PS Elements 8: Tutorial for Me by Me

Photos:  I am determined to become much, much better.  Last week I sprang for a special offer on Amazon for Photoshop Elements 8 for my Mac.  Well, it's here, the rebate is off in the mail, and I need help!  For me Photoshop is remarkable unintuitive, but I hear it's better, so I trotted off to Border's last evening after a noisy hour by the pool with kids and grandkids ( note to self, don't ever go again to pool on afternoon of last day of school.  Total zoo.) and one margarita-rocks, found this hefty volume, Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows: The Missing Manual (Paperback), plopped down my 40% off coupon and purchased it.
I am prepared to read, study and practice.   Note all the study tools.
I'm a big fan of markers, highlight tape and all kinds of post-its.
Oh, and, People, I am open to any and all tips, suggestions, shortcuts, etc.

Temptation: The Apple IPad

Yes, I have a devotion to Apple now that I crossed over from the PC darkside. I love my MacBook and my IPhone ( on my second one of these). So, I am so tempted buy the IPad. Scott Kelby, photographer extraordinaire, has a great blog on it. I find Mr. Kelby to have lots of good photo advice, so I listen when he speaks. I think he is going to buy two. I don't think I can justify even one right now. I am quite happy with my new Kindle. But, down the road, I can see justifying it for a travel notebook. Also, I want t0 see if Apple tweeks it a bit after a few months. Who thinks they are going to buy one? What do you think?