Something Old, Something New, Computer 1, Computer 2

A couple weeks before Christmas, my daughter said, “Mom, when was the last time you backed up your computer?”

Since Alyssa is NOT into computers and usually tosses her laptop to me in complete frustration whenever something goes wrong with it or when she has caused something to go wrong with it, I found her question to be rather odd.

“It has been awhile since I’ve done a full backup,” I answered. “I should really take the time to do it soon and keep up with it because my computer is going to die on me one day.”

That was pretty much the end of the conversation about me backing up my old decrepit computer and I didn’t think about it again because I was in the midst of making presents for everyone. I just couldn’t spare the time to spend hours backing up stuff. Plus, it is really a boring task!

There was, however, a very good reason for Alyssa to prod me into backing up my hard drive.

Whenever I backup the information from my computer to the external hard drive, I have several folders copying simultaneously. It seems to go faster that way especially since some folders take 113, 144, 189, 238 or even 259 minutes to copy and transfer. Over the past few days, I have been quite busy getting everything on my old computer copied and backed up to the external hard drive.

I didn’t do all that work because Alyssa had prodded me or because I was terrified to lose the information. My old computer has been on the verge of death for many years and I have become a professional at resuscitating it. Just when I would think that it was impossible, I would find one more way to breathe new life into the old parts.

Anyway, the reason why I have been backing up all my information is because Alyssa coordinated people who care for me to go together and buy me a new gift. Actually several gifts…

a new 22″ computer monitor

a new ergonomic keyboard

a new ergonomic mouse

and yes, a new computer.

Shocked doesn’t even come close to how I felt upon discovering that I finally had a new computer after all these years.

Overwhelmed and deeply grateful while being in shock is more how I felt. Of course, my joy and gratitude leaked out of my eyes.

In the midst of being jobless for the first time in my life because I was laid off and because I’m completely terrified with the dark unknown stretching in front of me, I have a new computer that has brightened my days. It doesn’t have all the quirky problems that my old computer had because it is brand spanking new!

After saving all the information from my old computer to the external hard drive, you won’t believe what happened. My old monitor died. I’m not kidding. The screen went bright PINK and then died. I couldn’t believe it. How crazy is it that JUST as I was finished backing up, the old monitor died?

I love my new computer equipment. Everything is sooooooooooooo fast and I don’t have to fight with the computer to get it to do anything. The new computer does everything I want it to do and when I want it to do it. I’m still a bit overwhelmed that my daughter coordinated this awesome gift for me .

Let me just say, I am REALLY grateful for all the hours that my old computer has served me. Although I am quite depressed with my joblessness, I am counting my blessings and enjoying my thrilling new computer.

Thank y’all for my wonderful gift. I will never forget your generosity.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ~ John F. Kennedy ~