Quick. Don’t take a breath! Count how many electronic devices you are carrying, wearing, looking at, or have within easy reach. Do they save you time or are they the source of anger, stress, and frustration?
Depending on the day, I answer that question differently. The reality is that I am an electronics geek who doesn’t know nearly as much as most ten year olds. In my old job, I was always willing to be a guinea pig. New computer – bring it on. New laptop or network – bring it on. New telephone system – you get the idea. Now that I call myself a writer, of course I have toys galore.
So, what was your count after reading the first paragraph? Mine was five. I’m sitting in my office typing on my laptop. Behind me sits an older desktop. The television in this room is smart as is my telephone and I’m wearing a fitbit that reminds me I haven’t moved too much today.
How much writing have I managed to do today? This blog. Why haven’t I finished revising the
First, I ran a machine to the repair shop dreading how much the cost would be – happily, it turned out that the machine was on the wrong setting (no charge, but I lost an hour of the day). Then, I spent an hour (the third one) on the phone with a computer technician who was trying to find out why my one week old laptop wasn’t behaving itself. Systems checked, drivers reinstalled, and what do you know? – he still didn’t know what the problem was. He is calling me back in two hours for another round. I can hardly wait. Of course, I can only give him an hour because I have a scheduled conference call this evening, but no problem, if he doesn’t figure it out, there’s always tomorrow. I’ll have plenty of time to let him take control of my computer once I take my car, the one that every time I turn the car on flashes “Maintenance Required,” in for service.
Oh Debra - I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteTechnology is wonderful, until it doesn't work. I telecommute to my day job (from a rather remote mountain location). When anything goes down, it's "full stop." Layer writing on top of that and sometimes a pen and a pad of paper feels amazingly uncomplicated. :)
And yet, do we pick up the pen and pad. I'm glad to report that reinstalling the drivers and a few other tweaks has the computer working, the car has had its thing done to it and the "Needs Maintenance" light turned off, the battery in the keyfob has been changed, and I think the twisted wires of my mind are no longer shorting --- plus the garage door man just left leaving the door and my bank account intact.
ReplyDeleteI counted four. All in working order (for the moment). So glad that yours now have been restored. I have been carrying that pen and paper around, just not making good use of it!
ReplyDeleteNow, if we didn't spend so much time playing on the devices. We might make good use of the paper. Hope yours keep working.
Deletewonderful!!
ReplyDeleteBut scary
DeleteI never understand what I have. Use an iPad mostly when out of town, my desktop and of course my iPhone.
ReplyDelete