My day (part V)

08:24pmWe decide that we need to brainstorm via the internet for ideas about “ties that bind” – the theme for the Women’s Retreat. So we reconviene in the administrative offices. Our most powerful PC (a kludgy Gateway) cannont log on to the net. I try the Performa 630 next to it – it can’t log on either. So, while the rest of the group chats in the office, I go downstairs to the communications room, and reset our ISDN modem.

The modem is not receiving a signal. Drat.

I come back upstairs and let our group know. Then I let our InfoTech group leader know.

Terry is a member of our drama group. She is also the church’s graphic designer, and she programs our projection system each week (except for special services). So, she and I go to our computer closet off the sanctuary, and review the Palm Sunday/Good Friday/Easter graphics from last year.

08:51pmThe projection Mac is running incredibly slow. Terry is about to beat it with a stick.

We reviewed the graphics, and everybody agreed, even Pastor Ray, that we could recycle them. Thats good news for me, because it means I do not have to create NEW graphics over the next few weeks.

Terry asks if I could do something about the computer. She will be doing the programming for next Sunday tomorrow and Friday. I accept her request. I am now going outside to get my Norton CDs.

09:38pmAfter running Norton Speed Disk on both partitions and Disk Doctor on the OS partition, I have done all I can to improve its speed. I am heading out, when I bump into members of our budget committee breaking up from their meeting. I ask about the computer budget. They grudging budgeted for two iMacs for the office managers (this includes Terry). No G4 *sigh*.

I spark a debate about the validity of Mac over PC. To prevent starting one on OD, let it just be said that knowledgeable engineers will admit that the Mac platform is superior to the WinTel platform, but that Apple just has had bad marketing, or rather that WinTel has had better marketing and product placement. And before any of you balk at that – remember that Apple Computer averages 17% of the market share. Think about that.

Anyway, to avoid an arguement, I let the conversation be steered into safer waters, and end up sharing stories about being pulled over by the Hiway Patrol….

10:03pmI finally get in my car to drive home.

10:22pmI turn on the Simpsons, and sit down on the floor in front of my sofa to eat my McDonalds and unwind.

The evening has been a strategic failure, but a tactical success. I didn’t accomplish my plans, but I can’t say that what I did accomplish wasn’t more important, at least to some.

Its the “Nessy” episode. The McRib actually DOES NOT have too much sauce on it. I am content for another day.

11:06pmI turn off the TV after Seinfeld (George’s “boys can swim!”), click off the lights, and head to bed.

Shirt goes in small pile on floor. Slacks are laid out over there. Crawl across the bed. Turn off cellphone. Plug into charger. Check alarm time. Turn on alarm. Lie back in bed, pull the spread and quilt up to my neck. I wonder how long it will take for the Tylenol Flu to kick in?….

Thank you for reading!