Monday, September 24, 2018

The Lost Hours


I recently spent the day fighting a computer virus on one of our computers, and remained fairly calm most of the morning, but by afternoon, when I realized this virus would likely defeat my somewhat limited abilities, I became quite angry. First, I was heated over the time I lost, but then, I became enraged for the lost potential of whoever engineered this particular worm. 

As a thunderstorm grumbled through, I fear my (somewhat colorful) language provided a poignant counter-tempo to the growling overhead. Then, after a particularly virulent crash from on high, I laughed.

The jerk-savant who created the malware or virus, whatever the heck it was, wanted my rage. Well, I hate to break it to you sweetheart, but if you happen to read this, my anger was short lived. Instead, as the growling storm swept past our home and a rainbow crested over the eastern plains, I found myself pitying you. Someday, when you look back on your life, and your child gazes at you with adoring eyes, what story will you relate? How can you ever explain this part of your life? Worse yet, what happens much later, when the end of your life is near?

Let me explain a few things. First of all, you are not Neo, saving mankind from evil. I know that’s hard to accept, but trust me, you’re not a hero, and soon I hope you realize how you can fruitfully spend your time, efforts, and your undoubted brilliance. There’s so much to be accomplished in this world, and instead you choose to lurk in the sewer. I hope the stench soon drives you out and you find not only a new life, but some way to make amends, to ask forgiveness. I realize that is optimistic, but you see, writers have to be optimistic. We work in an incredibly tough profession, where rejection is the norm.

Ah, but those hours I lost playing your game, that does hurt. I’d planned on editing a manuscript, and instead, accomplished nothing. But here is my gift to you, along with this blog. I give you those hours I lost, to claim as your own. That way, since I give them to you freely, you cannot take any pleasure in thinking that you took them from me.

I’ve already delivered the computer to a geek to have your thumbprint removed. Poof! It shall be gone. Now, I’ll edit and spend time outside, enjoying the kiss of fall weather and high skies. I’ll consider my next chapter and that brings me great joy. Oh, and I might spend another moment or two pitying you. But I should caution you about that pity. You see, over the decades speculative fiction writers have predicted the future with an amazing rate of success, and I don’t foresee joy in your future, or any true satisfaction. Alas for you. Alas.

12 comments:

  1. Enjoyed the post! One thing I've learned over my (rather long) life: those who sow the bad truly do reap it. We don't need to do anything but sit back and let karma take its course. The best part is, our hands stay clean! Hope the geeks can perform a speedy resurrection.

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    1. Thank you, Laura! Karma will win the day--I hope. (Geeks rock!)

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  2. Computers are so frustrating, as are the people who use them for evil.

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    1. My computer can certainly make or break my day! Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer!

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  3. Sounds like you had a very upsetting experience. Computers are so frustrating. We all need little computer geek living in our basements.

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    1. Excellent idea! I even have room in my basement!

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  4. Wonderful post, Janet! I consider those pesky computer gremlins to be an inconvenient gnat in my life--short lived. ;)

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    1. Thank you, Mary! You're right, computer gremlins thankfully have short life spans. I need to remind myself of that if (when?) this happens again.

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  5. Great post Janet.
    And get a life cyber nasty. Use your powers for good.

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    1. Wouldn't that be awesome, if all those nasty folks spent their time and talent on great things? Gives me goosebumps thinking about it. Thanks for stopping by, Charlotte!

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  6. Great post, Janet. Never have truer words been written. Some weaselly little cowards get their jollies by upsetting and unnerving those who rely on computers. Karma – the great leveler!

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    1. Karma, indeed! I still wonder how hackers will feel when they're telling tales about their youth to their grandchildren. Will they tell the truth? Probably not. Hopefully they'll reform long before then!

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