I know that I've expressed my confusion about computers before, but since they are such a big part of my life, this will be the subject of today's post again. :)
Up until recently I've been using an ancient desk top computer that was purchased for me back in February of 2003. Now to me, This doesn't seem so bad, but apparently in computer years this means that the computer is now a relic. So, since I'm about to enter the working world as a massage therapist, I decided it was time for me to update my technology in order to make things more eeffecient; that meant I got a computer upgrade that included a Mac laptop, an Alva braille display, a gigantic braille embosser of some sort and a portable scanner. It all seemed exciting when it was unwrapped from its packaging, but I really have no idea how to work any of it. I was running the Mac with Windows and the compatible screen reading software until I finished school, but now that I'm finished it's time for me to switch operating systems. This is probably only the second time I've turned my computer on in a week and a half because the daunting task of learning new short cut keys and such things is not my idea of fun. My fiance is totally excited about the Mac and he thinks it's great, but he loves computers and they talk to him-I'm sure of it. Me on the other hand, give me a living, organic being and we get along-even if it's a snake-but ask me to figure out a computer program on y own and that is a different story. Technically I taught myself how to use Windowsand Jaws-the compatible screen reading software-but I think that was easier because my brain was a clean slate waiting to learn new computer stuff. After you use the same commands for 13 some odd years, trying to figure out how to use a new one just boggles my mind. I'll be amazed if I even get this post published by myself-I had to call my fiance into the kitchen about 5 times just to get to the "edit field" for this blog. I guess what frustrates me the most is that when you know one system you can get things done in a timely manner, whereas when you are using something new it takes you 15 minutes to do something that should have taken 2. Regardless, I'm going to have to learn how to use this stinking thing because otherwise there was no point in purchasing a Mac?
Anyway, I think I've complained enough about my lack of computer intuition for long enough. I will try to make the next post more interesting-as long as I can figure out how to get back here. :)
PS: I know there are typing erros, but I haven't figured out to go back and edit the post. I used to just move through with my arrow keys, but if I do that now, it puts me somewhere on the web page.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My Lot in Life is to Travel
So, it's finally happened-my little 1 bedroom apartment is all packed up and I have moved on. :)
I wrote my last massage therapy exam on Monday and made the long 9 hour drive back up to my home town. I'm going to be spending the next month or so preparing for my board exams and enjoying my time off. I'm also going to be using that time to work more with Kyo. He's learned a lot in the last three months and it would be neat to see what kind of progress we can make with him with some one on one attention for an entire month. My fiance has bought a DVD and an audio book that is used by the Dog Whisperer and we're going to give that a whirl.
Kyo can sit, down and stay (usually), but he doesn't heel so well and he is a bit too aggressive when he plays with Glacier. He's not like that with other dogs-he can go to the dog park and play with 10 dogs and never put his teeth on them, but with Glacier he uses them all of the time. So, that is definitely something we have to work with him on. Glacier is my guide dog and therefore takes priority over Kyo. Glacier needs to be comfortable and safe to ensure he can work to the best of his abilities. Not to mention, I don't like any dog to be bullied. Anyway, this wasn't supposed to turn into a ramble about Kyo again...
The point was to simply state that I've closed a chapter in my life and am waiting for many more to start. Sometimes when things change so drastically a person may mourn for that other time-I sure did when I graduated from university and when I stopped swimming-but I don't think this will be the case with the last 18 months of my life. It was more of a transition period and I'm glad to be moving on. There were some really neat things about going to massage therapy college and living in Cambridge, but I never put any roots down and I really don't feel particularly sad about moving away. In fact, I'm quite glad. :) I had nothing but problems with the three apartments I rented in the 2 years I was in the city and other than the dog bakery woman, i really wasn't close to anyone. I had one classmate that I would do things with, but she was going to school and working, so she was usually too busy or tired to do anything. I'll miss her, but that is about it.
Needless to say, I'm excited for whatever may be coming my way. (The boys are happy to be home too. Glacier and Roscoe keep playing "tug of war" with a squeaky stuffed duck they have). My fiance is visiting me at my parents' place and there is so much more room for the boys here-they are much happier. The only thing that worries me is that Kyo seems to think that chasing and "singing to" the cats is a good idea. We'll definitely have to teach him that kitties are friends not food.
I wrote my last massage therapy exam on Monday and made the long 9 hour drive back up to my home town. I'm going to be spending the next month or so preparing for my board exams and enjoying my time off. I'm also going to be using that time to work more with Kyo. He's learned a lot in the last three months and it would be neat to see what kind of progress we can make with him with some one on one attention for an entire month. My fiance has bought a DVD and an audio book that is used by the Dog Whisperer and we're going to give that a whirl.
Kyo can sit, down and stay (usually), but he doesn't heel so well and he is a bit too aggressive when he plays with Glacier. He's not like that with other dogs-he can go to the dog park and play with 10 dogs and never put his teeth on them, but with Glacier he uses them all of the time. So, that is definitely something we have to work with him on. Glacier is my guide dog and therefore takes priority over Kyo. Glacier needs to be comfortable and safe to ensure he can work to the best of his abilities. Not to mention, I don't like any dog to be bullied. Anyway, this wasn't supposed to turn into a ramble about Kyo again...
The point was to simply state that I've closed a chapter in my life and am waiting for many more to start. Sometimes when things change so drastically a person may mourn for that other time-I sure did when I graduated from university and when I stopped swimming-but I don't think this will be the case with the last 18 months of my life. It was more of a transition period and I'm glad to be moving on. There were some really neat things about going to massage therapy college and living in Cambridge, but I never put any roots down and I really don't feel particularly sad about moving away. In fact, I'm quite glad. :) I had nothing but problems with the three apartments I rented in the 2 years I was in the city and other than the dog bakery woman, i really wasn't close to anyone. I had one classmate that I would do things with, but she was going to school and working, so she was usually too busy or tired to do anything. I'll miss her, but that is about it.
Needless to say, I'm excited for whatever may be coming my way. (The boys are happy to be home too. Glacier and Roscoe keep playing "tug of war" with a squeaky stuffed duck they have). My fiance is visiting me at my parents' place and there is so much more room for the boys here-they are much happier. The only thing that worries me is that Kyo seems to think that chasing and "singing to" the cats is a good idea. We'll definitely have to teach him that kitties are friends not food.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Ramblings From An Over Tired, Over Stimulated Mind
Today I realised the most random thing...
First, I should tell you where my brain is coming from so you don't think I'm completely crazy. :)
The last two weeks I've had seven exams-one per day this week-so I've been studying like a mad woman and have only had the dogs and my laptop for company. So, needless to say, my mind has been wandering and it meandered to accessability issues as it often does. (I may not be in Sociology anymore, but I did graduate from the program and I can't ignore my training).
Anyway...the point is, the most genius invention that I didn't even notice until this morning is the attached lids on the toothpaste tubes! I can't tell you how many times I'd be in a hurry in the morning and I'd lose the cap somewhere in the bathroom. Do you know how hard it is to crawl around on a bathroom floor looking for an itty bitty toothpaste cap while trying not to be late and keep your guide dog from ingesting it? So, it was with great excitement this morning, I realised that I would never have to crawl on all fours searching for an illusive toothpaste cap ever again...well, as long as I buy toothpaste tubes with the lids attached. :P
First, I should tell you where my brain is coming from so you don't think I'm completely crazy. :)
The last two weeks I've had seven exams-one per day this week-so I've been studying like a mad woman and have only had the dogs and my laptop for company. So, needless to say, my mind has been wandering and it meandered to accessability issues as it often does. (I may not be in Sociology anymore, but I did graduate from the program and I can't ignore my training).
Anyway...the point is, the most genius invention that I didn't even notice until this morning is the attached lids on the toothpaste tubes! I can't tell you how many times I'd be in a hurry in the morning and I'd lose the cap somewhere in the bathroom. Do you know how hard it is to crawl around on a bathroom floor looking for an itty bitty toothpaste cap while trying not to be late and keep your guide dog from ingesting it? So, it was with great excitement this morning, I realised that I would never have to crawl on all fours searching for an illusive toothpaste cap ever again...well, as long as I buy toothpaste tubes with the lids attached. :P
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