Nothing is so fleeting as form, yet never does it quite deny itself

In the first four of my restrictive six week surgery recovery, I have watched a lot of television. I have logged days worth of playing time on my video game consoles. Netflix has been viewed within an inch of its life. My eyes glistened with the glaze gleaned from video oversaturation. When your dad lends you Visine to combat the redness of your scleras, it's time to put the remote aside.

Inspired by other's accounts, reading seemed like a welcome break. It was what we did as kids on days when it rained. We didn't have cable, and we were not allowed inside while the sun was about its daily task. But now I have cable. And I love the great indoors. And it never rains where I live. Ever. Animals don't die of thirst here, though. Just depression from all of the hot, dry days. So what reason would I have to read? Sure, I have 700 issues of Spider-Man comics on my computer alongside classics like Thoreau's accounts of things learned while on Walden Pond, but scrolling with a trackpad becomes so tiresome.

Enter the iPad.

Now the heft of a book no longer depresses me. Losing my place amid darling daughters, cranky clients and odious obligations has lost its sting with bookmarks and easy highlighting. Plus I can take blog breaks, satisfy my insatiable need to switch from one thought to the other (comic to essay to novel to ping pong) easily, travel with a digital companion without lugging a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what I am allowed to lift post-surgery, and eventually - as the final push to cave in and buy this toy - give Lily Belle a supreme tool for learning. So many little kids are getting an advanced education before formal schooling through apps now. Electronic devices already mesmerize her, so Amy and I thought it best to give her something that will reinforce important lessons and not just allow her to wipe out my text message inbox. All those SMS coupons: vanquished.

So as I am adjusting to a new body - one devoid of exercise and well-being for months - I also am learning to appreciate my old flame for reading. Unfortunately I still need the Visine. Have you seen the time?