"Do you know how to use a computer?"

That’s what a very nice woman asked me earlier this week when I called a reputable financial services company to discuss my pension. And I have to tell you, it caught me off-guard.  Especially since she knew the pension was earned while working for a computer company. The great news is that she gave very clear and specific instructions. Even after I told her, “Yes, I know how to use a computer” she continued to speak to me as if she wasn’t convinced. It’s nice when the biggest Tech Frustration of the week also makes you laugh. A lot. My husband is now asking me, multiple times per day, “Do you know how to use a computer?” He thinks this is super funny. And he thinks he’s super funny when he says it.
 
Not only do I know how to use a computer, but I’m listening to more audio books. Nothing beats them when you need to clean the house or do other mindless tasks. It turns out that my local library offers ebooks and audio books via Hoopla and Overdrive, so I’m registered for both now. But I have to tell you, I have a strong preference for the Hoopla experience. It is just so easy! Overdrive offerings appear to vary by library, so the key to success with this app seems to be collecting library cards. So far I have one.  It’s really frustrating to be able to see the book you want only to be told it isn’t available via your library, but the people in the city right down the road can borrow to it. I just started To Kill a Mockingbird. After about five chapters I had to get online to figure out why this book is so important. Apparently it will become more evident as I read/listen on, and at least now I know how to listen more carefully. Sometimes I wonder if high school literature classes are wasted on the young. Or maybe mine was just wasted on me.
 
For now, all is well; I have a stock of free ebooks and audio books, the house is pretty clean, and I know how to use a computer. In fact, I'll bet I was using computers before the nice woman was born. But I think it's time to let that exchange go.

​So ... I wish you a Merry Christmas and will keep an eye out for any new Tech Frustrations reported via this site on Christmas morning and beyond. 
 
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