Rather a few of my favorite things in 2008. By location.

On my laptop:

Most life-changing application: Things. Whether or not you buy into all of GTD, there is no denying that capturing all of those “oh, I need to remember to…” items in one regularly-reviewed place is a must do. I can’t tell you how much more relaxed I am now that I can capture every promise I make, every document I need to send, every phone call I should make in one place. And now that I have the Things iPhone app, I can stay on top of things even when I’m on the train to/from work.

And you don’t have to take my word for it… after installing Things, Madeleine and I had the following IM exchange:

[November 17] 10:46 AM
Madeleine Perry: omg i love Things
Anne Keenan: isn't it amazing?
Madeleine Perry: amazing
Madeleine Perry: i set it up this weekend, put all of my to-do's in and organized by project etc
Anne Keenan: yes
Madeleine Perry: and today there's a list of things i need to do, for today
Madeleine Perry: and it's all there
Anne Keenan: and then when you ahve a minute you can review
Madeleine Perry: it's amazing
Anne Keenan: to see waht's really importnat to do next
Anne Keenan: so glad you like it.
Madeleine Perry: yup
Madeleine Perry: love it

Two takeaways: I’m a lazy typist, and you should go get Things now.

Most Time-Saving Application: 1Password and Skitch (Tie). Because of 1Password, no longer do I a) have one password for every website application or b) have to reset my password every time I visit bluecross.org.

Again, an IM testimonial:

[December 3] 12:59 PM
Anne Keenan: P.S. do you like 1password?
Tim Walker: perfect
Tim Walker: YES
Anne Keenan: oh, good!
Tim Walker: It took like 2min to become a central part of my work flow

Also, it lets me fill in credit card information with one click (leading directly to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary purchases).

Skitch is a very easy screenshot program that lets you copy/paste/annotate images. If you’ve ever read Perez Hilton, you already have a sense of its magic, but did you know you could save images to an online gallery to share/embed, etc.? Go now.

On the web:

Best way to get to know your friends: Twitter. The “ambient intimacy” created by Twitter led me to hug a client at a recent meeting. Hearing about his choral concerts and Christmas cards and lazy Sundays really cemented our nascent friendship. Also, yes, I’ve synced my Twitter and Facebook because I’m always me, no matter where you find me. That, and I’m lazy.

Best way to notice the world around you: Flickr. Why use a crappy photo-sharing site that makes your friends log-in again and again to see the new pics of your kids’ Halloween costumes? Put those cuties on Flickr and manage access, create sets, sort by tags, order Moo mini-cards, and make friends. Go the extra mile and sign up for daily email updates on your friends photos, send photos directly from your camera phone, photoblog, and geotag everything.

Best new non-profit concept: 1st Fans at Brooklyn Museum. Not sure how this slipped by me in December, but the Brooklyn Museum is offering a new membership option to online supporters that gives you access to their Twitter feed/Flickr group/Facebook stuff and special in-person events for $20/year. BEST IDEA EVER. Way to monetize the amazing content everyone is putting out there for free, and encourage people to show their support for your work by becoming online members. I think every non-profit should consider an online membership option and spend some time thinking about what you can offer to your supporters.

On my phone:

Best iPhone Games: Quordy and Muddled (another tie). What did I do on short trips before? What did I use to avoid staring on early-morning commutes? I honestly have no idea. Both give you the feeling of thinking without too much strain. To practice your two-letter words, download the pricey/excellent Scrabble.

Best iPhone Apps (besides Things): I kind of love the Amazon app. Sure the “remembers” function sometimes goes down for no reason, but… you’ve got to love the spirit behind the things. Love it so much you buy Michael Lewis’s Panic with it as a “test.”

In my home:

Best home appliance: Soda Club. It’s a home seltzer maker. There’s nothing more to say. I just love it. On sale now--join the Club.

Best distraction: Wii Fit. While I have the same suspicion that Wii Fit is not real exercise in the way that Muddled is not real thinking, I love it still. I love to Hula Hoop, slide around like a penguin, and beat Alexis in super step. It takes advantage of my competitive streak, and burns a little when I really jog in place.

Most perplexing addition to our household: Nabaztag/tag. Still not sure I get it, but I like how it reads the weather aloud while I’m still in bed, wondering whether to get up.

This morning I spent some time wandering the internet, getting excited for all of the great new things that 2009 will bring. Your best things of the old or new year?