Boy am I fed up! I have had to deal with spyware, adware, ad malware this past month It got to the point that I had to either become a computer programmer and know how to root out those pesky files or spend money to have someone else do it. Sigh. I opted for door number too.
This whole experience has renewed my appreciation for IT staff at colleges and the challenges they face. I have also wondered again why why why PC and software manufacturers haven't forestalled these problems ages ago with better code. And why why why we consumers don't refuse to buy another PC until this problem is solved.
With the almost news that accounts are stolen by criminals all the time, using a computer is less fun.
I've changed passwords at least 2-3 times for some accounts and even more for others.
I have a touch PC right now and it has aps which seem to be functioning better than just going to the Internet. Time will tell, though.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Hobby or job?
So, my love of handicrafts has finally morphed into more than gifts for family and friends. I am not part of a group which crochets for charity. I can now create washcloths, blankets, scarves, and hats to my hearts' content. Although there are some proscriptions, it is always gratifying when people report back that they loved the item and want more.
Unfortunately I'm not getting paid except for the occasional pat on the back and the thrill of actually tackling more complicated patterns.
Should we go into hobbies or pastimes with the idea in mind that they might morph into a paying job with a regular salary which exceeds the break-even point? For me, this number crunching is usually too disappointing. There is no way the expenditure is ever going to be less than any income. I realized back in the '80s that such hopes were impractical for the enthusiast unless we charge what our time is worth. I don't see adding $25-100 per hour to a project for income ever going to surpass any competition which will give it away for practically nothing.
Perhaps there are other avenues for remuneration for the expense of a hobby, such as learning design techniques or teaching a class. Even so, the main problem is still crunching those numbers.
In the meantime, sharing the enthusiasm for crocheting and knitting with others and being blessed with donations of patterns and yarn and other supplies for maintaining my "habit" will have to suffice.
thoughts about three
The old superstition that bad things come in threes has been widely commented upon. Visually, it would be three-legged stool. But after many years experiencing "bad" things which turn out to be good things (like the old jokes and stories about fortunately/unfortunately) bad things aren't threes. They are more like millipedes--all due respect to that humble species. Many try to explain the reasons for bad things and their multiplicity. Some of that is helpful, but others just won't fit the circumstances.
Monday, August 4, 2014
discussion # 1
One activity many retirees don't miss is professional conferences. Not only do they often come at inappropriate times, but they also involve travel and hotel expenses which may or may not be allowed in the workplace budget.
While many conferences were reinvigorating and refreshing, a few left me wondering why I had come, even if for one day. These times were usually the result of poor programs and meetings. At other conferences, I was literally running between meetings and had little time to reflect or even eat.
The main exception is the Association of Christian Librarians(ACL). While it does have great programming and professional emphasis, it is also a fellowship of Christians from many denominations. As a result, many retirees or soon to be retirees would like to continue some involvement in the association. Therefore at our last conference we started a special interest group for retirees. For a while we are going to discuss J. I. Packer book, Finishing our Course with Joy.
This blog will identify these discussions with the title Discussion and whenever I can get around to tagging them with RETsig. If I have permission, I will copy/paste other comments here from the group. Feel free to read or skip
First, I have some thoughts about retirement books in general as I have been browsing them. Many seem to miss some of the aspects women encounter with retirement. And since women live longer than men, this seems a lost marketing opportunity. Women usually and I do stress usually are more connected to their children and other relatives well into retirement. They are usually the keepers of the stories, although they often do not write them down. Many of the activities women engage in throughout their lives do not end at the loss of a paying job. As a result some of the retirement issues men face may have lesser impact on most women.
Second, many of the books only glance at religious or spiritual importance in the later stages of life. The church is a body of and for all ages, abilities, and opportunities, and as such should not limit interaction between young and old. Believers should seize any opportunity to become better acquainted with Jesus and to increase their faith. Peterson's book seems to pick up on this aspect better than others.
As has been mentioned in many places ( sometime, I'll do a bibliography) women who age and to a certain extent retired men become invisible in our culture. The church and fellowships should combat this by providing ways to let everyone's light shine.
While many conferences were reinvigorating and refreshing, a few left me wondering why I had come, even if for one day. These times were usually the result of poor programs and meetings. At other conferences, I was literally running between meetings and had little time to reflect or even eat.
The main exception is the Association of Christian Librarians(ACL). While it does have great programming and professional emphasis, it is also a fellowship of Christians from many denominations. As a result, many retirees or soon to be retirees would like to continue some involvement in the association. Therefore at our last conference we started a special interest group for retirees. For a while we are going to discuss J. I. Packer book, Finishing our Course with Joy.
This blog will identify these discussions with the title Discussion and whenever I can get around to tagging them with RETsig. If I have permission, I will copy/paste other comments here from the group. Feel free to read or skip
First, I have some thoughts about retirement books in general as I have been browsing them. Many seem to miss some of the aspects women encounter with retirement. And since women live longer than men, this seems a lost marketing opportunity. Women usually and I do stress usually are more connected to their children and other relatives well into retirement. They are usually the keepers of the stories, although they often do not write them down. Many of the activities women engage in throughout their lives do not end at the loss of a paying job. As a result some of the retirement issues men face may have lesser impact on most women.
Second, many of the books only glance at religious or spiritual importance in the later stages of life. The church is a body of and for all ages, abilities, and opportunities, and as such should not limit interaction between young and old. Believers should seize any opportunity to become better acquainted with Jesus and to increase their faith. Peterson's book seems to pick up on this aspect better than others.
As has been mentioned in many places ( sometime, I'll do a bibliography) women who age and to a certain extent retired men become invisible in our culture. The church and fellowships should combat this by providing ways to let everyone's light shine.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Old memories -- new events
On July Fourth, I tried a different walking routine with the possibility of checking out some Fourth activities. Unfortunately, along the way, I stumbled and broke my right wrist--the same one I broke five years earlier.
Two wonderful Samaritans stopped to help me. I was in so much pain, I couldn't have done much. One of them called the ambulance and the other went to my house and with the help of my neighbor shut my garage door. (My house was locked up, and I didn't have a cell phone with me.)
I spent the afternoon of the Fourth in the ER nauseous from the morphine and whatever else given to me. I couldn't remember the orthopedist clinic I went to the last time and I was mistaken about the number of years. In addition the splint put on was a little too tight around my thumb which made it swell.
When I finally got home via a hospital taxi in which I again was nauseous, I was able to contact my family and make arrangements for my sister to come out and spend some time with me.
Since this had happened before, I was expecting the same routine: x-ray, cast, and little to no using the hand because it had to be elevated to avoid swelling. Instead, the break was more severe and resulted in surgery a week after the fall. The surgeon who operated happens to be a wrist specialist and the surgery was brief. However, that day I didn't eat for almost 24 hours. I told one of the nurses, my first words on waking up wouldn't be "is everything ok?" but "What is there to eat?'
A minor complication in all of this is the ongoing problem this year of stabilizing my thyroid levels.
After the surgery, I was in another splint and 10 days later in a brace for at least a month. NO CAST!
Except for the first two weeks, when I tried to keep my hand elevated as much as possible and apply cold packs as needed, I am now encouraged to use my right hand as much as possible. I do remember some of the exercises from my previous experience, and my surgeon told me to do those.
Another difference is that with a brace, I can return to driving myself as soon as I feel comfortable. A cast prohibited that because of gripping problems, not to mention a right wrist break is a little difficult for driving.
Last time, I didn't own an ipad or Kindle or PC, and the weeks home I felt isolated. This time, I've been in contact with may on FB and email and have greatly appreciated their prayers and wisdom.
Last time, I returned to work within a week, but sometimes felt I would have been better off at home.
This time I'm retired and only have to worry about a few volunteer activities.
Last time, I didn't use my right hand in any significant way until the final cast was removed. As a result the therapy concentrated on both restoring dexterity and strength. This time I can tell the dexterity is greater and I hope with the brace to have less physical therapy sessions. Right now I'm composing this with both hands. And I'm back crocheting.
The biggest difference, however, is that my sister, Ruth, came out and nursed me through the post op
days, especially as nausea continued. She is a great cook and driver, and has helped and is helping me return to normal and to deal with daily issues.
My lesson is that if God sees a "little sparrow" like me surely He sees the great needs of other Christians in Ukraine and the Middle East. While the answer may seem delayed, the response will not be denied. Our prayers are the greatest weapon we can wield.
Two wonderful Samaritans stopped to help me. I was in so much pain, I couldn't have done much. One of them called the ambulance and the other went to my house and with the help of my neighbor shut my garage door. (My house was locked up, and I didn't have a cell phone with me.)
I spent the afternoon of the Fourth in the ER nauseous from the morphine and whatever else given to me. I couldn't remember the orthopedist clinic I went to the last time and I was mistaken about the number of years. In addition the splint put on was a little too tight around my thumb which made it swell.
When I finally got home via a hospital taxi in which I again was nauseous, I was able to contact my family and make arrangements for my sister to come out and spend some time with me.
Since this had happened before, I was expecting the same routine: x-ray, cast, and little to no using the hand because it had to be elevated to avoid swelling. Instead, the break was more severe and resulted in surgery a week after the fall. The surgeon who operated happens to be a wrist specialist and the surgery was brief. However, that day I didn't eat for almost 24 hours. I told one of the nurses, my first words on waking up wouldn't be "is everything ok?" but "What is there to eat?'
A minor complication in all of this is the ongoing problem this year of stabilizing my thyroid levels.
After the surgery, I was in another splint and 10 days later in a brace for at least a month. NO CAST!
Except for the first two weeks, when I tried to keep my hand elevated as much as possible and apply cold packs as needed, I am now encouraged to use my right hand as much as possible. I do remember some of the exercises from my previous experience, and my surgeon told me to do those.
Another difference is that with a brace, I can return to driving myself as soon as I feel comfortable. A cast prohibited that because of gripping problems, not to mention a right wrist break is a little difficult for driving.
Last time, I didn't own an ipad or Kindle or PC, and the weeks home I felt isolated. This time, I've been in contact with may on FB and email and have greatly appreciated their prayers and wisdom.
Last time, I returned to work within a week, but sometimes felt I would have been better off at home.
This time I'm retired and only have to worry about a few volunteer activities.
Last time, I didn't use my right hand in any significant way until the final cast was removed. As a result the therapy concentrated on both restoring dexterity and strength. This time I can tell the dexterity is greater and I hope with the brace to have less physical therapy sessions. Right now I'm composing this with both hands. And I'm back crocheting.
The biggest difference, however, is that my sister, Ruth, came out and nursed me through the post op
days, especially as nausea continued. She is a great cook and driver, and has helped and is helping me return to normal and to deal with daily issues.
My lesson is that if God sees a "little sparrow" like me surely He sees the great needs of other Christians in Ukraine and the Middle East. While the answer may seem delayed, the response will not be denied. Our prayers are the greatest weapon we can wield.
Friday, July 4, 2014
"Life well lived"? Fiscal Year in review
At this month, a new FY year begins for many academic libraries. Some don't start until October because of government connections, but mine POWs always seemed to start now. For that reason alone, I have the habit to review activities over the past 12 months.
Since I'm no longer working full time--or even part time right now-- here is what I've accomplished around my house. I've already reviewed briefly some of the educational and entertainment activities.
These lists help put into perspective those areas we hoped to accomplish and what we actually did.
This year, I hoped to replace linoleum and carpeting in my house. This was a decade long project which kept being delayed because the money went to travel instead. However by August I had done this.
I also had plans to repaint most of the downstairs and was able to finish those tasks as well as paint my bedroom. I still have to repaint two rooms but I'm not in a hurry about that.
I was able to set up the repairs on my deck and hope to have that done within the month.
I repaired the screen to my deck. This was an accomplishment which required waiting until I could find someone with the right size vehicle to carry said screen to a Home improvement center. The hole in the screen was too large for a mending project. The good news as that at the time I needed to finish this for the year, my church started a helping neighbors group which would do small projects for people in the church. That was in God's timing which I didn't foresee when I discovered this chore.
Here's an area some women would deride, but I've always wanted a better way to keep my house clean without using up the only free day in the week. I've been able to do that and have significantly reduced the amount of time involved in completing the weekly cleaning. As someone once said cleaning isn't really enjoyed, but the results of not cleaning are less desired.
My washing machine developed a problem which turned out to be again in God's timing, as the repairman located the problem--a switched hose-- but proceeded to perform a maintenance inspection and fix other problems for the fee he had to charge for coming out.
In sum, houses are money pits in large and small ways, but some pits don't have to be dug immediately!
Since I'm no longer working full time--or even part time right now-- here is what I've accomplished around my house. I've already reviewed briefly some of the educational and entertainment activities.
These lists help put into perspective those areas we hoped to accomplish and what we actually did.
This year, I hoped to replace linoleum and carpeting in my house. This was a decade long project which kept being delayed because the money went to travel instead. However by August I had done this.
I also had plans to repaint most of the downstairs and was able to finish those tasks as well as paint my bedroom. I still have to repaint two rooms but I'm not in a hurry about that.
I was able to set up the repairs on my deck and hope to have that done within the month.
I repaired the screen to my deck. This was an accomplishment which required waiting until I could find someone with the right size vehicle to carry said screen to a Home improvement center. The hole in the screen was too large for a mending project. The good news as that at the time I needed to finish this for the year, my church started a helping neighbors group which would do small projects for people in the church. That was in God's timing which I didn't foresee when I discovered this chore.
Here's an area some women would deride, but I've always wanted a better way to keep my house clean without using up the only free day in the week. I've been able to do that and have significantly reduced the amount of time involved in completing the weekly cleaning. As someone once said cleaning isn't really enjoyed, but the results of not cleaning are less desired.
My washing machine developed a problem which turned out to be again in God's timing, as the repairman located the problem--a switched hose-- but proceeded to perform a maintenance inspection and fix other problems for the fee he had to charge for coming out.
In sum, houses are money pits in large and small ways, but some pits don't have to be dug immediately!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Always learning?
I'm finishing another set of free lectures available from Yale Courses as seen on YouTube and Open Culture. These video lectures are what I term lite learning as they do not require interaction with anyone else nor any additional cost other than my time to listen to the lecture. However, they are learning in that I'm covering material I either never had time to take before or have forgotten the basics.
I used many of these basic lectures for reference purposes as a way to help with undergraduate research. When we move beyond the basics, we often forget what is not Old or lite or basic is new to those just encountering them.
These may be considered 'lite" from another perspective. The courses I chose are based on my own interests in the humanities rather than required learning in the sciences and math. Required courses really are the grindstones which help even out a student's grasp of the surrounding world. Another way of putting it is one might find that one is driving on 1 superinflated tire, two relatively even tires, and one highly flat tire. While that's metaphor has flaws, sometimes undergraduate education is the attempt to make the tires--so to speak--relatively even.
So here's to the Yale and Harvard lectures with a deep thanks to other "free" courses which I've been looking and listening to over the past year. Thanks for engaging me enough to continue on with other readings and reflections. I hope to keep reviewing them and enjoying them for a long time to come.
I used many of these basic lectures for reference purposes as a way to help with undergraduate research. When we move beyond the basics, we often forget what is not Old or lite or basic is new to those just encountering them.
These may be considered 'lite" from another perspective. The courses I chose are based on my own interests in the humanities rather than required learning in the sciences and math. Required courses really are the grindstones which help even out a student's grasp of the surrounding world. Another way of putting it is one might find that one is driving on 1 superinflated tire, two relatively even tires, and one highly flat tire. While that's metaphor has flaws, sometimes undergraduate education is the attempt to make the tires--so to speak--relatively even.
So here's to the Yale and Harvard lectures with a deep thanks to other "free" courses which I've been looking and listening to over the past year. Thanks for engaging me enough to continue on with other readings and reflections. I hope to keep reviewing them and enjoying them for a long time to come.
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