The Story
A cool off-shore breeze swept over the sun-drenched beach and all of its occupants. I could hear the waves gently crashing against the shoreline. The frolicking voice of children filled the salty air. I was warmly nestled in the sand, life was good. Yes, a well-deserved vacation was in full swing. It was my curiosity that got the best of me, however, and I decided to explore the other sights of this dynamic seascape.

I packed a few things in my "fanny" pack and strapped it to my waist. I left behind my book, camera, backpack and Pilot 5000. I had owned the organizer for over a year. I looked around and observed two women who, I overheard, were in town to cheer for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their national championship bid against the Tennessee Volunteers. Another group of guys and their girlfriends were settled only ten feet away. A family with three children lived only fifteen feet away. This was a little neighborhood. As safe as the street you or I grew up on.

As I departed my encampment I glanced at my backpack and its contents and decided to tuck it neatly under the lounge chair, hooking the shoulder strap under the leg. The purpose of hooking the strap was to thwart the attempts of a thief (if there could be any),or at least deter them, while they tried to figure out the puzzle. I started my journey and headed down the beach.

Upon return from my trek, only thirty minutes later, I found my things had been jostled and my towel had been moved. I knew immediately what had happened. My backpack was gone and so were the angelic families and youthful couples. Some new inhabitants had settled close by; but, when interviewed, none of them recalled any activity surrounding my backpack. Nobody saw a thing and my Pilot 5000, along with my backpack, camera and book, were gone forever. Clouds began looming over my head.

I took my remaining belongings and calmly headed back to my hotel. I then fruitlessly complained to the concierge, who cited anecdotes about others who had lost things. I knew there was nothing the concierge or anyone could do for me. I did the only thing I could. I retrieved my rental car, went to CompUSA, and bought a new PalmPilot Professional. I connected it to my IBM Thinkpad, hot-synched and was back in business within two hours - less three phone numbers I had collected that weekend. My new PalmPilot Professional had a back-lit screen, which was a nice improvement - making me feel a little bit brighter about my investment.