Why Are We Here?

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know I’ve been away from the keyboard for most of August through October. To say I’ve been busier than an anteater at a picnic would be a gross understatement.

Much of the busyness involved fun activities with family, including a grandson’s graduation from a 2-D animation program. Some hustle and bustle resulted from driving a sick relative back and forth to medical appointments, including several return trips to a hospital three hours away.

Then there was the Microsoft email saying my computer didn’t have enough power to cope with Windows 11, which meant Microsoft would only be able to support my PC for a few more months.

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

I’ve learned from experience that upgrading anything computer-related never goes without attendant problems. Even though I planned to replace my computer “sometime,” I didn’t appreciate being backed into a corner.

A difficult decision: upgrade now — or wait?

The answer was to shrug and give in to the Microsoft fiends. Interpret fiend as both of its main definitions:

Definition #1: evil spirit or devil

Definition #2: a wicked or cruel person/entity

Upgrade done.

However, as I uninstalled a host of Windows 11 bloatware on the more powerful replacement computer, and re-purchased and re-installed necessary graphics, production, and utility software, I grouched and thought a lot of uncomplimentary thoughts I’d never say out loud. I’m one of those people who wouldn’t normally say sh*t even if I had a mouth full of it.

And a lot of the new and better software wasn’t better.

In fact, it was worse, often missing familiar features I consider important.

Configuring my e-mail in the 2024 desktop version of Office was one of my first and most difficult tasks. Settings that worked with my antique version no longer functioned in 2024. All sorted out now, no thanks to MS and their nags to switch to their new and better email interface. New and better? Right. Fool me once, shame on you (you being Microsoft). Fool me twice, shame on me.

To make a long story short …

Oops! We’re beyond that now, aren’t we?

I would like to cruise back into the speed lane. However, I need a few smart guides to take the wheel until I learn how to steer again. This is where you get to drive.

As you may be aware, I’ve created numerous word lists for this blog. The next section provides links to many of them.

Am I missing a word that’s important to you?

Please leave a comment within the next 90 days, and I’ll consider adding your desired word(s) to my to-do list.

Or you can contact me privately if you prefer.

A few of the word lists already available include:

And please remember the link at the top of every page:

Archive.pdf

It’s updated with each new blog post. “Unless I forget,” (she says with an apologetic grimace).