A new day in a new week, not far from a new year. There are projects to tie up and complete in 2013. One of the minor but highly annoying and sensitive of these is my computer. Needless to say (but I will anyway) my laptop is an important and necessary feature in my daily life. My emails, my blog, my book, communication in general – all have a significant place on this small, black plastic Acer.

It started last Saturday when I brought my computer to Staples because it was frozen. My computer guy was heading out of town for the holidays and I was stuck. It was the first place that came to mind and it was near my home.

“We have a special going on, just for this week. Our techs can do a diagnostic screening for you, free of charge, and find out what’s happening.”  Of course they can. But as I mentioned I was in a bind and the computer wasn’t working anyway. They collect my credit card information just in case work is necessary after the diagnostic (which you KNOW will be the case). They sell me the best virus and anti spyware system around according to them (Sophos) because they found a virus and they did a system configuration. No problem, just get my computer working. I pick it up and take it home. Here’s where the fun begins. I start working and notice the monitor part of the laptop is slipping (as in not staying still) ever so slightly. Have I mentioned that I’m not technological? Of course I have. Well, I’m not mechanical either. I straighten it, and continue. Until it starts to really annoy me because it interferes with my work. I look at the hinge on the left, which is out of place and unclipped. I try to realign it and close it. Not happening. I find my “I can fix anything’ son and show him. He sees what the problem is, but the hinge refuses to stay closed. I look at it a bit closer and notice a chip in the casing of my computer. This is not good – someone at Staples dropped this baby and I never even considered the possibility. Now I’ve taken it home and it’s a classic case of He said, she said. I have had the distinct pleasure of spending the last few days receiving and leaving messages for my local Staples and Staples Corporate. The people I speak to are lovely. They want a resolution. Yeah, me too.

My computer has broken further in the time I have been waiting for said resolution. I’m now leaving messages at The Office of the President. I am curious to see what, if anything, they offer as compensation. I know this happened in one of their stores but I can’t prove it. I’m sorry (hindsight being 20/20) that I didn’t suck it up and wait for my computer guy to fix it (it would still be unworkable if I did though as he doesn’t return till January 2) because he is trustworthy and accountable. If he breaks it, he’ll fix it.

I shall keep you apprised of the saga. I wait (as I type) for a return call from Staples Corporate, my screen continuing to slip ever so slightly forward. I am leaving in an hour to get an MRI of my foot as I remain emotionally attached to the computer. A digression, interruption, diversion? Yes and no. So little is black and white anymore, ever increasing shades of grey invade. Or perhaps they are unrelated. I have an issue with my foot. I have an issue with my computer. Since I assume the computer to be an easier fix – I put my attention there. For now. How nice it would be if things just worked out. But that’s a topic for another day. I leave you with this thought: Often times a problem rearing its head means it needs attention. Even more often it needs attention for reasons bigger than we know. Lastly, the attention given, if done with care and thought, may alleviate future issues you haven’t even considered.