That would pretty much sum up our weekend. As of now, I want to throw all our laptops, hard drives, keyboards, you name it, out the window! We did some upgrades and now nothing is working–expect for this little laptop that is staying open long enough to write this blog. But if this posts midway through a sentence you can bet it crashed like every thing else has this weekend. Ever have one of these weekends? It’s unreal how much of our business runs on computers!
We’ve been working on the mom’s Running on Empty contest since last week and have the coolest surprise, and I was so excited to announce the winner first thing this morning. But can you hang in there with me while we try to get things up and running? (Thank God we have every thing backed up in two, three, even four places!)
My awesome honey is going to stay up while I head to bed so I can wake up early and start the Monday routine (which your comments have so helped!). But when I get back in the studio, and things are up and running, we’ll get that winner announced for you!
In the meantime, here’s a question for you. When your computer(s) have stopped working and the time you had to work has been wasted on trying to fix the ridiculous problem, how do you manage your growing stress? π (eat chocolate, blame it on your husband, give the kids a time out, call your mom and tell her your quiting your business–folding the whole thing–can’t take it anymore, or take a nap, or have your third latte for the day–please tell all! :))
I find that screaming and throwing something (like a shoe) helps me feel better, doesn’t fix the problem but it does release the stress a bit. Honestly, I use those moments to refocus where I’m out, when technology tries my time and patience, its a great time for me sit down with paper and figure out what has to be done in what order to keep everybody happy… when the computer comes back up, you’ll make up for the lost time! π
I went out and bought a iMac! After 20+ years as a PC person, 18 of which I was an IT consultant and who’s job it was to fix all of these problems, I finally said enough is enough. I was a total PC bigot but now I’m a convert, loving this new system, it just works better, is cooler and more fun. And I can still run all of my old PC applications on it with Bootcamp or Parallels if I want to.
*Hugging my beaut-y-full iMac*
I have to second the comments Michael made about apple computers! They are the best, in answer to your question, I usually cry and then go to bed and wake up early the next morning and start working on it again BUT because I do SO much of my work on my imac I very rarely have anything like that happen, it is always with my other equipment!
UH, hello, ALCOHAL π Or CRYING. When those fail a HOT HOT shower. Now, go out and buy a MAC because they rock and they will never crash or cause you grief. I love my mac. Love it! Love you, too.
I go get in my car and drive. While driving I holler, cry and complain to God (because he is my friend).Then after I have gotten all that emotional stuff out of the way, I am in a condition to listen.It may take hours and many miles, but I come back with a peace in my heart, joy in my voice, and some great ideas.
I’m gonna have to third on the Mac vote! Sorry… They JUST RAWK!
Is it too rainy for a bike ride? Something that works for me when I’m dealing with stress is to serve someone else. I tend to get so wrapped up in me and my stuff… you know so inward focused… So, I turn that around by serving someone else and I just take the spotlight off my stuff. And my focus is on the person I’m serving not my mess. It’s hard not to get in a better mood when you are being a blessing to someone! Maybe take a nice picnic brunch to Brian? Mimosas? Yummy…
Fist of all **HUG**! I HATE it when there are computer/technical problems that I can’t fix. I start stressing about all the important info I’m missing, then think about how my live seems to DEPEND on the computer and I get even more mad. And I hate to admit it, but I normally take it all out on Chris and somehow find a way to blame him, or at least take it out on him π
try and use this time to just relax and do something that you don’t normally have time for. I’ve found once I can break away from the problem and “let it go” till it can get fixed, it’s such an enjoyable time either spending some extra quality time with my kids, or reading a book I’ve been putting off…… of that pile of laundry I keep saying I’ll get to π
Hope everything is back to normal soon!!!
so sorry to hear about the technical woes!!!!!! AWWW!!!!!
but don’t stress…just get some worship! lol
at least, that always takes me to a place where nothing else matters.
*smile*
Those stolen hours are so frustrating! When I’m really, really pissed off I take a deep breath and then force myself to take a break and go for a run, or just stop and have a snack or a coffee and refuel. Do something extra nice for yourself to recover!
If you are having trouble with a Microsoft product I would love to ease your pain with our world class technical support. I’ll email you a voucher for a free support call.
I cried the last time I had that happen, and I realized how dependent we are on our computers. I was totally having a similar problem recently and the harddrive etc. was failing! Brought it to be fixed,, did diagnostics, etc, such a long anddrawn out process. I am so glad I back up, back up, back up, thank goodness for backup.
I am about to get my brand new Mac Probook, and would get an iMac later on! I am so totally excited and relieved to not have a PC anymore! I got a Mac with Windows software too so I have the best of both worlds.
When my computer was ramping up for the big July CRASH, there were a few days that whenever I would go upstairs to fold laundry, I would come back downstairs to a blue screen of death. Without fail. Every time I would go fold laundry, I would come back to a blue screen of death.
So I did what I had to do.
I stopped doing laundry.
it’s me from this little standby laptop, it almost noon and no progress. I have to tell you that all your input has kept a smile on my face today! Can you believe that Brian and I have not had a fight yet! π It’s totally b/c of you! A lemon drop martini never sounded so good at noon!
I pulled myself out of bed at 5am and went for a long bike ride. Just sweating out my stress totally helped.
Carol, you are a doll! I’m on the phone with customer service at Dell. They are being so great about this. I would hate their job–dealing with people who are pulling their hair out! I want to send them all flowers right now. If this doesn’t work, I’ll use your Microsoft support offer. You are such a dear! Thank you so much!
Keep the suggestions coming! You Mac people are cracking me up! Can you say “passionate!”? π
aww, sorry to hear about your stressful weekend! when I get all stressed I take an hour long slow walk and spend that time daydreaming. things don’t get done any faster, but i feel better. π
I’d hate to be a Dell support person! OH! Could you imagine? I’ve actually never had to call a Apple support person… humm. ((snicker)) I do have a friend who is a Mac Genius… he lives up your way… let me know if ever you need his help.
I’m sorry! I couldn’t help it!!! π You are in my prayers! I am glad to hear that you are speaking with helpful people! Remember that, this too shall pass…
I’m w/the prayer partners! Usually I try to step away from the problem for a bit, pray about it and then get back to it. This always works! I either figure it out or the Lord sends someone to help me.
I try to tell myself that whether or not I become irritated over this is completely up to me. Being irritated or frustrated does not feel good, and it doesn’t help a situation, either, so I’m usually pretty successful at convincing myself of how, in the grand scheme of things, a few hours/a day/a weekend without computers really isn’t that big of a deal, and hopefully friends and clients will be understanding and supportive, considering it can happen to all of us at any given time! π
I viewed your blog for the very first time a day or so a go, and I love it. You are very inspiring! π
Oh no! What would happen to me if one of my computers suddenly deceived me and I couldn’t surf the net and check out this blog 50x’s a day???!!! That would be brutal! Brian is a smart cookie, between him, you and the help line you’ll be back up to snuff in no time, don’t sweat it. I’ve been praying for you guys, things will work out, keep the faith!
mmm
OH my…we just recently had this happen and all Dan’s business information was on the computer…NOT BACKED UP. I actually called an in house tech to come over and help us. I had tried to fix it myself and made it worse.
Truth be told I first throw a complete fit then I pray….after the initial frustration i really try to put it all into perspective such as…there are alot worse things that could happen to me.
Megan! You are killing me! 50x’s a day! Love it! π
Sorry to read about your troubles with the computer. I too have to throw my vote in for the Mac. π