My trusty companion is dead....

Many of you have seen me pull a "note to self" as I extract the dictating machine from its sheath to record some vital piece of information. This character trait was mocked during my wedding in a skit performed by my siblings.

Last night, however, the dictating machine-which I bought in 1998 and I've long said was the "best technology purchase I've ever made"-took its final recording.

It had been in bad shape for a few days, but last night, it expired...right around the time my new niece was born. Ah, circle of life.

For the time being, I'm using my phone's recording function, but after 8 years, it's a void that's not easily filled.

Sony Dictating Machine; 1998-2006, RIP.