Ode to an Old Friend

She's a little too heavy. She gets too hot too easily. She loses energy quickly. She slows down to a crawl for no real reason. She has dings and scars and is visibly worn.

However, she has also seen me through National Board recertification. She was the only one awake with me when I completed the many papers of Master's Degree, Part Deux. She edited and revised the District 87 Appraisal Documents with me. She attended meeting after meeting, even though she was rendered helpless as far as the Internet was concerned. She has been part of countless SMART Notebook files, not to mention SMART Notebook updates. She has flown with me. Created and read blogs with me. Learned to use Photoshop with me. Assisted in school projects for the kids. She takes loving care of all of my beloved photos.

Still, when I opened my e-mail and saw that my new Dell Inspiron Ultrabook was being shipped and would be here on Monday, my heart skipped a beat or two. I cannot wait for a lighter laptop that will allow me to run photo editing programs without pregnant pauses. I can't wait to have a laptop on my lap that might not feel like it wants to burn my flesh.

I am saying goodbye to a larger screen, but hello to a touch screen. I am saying goodbye to a keypad on the laptop. I am saying goodbye (well, actually, Max will be inheriting it) to an old friend.

It is time. Godspeed, Vostro 1700, Godspeed.