The computer here at the switchboard is periodically making these horrid whirring noises that make it sound as if it’s going to explode or take off of its own accord. This machine is way older than even East Timor (ba-doom-CHING)
Speaking of computers, I think I need to buy myself a refurbished Dell laptop. I’ve been wanting a laptop for awhile, given the flexibility that it would give me to bring my computer to work or just somewhere else in the house that’s more comfortable than my desk. The worst part about my current set-up is that the USB ports stopped working months ago, which means that moving photos from my camera to my computer is a convoluted processes involving our networked family computer, the net result of which is an unbelievably slow turn-around time for photos, and who needs that hassle? The Dells have the added benefit of being far more within my budget than, say, a Macbook. Though a girl can dream…
Did I mention that I was in yet another fender bender this past week? And just a few days after picking up my car from being repaired after the last accident? It happened while I was on my way to meet with Fr. A, of all times. A truck hit my back bumper while I was waiting to pull out onto the traffic circle. We both pulled over, off of the circle, and he was profusely apologizing. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I’m an MP."
Now, I’m pretty sharp, but I confess it took me an inordinately long time to figure out what he meant. Then he explained, and I really did believe him, that he was just out of the Army and borrowing the truck of a friend who is still in Iraq. He (the driver) was going to be flying home to California in just a few days, and he insisted on paying out of pocket rather than billing his friend’s insurance.
But even after taking it home and having Dad look at it, we just couldn’t find any significant damage. Amazingly, you’d really only know that I was hit at all if the sunlight hits the divets (left by his license plate) at just the right angle. I called the still-apologizing driver and let him know that he didn’t need to worry about paying for repairs. The poor guy sounded pretty relieved.
My icon wall is sadly barren for the time being. Slacker me finally brought them all in to be blessed at the altar for 40 days. The upshot is that they’ll be there during a time of the year when there are more services than usual. The downshot is, of course, that I miss them terribly and won’t see them again until Lent is almost over.
On a lighter note, I received packages from
