And here I am, typing on an iPad, using the software QWERTY keyboard.

While I cannot type very well on a typical keyboard with QWERTY, using the software keyboard on the iPad is surprising acceptable. It took me a good while to fully transition from QWERTY to Dvorak, but thumb-typing on the iPhone never changed. The small keyboard size on the iPhone and the single-digit touch typing method on the device has never been a problem for me, and I suspect that the experience of typing on the iPad, while closer to normal typing, still isn’t all that different from thumb-typing on the iPhone. With no keys to press, the sensation is basically the same, even though I’ve gone from two digits to ten. The size of the on-screen keyboard is smaller than the split, ergonomic keyboards I use at home and work, and that appears to make a difference.

That said, I did purchase a Bluetooth keyboard for Dvorak typing, and i have used it. That will always be my preference for typing, as long as Apple continues to deny Dvorak typists like myself the option of an on-screen keyboard in our layout of choice. But typing QWERTY on the iPad is a sacrifice I am willing to make, and have managed to conquer without much struggle.

On the plus side, I got a Kindle Touch, and have been doing a lot of reading, so I hope to talk more about that soon. Or you can check my profile on GoodReads.com.

While I’m talking about my Kindle Touch… I was reading at Starbucks today…. “Vertical” by Rex Pickett.

Many of you have been with us since Blogs For Victory was Blogs For Bush, my first national political blog that became one of the most successful political blogs in the country back in 2004, and took me places I’d never expected. I was at the 2004 Republican National Convention as one of the first credentialed bloggers. I was invited to Capitol Hill on more than one occasion for various blogger conferences, and even had a few meetings with the staff of high ranking Republican members of Congress, as well as Karl Rove and well known political pundits. It’s also worth noting that while my wife never read my blogs before we met, it’s safe to say we’d have never met had it not been for my political blogging. Also, Mark and I have both been on national television, and have a book deal. On the local level, I started political blogs in Massachusetts and Upstate New York that saw similar successes with media exposure and recognition from local political leaders. It has been a tremendous ride, but my time in the driver’s seat has come to an end.

Click here for the whole thing.

Sources inform me that Apple has finally caught on, and will include the Dvorak Keyboard layout in the new version of their iOS, version 5, due out in the fall.

The latest version of iOS 4 only included software support for QWERTY, AZERTY, and QWERTZ layouts, though it would support Dvorak with an external keyboard. (see screenshot)

This is big news for me, as it’s now been nearly three years since I became a Dvorak typist. The switch was a challenge because in order to retrain my finger to know where to go, I had to switch not only at home, but at work. The only place I couldn’t switch was my iPhone. Truthfully, while I wanted to switch my typing 100%, this wasn’t a huge issue since thumb typing, in my opinion, is different from actual typing, and the benefits of Dvorak can’t really be achieved on such a small typing screen.

Of course, then the iPad came out. And the lack of Dvorak support in iOS was a huge disappointment, and was probably, in retrospect, the deal breaker for me. In truth, the iPad, when it was first launched, was not a big deal to me, and I didn’t really want one. However, with all the apps that are now available, I see the iPad as a potentially important tool that can greatly enhance my productivity. I own a MacBook Pro which sits on my desk, and goes virtually nowhere, despite it being designed for portability. So, I’ve been itching for an iPad for a while now, but the keyboard issue was… just that… an issue I couldn’t ignore.

But, that’s changed, and when the new operating is released, I see an iPad more clearly in my future. There are many of us who have made the switch in order to type faster while reducing strain on our hands and wrists, and there are many of us who have resisted iPhones and iPads because of that.

So, I look forward to the new iOS 5. It will be interesting switching to Dvorak for thumb typing, and it’ll be great to not have to deal with QWERTY for the iPad, or have to buy an external keyboard for it. The next question is, will there be a new iPad announced this year, and will it be an iPad 2 HD or an iPad 3?

…and I only owned the audiobook versions before.

Two great books from Jonathan Tropper, How To Talk to a Widower and The Book of Joe. Both of which deserve to be on my bookshelf.

Still got some Border gift cards to use up though. Working on it.

A year ago, I was at the beginning of my 9-week training for a 5K, and back then the thought of running for a mere 5 minute stretch seemed impossible. Now I can run a 5K between 27-30 minutes, and am that much closer to running 10K or for a full hour.

That said, given the many years of blogging at Hub Politics, I recognize that the domain, (and a couple others in my control) may be of value to those seeking either to continue on it’s original mission, or to monetize it however they choose. So, those interested in purchasing any of the following domains may contact me via email with offers or post a comment here with your email and I’ll get back to you.

HubPolitics.com
DevalPatrickWatch.com
SaveWRKO.com
CriticalMassachusetts.com

Serious offers only.

Nine weeks later I ran a full 5K at a pace of 11:30/mile. My first official 5K race was on September 11, 2010, and my official pace for the was 9:49/mile. After an unfortunate hiatus during the winter, I started back up on the treadmill after the new year, and peaked at a pace of 8:37/mile.

In May of this year I was off the treadmill and hitting the pavement again, ranging from an average pace of 9:17/mile to 9:49/mile . Finally, a couple weeks ago I decided it was time to start the Bridge to 10K Running Program, a 6-week program designed for Couch-To-5K graduates.

Here’s my stats so far.

Week 1, Day 1
Week 1, Day 2
Week 1, Day 3

Week 2, Day 1
Week 2, Day 2

Well, there’s the highlights of my first year of running. In a month or so I should be able to run a 10K.