9 ways to lift a grandma's spirits
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 
I've been feeling a little down lately because I can't get my <cuss> wireless network to work in my house. Why is wireless that important? Because my work takes place online, and I prefer—sometimes need—to do that work wirelessly. Plus, I just plain want it, and that should be good enough reason.
These are my wireless devices that previously networked nicely, some for years:
- My computer
- Jim's computer
- My iPhone
- My wi-fi radio
- My printer
- Netflix
They did just fine up until last Wednesday. Then *poof* the wireless went wacko for reasons unknown. Now the only devices working are my computer and my wi-fi radio. No computer time for Jim. No Netflix for either of us.
Not being able to figure out why is making me crazy. Even more so now that when the Comcast tech visited yesterday, he tested all the vitals, replaced cables, scratched his head, said, "I've never run into such a thing," then apologetically told me I'm on my own since I do have one computer working, proving my Internet works and wireless connectivity isn't their job.
In light of the craziness (and crabbiness) my computer connectivity issue has caused, I'm in need of some serious spirit lifting. I'm fortunate for these spirit-lifters that made a difference the last few days:
1. A weekend visit from my youngest.
2. An afternoon with my mom and sister, at the urging—and chauffeuring—of my youngest.
3. Friday food and fun with my youngest, oldest, and hubby.
4. Videos of Bubby and Mac.
5. A text from a friend telling me she's at an outdoor wedding at a public garden venue and it reminds her of my back yard.
6. Picking my one and only zucchini from my garden. (At least I got one, which I keep telling myself is far better than none.)
7. New reading glasses—three pair, in fact, courtesy of the combo pack at Wal-mart.
8. A check for freelance work that came sooner than expected.
9. Only 16 days left until Jim and I fly to the desert to see Bubby and Mac again.
Despite still seeking the ultimate spirit lifter of all—a solution to my wi-fi woes—those are the things that helped, those are the things I need to keep in mind and focus on.
And I'll do exactly that—after I check just one more setting that just might be the answer...
photo: stock.xchng/channah
Today's fill-in-the-blank:
__________ always lifts my spirits when I'm feeling down.
Reader Comments (15)
Last night was my father-in-law's visitation service. My husband and I were uplifted by family and friends who offered hugs, prayers, and comfort.
Ditto for other 'down' days. Kind words from others always lift my spirits.
Is there a Geek squad nearby? Hoping the darn wireless is working for you soon, Lisa!
NonnieKelly: Oh, you definitely put my issues into perspective. I'm so very sorry to hear about your father-in-law. My condolences to you and your family. Hugs to you all.
Is that you on the floor? You are one hawt Grammie! Love the shorter hair.
VODKA, always lifts my spirits when I'm feeling down. j/k only a little, ok not kidding at all LOL
So sorry, sweetie, that your wireless has gone ape-sheist on you; I know how much you depend on it for your work.
Have better days and may you find the answer.
Grampy can always lift my spirits but it does help if he has Amara or one of the cats with him!
I sure hope your connectivity issues go away soon. It is so frustrating.
megryansmom: Ha! I only wish I looked like that at the height of my frustration with the stupid thing. Imagine Medusa in polka-dot jammies and that would be a more accurate visual. (Though I must admit: the haircolor and glasses of the gal in the photo are quite similar to mine.) And vodka? Yeah, a shot or two of that is my very next step.
Ann & Kc: Thanks for sending good thoughts my way. At least I don't need wireless connectivity to receive those. :-D
So sorry to hear about your wireless woes Lisa. Hope you are able to find a solution soon.
Chocolate and a chat with my grandson always lift my spirits!! Happy Tuesday!!
When I have computer issues NOTHING lifts my spirits! For any other problems, the grandkids do! I'm sure you will find your solution, Lisa. Wish I had some suggestions for you to try!
No perspective needed, my friend. 'Down' days are down, no matter the reason!
But good thoughts and kind words from friends always help....wired or wireless ;)
As soon as I read "Comcast" I shook my head in sympathy. We've had trouble for months, the techs can't find anything, and I finally complained to the the better business bureau. I got an apology and 2 months credit from Comcast but still have intermittent problems with both wireless and phone. Unfortunately, there is no competitive business to turn to if we change from Comcast. Yes, in this wireless age not being connected does cause stress!
I'm sitting here with my feet up using my laptop using my wireless that my daughter keeps up and running. I wouldn't know where to begin, but I remember the days of Comcast telling her they had no idea why ours was down. We switched to Fairpoint, and it's been wireless heaven. The death of a loved one always puts things in perspective - my sincere sympathy. What can always get me out of a funk is to see one of my grandchildren and get an especially long hug. Two little arms wrapped around a stressed neck will release all the tension.
Nothing worse than not having wi-fi going especially when you need to work.
There are so many things that lift my spirits
Lucy giving me one of her amazing cuddles.
Feeling the sun on my back.
Hugs from Norman.
Lucy giving me a back massage.
Sitting on the couch with my feet up watching my favourite programme.
Norman and Lucy cooking dinner for me, though that is far and few between these days.
Having coffee with my dear friend every Thursday.
Thinking about our holiday in December and not having to cook or make a bed for just over 2 weeks.
Lovely post!
You are a very smart woman for knowing when to count your blessings!
Regarding the wireless network...try taking your wireless router to a local computer repair shop to have it tested. We do this all the time for our local clients at a very nominal cost. You might want to get another wireless router also. They are inexpensive now and it's always a good idea to have a backup in case the one you are using "bites the dust" and you really rely on your network. If you have a "backup" wireless router and it works just fine, you know your original router is history. But if your back up router doesn't work...call Comcast back.
Tech problems seem to suck the life out of us since we are all so dependent on our computers, phones, etc to work....all of the time! So nice that you created a list of very positive things.