Technology on the Homestead

Posted on 10-Jul-2006 at 08:54

It's interesting to me how technology can be both the fulfiller of my goals (by allowing me to work from home full-time) and also the bane of my existence (by putting me at its mercy when things don't go right, as they've gone lately with my computers and internet access).  While I make good use of certain types of technological advances, such as the computer, my microwave, my washer and dryer, and the like, at certain times they serve as irritants.

For instance, for some time I was so reliant upon the microwave that if the power went out I was up the creek without a paddle for meals.  (Buy a camp stove.  Problem solved.  Til an acquaintance of the Ex borrowed it and has never returned it, despite repeated requests.  Grrrr.  Time to buy another camp stove, it would appear!)  I also really enjoyed the technology incorporated in the electric lawn mower.  It's powered by a rechargeable battery, and it is much quieter and less obnoxious smelling than a gas powered mower.  (Til the battery went bad and it only hold a quarter of a charge or so...which is good for most of the front yard, but only a quarter of the backyard at a time.  Grrr.  Time to buy a new batter!)

Don't even get me started on the refurbished laptop I bought from someone two years back, that has allowed me to build a career again, right from my home.  Said laptop, which I happen to really enjoy using, has already been repaired extensively thanks to a virus; I lucked out and received that repair for free from a savvy IT person I know.  Now, last week my ISP went down, and I decided to use a different one.  The problem is that my lappy's port is broken and not recognizing their hardware.  *sigh*  The temporary fix (an adaptor that I thought was available) isn't going to work after all...it's the wrong kind of adaptor!  It actually does the opposite of what I need it to do (turns the port into two USB ports, rather than becoming a port that the card can plug into, that then plugs into a USB port).  Following the trend, well, you know what I'm going to say about the laptop.  GRRRRRRRR!

I love the fact that we have access to such technology.  It really does make running a home, business, homestead (out on acreage or in the 'burbs), or combination thereof much more efficient and effective.  It's especially handy since I've learned to take myself off the leash of the Internet and return to having a life, instead of working all hours.  The problem comes at times like these, when I have to rely on the technology or assistance of others (such as hijacking my new hubby's laptop, which has a working port for the antenna!), which leads to a bottleneck here on the home front. 

Proof positive of why I have a love-hate relationship with tech things.  I love to hate 'em.  How about you?

Untitled Comment

Posted by southofthegnatline on 10-Jul-2006 at 10:09 - Link

um - well, yeah!

(giggling)

love my Dell - all too often - too much love. I definately lose it when it's not working at hyper-hyper speed. But a recent super upgrade on the anti-virus software and our moving over to DSL last year has made a huge difference.

It definately streamlines communication - how else would all of us here at HSB be all connected up with one another? But then, perhaps my laundry would be caught up and my kitchen cleaned more often......

(more giggling)
;-)
Have a great week, Mel,
Harriette