In theory...

In theory, spending my morning coffee time updating the blog seemed like a great idea.  In reality though, we had a brown out Wednesday night that blew my computer!  It was a weird event.  I was sitting at the computer (something new) and the lights dimmed A LOT. Some of the low voltage lights just faded to nothing and pretty much everything electrical was making not good noises.

Our TVs were struggling to turn themselves on and reload the cable information.  My computer was trying to reboot and not succeeding, so I just powered it down (apparently a mistake).  I ran around unplugging everything I could reach that was attached to an electrical plug and went to sleep.  Not a bad thing considering how tired I was from the past two weeks.

Thursday morning I woke up, made my latte and made my way to the computer.  Powered it up, waited it to load and hit the email button.  No files found.  Application files not found.  I browsed my back up drive for Outlook files.  None found.  Browse the back up external hard drive.  None found.  Not only did the power event take out all my email, it's files and my contact list, but the ENTIRE program as well.  Crap.  Spent a while trying to figured it out and only managed to delete ALL the Office programs.  This was work for the computer geek.  Unfortunately he's tied up.  A lot of the appliances seemed to readjust themselves, (in fact - I have a service call out on our dryer but it seems to be working just fine now!).  The only casualties seem to be my computer and big screen TV in the family room. 

Oh well.  I tried again Friday, and tried writing this post on Saturday, when we had ANOTHER power surge and the post went *poof*.  Man.  Right now I'm writing this from Bob's laptop from not so sunny (at the moment) Southern California.  Hopefully my computer guy can come next week when I'm home and find my files and programs.  Don't think that's going to happen though.  So for all 4 of you out there that still read the blog - please email so I can start compiling an address book again.

So - that's the news from here (there) for now... tomorrow - California!

Comments

[Peggy Long]

Renee, I doubt you remember me from the Gulf South Miniature Events, but I have been reading these blogs since shortly after Katrina hit your city and you started them, rather than keep posting on one of the mini group newsletters. (sorry, I forget which one)

I just want to say that being a wannabe New Orleans resident, it has been interesting to hear about the rebuilding not only of a home, but a life and the life of a city....

I looked forward to the GSMDE every spring as my ''fix'' to visit New Orleans. I'm very sad that it faded from our lives.

i applaud you in how you have managed to stay sane in a very insane time in your life.... You have my admiration, and I think good thoughts for you.

Just wanted to let you know.

Peggy Long, Charlotte, NC

[Bev]

I'm sure there are more than 4 of us reading your blog and don't forget with me being in the UK you are international! Glad to see that you still have your sense of humour. Take care and look forward to seeing some photos of the rebuild. Bev,

[Lillian Renfro]

There MUST be more than 4 people reading your blogs. Just read a very interesting article from a California paper about New Orleans (and the NBA All Stars). We're all interested in what's going on with the rebuild of the city. Keep us informed.

[Leslie McF]

Still checking up on you here in Dallas Rene
Leslie

[Sue]

What a horror!! I hope you haven't lost everything. I hate having to be tied to electricity -- it's so unreliable, but glad to see you back blogging.

[Karin Parkhurst]

You all look wonderful. Glad to see that Mardi Gras hasn't changed at the Kutcher house. Miss you all terrible. Virginia is just as exciting as a cold day in nowhere land, but it is home for now. Give everyone my love and hugs.
Karin

[Sandy in Indiana]

Renee,
Still checking in on you. You do seem to have bad luck with electrical things.
Glad to see you are staying positive through all that has happened in your life. I so look forward to reading about your 'city' and how things are going there.

Oh, yes I did receive the box - it was wonderful!!!!!!
Things have been so crazy around here so far this year I sometimes am not sure which way is up. I will send you an e-mail tomorrow.
Sandy

[Low voltage lights]

I've being researching about awnings because I need to buy one, and I've found your post very helpful :) . I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog!