A change of focus

My computer finally gave up the ghost last weekend.  I knew it was coming but I was hoping to delay the inevitable a little longer.  I've been dropped into the middle of a computer conspiracy.  It's just like that thing that happens when you decide to paint your living room.  You know... the walls look great so now you notice that the drapes are shabby.  You buy new drapes and realize the couch needs replacing.  And so on.

Well, the motherboard went bad.  You can't simply replace the motherboard because they don't make that kind any more.  Of course, the new motherboard isn't compatible with the old processor.  Etc, etc, etc.  In the interest of getting things up and running again, I decided that it would be much quicker to purchase a system that was already built rather than have the computer guy re-build the one I had.  That, of course comes with it's own set of problems.  The new computer has a new operating system.  The old programs won't run on the new system.  So...you have to purchase new programs.  Then, you have to find your data and load it into the new programs.  We're all like a bunch of sheep being let to slaughter.  Instead of demanding that the makers of the operating systems (you know who you are) make sure that the changes they're making are in the best interest of the consumer, we all just go out and spend more money.  Seriously, is it just me or are there others out there that like to have a program that runs well and that we're comfortable with?

So, I've had a really rough week.  Not only do I have to learn a new operating system, but I have to re-learn the programs I was forced to upgrade.  I guess I feel like I came home to find that someone had  moved all the furniture while I was away. Every place I look  I don't recognize anything.  It's like walking through the looking glass.  The worst part was when I was trying to read the key code for the new operating system I realized that I just don't have the eyesight of a 20 year old any more.  I guess it's time for magnifying glasses and readers.

I still have not got my e-mail program replaced. ( They've decided not to give it away for free with the operating system any more)  I intend to have a new one up and running by the first of next week.  In the meantime, if I haven't e-mailed you, I have a good excuse.  I promise I'll catch up once I've figured out the new system.

Here's what we got accomplished while we were waiting for the computer to be diagnosed.  I don't expect next week will be nearly so productive, as computers are viscious time suckers.
Wish me luck.
Cheers,
Jill