All For Not?

That is the question.

How many times have you sat down and devoted yourself to doing something very complicated and time consuming only to find out later that the original reasons you initiated the task may no longer exist? I understand when it is bad planning. I understand when it is just due to inexperience at achieving a goal. But when you sit around investing yourself because you just got bad information from another party- it just is a bummer.

I recently spent over a month fixing a computer that essentially is nearly obsolete, BECAUSE... the school through which I'm taking a distance class with told me I could not use Windows 7 with software they will be using. In fact I'm still tying up a couple loose ends with the repair, but it is essentially working again. It had some virus that would redirect any web browser, typically when you used Google and clicked on a link. And of course the sites it took you to (typically faux search engines) would also occasionally infect the computer with new viruses given the opportunity.

So imagine my surprise when the class administrators want us to use Windows 7- when before they were all "Oh no... don't upgrade to Windows 7 or get a new computer. Uh-uh-uhh!"

They do have a web based feature that would still allow me to use my old computer (now working well but not giving me confidence). A coworker who is taking the course with me is getting a more extensive version of the software- and I think I'd like to do the same, which of course now means I need to get a new PC.

I was going to get an imac, but I'm leaning towards just getting a cheaper- mid grade laptop with Microsoft office installed and an upgrade to Windows 7 Professional. I can still keep my old computer operating for the time being although I'm anticipating decommissioning it and putting the laptop on a stand and just hooking up the existing monitor and keyboard that I have. The laptop would give me a portability that the imac will not have, and I won't have to fool around with Parallels and invest in Dual software (specifically Microsoft office) to run on Windows. I'd still like to do that eventually, but I just can't see my self messing around with it now with the course starting.

So... do I risk the potential of my existing PC failing again mid-course and just use the web-interface "On-Demand" version of the software? or do I get a new laptop (or Mac). I'm kind of cheap so I'm already thinking of reasons why I should just roll the dice and stick with my current setup.

Was the extensive work fixing my existing computer all for not?

Anyway, I've got some grooming to do, phlegm coughing, and potentially even some sleeping to get done before I go to work tomorrow, so I guess I'll wrap this up.

Lost a Week of My Life?

Yeah so I just had (have) some sort of bacterial bronchitis, but truthfully it sort of feels like I lost a week of my life. Plans were made and derailed.

I actually felt it coming on the weekend before last but wasn't officially in the throws of the illness, thankfully. Kate and I had a great time biking around the cape with Tim. We spent some good time swimming at Bank St. beach in Harwich, and Nauset Beach. Bank St. had warm gentle water, while Nauset had 59°F water and fierce waves that knocked the wind out of you. Both were a great time, but Bank St. was a little easier to handle, and calm enough to throw a ball around in.

So I thought my tickle would simply disappear in a couple of days. I was incorrect. Every time I thought I was "turning the corner" so to speak, the following evening seemed worse. I took Wednesday of last week off, and ended up leaving work early on Friday. Aside from decommissioning one of my old computers and preparing it for recycling or the dump my accomplishments were next to nothing.

Tuesday I watched District 9 through Netflix, which is a fantastic sci-fi movie by Peter Jackson. It managed to be corny, have great special effects, and have layers of philosophy to it all at the same time. As I was coughing up phlegm days after seeing this movie I inevitably sat around thinking about my mortality. I ruminated on how one needs to make the best use of the time that lies ahead of you that you can manage. We are in a constant state of change, and we should never take present day for granted.

But then again, perhaps I should have made better use of my time between coughing, breaking blood vessels in my eyes, and popping cough drops.

Regretfully I went to the Doctor's office today and they supplied me with some antibiotics. Hopefully they will help me clear up. He didn't think anything I have was too serious, I suspect I'm on the mend (although I thought that before). I hate to imagine a "serious" respiratory condition.

My hope for the future, to have my voice back, and to perhaps bike into work before the week is over.

The worst part about this is I haven't seen Kate since the Cape Cod trip because I cancelled our last couple times together due to my current affliction. So that will be the highlight of my week going forward.

So no politics for today... I'm too tired. I think the unmade bed is beckoning to me.