19 April 2014

Bueller? Bueller?

Yea, I'm still here.  Been busy the past few weeks and I kinda lost track of time.  Wrapping up the fiscal year at the office has us doing all sorts of handstands and cartwheels.  I spent 4.5 hours in a meeting on Wednesday reviewing a new project that is supposed to launch in September in the UK (4.5 hours of my life I will never get back).  Had to host another supplier conference on Tuesday.  Just all sorts of fun stuff just to keep the ship upright and heading in the right direction.  Somedays, the bait shop is starting to look better and better (inside joke).  

On top of the work stuff, I've been uber busy at home.  About the last time I posted, my PC decided it was time to retire.  And not in a good way.  I've seen this one coming for a while so I have been backing up my files and trying to prepare to jump to a new system.  Still, having the box die on my two weeks prior to tax day did not help make it easier or less complex.  Got a new system, but had problems from the outset.  Started setting up the new box when it quit displaying any images (graphics died).  First thought it was the PC was having issues and took it back to the store.  They tweaked it and told me to try it again.  That didn't work so I got a new system.  Tried 2nd box and still no picture.  So the next step was to try out a new monitor.  Hadn't intended to get one but it turned out that the monitor was DOA as well.  Seems suspiciously convenient, but it worked.  Now I have a new box and huge screen to read everyone's blogs.  I intend to spend part of this weekend playing catch up with everyone.   

Of course, setting up the PC has been not with out some challenges/headaches.  I try to keep an open mind on new technology and changes (even got an iPad last year), but I have to admit that I really starting to hate Windows 8.0.  Nothing like my old set up.  Links are not where I expect them, the screen set up is totally different, I am still trying to figure out where the files are stored and how to recover some of my pictures from the cloud.  I have been working through several scenarios and I am about 75% back to normal, but still not happy with the set up.  I know this sounds so whiney and there are way more important things to worry about, but this just irritates me.  One interesting thing I discovered was that somehow, all of my favorites got imported over to the new PC.  Not sure how that happened but I am able to find all of my old favorites and links that I set up on the old box.  I blew a few days revisiting some of the old blog sites I used to follow to see if they were still in business. 

In the meanwhile, life moves on despite my PCs travails.  Spring has arrived and the dogs have been busy collecting as many goatheads as they can carry.  I take them to the neighborhood park and wind up with so many of the prickly things that I have been contemplating going Chihuahua on their coats.  No, I won't go that far (that would get one ostracized from the GBGRR meets), but it is tempting.  Spent last Saturday at a local charity event in Houston for dogs called Doggy Party at CityCentre.  A massive gathering sponsored by the city (even the Mayor was there) of various organizations for dogs and their servants owners.  Booths for vet services, grooming, dog food, boarding, training, supplies, and even a group for emotional support for pet loss.  They have a special line of booths for rescue groups like ours called Rescue Row where we can try to drum up attention and donations.  There is even a mini parade for the rescue groups with some potential big prizes.  Last year our group took first place so we were going for a repeat.  Some of our group tend to go overboard for these things and this year was no different.  One woman made capes for all of the dogs as our theme was Rescue Heroes.  Was funny to see 30 or so Goldens in capes.  One guy even build a float out of plywood and paper Mache in a distinctive shape (see the picture).  Good turn out but we wound up taking 2nd place.  Still pretty shiny gifts for 2nd place.  All sorts of donations for food and services from companies - we tend to use them later on at our annual picnic as prizes.       

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unique bakery treats for dogs
 
A well trained dog
 
 
Two heroes resting up

6 comments:

ShadowRun300 said...

Yup. I know exactly what you mean. Uber busy days make you lose track of time. I'm glad you took a moment to post! I was worried...
And Windows 8 is awful! It took me forever to figure out how to shut the computer down, and I still find it difficult to find files and pictures I've saved. Aren't these systems supposed to improve each time? ugh.
My first run-in with goatheads was during my mud run with Abby. Those suckers hurt! Didn't know you had them down south too. Poor doggies.
Love the pics! They always bring a smile to my face!
Now don't be a stranger, ya hear?

Abby said...

'bout time you checked in, young man!

Well, I'm glad you've been able to get in some fun between work and computer retirements. Goatheads are nasty. For what purpose were they put on this earth?! Love the capes!

terri said...

Welcome back!

Mark bought a new PC a few months ago, and we are having a hell of a time trying to figure out Windows 8. Why can't Microsoft just stick with what works? Make some improvements, but leave the basic functionality alone. Ridiculous.

The dog costumes are adorable. Looks like a great event!

Rock Chef said...

I really don't like Windows 8, but the kids assure me it is good. There secret seems to be having 2 monitors - one boots into the tiled view, the other into desktop view. Win win.

Ruby said...

Don't be bothered by your PC woes, you'll get used to it in the long run! Everyone gets issues when in transition, so this is no different. Though you must be happy that you were able to back up the files from your old one. Not everyone has the foresight to back up their files at the first sign of PC trouble. Once you figure out this new computer, you can access your old and new files with ease.

Ruby Badcoe @ Williams Data Management

Unknown said...

Computer-related problems are often daunting. It was a good thing you saw it coming and done the necessary preparations, like backing up your drive. At the very least, you won't have to worry about retrieving your old files from the broken computer, because you have a copy on an external media all along.

Roberta Scott @ Spectrum Information Services