System Restore for Humans

Every so often when life is spiraling around me, I think of my computer. It could be when I see the economy crumbling. It could be in the midst of a disagreement with my wife or friend. It could be just after the hammer I am using misses the mark, but not my thumb. It is times like these that I think of my computer and that wonderful XP feature that is called, “System Restore”. With System Restore, I can click on the date just before my computer went to hell in a hand basket, and immediately hear the birds singing and feel the warm rays of technical sunshine make things right again.

How nice would it be to bring up dates and times on a screen and right all the wrongs in my life with just the click of a mouse? I could go back to October 16th, 2007 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its zenith at 14,165 points. And once there I could move my retirement funds into a more conservative setting and avoid the huge dive that I could not see coming.

I could click on the date when I spoke those words that could never be taken back. I could choose a better path and perhaps create some happier memories.

And last, I could save that thumbnail that is black and pounding with pain by going back just a few minutes and taking a more careful swing with that hammer.

But then I think of life in all of its glorious imperfection. How things tend to work themselves out. How time heals wounds, and disagreements form better understanding. I think of reward without risk and how empty it would seem. And then I think of my computer. And that wonderful XP feature that is called, “System Restore”. And then I realize that what may be great for a computer, may not be great for my life.

My New Bicycle

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and bought myself a new bicycle. It is a KHS Urban X. I suppose you could say it was love at first sight, but I put in my due diligence to ensure I would enjoy riding it as much as looking at it. I knew several things going into this process. I knew I wanted a bike that would be suitable for both recreational riding and for commuting the three miles each way to my workplace. This was not the only bike on my radar. The Breezer bikes sounded great, but I had to be realistic with my price point. Trish and I went around to the area bike shops and took notes on bikes of interest. I even test rode a few of them. Once we had done that, I took to the internet to get reviews from riders and experts alike. I was impressed by the reviews for the KHS so I called my local dealer and let him know I wanted to test ride one.

He explained to me that they have been flying out the door as fast as he was getting them in. He agreed to call me when a fresh shipment came in. We also discussed his taking my recumbent bike in on consignment. It looks as if I'm going to come away from this deal breaking even. He fully expects my old bike will more than pay for my new one. That is great! When I brought my new bike home yesterday I was feeling like a little boy with a new toy. I'm not ashamed to admit that. I took my first good ride on it today to see how long my commute will take. It was right at fifteen minutes to cover a little over 3 miles. I could really tell I needed to get more exercise. But I know I'm going to enjoy the heck out of this bike. That recumbent thing just did not work out for me. I guess that happens sometimes. I put some of my old extras from the old bike on the KHS, including my cateye cyclometer, headlite, and tire pump. Trish encouraged me to get the rear view mirror and I must say that I really like having it. Works great!

Everything else you see on the bike came standard. The fenders, which will be wonderful on wet commutes, and the rear rack really made this bike attractive to me. I was slobbering over the Breezers built in lighting system that is powered by an internal front hub generator and also by its rear hub internal transmission (7 or 8 speeds I believe). But I am completely satisfied with my purchase. It all works well and is known for its dependability. And at $350 I could by 2 more of these and still not spend as much as I would on the Breezer. I especially like the more upright riding position. At my age I need it.

Generations

Mom came across this long lost photo recently and asked if I would scan and print it for her. The original, which was in amazingly good shape was very small. Maybe 2 by 1.5 inches. I didn't actually measure it. Suffice it to say, I said a little prayer during the scan process. I really wanted it to turn out well for her. And not just for her, but for myself and my other siblings as well. You see, this is not just an old photo. It is an old photo of my Mom sitting with her Mom. What makes this a very special photo is that there were not many pictures taken of my Mom when she was young. Add to that the sad fact that Grandma died of a cerebral hemorrhage not long after this was taken. You get the picture.

For a while, I wondered why so few pictures were taken of my Mom. But considering she was the youngest of 12 children I can imagine that family had quite a busy life going on. It is amazing to see a photo like this. A moment captured that you can visualize, add color to, set in motion. See a glimpse of a life that is so precious to you. See a glimpse of a soul you were never able to know. What was Mom looking at to her left? Why so serious? The leaning in to her Mom speaks of love and closeness. The top of her dogs head in front of her, "Toughie" was his name. This picture is like so many of lifes little pleasures, that pop up out of the blue and touch us in places we did not know existed. What a treat to see, scan, and print this precious memory. Thanks Mom.