As I start to reach middle age, I’m starting to take notice of life’s smaller pleasures. Take, for instance, my Zebra Sarasa gel pen.

Before I can explain the goodness that is this pen, I must first make sure you, the dear reader, can understand the history of my frustration with pens, mostly stemming from my left-handedness. Being as my language of choice when writing is English, and being as English is written from left to right, anything I write will eventually be smudged by my left hand. This rules out using any pens that do not dry quickly, including fountain pens and most gel pens. I resigned myself to using ballpoint pens, even though they tend to cramp my hands.

After years of frustration, gel pens were invented and sold that dried instantly, but even those technical marvels had one major flaw… they would leave gaps in your line. You’d try to sign your name, and half of your last name would simply be missing. What was one to do?

I was waiting for my shuttle to pick me up at the BJ’s in Downingtown for my trip to Australia, when I realized that I didn’t have any pens. I ran in and grabbed a 20 pack of Zebra pens, and threw a couple in my bag. I have since been amazed, simply because they do what they’re supposed to. Without any effort, I can draw a smooth, clear, uninterrupted line, and don’t leave smudge marks.

What else can one ask for from a pen?