Elizabeth
This will be highly amusing to those of you who are aware of my computer abilities (or lack thereof).
Today I was leaving the pool and I was accosted (and I choose that word purposely) by a woman who was in the computer room. She was desperate for somebody to help her navigate a web site. She was imploring, pleading, yes, begging for help. I immediately connected with her desperation. I have been there so many times before. Screaming at the screen "what happened? Where did everything go?"
Her name is Elizabeth.
I told her I'd try and help, but my skills were severely limited. She didn't care, she was just happy to have a co-pilot. And, let's be honest here, I was dying to see what the site was that garnered such desperation.
It was a dating site called "OK Cupid" and it seems that Elizabeth had received a reply from a man who had tried to call her and couldn't get through. I should add that Elizabeth is no spring chicken, as the saying goes. I think it's safe to say that she has clear remembrances of WWII.
We discussed what she should reply to this man. She was so sweet and guileless, fearful of seeming "too forward" and scaring the guy away. Together we came up with an appropriate and short response. Elizabeth kept wanting to add more, trying to be "nice". To her credit, she accepted my firm feedback and kept it pithy. We pushed "send" and I had the strongest urge to jump up with a big high five, but I didn't want to scare her.
We have a date to meet tomorrow at noon, to see if the guy responded.
What I love about Elizabeth is that she's lived through so much advanced technology, and she's embraced it. She's jumped into the Internet and web dating for heaven's sake. She may be in the winter of her life, but the sun's still shining and she's still in the game. She's my hero.
As grateful as she was to me, I'm that much more so to her, for reminding me that it's okay to ask for help, that technology doesn't have to be that daunting, and that it's so rewarding to help somebody out.
I hope the guy responds, but if he doesn't, it's ok, I'll be there to cheer her up.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Remembrances from Oscars past
I blame my mother. My first memory of watching the Oscars was when I was 7 years old and Grace Kelly won as Best Actress. She was like an angel, the most beautiful woman I ever saw, all blonde and pink, holding a gold statuette. On our black and white TV the blonde and the pink and the gold parts were all gray, but still...)
My mother thought it was an outrage that Judy Garland didn't win that year. Understand that my mother was usually pretty even-keeled and I never heard a swear word from her until I was a grown-up with my own grown childlren, and she said the "s" word. Mom didn't swear that night but it was indelibly imprinted in my brain, that this Oscar thing is some kind of big deal.
In later years we'd watch the Big Show and she'd tell me who was going out with whom and who was a drunk. For you kids out there they didn't have drug addicts or gay people in the 50s. They also didn't have the Internet, but I'm guessing you're still stuck on what a black and white TV means.
I think mom got her information from Photoplay Magazine, which was a precursor to Entertainment Weekly. Either that or she just made it up. I was 12, how would I know. When Eddie left Debbie it was like a death in the family.
This Sunday is Oscar night, which I consider a national holiday. I celebrate by surrounding myself with my favorite junk foods, turning off the phone and watching pre-game shows starting at noon - going right through to the after-party on "E". I take the next day off to recoup and finish the leftover junk food. See now, I lied. There's rarely junk food left over. The rest, though, is true.
I used to host a big party on Oscar night, but when I found out that people wanted to talk during the show, well, that was the end of that. There's no talking during the Oscars - only during commercials. And with a DVR there aren't even commercials!
These days we're inundated with award shows. Make no mistake I watch them all. Some of the bloom is off the rose when the same people win the Globes, Sags, Independent Spirits, Critic's Choice, People's Choice and on and on. But then again, there are football games every Sunday (and Monday and some Saturdays), but there's only one Super Bowl.
Mom's gone now, but I feel her spirit with me on this night of nights. She taught me to love the movies and I'm grateful for that. So pop the cork and the corn, and settle in - it's gonna be a great show.
I blame my mother. My first memory of watching the Oscars was when I was 7 years old and Grace Kelly won as Best Actress. She was like an angel, the most beautiful woman I ever saw, all blonde and pink, holding a gold statuette. On our black and white TV the blonde and the pink and the gold parts were all gray, but still...)
My mother thought it was an outrage that Judy Garland didn't win that year. Understand that my mother was usually pretty even-keeled and I never heard a swear word from her until I was a grown-up with my own grown childlren, and she said the "s" word. Mom didn't swear that night but it was indelibly imprinted in my brain, that this Oscar thing is some kind of big deal.
In later years we'd watch the Big Show and she'd tell me who was going out with whom and who was a drunk. For you kids out there they didn't have drug addicts or gay people in the 50s. They also didn't have the Internet, but I'm guessing you're still stuck on what a black and white TV means.
I think mom got her information from Photoplay Magazine, which was a precursor to Entertainment Weekly. Either that or she just made it up. I was 12, how would I know. When Eddie left Debbie it was like a death in the family.
This Sunday is Oscar night, which I consider a national holiday. I celebrate by surrounding myself with my favorite junk foods, turning off the phone and watching pre-game shows starting at noon - going right through to the after-party on "E". I take the next day off to recoup and finish the leftover junk food. See now, I lied. There's rarely junk food left over. The rest, though, is true.
I used to host a big party on Oscar night, but when I found out that people wanted to talk during the show, well, that was the end of that. There's no talking during the Oscars - only during commercials. And with a DVR there aren't even commercials!
These days we're inundated with award shows. Make no mistake I watch them all. Some of the bloom is off the rose when the same people win the Globes, Sags, Independent Spirits, Critic's Choice, People's Choice and on and on. But then again, there are football games every Sunday (and Monday and some Saturdays), but there's only one Super Bowl.
Mom's gone now, but I feel her spirit with me on this night of nights. She taught me to love the movies and I'm grateful for that. So pop the cork and the corn, and settle in - it's gonna be a great show.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
SNOWBIRD,FREEBIRD - Oscar Predictions
I know you've been anxiously waiting for this year's predictions, so here we go.
I decided to separate who I think will win from whom I think should win, because this is my list and I can do whatever the hell I want.
Full disclosure: I only saw 6 out of the 9 Best Movie nominees. I passed on Django and Zero Dark Thirty, because I don't like to watch torture. I didn't see Life Of Pi, because I just didn't want to. My list, remember?
I saw all the best Actor and Supporting Actress movies, and most of the Actress (no Chastain), Supporting Actor (no Waltz), and best Directors (no Ang Lee).
Best Actress: Naomi Watts should win. Her performance was beyond beyond. What she accomplished reminds me of the work Meryl did in Sophie's Choice. Just a class above everybody else. Naomi was fierce and her performance was shattering. I think Jennifer Lawrence will win - she's Hollywood's "It" girl.
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis. Period. The end.
Supporting Actress: Will and should win: Anne Hathaway. In the scene where she's singing The Song, there's a split second where you can actually see the hope leave her eyes. It's amazing. Her voice is great, but the eyes have it.
Supporting Actor: Should be DeNiro - a great job of inhabiting his character, without a lot of pyrotechnics. I think it will be Tommie Lee. I admit to a bias against him. To me, he's in the Harrison Ford School of Humorless Men. I have a hard time with people who can't find the funny.
Best Director: Ben Affleck. Oh, that's right. OK, should be him, but it will be Spielberg. Lincoln was a well-constructed film, just a little dry for my taste. I like to be moved in my movies - and Lincoln was a bit of a snooze-fest for me.
Best Movie: Should and will be Argo. It was my favorite movie of the year. Rewarding this movie, in light of the ridiculous oversight of its director, is the perfect Hollywood ending.
Can't wait to here Adele sing, I think Seth MacFarlane will be great, and the red carpet is always a highlight for me (as is the after-party on "E"). I'm loading up on Chinese food and chocolate. This is the best night of the year for me - and I hope it's enjoyable for you too.
Let me know what you think of my list.
I know you've been anxiously waiting for this year's predictions, so here we go.
I decided to separate who I think will win from whom I think should win, because this is my list and I can do whatever the hell I want.
Full disclosure: I only saw 6 out of the 9 Best Movie nominees. I passed on Django and Zero Dark Thirty, because I don't like to watch torture. I didn't see Life Of Pi, because I just didn't want to. My list, remember?
I saw all the best Actor and Supporting Actress movies, and most of the Actress (no Chastain), Supporting Actor (no Waltz), and best Directors (no Ang Lee).
Best Actress: Naomi Watts should win. Her performance was beyond beyond. What she accomplished reminds me of the work Meryl did in Sophie's Choice. Just a class above everybody else. Naomi was fierce and her performance was shattering. I think Jennifer Lawrence will win - she's Hollywood's "It" girl.
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis. Period. The end.
Supporting Actress: Will and should win: Anne Hathaway. In the scene where she's singing The Song, there's a split second where you can actually see the hope leave her eyes. It's amazing. Her voice is great, but the eyes have it.
Supporting Actor: Should be DeNiro - a great job of inhabiting his character, without a lot of pyrotechnics. I think it will be Tommie Lee. I admit to a bias against him. To me, he's in the Harrison Ford School of Humorless Men. I have a hard time with people who can't find the funny.
Best Director: Ben Affleck. Oh, that's right. OK, should be him, but it will be Spielberg. Lincoln was a well-constructed film, just a little dry for my taste. I like to be moved in my movies - and Lincoln was a bit of a snooze-fest for me.
Best Movie: Should and will be Argo. It was my favorite movie of the year. Rewarding this movie, in light of the ridiculous oversight of its director, is the perfect Hollywood ending.
Can't wait to here Adele sing, I think Seth MacFarlane will be great, and the red carpet is always a highlight for me (as is the after-party on "E"). I'm loading up on Chinese food and chocolate. This is the best night of the year for me - and I hope it's enjoyable for you too.
Let me know what you think of my list.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Snowbird, Freebird - #7 1-25-13
The Saga of the Mail and What It's Taught Me
I, like most people, take so much for granted. Turn on the tap, poof: water. Flip the switch, poof: lights. Go to the grocery, chicken is all cleaned and packaged.
I bet you rarely even think about, much less appreciate, getting your mail. Sometimes there are bills, and that's not fun. And sometimes there's a birthday card from grandma. Sometimes it's a magazine you subscribe to, and sometimes it's an 8 pound seed catalog. The whole idea of mail is probably an anachronism, but I bet you still get mail. What do you think would happen to you if your mail just stopped coming?
So here I am, 1400 miles from home, having dutifully filled out my temporary change of address card before I left, naively thinking I would actually receive my mail at some point, in my temporary home. Ah, if only. I have spoken to more postal workers than I ever thought I would (or should). I even have a case number with the postal service - pretty official, right? I've been to the local post office in person, I've stalked the local carrier, hoping for some sympathy and understanding. I was on hold for 47 minutes with the Miami Consumer Affairs Office, whose voice message assured me that my call was important to them and I would be speaking with the next available representative "shortly". The 47 minutes wouldn't have been so bad, except every minute and a half I'd hear how important my call was.
Nobody knows what the problem is, they're all pointing their fingers at each other. Bottom line is: no mail.
Today I made a monumental decision. I have given up the fight. Uncle I cry. Today I made the choice to give in to what it is, rather than insisting it be what I want it to be. Instead of agonizing about what I'm missing about my missing mail, I have decided not to engage in this fruitless endeavor. I've always been a windmill tilter, fighting for the principle of things. That's gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit. What I'm learning is that not every fight is worth fighting. The satisfaction doesn't have to come from getting what I think I deserve, or have a right to - the satisfaction comes from letting go.
So I will notify the post office to keep sending my mail to my home address, and stop the madness of trying to get mail sent to Florida. I will ask my son to check the mail, notify me of the important stuff, and hang onto the rest.
And when I get home, I will bring some cookies into the post office and personally thank them all for doing their jobs so well, that I forgot to notice.
The Saga of the Mail and What It's Taught Me
I, like most people, take so much for granted. Turn on the tap, poof: water. Flip the switch, poof: lights. Go to the grocery, chicken is all cleaned and packaged.
I bet you rarely even think about, much less appreciate, getting your mail. Sometimes there are bills, and that's not fun. And sometimes there's a birthday card from grandma. Sometimes it's a magazine you subscribe to, and sometimes it's an 8 pound seed catalog. The whole idea of mail is probably an anachronism, but I bet you still get mail. What do you think would happen to you if your mail just stopped coming?
So here I am, 1400 miles from home, having dutifully filled out my temporary change of address card before I left, naively thinking I would actually receive my mail at some point, in my temporary home. Ah, if only. I have spoken to more postal workers than I ever thought I would (or should). I even have a case number with the postal service - pretty official, right? I've been to the local post office in person, I've stalked the local carrier, hoping for some sympathy and understanding. I was on hold for 47 minutes with the Miami Consumer Affairs Office, whose voice message assured me that my call was important to them and I would be speaking with the next available representative "shortly". The 47 minutes wouldn't have been so bad, except every minute and a half I'd hear how important my call was.
Nobody knows what the problem is, they're all pointing their fingers at each other. Bottom line is: no mail.
Today I made a monumental decision. I have given up the fight. Uncle I cry. Today I made the choice to give in to what it is, rather than insisting it be what I want it to be. Instead of agonizing about what I'm missing about my missing mail, I have decided not to engage in this fruitless endeavor. I've always been a windmill tilter, fighting for the principle of things. That's gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit. What I'm learning is that not every fight is worth fighting. The satisfaction doesn't have to come from getting what I think I deserve, or have a right to - the satisfaction comes from letting go.
So I will notify the post office to keep sending my mail to my home address, and stop the madness of trying to get mail sent to Florida. I will ask my son to check the mail, notify me of the important stuff, and hang onto the rest.
And when I get home, I will bring some cookies into the post office and personally thank them all for doing their jobs so well, that I forgot to notice.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Snowbird, Freebird - 1/7/13 #6
So here it is, Monday and the day the supervisor is going to come and give me a DVR box. I was told they would call before noon. At 11 I could wait no longer and called them. I spoke w/Crystal at Harry's. "Hi Crystal, I'm just checking on when your supervisor will be coming to set up by DVR box". I was on hold for a while, Crystal comes back and says - "there's no notes about anybody coming to your house. You're set for hookup on January 14th". Oh God. I took some deep cleansing breaths and explained to Crystal that the 14th is no longer in play, as the guys were already here, and told me that today the supervisor was coming to put me out of my misery.
Crystal had no idea what I was talking about. More deep breaths. Then there's a knock on my door and guess who? The same cable guy who was here on Saturday (with a new helper). Cut to the chase, no I cannot ever have a DVR box. But, I now have 82, count 'em 82 channels. I practicallly hugged them. The new guy (this was his second day) looked like he was rethinking his job choice. Hopefully it was explained to him that not every customer gets this enthused. Or maybe they do. Who knows. Anyway, it's over, the long nightmare is over.
Now my goal is to find the beach. My inability to find my way around is legendary. Hi, my name is Phyllis and I am Navigationally Challenged. The GPS is the greatest invention since Velcro and the DVR (hey, I'm workin' on it). I know I am in southern Florida, in a town that has the word "beach" in it, yet I cannot seem to actually find the beach - you know the place with the sand and the water. I think I was really close at one point because I saw people walking on the street with chairs and towels.
I look at it this way, at least I have a goal. I no longer have cable to obsess about, so finding the beach seems to me to be the next logical move. Wish me well, I have sunscreen and focus. I will find the beach.
So here it is, Monday and the day the supervisor is going to come and give me a DVR box. I was told they would call before noon. At 11 I could wait no longer and called them. I spoke w/Crystal at Harry's. "Hi Crystal, I'm just checking on when your supervisor will be coming to set up by DVR box". I was on hold for a while, Crystal comes back and says - "there's no notes about anybody coming to your house. You're set for hookup on January 14th". Oh God. I took some deep cleansing breaths and explained to Crystal that the 14th is no longer in play, as the guys were already here, and told me that today the supervisor was coming to put me out of my misery.
Crystal had no idea what I was talking about. More deep breaths. Then there's a knock on my door and guess who? The same cable guy who was here on Saturday (with a new helper). Cut to the chase, no I cannot ever have a DVR box. But, I now have 82, count 'em 82 channels. I practicallly hugged them. The new guy (this was his second day) looked like he was rethinking his job choice. Hopefully it was explained to him that not every customer gets this enthused. Or maybe they do. Who knows. Anyway, it's over, the long nightmare is over.
Now my goal is to find the beach. My inability to find my way around is legendary. Hi, my name is Phyllis and I am Navigationally Challenged. The GPS is the greatest invention since Velcro and the DVR (hey, I'm workin' on it). I know I am in southern Florida, in a town that has the word "beach" in it, yet I cannot seem to actually find the beach - you know the place with the sand and the water. I think I was really close at one point because I saw people walking on the street with chairs and towels.
I look at it this way, at least I have a goal. I no longer have cable to obsess about, so finding the beach seems to me to be the next logical move. Wish me well, I have sunscreen and focus. I will find the beach.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Snowbird, Freebird - 1/7/13 #5
I know you're on the edge of your seats to find out if I got cable. Well, I got internet access. It's not wireless, because they don't have that at Harry's Fly By Night Cable Company, something they did not tell me when I begged them to come and hook me up. I did get a modem, so I don't have to shlep to the Clubhouse every day. I'm trying to be more flexible and appreciative of what I do have rather than what I don't.
They also couldn't set up my DVR. That's because the flammerjammer didn't mesh with the blugendorfer. I do know that after 2 1/2 hours they cried "uncle" and told me that their supervisor will need to come himself to figure this out. They assured me it's doable, but not by them.
Their supervisor. Really? I like to think of this man as the Wizard of Oz. He's merely a voice behind a curtain. I was promised that he'll call me "first thing on Monday". Hahahahahahahaha.
There is a TV in the bedroom here, that gets some basic channels. It's old, but it works. There's a remote that doesn't work. So here's my question: if a TV is old will a universal remote work? Or, is there a way to get the same brand remote for an old TV? If a tree falls in the forest.....
I'm learning a few things about myself here. I already knew that I hate the snow and the cold. I'm learning that I also miss the rain. I love the rain. It doesn't seem to rain in southern Florida, at least not in January.
I'm finding that I am definitely a small-town gal. The traffic here is crazy. I'm used to being able to travel 20 miles and not even pass any traffic lights. Here it's hard to go 20 feet without lights.
The news here is scary. Lots of shootings, and violent crimes. I checked the Berkshire Eagle today and one of the headlines is "Stolen parrot found in Pittsfield". Now that's my kinda news. Wait until my cable gets hooked up, now that's some good news.
Stay tuned.
I know you're on the edge of your seats to find out if I got cable. Well, I got internet access. It's not wireless, because they don't have that at Harry's Fly By Night Cable Company, something they did not tell me when I begged them to come and hook me up. I did get a modem, so I don't have to shlep to the Clubhouse every day. I'm trying to be more flexible and appreciative of what I do have rather than what I don't.
They also couldn't set up my DVR. That's because the flammerjammer didn't mesh with the blugendorfer. I do know that after 2 1/2 hours they cried "uncle" and told me that their supervisor will need to come himself to figure this out. They assured me it's doable, but not by them.
Their supervisor. Really? I like to think of this man as the Wizard of Oz. He's merely a voice behind a curtain. I was promised that he'll call me "first thing on Monday". Hahahahahahahaha.
There is a TV in the bedroom here, that gets some basic channels. It's old, but it works. There's a remote that doesn't work. So here's my question: if a TV is old will a universal remote work? Or, is there a way to get the same brand remote for an old TV? If a tree falls in the forest.....
I'm learning a few things about myself here. I already knew that I hate the snow and the cold. I'm learning that I also miss the rain. I love the rain. It doesn't seem to rain in southern Florida, at least not in January.
I'm finding that I am definitely a small-town gal. The traffic here is crazy. I'm used to being able to travel 20 miles and not even pass any traffic lights. Here it's hard to go 20 feet without lights.
The news here is scary. Lots of shootings, and violent crimes. I checked the Berkshire Eagle today and one of the headlines is "Stolen parrot found in Pittsfield". Now that's my kinda news. Wait until my cable gets hooked up, now that's some good news.
Stay tuned.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Snowbird, Freebird - 1/3/13
I've been here for 2 full days now and I've discovered some things of interest. The owners of this condo have some odd quirks. For example, there is no kitchen garbage can. There's a tiny wicker basket, but it has no liner and a can of soup and an apple core would fill it up. Did these people not produce any garbage? Is that possible? How could they live like that?
There are no drinking glasses, you know, for like water or juice or soda. There are mugs and fancy wine glasses, but no regular glasses. No beverages and no garbage. Huh.
There are, however, decorative items on every flat surface. Figurines, vases, bowls, candles, an African warrior with a sword. Come to think of it, if I had a water glass there's no place I could put it.
I've learned it feels weird to live in a stranger's home. They left stuff in the fridge. I don't want to drink the Stoli or the one Bud Light. I also don't want to throw it out. So it cohabitates along with my broccoli, my eggs and my butter. Why didn't they leave butter? There are many, many, many rolls of toilet paper. I brought my own, is that stupid? Am I supposed to use theirs? What is the etiquette around this? So much to learn. I'll google it.
I want to be a good renter. It took me right back to 4th grade when I was Miss Levy's favorite student and she told my mother how bright and sweet I was. That's when my good girl personna really blossomed. It's important that people like me -even strangers who I'll never meet. Tell me doctor, is that wrong?
Siri and I are going to explore the beach today. Maybe pick up a garbage can and some drinking glasses.
I've been here for 2 full days now and I've discovered some things of interest. The owners of this condo have some odd quirks. For example, there is no kitchen garbage can. There's a tiny wicker basket, but it has no liner and a can of soup and an apple core would fill it up. Did these people not produce any garbage? Is that possible? How could they live like that?
There are no drinking glasses, you know, for like water or juice or soda. There are mugs and fancy wine glasses, but no regular glasses. No beverages and no garbage. Huh.
There are, however, decorative items on every flat surface. Figurines, vases, bowls, candles, an African warrior with a sword. Come to think of it, if I had a water glass there's no place I could put it.
I've learned it feels weird to live in a stranger's home. They left stuff in the fridge. I don't want to drink the Stoli or the one Bud Light. I also don't want to throw it out. So it cohabitates along with my broccoli, my eggs and my butter. Why didn't they leave butter? There are many, many, many rolls of toilet paper. I brought my own, is that stupid? Am I supposed to use theirs? What is the etiquette around this? So much to learn. I'll google it.
I want to be a good renter. It took me right back to 4th grade when I was Miss Levy's favorite student and she told my mother how bright and sweet I was. That's when my good girl personna really blossomed. It's important that people like me -even strangers who I'll never meet. Tell me doctor, is that wrong?
Siri and I are going to explore the beach today. Maybe pick up a garbage can and some drinking glasses.
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