Some Days Are Like That

Some days I'm home all day and the phone never rings. In fact, I call people and they're not home. I leave messages and they don't call me back. It happens. I know they're busy. I don't sit around worrying about it. The only reason I mention it is that we went for a drive today and ended up being gone for several hours. While we were gone, two of our sons called (and didn't leave messages) and one of my dearest friends called and did. She said that that she sure felt bad that she finally had time to call and I wasn't home.

Guilt. I guess we didn't need to go anywhere today. It was a matter of wanting to get out and doing it. I spent a really long day yesterday working on the taxes, and then this morning I was up at about four, finishing them. We left the house around ten o'clock, and didn't get back home until almost four in the afternoon. Up until then, I'd only had one piece of toast with peanut butter, so we actually came home to eat. Of course, John had a better breakfast than that, but I was busy. 

The good news of the whole day was the outcome of our taxes. We did really good this year. We'll get back a good portion of our travel expenses for John's work at the missile base, and that helps our bottom line—big time. Some questions about unpublished writers I wasn't able to answer, so I just didn't deduct my stuff. Hopefully it won't matter next year. Perhaps you'll get a kick out of this next thing, perhaps not.

Remember the big upset about some of the comments made in the critique group I was attending? The leader of that critique group is a tax consultant. I know she's busy, but I figured she could give me a quick yes/no answer. Here's the email thread:

Me: Can an unpublished author deduct the cost of writing expenses, particularly writing seminars, from income taxes?

Her:  My hourly fee for tax consultations is $100 an hour. Let me know if you would like to make an appointment.

Me:  I'm retired, not retarded. I just thought you'd know. Thanks anyway. Blessings, Kathleen.

No wonder I stopped attending the group. We did fine without the deductions. I should pay $100 an hour to deduct a $400 seminar? I think she would have been kinder to ignore my email, but that's just me. The really good news is that we'll be getting enough back to pay the State and buy the laptop I've been drooling over, and that's what John wants to do. We're still talking about it. We'll decide this week, but I think it's going to happen. Apple Store, here we come.

I'm the "Tax Man"

Crawling out of bed before 4:30 this morning, I brewed a pot of coffee and sat down at the computer to get our taxes done. Normally, I have them done before most people even know it's "that time of year." I've been doing it on the computer for years, and it's not much of a problem, since everything is downloaded from previous years' taxes, and all I have to do is add this year's numbers and answer the online questions. 

We have a PC that's not been used for much of anything but the taxes. At least, it's not supposed to be used for anything else. For some reason, this year John decided to see if he could give it an overall checkup. He decided it wasn't really running fast enough. He started by adding some spyware (which logic would tell me wouldn't make it run faster) and running some utilities on it. I laughingly told him something to the effect of, "If you screw up the tax files, you're going to be sorry you were ever born." He probably was for a day or two. Now it's got a new operating system, and no tax files.

Of course, I had to start from scratch, and they're more complicated than ever this year, since John's doing consulting work out of state now, but paying his own transportation and per diem. He's been hiding in his HAM room downstairs today, but did run out to A&W for our dinner. At least I'm doing it on the Mac now, which he touches at his peril. He's definitely not a Macintosh person. 

I finally closed up shop about 6:30 tonight, although I'm not quite done. I still have questions. There are things I just don't know and answers I can't seem to find. For example: can a writer who has never been published deduct the expenses of a Writer's Conference and Workshop from Income Taxes? Who knows? If it's in the tax codes, I can't find it. Apparently I can deduct mileage to and from the conference, and the computer I do the writing on. I think.   

I'm so brain dead at this point, I almost wish we had just paid to have someone else do it. Then, of course, we'd be in the same spot next year. I hate having to pay somebody else to do something I can do myself, but it's been a very long day. Like I told John, if you can't help me, just stay out of my way and pray for me.

Middle Child

Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes, so I've gathered a lot of seemingly useless information. Many of them stick in my head and pop back out at odd moments. I was just sitting here remembering something I read years ago. People can often use nightly news programs to demonstrate the different tendencies children manifest due to their birth orders. That sounds absurd at first glance, but it made sense in the article. 

The anchor or interviewer was generally a middle child. They would ask the questions, get the facts. They would try to keep everything in order and make sure that fairness was observed. (Obviously they didn't work for today's NBC.) The person being interviewed was most often an oldest child, the leader of the pack. They blazed trails, made the news, set the limits. It was their position that rated the most coverage in any conversation. The weatherman was the baby of the family. Can you spell "comic relief?" I thought you could. 

I was the middle child. Worse than that, I was the second middle child. Or maybe I was the only middle child, and my sister Ellen was the second oldest child. I guess that would be more true, as she was the oldest daughter. She was also the first child Dad got to know as a baby, since he was off in World War II when Pat was born. So that's it. I was the only middle child, and Kenny was the baby. I can be forgiven for trying to flush him down the toilet. I didn't understand comic relief.

I understood fairness, and it didn't seem fair that everybody who used to run in and look at me suddenly went running in to look at him. He wasn't that cute. I really was in the middle. Ellen was seventeen months older than me. Kenny was seventeen months younger than me. Ellen was beautiful. Kenny was cute. I turned into a great student.

So if you're a middle child, I'll bet you've learned to do a lot of things. Maybe you play a couple of instruments, like the guitar and accordion. Those are fun. Perhaps you like to craft. Crochet and knitting are fun and handy. Leather tooling and bead work are also really cool. You could have been up there in the top of your class. Maybe not—I got a B once. (Stupid teacher.) But however you handled being in the middle, I'll bet you had some fun—probably more than the others.

I'm Smiling

I sat at the counter with my knitting needles going, keeping an eye on the monitor and making oddball remarks with the Apple Genius Bar staff who kept checking the progress on the latest iPod loading endeavor. Will it work this time? After a couple of hours into the new day, it had been determined that, once again, a new iPod should be brought into play. It was the last one on the shelf. I'm trying to remember if it was the 5th or 6th we'd gone through trying to solve this series of disasters. I was thinking of repapering the powder room with the paperwork.

Occasionally I'd dip into the cookies. They were a big hit, and I'm glad. It was quite an experience, spending so much time on that stool at the Genius Bar. If I were going to do it often, I think I'd forget cookies and donate a decent stool—one with padding. One of the guys there said he thought we should have a name plate put on "my" stool. I still think one with a cushion would be a better idea. 

When we first got the new iPod out, one of the first screens to greet us was the "New iTunes Update Available" screen. Levi thought we should do that later, but I voted no. One thing I was sure of was that the problems had started shortly after the last time iTunes had been updated. It might not sound like much, but maybe there's something in the 160 Gig iPod Classic that disagrees with that particular version of iTunes, so I wanted to do the update first. 

I utilize a strange kind of logic. Isn't it Occam's Razor that says that you knock off everything that's most unlikely, and what's left, even if unproven, is your most probable answer? You're not supposed to start adding in assumptions. Anyway, we started downloading the new iPod with the same library we've been attempting to load for the last three weeks. We used the new iTunes software on an untouched iPod, and added the library by Playlists. It was a slow way to do it, but I wasn't taking any unnecessary chances. We ejected and checked the unit at the end of each segment download, and never had a single failure. 

We were in and out of there in about five and a half hours. I put my headphones on and listened to the end of Ann McCaffrey's White Dragon on the way home. I'm still smiling. 

I got a lot of knitting done during my visits to the Apple store, met some really great people, and was treated wonderfully. Maybe in a week or two, I'll stop by just to say "hi." I wonder if they'll duck and run when they see me coming through the door... Probably not—unless I've got my knitting bag with me.

On Karma, Hope, and a Cookie Recipe

I made cookies tonight to take into the Apple Store with me tomorrow morning. It's to thank them for all their help in getting the iPod problem resolved. I'm cautiously optimistic, even excited perhaps, that I'll be getting my little audio friend back by the time we come home tomorrow.

I made our family's favorite cookies, too. Mama's pecan rolled Rich Sugar Cookies. They have to be the most addictive little things I've ever eaten—very short life expectancy. So does this mean I believe in Karma? Good cookies come out of my home and a good iPod will come back into it? Maybe I should plead the 5th on that one. The jury is still out. Part of me believes in Karma. All of me believes in it part of the time. That's probably more accurate.

I don't think any of us get what we deserve all the time. I know I don't. I'm sure glad of that. Imagine if we always got what we deserved? I don't think any of us would be amused. Tomorrow, though, I'll bring the cookies. I don't really believe they'll help fix the iPod, but it's the thought that counts. Actually, in cookies, it's the taste, so here's the recipe. Mama wouldn't mind. She's always happy to share.

Mama's Rich Sugar Cookie

Cream:
1/2 Cup Butter
1/2 Cup Margarine
2 Eggs
1 Cup Oil
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup White Sugar

Mix together and add in small batches to creamed mixture:
4 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Vanilla

Chill thoroughly (several hours or overnight), well sealed.

Roll walnut-sized balls of cookie dough in finely chopped pecans.
Press with fork or fingers on cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes.

The Great iPod Caper Continues

Yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m., after packing up the misbehaving iPod, the computer and the two drives that contained duplicates of my iTunes library (the original one on the USB drive, and the newly copied files on the Firewire II drive) we drove to the Flatiron Crossing Apple Store. John and I arrived just in time for our 9:45 a.m. arrival time. When you have a ten o'clock appointment, they let you in the door before the store actually opens.

I'm going to skip ahead right now and admit that we walked out of the store at 8:15 last night—without the iPod, which had been replaced yet again, or the Firewire drive with its library files. The marvelous men from the Genius Bar are going to continue trying to solve the riddle of the iPod that wouldn't until my next appointment, which will be Thursday morning at the same time as yesterday. Now I'll talk a bit about my day at the Apple Store.

During the day, I don't think there was a single store employee who didn't ask me if I was okay, or apologize for the length of time it was taking to diagnose and correct the problem. Since I was there for just short of the entire time the store was open that day, I saw how busy these people were. It's amazing to me that those not directly involved with my issues even had time to realize I was there. 

Matt was the first to tackle the problem. He had worked with me on one of my other visits, so was aware that this was not a first time problem. I had printed out the blog I'd written, hitting both the highlights of the saga and what we had done, both at the store and at home to overcome the problems. He read the entire blog with diligence and attention. I had expected him to skim it. I don't know why, but that's what I thought would happen. Then he looked me in the eye and said, "This really helps. Thank you." Wow. If we're going to erect a big chalk board to tally points, that gives him several.

Soon the equipment was up and humming, and Matt let me know the meaning of multitasking, as he helped an assortment of people without stopping his work on my problem. When my iPod was busy with a check, or trying to download, he was treating another customer to the same gracious and respectful expertise as he gave me during that long day. His lunch hour was covered by another young man who, unfortunately, didn't wear a name tag. He was great, though, and kept at it until Matt returned.

It was finally determined, after multiple changes, checks, and attempts failed, to again replace the iPod. By this time, Aaron came on the scene. Matt began ensuring that he knew what had been done and what still needed to be done before we could call this a success. 

Aaron and Matt continued mothering my equipment while helping a horde of customers with questions and problems. Some of them were quick fixes. Many of the questions I could have answered myself. A good majority of the questions could have been answered by the people with ten minutes on Apple's web site. Their tech notes are great, but I guess most of these people don't live an hour from the Apple Store. I asked Matt at one point, after he so politely answered the same (dumb) question for about the third time in two hours, if they had a "scream" room in the back somewhere. He laughed and admitted that there was a room, though not soundproof, that was far enough back from the sales floor that he'd heard a bit of screaming in on occasion. 

I'm just so impressed with the quality of customer relations I've seen in that store, and I've been there enough lately that I should almost earn a bedroll. They are never condescending. No question is treated lightly, and no customer that I've seen has been treated anything but pleasantly and respectfully. Whoever hires these gems deserves praise indeed. They wear shirts that say, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes." They earn those shirts.

By the end of the day, the new iPod was rolling right along, downloading the files. We had a countdown going in the store. It was getting late, and everyone was thinking that success was imminent. Matt's shift had ended, and he'd gone home to his family. Aaron stood there, helping someone else, but peeking at the screen repeatedly to see. John had come in from the car, where he'd spent the day with his HAM radio (of course) and was standing behind me. When we did the final "five - four - three - two - one" it seemed like the whole store burst into cheers. I was thrilled. Then the iPod crashed.

We ejected it and it said it was empty. How can that be? A moment before, it had all the files on it. Aaron was all mine again. He reattached it to the computer, and the files were there. He ejected it and it said it was empty. What? He connected it to another computer. Yes, the files were there. He ejected it. It said it was empty. He did a soft reset. It still said it was empty. Again. Still empty. He tried a third computer. One thing the Apple Store has is plenty of computers to try. Yep. The iPod is full of all my tunes, all my audio books. Unfortunately, when you eject it, it thinks it's empty.

Aaron looked at me and admitted he'd never seen anything like it before. I told him I wanted to go home, and could he please make me an appointment for Thursday? He suggested we leave the iPod and Library behind so they could work on it while we didn't have to sit there waiting. That was a great idea. Even with my knitting, it was a very long day. Their stools are not padded—or comfortable. On Thursday, I think I'll bring a cushion. 

Before I left, Aaron said something that really touched me. "Thank you for being so patient. I'm really sorry we haven't gotten it straightened out yet." I was pretty surprised. From my point of view, they're the ones who have been patiently going through every possible angle. All I've had to do was sit with my knitting or my book, keeping an eye on the progress when they were busy. I told him something I honestly believe. "When I raised my three sons, I always told them to do their very best, and then if it isn't good enough for someone, then it's that person's problem. You guys have done your very best here, and I know you haven't give up. That's good enough for me."

I'll be back on Thursday, and I believe I'll come home with the situation resolved. How could I not with this type of help behind me? And I did get a reward: an unexpected snowfall started during the night, and is falling gently. We have about an inch on the ground, and the pines are frosted. It's a beautiful day up here in the foothills. I know I wouldn't choose to live in the suburbs... not even to be closer to the Apple Store.

Sudden iPod Loading Disasters

After years of enjoying my iPod without a single incident, loading it with Gigs of music and multiple volumes of audio books, I had a disaster a week ago when the drive finally gave up the ghost. Because of a seizure disorder, it's been recommended by my neurologist that I listen to audio books. It helps keep the synapses connected, and makes the brain function more smoothly. They're also quite amazing, as you can do a multitude of things while listening to a novel that you can't do while reading a book.

We live just over an hour from the Apple Store, and I didn't know what was wrong with the iPod, so we drove to the Genius Bar and they treated me the way a customer always hopes to be treated in any store. I left with a "remanufactured" iPod, the same size (160 Gigs) as mine, that has never been owned. I was thrilled. I got it home, charged it and tried to download my library. I had about 130 Gigs to download, so I didn't expect it to be quick. After about six hours, it crashed. It was almost through with the download. I was devastated when I got the message that said I would have to reset the iPod and begin again.

I reset, and after about ten gigs, I got the same error. We went back to the Apple Store and they were very nice, and gave me another iPod, but first attached it to his machine to make sure he could put some stuff on it. He put about 650 MBs on it, and we said thank you and took it home. Again, we were treated to professionalism and courtesy. They really are nice in there, and knowledgeable. He told me that if we had problems again, to bring in the computer as well as the iPod.

The same thing happened. Five hours of download time passed, then the iPod crashed and demanded a reset. After about four hours of sleep, I got back up and decided to start again. When no progress had been made by 8:30 a.m., John packed up the computer (not a laptop) and the USB Drive that has the iTunes Library on it, and we drove back to the Apple Store. They sure are nice in there. I didn't have an appointment, which you're sure supposed to have, but I had logged on to get one and found out they were booked solid. I was too frustrated to care. I figured I'd take my chances. They only made me wait about fifteen minutes. Like I said, they're extremely nice. It was our third day in a row going there. Each day we spent a total of about 2 1/2 hours on the road. John was very patient, but I could tell he would rather be doing just about anything else. By the time we left, it appeared to be working. Appeared is the operational word here.

Unfortunately, I had an mounting/ejecting problem for about two hours. Every time I attached the iPod, I'd get the message saying, "Connected" followed immediately by another message saying "Ejecting." I kept doing the soft manual reset on the iPod itself. I looked up the message thread on the Apple web site, and finally found one little message that suggested switching the iTunes connection to "Disc Mode." Great idea. It must be connected to switch it to disc mode, though, so it took me over an hour to get it to stay connected long enough to get it switched to disc mode. Once there, it stayed connected.

The genius bar guy at Apple had told me to try downloading in segments, by Playlist, so that I don't have parts of the computer, like the drive the music library is on, suddenly going into sleep mode. He thought that might be the problem. I put five gigs on with no problem. Then I made a playlist with another five gigs and put that on. I was pleased. After getting the fourth five gig playlist copied, I decided to go to bed for the night. It was well past midnight. I ejected the little thing and went to scroll through what I had copied. Obviously, I expected 20 Gigs to be on it. Nope. Five gigs. The last five gigs. Nobody told me that if it was in Disc Mode it would erase everything already on it whenever you put something new on it.

Congratulate me. I didn't throw it, and I didn't cry. I went to bed.

One suggestion they made at the Apple Store was that our iTunes Library is on a removable USB drive, which isn't a very fast drive. They said it would have been better to have it on a Firewire drive, since they're faster and made for bigger jobs. OK. John went out to Best Buy, about forty minutes from home, and bought me a 500 Gig Firewire 400/800 drive. That's the good kind. We took five hours to transfer my entire library, 180 Gigs, from Air Supply to ZZ Top, from the USB Drive to the Firewire Drive. Of course, not all of that goes on the iPod. Then I tried again to download. I've been at it for three straight days. This last time, I managed to get only 45 Gigs on it before it crashed, demanding a reset. That took me nearly eight hours.

Guess where I'm going Monday morning? I have a ten o'clock appointment. I don't expect to be home quickly.