4th of July, Computers & The Beach

Ah. Monday again. Is this getting to be a weekly thing now? H-mmm, gotta work on that. There are always good stories to tell and, you know, I quite frequently have these all sorted out in my head, what I want to jot down and share with the world, all 9 of you out there, but they have a tendency to get caught up in all the clutter and voices in my head in my head that keep asking me if there is room for just one more and thus get drowned out....

In the past I have bemoaned the fact that there are some people that just should not have computers. It's like mixing oil and water. Fortunately I am not lumped into that category. No, I'm not trying to brag here, I'm just stating a fact... cause I'm the one people call when they have computer problems (Mom I love you very-very much!) and its hard, oh so hard, to maintain ones patience and composure when you get a phone call from someone (i'm not naming any names either...Mom) stating that they were just trying to help out a friend with their computer. They thought they were doing the right thing and, well, they screwed the thing up and can you please, please-PLEASE fix it for me? even though I'm like eleventy-billion miles away from them cause they are in "The Land of Snow and Cheese*".

Then pile on top of all that the pressure from my kids, who are all decked out in bathing-suits, goggles and swim-rings and sun-screen, cause you were just about to depart for a day at the beach and not just any beach but the best darned beach in the whole world (see pic below) when the aforementioned desperate phone call comes through....yeah, just a little pressure there...and I'd rather be at the beach too because sitting there (again see pic below) beats sitting in front of a computer...(or doing other sundry chores at home)....

Now, I should also give credit where credit is due (are you listening Mom??) As far as computer literacy is concerned, she has more than most people I know and, hey, at least she tries....Of course much of what she knows is thanks to me, again, I'm not bragging, just stating the facts. So, yes she does pretty darned good for an old fart with all this new fangled technology of the digital era, and that's saying alot. She can navigate Windows XP pretty effectively, knows how to upload, download, heck, she's even got a facebook account! She's a pretty hip Grandma according to my kids and they're right....now that being said there is a difference between knowing and, well, knowing...if you know what I mean....

Now, the great difficulty of fixing a computer that is eleventy-billion miles away in the land of snow and cheese (in Racine, Wisconsin and I'm in Holland, MI in the Water-Winter Wonderland), even if it is only across the lake and in reality only 50 or so miles away as the crow flies (230+ miles by car) is 1) it's a long-long swim and by the time one would get there their arms would be very tired, 2) it's a long drive and would be a colossal waste of a beautiful day not to mention the cost of fuel there and back. So, whats one to do? Why, Fix it remotely of course.

One of the great features of Windows (And you Mac lovers can just shushh) is the remote assistance feature it offers whereupon those in PC distress (Mom) can summon help from the computer gods (Me..again not bragging just stating the facts) and allow a person to take over said computer in distress and fix it. It really is quite amazing technology. It was quite a sight, me hunkered by my home PC surrounded by my beach-wear clad coconut and aloe vera smelling daughters who, though patient, are growing increasingly frustrated with their Dad because they are not a the beach yet 'cause Dad really wants to be the hero (am duty bound the wife says...great, more pressure!) for all involved....

Once I was granted permission to "take over" the ailing computer in the Land of Snow and Cheese I went to work...Once the problem was isolated I was able to download and re-install the missing software and, while that was being done, I proceeded to "tweak" things out and streamline the system thus making the computer faster and thus more efficient. Damn, I'm good! (again, not bragging cause it's really not bragging if it's true right?) It really is cool to be able to sit at my computer, from anywhere in the world, and remotely take over and assist another users computer. Oh! The things we do for those we love.

All-in-all it took me about 45 minutes to an hour and the patience of Job. (not job as in work, but Job (long "O") the dude from the Old Testament) The kids and I then ske-daddled to the beach, (and it really is the BEST beach in the whole darn world and the only one that I know of where the sand squeaks under your feet when you walk on it) which is why I now have this nagging-burning sensation on my shoulders, back and belly from decadant, prolonged exposure to the sun and surf and only using SPF 8. Good call huh?

We called Mom up from said beach in Holland, Michigan and, as we stood on the shore line with the refreshing lake water and waves lapping out feet, we waved at her vigorously from our side of "The pond" and she waved back at us and blew kisses to the kids...she was a little difficult to make out from our side of the lake 50-some-odd miles away, what with the sun glinting off the water and all, but we're certain we saw her nonetheless.

*"Land of Snow and Chesse" description un-ashamedly pilferd and stolen from TKW...yeah, no originality there at all on my part