Frustration.
Extreme Frustration.
So extreme that capital letters are a must.
Why am I frustrated?
My new camera. That's why.
Supposedly, it is "easy to set up" on-line. It has Wi fi! I can upload images to a cloud for storage, my computer, Facebook, Twitter, the list goes on. Easy set up, they say.
HA!
They lie!!
Christmas Day I was busy with other things and decided to do the on-line set up later. I took time to register the camera before promising myself to finish setting up the rest of the capabilities when things were calmer.
I started taking pictures. It was easy and fun. I had a great time taking pictures.
Fast forward to New Years week when I decided to put the pictures on the computer. I wanted to send them to people, put some on my blog, Facebook, etc. This is when easy to use became difficult.
Very. Difficult.
I read the instruction manual. It looked like English. But, my tired mind transposed it into Mandarin Chinese. I decided to give it a few days.
Wednesday night, I was feeling rather coherent, so I pulled out the book, my computer and the camera. I spent an hour diligently working, trying to figure it all out. Thirty minutes later I yelled "HONEY!! I NEED HELP!!"
Poor man was in the office. He had no idea what I had been doing or the level of frustration I had reached. He came running, expecting me to be underneath furniture from the sound of my voice. He stopped by the sofa, looked at me and asked what was wrong.
"I am ready to throw both of these things through the window. Please help me." My hands shook as I lifted the computer toward him.
"It can't be that bad." He took the computer and sat next to me. "Let's see what's going on."
An hour later, he gave up.
"All software engineers should be taken out and beaten. Go buy a cord and forget the wifi."
He left the room, returning to the office where things made sense.
I packed the camera back in its bag and put it on a shelf. Closing the computer, I turned on a DVD and lost myself in Castle episodes for the next two hours.
Last night, I was feeling rather adventurous again as I decided a simple camera is not going to defeat me. Out with the camera and instruction manual. Things began to make sense.
"Hmmm, I missed this step last night. Let's try that."
A ha! It worked.
Then, the next few steps worked.
I plugged away at it, feeling more confident.
And, then it happened. Or rather, it didn't happen.
Things stopped working. I continued to try this and that. Going at the problem from every angle suggested in the book and on the website. Nothing worked.
Frustration set in again. Before I reached the point of no return, I did what any rational wife would do. I yelled.
"HONEY!! I NEED HELP!!"
This time he knew what I was doing due to my earlier glee when things were working. He walked into the room and sat by me as I explained what I had done and where I was not stuck.
He is a genius!! He solved part of the problem.
Things were going great....until we get stuck again.
But, this time we are farther along than ever before.
ALMOST there. We are *this close* to having the camera set up so I can do all the wonderful things they promised.
My plan was to call tech support today. But, it may have to wait until next week. I don't have the emotional stability today to deal with the frustration of Tech Support AND a camera that refuses to set up over Wi fi.
Please note, I am NOT mentioning what kind of camera I have until AFTER I either get it working again OR return it to the store.
Until then!
Disclaimer: This post is in NO WAY a reflection on my husband and sons who lovingly gave me a simple, easy to use camera. I love them and their giving hearts very much and appreciate all they do for me on a daily basis. It is not their fault I am having problems setting up the Wi fi component.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
The Great Bed Debate
My friend Debra posed a question on Facebook yesterday and received an amazing response.
Her question: Do you make your bed daily?
Yes? No? Only before getting in at night? Only when you change the sheets?
I lost count of how many people answered. But, many added details like when they made it, if they required their children to make them, etc.
Are you curious about my answer?
You are?
Well, here it is:
Me. Every. Single. Day. And, since the boys have to leave so early for school, I make theirs too. There was a time when I drove myself crazy insisting they do it before school. Then, I drove myself crazier by not insisting they do it and NOT doing it myself. Finally, I started doing it myself since I was the one who wanted it done. This is ONLY during school. During breaks, they are required to do it or keep their doors closed.
For the sake of honesty, I admit I drive them to school because the bus arrives at the bus stop at 6:40 and at school at 7:30. It is a 10 minute drive to school if ALL the lights are red. Seriously. We live two miles from the school.
I am not a morning person. Neither are they. We sleep as late as we possibly can, getting up in time for me to make breakfast while they get ready for school. They eat and brush their teeth before we jet out the door, getting them to school at 7:30.
Your turn!! Is it important to you to make your bed daily? When? Why?
When? For me, in the mornings. Mine is made as soon as hubby and I are both out of bed. I make the boys when I get home from dropping them at school. **edited: I usually make mine before leaving the house, but if I don't, it is one of the first things I do when I get home. Whew, I feel better admitting that.
Why is it important to me? The rooms look better. I can leave the doors open. I dearly love having all the bedroom doors open. Plus, I sleep better in a made bed. Added bonus, the house feels cleaner and that makes me feel better.
Comments Please!! Tell me what you do at your house and why. I am curious.
Her question: Do you make your bed daily?
Yes? No? Only before getting in at night? Only when you change the sheets?
I lost count of how many people answered. But, many added details like when they made it, if they required their children to make them, etc.
Are you curious about my answer?
You are?
Well, here it is:
Me. Every. Single. Day. And, since the boys have to leave so early for school, I make theirs too. There was a time when I drove myself crazy insisting they do it before school. Then, I drove myself crazier by not insisting they do it and NOT doing it myself. Finally, I started doing it myself since I was the one who wanted it done. This is ONLY during school. During breaks, they are required to do it or keep their doors closed.
For the sake of honesty, I admit I drive them to school because the bus arrives at the bus stop at 6:40 and at school at 7:30. It is a 10 minute drive to school if ALL the lights are red. Seriously. We live two miles from the school.
I am not a morning person. Neither are they. We sleep as late as we possibly can, getting up in time for me to make breakfast while they get ready for school. They eat and brush their teeth before we jet out the door, getting them to school at 7:30.
Your turn!! Is it important to you to make your bed daily? When? Why?
When? For me, in the mornings. Mine is made as soon as hubby and I are both out of bed. I make the boys when I get home from dropping them at school. **edited: I usually make mine before leaving the house, but if I don't, it is one of the first things I do when I get home. Whew, I feel better admitting that.
Why is it important to me? The rooms look better. I can leave the doors open. I dearly love having all the bedroom doors open. Plus, I sleep better in a made bed. Added bonus, the house feels cleaner and that makes me feel better.
Comments Please!! Tell me what you do at your house and why. I am curious.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Christmas Break is Over
Today is the second day the kids are back in school following Christmas Break.
It is hubby's third day back to work.
The house is so quiet. No tv, no keyboard or drums or marimba. Only the sounds of the aquarium bubbling, the dogs moving about and just now the icemaker dumping ice.
My house is lonely today.
Yesterday it was relieved. Finally! Back to peace and quiet during the day. Finally! I can get things done without interruption. Finally.... The list went on and on.
Then they came home and I was so glad to see them. We had a lovely evening in front of the fireplace, watching tv and eating popcorn. Well, they were eating popcorn. I had coffee. We talked and laughed.
Then, today happened.
It was okay as I was busy cleaning house and putting things in order.
But, now, I am alone. And lonely.
The dogs don't talk.
The furnace makes noise, as does the refrigerator and water cooler. But, they don't talk. Nor do they play music for me to hear as I go about my routine.
They don't interrupt me to tell me something important "right now" because it can't wait till I leave the restroom.
So, today I am lonely. The house feels lonely. And, I am glad. It will make their return from school that much more exciting.
The countdown has begun.
It is hubby's third day back to work.
The house is so quiet. No tv, no keyboard or drums or marimba. Only the sounds of the aquarium bubbling, the dogs moving about and just now the icemaker dumping ice.
My house is lonely today.
Yesterday it was relieved. Finally! Back to peace and quiet during the day. Finally! I can get things done without interruption. Finally.... The list went on and on.
Then they came home and I was so glad to see them. We had a lovely evening in front of the fireplace, watching tv and eating popcorn. Well, they were eating popcorn. I had coffee. We talked and laughed.
Then, today happened.
It was okay as I was busy cleaning house and putting things in order.
But, now, I am alone. And lonely.
The dogs don't talk.
The furnace makes noise, as does the refrigerator and water cooler. But, they don't talk. Nor do they play music for me to hear as I go about my routine.
They don't interrupt me to tell me something important "right now" because it can't wait till I leave the restroom.
So, today I am lonely. The house feels lonely. And, I am glad. It will make their return from school that much more exciting.
The countdown has begun.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Welcome Back!
Welcome Back to My Blog!
If you think this cordial welcome is for you, I deeply regret to inform you it isn't. I am actually welcoming myself back to my blog.
Yes. You read that right. I am welcoming myself.
Back.
To my blog.
"Why on earth are you doing such a silly thing?" you shake your head at my silliness and consider moving on to another blog where the writer is serious and has something interesting for you to read.
"Because it has been a YEAR since I have been here to read or write," I hang my head in shame as I type the words.
The good news is, we are both back.
It is a new year. I am a new me. I have definite goals for this year. One of them being to blog on a consistent basis about consistent topics.
A ha!
Now we are to the part which concerns YOU. Yes, you. My wonderful friends.
What would you like to read about this year? I can wax poetic on many topics. Okay. "Waxing poetic" is a bit overstating it. But, honestly, I can blather on about any number of things. Some of them intelligently.
My thought is to give each day a topic. The following is an idea list. Feel free to suggest things you want to hear about consistently. PLEASE, feel free to suggest. I need the help.
For instance, this might be the new format:
Monday - Meals. or rather, Recipes. New, used, tried and true. Yours, mine, Pinterest (credit and links given, of course) :)
Tuesday - Teens. Maybe even a little parenting advice thrown in free of charge.
Wednesday - Wonderful things. Anything wonderful in my life or someone else's (with approval). Or something I have read or seen. Doesn't matter as long as it is wonderful. :)
Thursday - Topic of the Day. Any topic! Free for all day. Oh my, this could be dangerous.
Friday - Writing and Weight Loss. Updates on how both of these are going along nicely. Or not.
What do you think? Please leave a comment below with a Yes! or a NO! Or a suggestion for other topics. Excepting the recipes, these are all impulsive ideas. I am not emotionally tied to any of them.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for your feedback.
If you think this cordial welcome is for you, I deeply regret to inform you it isn't. I am actually welcoming myself back to my blog.
Yes. You read that right. I am welcoming myself.
Back.
To my blog.
"Why on earth are you doing such a silly thing?" you shake your head at my silliness and consider moving on to another blog where the writer is serious and has something interesting for you to read.
"Because it has been a YEAR since I have been here to read or write," I hang my head in shame as I type the words.
The good news is, we are both back.
It is a new year. I am a new me. I have definite goals for this year. One of them being to blog on a consistent basis about consistent topics.
A ha!
Now we are to the part which concerns YOU. Yes, you. My wonderful friends.
What would you like to read about this year? I can wax poetic on many topics. Okay. "Waxing poetic" is a bit overstating it. But, honestly, I can blather on about any number of things. Some of them intelligently.
My thought is to give each day a topic. The following is an idea list. Feel free to suggest things you want to hear about consistently. PLEASE, feel free to suggest. I need the help.
For instance, this might be the new format:
Monday - Meals. or rather, Recipes. New, used, tried and true. Yours, mine, Pinterest (credit and links given, of course) :)
Tuesday - Teens. Maybe even a little parenting advice thrown in free of charge.
Wednesday - Wonderful things. Anything wonderful in my life or someone else's (with approval). Or something I have read or seen. Doesn't matter as long as it is wonderful. :)
Thursday - Topic of the Day. Any topic! Free for all day. Oh my, this could be dangerous.
Friday - Writing and Weight Loss. Updates on how both of these are going along nicely. Or not.
What do you think? Please leave a comment below with a Yes! or a NO! Or a suggestion for other topics. Excepting the recipes, these are all impulsive ideas. I am not emotionally tied to any of them.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for your feedback.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
New Year, Old News
The first blog post in a new year usually begs for a review of the previous year's high and low points along with a set of resolutions for the new year. Sorry to disappoint, if that is what you are expecting and hoping to read, because I will not be writing a post of that sort.
My plan a few days ago was to write about 3 things of note from the past couple of months. Currently, I can only remember one of the three. Does this mean the other two aren't truly important? No. I think it's because the one is consuming most of my thoughts.
What is this all consuming topic? Our second son joined the military and left for boot camp. We miss him so much but are so proud of him. Having him leave just before Christmas was the worst part. Getting letters from him is the high light of our days. We love reading his thoughts and feelings, how he spends his days, and his struggles and triumphs. In turn, we write him daily and pray for him often.
Isn't it amazing how the mind works? When I was trying to remember the other two topics, I couldn't. When I gave up and decided to blog on other topics, I remembered!!
The second thing that has made a major impact on my life lately is Bailey, our new fur baby. She is a mixed breed, with black mouth cur and shepherd being the predominant breeds. Isn't she adorable?
The blank spot between these two paragraphs is where a picture would be if I could figure out HOW to put one in here. Recent changes on Blogger have confused me entirely and now it's dang near impossible to upload a picture from my computer to my blog. I am angry and frustrated.
As for Bailey, she is smart, funny, fun and a wonderful addition to our lives. Hopefully, someday I will be able to share a picture. Hopefully.
The last change in our lives came about due to our recent wedding anniversary. My darling hubby took me to a Bed and Breakfast for the weekend. The breakfasts were wonderful. It so inspired me, I have since been setting the table complete with place mats, cloth napkins in rings, and plating our food and presenting it "restaurant style" for almost every meal. My poor kids aren't going to know how to serve their own plates if I keep doing this!! I am enjoying it. The family says they are enjoying it. And, if I can ever add a picture, I will show you one of our recent meals.
Coffee: Yes, several cups of Community Coffee as I have gotten progressively angrier and frustrated thanks to Blogger. If I can't figure this out soon, this may be the end of my blog here. UGH....
My plan a few days ago was to write about 3 things of note from the past couple of months. Currently, I can only remember one of the three. Does this mean the other two aren't truly important? No. I think it's because the one is consuming most of my thoughts.
What is this all consuming topic? Our second son joined the military and left for boot camp. We miss him so much but are so proud of him. Having him leave just before Christmas was the worst part. Getting letters from him is the high light of our days. We love reading his thoughts and feelings, how he spends his days, and his struggles and triumphs. In turn, we write him daily and pray for him often.
Isn't it amazing how the mind works? When I was trying to remember the other two topics, I couldn't. When I gave up and decided to blog on other topics, I remembered!!
The second thing that has made a major impact on my life lately is Bailey, our new fur baby. She is a mixed breed, with black mouth cur and shepherd being the predominant breeds. Isn't she adorable?
The blank spot between these two paragraphs is where a picture would be if I could figure out HOW to put one in here. Recent changes on Blogger have confused me entirely and now it's dang near impossible to upload a picture from my computer to my blog. I am angry and frustrated.
As for Bailey, she is smart, funny, fun and a wonderful addition to our lives. Hopefully, someday I will be able to share a picture. Hopefully.
The last change in our lives came about due to our recent wedding anniversary. My darling hubby took me to a Bed and Breakfast for the weekend. The breakfasts were wonderful. It so inspired me, I have since been setting the table complete with place mats, cloth napkins in rings, and plating our food and presenting it "restaurant style" for almost every meal. My poor kids aren't going to know how to serve their own plates if I keep doing this!! I am enjoying it. The family says they are enjoying it. And, if I can ever add a picture, I will show you one of our recent meals.
Coffee: Yes, several cups of Community Coffee as I have gotten progressively angrier and frustrated thanks to Blogger. If I can't figure this out soon, this may be the end of my blog here. UGH....
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