Just a few quick updates here. That pesky pre-carpal tunnel I had has been put to sleep by consistently using my non-dominant hand (in this case my left) for mouse work. As per Dr. Google, I have also been sleeping with a brace on my right hand. Both measures have worked and according to scientific evidence, forcing myself to use my non-dominant hand actually increases brain power. Consider me 6% smarter:)) Though no one could call me proficient with my left hand, lefty is no longer just ornamental and is pretty nifty with a mouse.
Then to test my new 6% increase in mental abilities, my computer became possessed. I had added a program to it that really wasn't suitable for Windows 7. Somethings you just can't force. My computer became alive with wild gyrations and was unresponsive to normal commands. Due to Covid, my normal computer tech wasn't available so I put my new 6% better mind to work and tried to fix it myself.
I uninstalled the offending program and while it vastly improved function, it would occasionally have relapses. Evidently some of the threads of the program remained tangled in my computer's synapses (if they have such things). I tried every method I knew for days. As of now my computer is more or less functional and till I can get into see the professional, I shall limp along. Most likely I will have to get a new one and deal with the dreaded Windows 10. I tried 10 when it was free and was definitely NOT impressed. We will see.
As for 2021 I am wishing you all a wonderful year. I normally don't stay up to see the new year come in at my age. This year, I will, just to make sure 2020 truly goes away.
2021 will not have to try hard at all to out shine its predecessor. 2020 really set the bar low.
So we have a lot to look forward to and somehow I feel it will be a blessed year. We have the tools to beat Covid if we just use them and now we will have an actual leader to guide us.
I heard this song, "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash on CBS Sunday Morning. I was so sorry to learn he passed this October. This sweet, familiar song reawakened the hopeful me. Maybe we will "see clearly now, the rain has gone" thanks to the vaccine and an actual leader. May the horrors of 2020 disappear in 2021. That truly will be a "bright sunshiny day".
Till then let's all stay safe and do what we know we must to beat this. Can't wait.
Glad to read an update. I've had windows 10 for years and it's not all that bad once you get used to it. There are still some things I don't like (no system restore, or updates always delete some of my old software which entails, reinstalling).
ReplyDeleteStay safe & enjoy seeing 2021 come in!!
Anni,
DeleteOoh, those were things I wasn't aware of. Maybe I'll milk Windows 7 a bit longer.
No system restore? Then ignore my comment way down below.
DeleteRiver,
DeleteOK Got ya.
From your keyboard to God's ears!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about staying up to be sure that this year actually ends, but now that you have mentioned it, it probably would be good to be that vigilant.
Olga,
DeleteLike you I normally took the year's exit for granted. Maybe this year we should watch it leave.
What a wonderful post Patti.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear Lefty is doing well. And that righty is getting much needed rest.Who needs a doctor. :-)
However your computer is now in dire need of you to upgrade to 10. I know it's hard, we'll be here for you! I cried, stomped my feet and had a hissy fit for weeks. Swore like never before and we all know I love to swear so it was bad I won't lie. But now when I use my husbands dated windows 7 that causes him such grief I realize 10 is far superior it's the change that sucks big time! He will go to 10 when his laptop dies. I think you may be close to that now. Back up everything. Do all you need to do first. Then install it. I did it while working, husband was in hospital, trying to answer phones and find my calendar. Oh it wasn't fun or easy. But if you need me I'll be your help desk.
Margaret,
DeleteThanks so much for the offer of support but the more I read about 10 the more I feel like Rick and will maybe just wait till the wake for my laptop.
10 is apps based because so many people access the internet on their i-phones, once you get around that you'll be fine.
DeleteI work on a mac and had to upgrade my computer to "Big Sur". It took 2 hours and I don't like it. Everything seems so sloooooow now, but I know if I don't do it, things start not to work and you can't update software etc. I hate it though.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, yes let's hope it's a good one. The UK just need to get rid of Boris Johnson now.
Joey,
DeleteI have been tempted by Mac but the price scares me a tad.And now to hear it has problems also. Maybe Windows 7 isn't that bad.
Good luck getting rid of Boris. We finally managed with Trump so anything is possible. Of course, Trump isn't gone yet:)
My carpal tunnel is lurking in the shadows, showing itself every now and then. My genius project of knitting blankets for both of the grand-twins might be a factor. Yuh think??
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy with the song and our hopeful fresh start. I've always loved that song and it fits perfectly to the hope I feel for this country.
Marty,
DeleteGlad you like that song also. So hopeful.
Sorry about your carpal also. Not sure switching hands would help as you need them both to knit. Good luck.
“Lefty is no longer just ornamental.” Haha! Patti it’s good to hear your voice again, and y’know, your blog here sounded 6% smarter! Seriously, I’m glad to read your right appendage is on the mend (hopefully) and it sounds like you’re doing the right thing. I read somewhere that “working thru the pain” is garbage, and I believe it. Just don’t want to see you have to get that surgery (but I HAVE read it has a high success rate).
ReplyDeleteAbout your computer, I sure am sorry what happened; at the same time, I’ve always had you to thank for mine. When I first met you a year or so ago, I was preparing to install Windows 10 on my own Windows7 machine but had my doubts, and you wrote it hadn’t worked out for you and you were going back. I took your advice, and everytime I read a complaint somewhere about W10, I said a silent thank you to Arkansas Patti (I’m not kidding). Anyway, sorry for my long ramble Patti—just missed your voice and if we don’t talk again soon, Happy New Year to you and all your readers :^)
Thanks Doug, trying to avoid surgery and so far so good.
DeleteI too keep hearing about Windows 10 having problems and needing corrections. I am pretty convinced now to keep on with 7. I can deal with its small problems. Hang in there with me big guy.
I'm happy to hear you were able to manage a temporary repair in order to be able to post. I miss your sense of humour! You've inspired me to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve...or at least set an alarm to wake me so I can see it out the door.
ReplyDeleteWith the vaccines finally starting to get approved and distributed I'm hopeful we'll see a definite slowing of the virus. Sadly there are too many people who are obstinate and are refusing to consider it because of the length of time in development. In fact, SARS vaccines have been studied for over 20 years. I have to wonder if they would have felt the same way about the polio vaccine.
All the best to you Patti in 2021. Take care and stay well!
Eileen,
DeleteYep, so far back in business. Let's do stay up this year for the roll over. Then maybe we can relax a bit.
I know how you feel about those who just won't take the simple precautions to end this nightmare. Just don't understand their logic.
Computer can be so wonderful when they work right and so disheartening when they don't. I've been using Widows 10 since they did the free upgrade and I honestly can say the fear was worse that then transition which only took me a few days to get use to.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of getting the carpel tunnel surgery in the spring. Why are you avoiding it if you know you got it?
Jean,
DeleteSo glad you are happily a Windows 10 user. I don't know too many.
Good luck with your surgery. Obviously you have reached a point where it is necessary.
I can see no reason for me to undergo the procedure when with just a few adjustments, I can eliminate the symptoms. Besides, I am now 6% smarter:))
Happy New Year to you!!!! I doubt I stay up, but excited 2021 is on the horizon with a lot of promise.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteRight back at ya. We are all ready for a positive change and a banished COVID.
So good to know that you figured out how to use your left hand. Truly inspiring. Makes me want to try it. I hope you work things out with your computer and operating system. I use a Mac and have had issues with it as well. My twin brother often suggests that I should use a PC, but I'm not sure I could train my brain to make such a transition. Kind of like learning to use my left hand. Take care there, Patti!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteHey, give it a try. The worst that can happen is that you will be 6% smarter:))
I know, the thought of learning a new system is really off putting. There were times I liked learning new things, now they just irritate me.
I have suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome. Steroid injections didn't work and boy were they painful. By coincidence I was on a trip and was on a boat for 10 days so had to wear my travel bands 24/7 and low and behold the wrist was good again.
ReplyDeleteFun60,
DeleteI had a friend just let me know that simple wrist bands helped her. I will check into those travel bands. Thanks.
I am glad your lefty is helping you cope with carpal tunnel in your right hand. Windows 10 is not bad at all once you figure it out.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteHope I don't have to but will if there is no other choice. Glad you have made peace with it.
Glad you're better and are now ambidextrous! I'm OK with Windows 10, although my favorite is WinXP. I still have an ancient (and barely functioning) computer with it. 2021 isn't going to be pretty, but as you said, 2020 set the bar very low.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI know, wasn't XP the best. Why do they keep fixing what isn't broke?
Ha ha, not quite ambidextrous but I can move a mean mouse:)
XP was the best, but windows 98 had the best screen savers.
DeleteWell, if you ever wondered whether you are part of the blogosphere, these comments should let you know how much you are appreciated and yes, even loved! Glad to hear your hand is better, but as a Mac person I shudder to think of Windows 10. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteAw, thank you. I really missed my blog buddies.
Lucky you. I think about Mac and then get scared off by the price. Maybe someday.
Thank you! I always loved this song. I'm a sucker for happy songs. ;) Really need them to celebrate this New Year's Eve. I will be playing this, Don't Worry Be Happy, Happy...and any others I can think of to welcome in the new year--LOL!
ReplyDeleteI am useless with computer issues. I wouldn't even be online if it wasn't for my son and DIL--LOL! They are my tech support.
Happy New Year!! :)
Rita,
DeleteDoesn't he have the sweetest voice and it is such a positive song.
Lucky you to have built in tech support in the family. Perfect.
When you mentioned Johnny Nash, I told Alexa to play it. What a perfect song for the END of 2020.
ReplyDeleteDonna W,
DeleteSo glad you like it too. You must have music unlimited. I may get that soon. ALEXA tried to sign me up when I tried that.
Thanks for stopping by.
"I Can See Clearly Now" got me through some bad times years ago.
ReplyDeleteMy wife wears a bowling glove for her carpettunnel thing. Hempvana makes stuff that works great on my arthritis.
joeh,
DeleteIt is a song that makes you feel good and hopeful. I'll check out that Hempvana for other problems. Thanks.
Good work on managing your carpel tunnel. I had the surgery, but because my fingers kept going numb, and I didn't want to risk permanent nerve damage.
ReplyDeleteWe got Windows 10 with our new computers a little over a year ag. Now I can't even remember what's different. It is not scary.
Linda.
DeleteI can understand the surgery for the stage yours was. So far, I am nowhere near that and as of now, have no symptoms.
So glad you are happy with Windows 10. I am still on the fence.
Can you use the "restore" function to restore your computer to a time before you installed the corrupt program? I've never had to do that so don't know exactly how it works. Windows 10 is easy enough, if you use a smart phone with apps, you'll be easy with it in no time. I don't use any of the apps on my phone, but still got used to windows 10 really quickly.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI have relied on restore and it is really effective in straightening out a wonky computer. I don't have a smartphone--no cell service here so I would be quite handicapped.
We switched to windows 10 a while back - actually it came with the new laptop. Our old desktop still has Windows Vista... not supported anymore. But to be honest, Windows 10 took a little getting used to, but we've had no problems with it.
ReplyDeleteGlad your carpal tunnel is better. DH and I get that on occasion when used too much (mine when knitting - I blame it on arthritis), but putting a brace on it for a few days usually helps.
Rian,
DeleteSo glad 10 has worked for you. I hope I don't have to go there but will if I must.
Those braces really do work don't they?
I read a sweet article by Johnny Nash's wife after he died. He was from Houston and was a golf caddy for some executive. I can't remember why but he sang for him and that's started him. The wife said she still has the outfit he had on in the picture as that was his performance outfit. Apparently he started some youth organizations here, including a horse riding organization. We have the big rodeo here still (except for 20202, of course).
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteI guess there is still more to admire about the man outside of his voice. Love it when the famous give back.
I use both Hands to do certain tasks, my Left one being best at eating with, batting if I were to play Baseball or Softball, doing strength stuff. My Right one to Write, Bowl, Sew. Some things I can switch and do with either Hand. I had no Idea that increased Brain function, so that made me Smile, hey, 6% is impressive at my Age! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteBohemian,
DeleteWow, you are way ahead of the game and may have even more that the 6% with all you can do with both hands. Way to go.
I can really commiserate with you on your compute problems. It really is a love-hate relationship. I seem to be able to limp along but all the techy stuff drives me crazy...and then on top of all that you have to use your left hand. I think that is pretty amazing so ... keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year ... I think we will all give a sigh of relief once we get through Jan. 20th !!!
Ginnie,
DeleteSo far it is getting less and less awkward. May keep it up.
Yes this new year has to be better especially if we get lucky on the 5th with the Georgia runoff election and can't wait for the 20th.
May the upcoming year be an improvement. Hope the computer gets better soon too. Windows 10 isn't bad at all. Happy new year to you.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteThank you and back at ya. Have little doubt that 2021 will be better. 2020 set the bar sooooo low.
Patti you find some very creative ways to help your body , mind and copiter. I find no mater what system we use Giigle has to reinvent its apps and I hate the new blogger. No matter that I can post from iPad with difficulty. It is worse from my laptop as it has made importing pics tougher.
ReplyDeleteStay safe until you can get your Covid shot. We all need a better 2021 but we still have a long road ahead as billions need vaccine since it is vlogal.. Here in my paper of Canada we have some bad outbreaks as people just refuse.relies. Reminds me of text n drive ban being ignored as well as drink n no drive. Really sad.
Any ways stay well.
We are staying up.
Heidrun,
DeleteDoesn't it amaze you how people fight the few restrictions that could save lives? Like the Covid ones and as you mentioned--texting and driving. Sigh.
I didn't stay up and hope you got to see 2020 leave us. May 2021 be much kinder.
Computer problems make you feel powerless, that’s for sure. My laptop is old in computer years – I bought it in 2014 and it has Windows 7. On Black Friday I bought a new laptop with Windows 10, but it is still in the box as I am afraid to use it, plus don’t have the time necessary to experiment.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a great 2021 with no computer problems, easing pain in your arms and hands, good health, fun, happiness and a lot more. I have great hopes for 2021 like you but I think we have to be patient.
Vagabonde,
DeleteTotally understand why your Windows 10 is still in the box. Besides learning a new system, there is the transfer of all the info from your old one. Long live Windows 7!!
BTW, Kudos to you for making the very long trip to vote in the Ga runoff election. Hope there are enough like you to carry it off. Fingers crossed.
I believe you've gotten at least 20% smarter! Glad your carpel tunnel is better. Good luck with the computer. Happy 2021, Patti. May it be a wonderful year for you.
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteHa ha, I wish it were 20%. Thanks and wishing the same for you and yours.
Glad to hear about your increased smartness. So now you're ambidextrous! Sorry that program created a problem even after you removed it. Best for the new year 2021, new computer if need be.
ReplyDeleteJoared,
DeleteThanks, I am enjoying finally having two hands though righty is still the better one.
I am hoping to put off the new computer for as of right now, ole Windows 7 is working as it should. Bought myself some more time I guess.
Happy New (Gotta be Better) Year, Patti! Computer problems always drive me crazy. I'm glad you were able to figure out a solution for now. I'm really used to Windows 10. I've forgotten what the other program was. I missed having my son-in-law last year to service my desktop. I sure hope they can come this year.
ReplyDelete