely, but it is certainly a buyers market right now.

A huge weight mentally off of our shoulders. That is for damn sure. Thank you to everyone for all the positive vibes and words of encouragement throughout this.

Early mornings seem to be my most productive time. As I type this I’ve got conversations going with someone in Boston and Bankok via IM. I’ve brainstormed around a potential new client and I’ve done my morning surf of my Bloglines to see what is going on in the world. Perfect time to record a podcast, but this week that gets thrown off because the kids are on vacation from school. No biggie, but it means I drop them off at their camps later then school and it sort of makes the day start later.

Cool thing happened yesterday when Emily’s teachers called to ask us if they could move her up a level. They said she was too talented to be with the little kids, so now she is with all the 10 & 11 year olds and actually has to learn lines for her play on Friday. I can’t wait and she is very psyched. She got to pick dinner last night and opted for kabobs. Hard to argue there and they looked and tasted pretty damn good even if they were last minute.

As I look out the window at the sunshine it reminds me that today is Earth Day. The perfect excuse for everyone to get outside for at least a walk. Sure we are all busy and leading crazy lives, but find at least a few minutes today to get outside and get some fresh air. It’ll do you a world of good.

Saturday I’m heading into PodCamp NYC. I can’t make it on Friday but it will be great to at least be there for one day. I wasn’t going to be able to make it originally but plans shifted so I could. Also looking forward to getting our client mDialog in front of people so that they can find out more about their offerings around video. Be sure to swing by their table because they are going to be giving away an Apple TV.

The head cold or allergies I’ve been dealing with seem to be clearing up today which is a nice change of pace. Not sure if the Thai food yesterday helped at all, but it sure tasted good. That I know for sure!

The coffee cup is empty so that means time to end this post. Make it a great day.

The cute woman doing the weather told me that today it is suppose to hit 70. Hard to argue with that! Of course I won’t get to appreciate that much of it, but in spirit I will.

Yesterday our treadmill arrived. We’ve wanted one for a while and when taxes didn’t hurt as much as we thought they would we bought one. The house came with a room set up to be a gym since the last owners were fitness freaks so we figured we should do it. So now most mornings this will be my view after I drop the kids off.

I also recorded Episode #55 of Managing the Gray and pushed it out into the feed. I also noticed some nice new reviews in iTunes which was a cool surprise. Thank you!

Today is a planning day. Laying out plans for the coming months. Figuring out resources. Mapping out delivery dates. All that “fun” project management type of stuff. I know for sure my white board is going to get a work out too. Reminds me that I need to get a bigger one which I keep thinking about and then never do.

I’m taking part in a couple of different campaigns right now from BzzAgent that made for a perfect morning breakfast after my walk. Today that meant a glass of Tropicana Pure Orange Juice and my last bag of Back to Nature Trail Mix. I’m not much of an OJ guy and never have been, but I was given a coupon for a free bottle so I figured I’d try it. Tastes pretty good, but not sure I could tell the difference between it and any other kind of OJ and I certainly wouldn’t pay the extra money for this brand in the future. The trail mix I love, but haven’t been able to find it in any stores yet (they sent me a few packets to try), but I’m going to keep looking. It is a good mix and the little packets are personally a good size for me so I enjoy them. Since I haven’t seen them in stores I don’t know how much they cost and if they are worth it or not.

So, that is my day so far and ahead. Dean Gray just came up on shuffle. I haven’t listened to this album in a long time. Time to turn off shuffle, crank it and dive into the next task.