Doing things yourself is overrated.
My two-year-old  insists on doing everything himself. But age and wisdom, have taught me that life is more relaxing when you allow others to do work for you. For instance, is there a more thankless task than letter writing? Especially ‘thank-you’ letters. Why should I write them myself when I can delegate to an assistant? A personal assistant. Pictured below is my new assistant (although he prefers to be referred to as my ‘apprentice’). He was  a gift for my 40th birthday, and has turned my life of drudgery into a worker’s holiday. Most days I forget that I am not a spa-pampered retiree.

Does he bring me pencils and paper clips? Whenever I need them. In truth, I never do need them since he does all my menial desk work. Does he bring me beverages on his ‘included’ tray (not pictured)? Not yet, but he will when I finish training him.

Many friends have purchased sleek personal digital assistants with bright colors and fancy applications they can flick away with the wave of a finger. …How ‘early 2009.’
Analog is  the future. My Personal Analog Assistant never needs recharging or software upgrades. With a simple wind-up he springs into action. And with the magnet glued to his chest, he’s ‘future-ready’ for when mag-lev becomes the dominant mode of travel.

Ok, I will admit that his range is currently limited (about 3-4 inches in whatever direction I point him). His tray won’t stay in his hands (thus all the spilt drinks). But what new technology does not come with a few bugs? And what apprentice does not require some training? Drop by sometime to say hello, and I’ll ask him to bring you the mini-umbrella for your piña colada.