Seriously.
Because for the past two days we've been near 100 degrees with 40-50 mph winds -- think "blast furnace." Enduring the Santa Ana winds without the benefits of being in California.
And the delicate little plants, which just emerged from the ground a couple of weeks ago and are still blinking in the sunlight, are screaming
"ARE YOU KIDDING?"
In a bizarre twist, it was 37 degrees in northern Minnesota yesterday afternoon (when it was 98 degrees in Minneapolis), so those folks were probably wandering around in their parkas cussing in the nicest Lutheran way possible.
I know, you're thinking:
Were Minnesotans just put on this earth to complain?
We certainly get plenty of practice. All I know is somebody ought to do something. And if only we had two senators, perhaps we could get some action on it. But I'm not going to complain here about the weather AND the election (or lack of one), too.
And now, because as Oscar Wilde proclaimed, "Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative," I will turn to something equally boring:
Technology.
Even with all the technology in the world, I can't seem to figure out exactly how I'm going to get my new project up and running. I'm not used to doing things that I can't just sit down and do with my HANDS. It only reminds me of why I've shunned the sewing machine (and almost every other technological innovation of the past several centuries) all these years.
Because just the feeling of inadequacy I have when I think about needing to learn Photoshop is enough to make grabbing a needle and thread sound exciting and seductive.
I will tell you this much -- first up in the "Conversation Pieces" line is a new take on this piece:
Mother Nature Gives Advice, 2005Maybe having my environmentalist daughter (Congratulations, Green Chelsea!) graduate last weekend has it fresh on my mind, but I'm quite excited about it.
I just wish I could whip out a needle and thread and get this show on the road!
I think the real problem today is that I'm either still sick, or sick again.
And there's not a single fancy gadget in my house that has figured out a way to stop me from needing another Kleenex.
Let us not forget that in the universe's giant game of rock-paper-scissors,
little things like the weather (or a lingering cold) continue to trump technology everytime.
But don't worry, I'll be through complaining by Friday
Full of sunshine and cheer (and cold medicine) and ready to kick off the Big Birthday Weekend in the happiest way imaginable!
Psssst:
There's still plenty of time to enter the Hooray-It's-Almost-Here third week giveaway! And participation so far has been a little light, so you stand an excellent chance of winning! Just send me an email or leave me a comment on the previous post.
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10 comments:
sorry you're still feeling sick, that doesn't help when you're under pressure to learn something new.
what photoshop version are you trying to learn? the newest photoshop elements is maybe version 7(?) but i've stuck with my ancient version 2, since it took me forever to begin to figure that one out. and i don't draw much on the computer, usually i scan stuff in & fiddle with it, and i layer different elements. so not sure i can help you much, but happy to try.
maybe you could get a few private lessons with a local photoshop wiz kid, addressing your specific needs & goals instead of having your mind overwhelmed by lots of stuff you won't need. maybe an arts/graphics teacher at a local high school or university could recommend someone? just a thought. good luck & hope you feel better!
Thanks, LuAnne -- I used to own a few whiz kids but they all grew up and moved away. Actually I have one home for the summer and am hoping to take advantage. I'll also be scanning and fiddling, I'm not even going to think about drawing on the computer! And we also have a dinosaur version of Photoshop, but it will be able to do everything I need. My challenge now is that I need to start fiddling to figure out for sure what I need but it's hard to fiddle without already having everything I need. Does that make sense? Not to mention the fact that I'm not sure whether the whole thing is going to end up being brilliant anyway. It looks good in my head, but . . . Luckily I don't have a deadline until December so I theoretically have plenty of time to figure it out and get it right. And hopefully be over my cold by then.
My family was from MN. All Lutherans...all could cuss like sailors. Still do too.
If you need any help with PS, let me know. I have PS6 and am fairly well versed in a lot of programs. Even if you have a germ of an idea of what you want to do but don't have what you need but are able to tell me what kind of result you want I might be able to point you in the right direction. Does that make sense?
And lastly, I feel your pain with the nose thing! Mine keeps getting stuffed up but I can't really blow it.
VO -- Yes, I'll stop feeling sorry for myself because at least my nose isn't smashed, just stuffed. Thanks for the offer of technical support. I may take you up on it!
LOL, I think having a snotty or stuffed up nose is worse than my little smashed nose (well, 'cept for that first day maybe). I can breathe mostly and I'm betting you can't.
Pass the tissues, lets snot together.
I just have to tell you how excited I am for my birthday this year - and it is all because of your family.
I remember Chelsea and Hannah telling me about something you celebrated in your family called Golden Birthdays, and I was so jealous because I thought mine would NEVER come...and what do you know? It has arrived :)
Happiest of birthdays on Monday (right??)!
Oh, and feel better! I bet a dessert from Twin Cities Grill would make you feel better! ;o)
Congratulations to Chelsea and your family on your daughter's graduation! I have spent quite some time going back through her postings thanks to your link. What a delightful intelligent and perceptive young woman. My daughter's graduation in Bachelor of Nursing was a few months ago,and she is now doing a post-graduate degree in Creative Writing and is being encouraged by the faculty to eventually do a Masters in this area which she truly loves. You can imagine then how much I've enjoyed my visit here today, and applauding and acknowledging the achievements of these vibrant young people.I was in your part of the world thirty years ago and did a prac-teaching stint there, so laughed about your weather posting.I learnt much of your family through your daughter's blog, and you are all such talented people!Great post Susan, and get well soon.(Loved the "the way your mother looked at my cake" photo!!)
Amelia -- HAPPY GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!! I HOPE YOU TREAT YOURSELF ROYALLY! I'll be sure to eat a bite of good dessert for you, and you do the same for me. Deal?
Pam -- Such kind remarks! I remember it was sweet for me to read about your daughter's graduation as well; she is the same age as my oldest daughter. It's quite something launching these wonders into the world, isn't it? Amazing.
How do you find time to post so many comments and pictures? If I spend so much time on my computer, I get nothing else done. I wish I knew where to get the retro ads and cartoons you use, at the tip of my fingers. Keep it up, I'm having fun looking. love the book too.
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