Why is it that when I need a pen around the house that I am unable to locate one? It never fails. I'm on the phone and need to write down a telephone number or address. I'm by the computer and need to jot down something I just read. I get in the highly unlikely mood of wanting to do bills and end up having to search 5 minutes to find a writing implement. By that time, my mood is shot. I thought that by buying several boxes of cheapo Bic ballpoints and keeping them by the computer would solve the problem. Not so. It seems like no matter how many boxes I place within reach, within weeks nary a pen can be found.

I'm sure they are disappearing into the same great Void that my remote controls are disappearing into.

To those of you who are in the same predicament as myself, I think I have found a foolproof solution.

I present the Cross Ion.

[From their website:] "Futuristic look and feel, with soft-touch ergonomic front section. Easy one-hand open/close operation. Gel ink refills offered in six colors. Translucent window displays the gel refill. Easy-on, easy-off "quick-clip" attachment(included w/ pen) can be used with a keyring or lanyard."

Small, compact, and stores neatly on a keychain - it could be the end anyone's Disappearing Pen Dilemma! Unless you're constantly misplacing your keys. I'm afraid I cannot help you there.

Now why I hadn't considered one of these until now is beyond me. I read about them on a Ars thread "What do you have on your keychain?" not too long ago and decided to check one out at Office Depot today. It's the greatest invention since the flash drive. No longer do I have to ask for a pen when I'm writing a check at the store. No longer will I have to go pen-less in the car. It's the ultimate addition to anyone's Bat Utility Belt.

As far as what I DO have on my keyring, the list is pretty small:

House key, work keys (x2), Texas Longhorn keyring, Haestad methods mini swiss army knife, Cross Ion, Petco P.A.L.S. card, Kroger card, Nissan truck key & keyless entry transmitter, Honda key, 128MB flash drive.

In another related Ars thread, the question was posed: "What is the standard fare that goes in your pockets before you leave the house every morning?"

My answer? Keys, cellphone, checkbook, wallet. But I almost nearly always take my company-monogrammed work bag which contains my Sony PDA, company monogrammed executive binder, cellphone charger, and PDA USB docking cable.

Short of a nuclear holocaust, it looks like I'll be prepared for whatever comes my way. Unless they release an EMP - then I'll be hosed for sure. But at least I'll be able to write down my Final Words with my trusty handy-dandy Bat Pen.