Technology Overload or Maybe Under-load

I sometimes try to teach different software applications to people. Many times, I have had someone, not always older either, become frustrated and feel overwhelmed. They can’t even ask a question, because they can’t figure out what their question is. All they are aware of, is the fact that they “don’t get it”, or are missing something.

I know that there is an underlying piece of the puzzle that they just don’t “see” or “get”. I understand that. That is why I’m usually able to walk them through, hold their hand, until all of a sudden this little light flickers and then suddenly comes on. They “get it”!

Today, I have experienced the same thing. I have been working with iTunes. You know how Apple has this slogan “There’s an App for That”? I’m here to tell you, that it’s a lie. I spent awhile at the “Genius Bar” and guess what, there’s NOT an “App” for about four things that I need. "They" said that Apple finds the simplest way to do something and then trashes the rest, because it’s redundant. Therefore, we’re going backward, if you don’t want to do it their way or if they don’t do it, you can’t do what you want.

I wanted something simple, like sort my “Notes” on my iPhone alphabetically. See, I name them so that I can do that … nope! Latest used is on the top. It doesn’t matter that I just want to go a step farther. I should be able to do that, but only if I want to, nothing required of everyone, just “if you want to”. Well, I “want to” do some easy things and they just said no.

I’ve also heard the term that “Apple works”, is that a ploy on Microsoft’s application suite called “Works”? Because, that isn’t true either.

Ok, so I’ve named names here, Apple, Microsoft, iTunes and iPhone. Here is a question for cyber space, why don’t my text messages and appointment alerts announce through my Bluetooth anymore? I’m fixin’ to take it all back … 30 days, no way, 2 week return policy. See, once you figure out it isn’t you and that there aren’t apps for what you want and some stuff it just won’t do, it’s too late.

So, if you know of an App that will read my texts or appointment alerts automatically through my phone or Bluetooth (which ever I choose) when it comes through, so that I don’t have to look at my phone, please share it. I feel like I’ve gone backward 10 years, not a step ahead.

It could be me and I just don’t “see”, but those people with a tag around their neck titled “Genius” could not “see” either.

Signed,

Frustrated!

Micro-Manage/ed

I feel like I'm mostly competent in the areas that I have to manage. I confess, I am a recovering micro-manager. I'm trying so hard to delegate and let that person, run with the ball. I figure, if they need assistance they'll ask and not just "drop the ball".

Sometimes, I like to be micro-managed, tell me what you want accomplished and exactly how you want it done, IF THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. I'll do it that way. However, if I am assigned a task, I can do it, if I can't, have a questions or need help, I'm not afraid to ask.

I mostly don't enjoy having someone micro-manage my tasks. If they wanted it done their way; they should outline "their way" so I have something to follow, or they should do it themselves. Especially; if they're a "hard to please" person or a perfectionist of some kind (since perfection varies from person to person).

This again goes to all of those areas we find ourselves managers. Not just work, but home, community etc...

If you're a micro-manager, work on it, most people don't enjoy it. I'm trying, really I am. The first sting came when one of my son's called me a "control freak". Yep, that's what he said. I thought, "am I really?". I've also taken some informal delegation lessons from my friend Alicia, who doesn't read this :)

Just some thoughts there.

Reality - Weight Watching goes up

I've realized that when my husband is home, I tend to gain weight. Why do you suppose that is?
I have my theories on it. I also know what some of the problems are. I've now posted a not to buy list, but that didn't help so, I think I will never let him go to the store, even for milk, he usually buys something that he knows I love. What a sweetie ...

So, as I manage weight, I'm open for any hints or things that work for others.

Now, about "being real".

It's good to be real. The people that only write about rosy lives and perfection drive me nuts. Mostly, because, I know they're leaving a LOT of things out and they're not being honest. We love to write the accomplishments of our children, but when the tone is that of perfection, it just doesn't fly.

Don't get me wrong, I love to hear about positive things and good choices. It's when everything just sounds all too perfect that you know, it's not.

How about this one, it's typical in management of all sorts. All is well in my department. Why, if it's not? Good management, speaks up, they get adivce, they try new strategies, they make changes. If you make a mistake, it's okay, just own it before it becomes a disaster or very sad failure.

When I say management of all sorts, I mean, Work Managers, Home managers, Church Managers, ALL sorts of Managers!

We all need help now and then to keep all of the plates spinning too. And, by the way, so what if one breaks - there's glue. You just do the best you can.

I've also learned that you don't have to look very far, to be very happy with your own problems. I finally counted my blessings and wrote them down, I read them when I don't feel like I'm accomplishing enough. They make me feel better. So, one thing at at time, I'll look for help in Weight Management and search for advice from the cyber universe.

So,be the best manager you can be, be honest with your work force (children, friends etc..), transparancy is always the best policy - better than honesty, because by not saying something, it's still dishonest.

Just sayin'...