My First Computer Repair Job--Kinda

One of my 50 adventures at 50 involved learning enough about computers to be able to make simple repairs. My chance came the other day when my brother called with a virus that was a real doozy. I went over to his house, picked up the cpu and then, with #1 son's help and tutorial skills, I was able to learn how to seek out and kill the viruses that had taken over his hard drive, install some neat stuff and then make it pretty and usable for him once again. It was great fun! Working with Kurt and learning new skills (God bless his patience) was enlightening to say the least. Seeing the enjoyment from brother's reaction to having his computer back up and good as new was a delight.

Brother was extremely generous and paid me for my work, which wasn't at all necessary. As a result, we decided I would take it on the condition that it would become a donation to Heifer International, my most favorite charity. As a result of our deal, we purchased some chicks, geese, rabbits, and bees for people who will now have a better chance at a better life. I LOVE the common sense philosophy and the great work they do at Heifer.

Oh...and I did get the website started! It will be in constant change, so feel free to visit from time to time...I named it "Tina's Busy Brain"--surprised?

I'm going to count that as a check off my 50 adventures list--what's next? Stay tuned!

Making the List...

I'm about 8 days from the launch of my year-long gift to myself--keeping a blog of life. I've decided to make the attempt to learn and/or do 50 new things during my 50th year on Earth. I don't have any aspirations to travel great distances, buy expensive items, or set the world on fire, but I'm just curious to see what can be accomplished in a typical year. I think sometimes we can surprise ourselves of what we can do, what we can accomplish, and what we can learn if we make a conscious effort. At the end of the year, I hope I can wrap up on August 16, 2011, with a smile on my face and a better sense of what I can do at this time in my life.

I thought at first I would compile the entire list for the year, but as I started thinking about the project, I decided to just let some things develop as life happens. It seemed that in planning everything out, I would micromanage my future and that's just not a good idea...what would I miss with tunnel vision?

Here's a partial list so far of things I'd like to learn/do/accomplish (in no particular order):
1--Learn Photoshop CS5--gonna be a sharp learning curve :)
2--Start blogging on a regular basis--should be accomplished through this project (so much to learn)
3--Learn how to manage a website--once again a sharp learning curve :)
4--Learn Irish cooking (dinner party theme for this year--including the single malt)
5--Write a sermon (with all the Lutheran rules and regs--LOL)
6--Learn about tea--been drinking it for as long as I can possibly remember, but there's so much to learn about REALLY drinking it
7--Gain skill in sewing--I've mastered the very most basic basics--much to learn to start turning out pieces that look well done
8--Grow in knowledge and use of Reiki. Since learning the first level several years ago, I've become quite a fan of all it has to offer
9--Continue to study spirituality--without this, it's all for naught
10--Learn how to do basic repairs on computers--for some odd reason, this has become quite interesting to me
11--Learn how to really use the Nikon
12--See two new places that I've never seen before--I'm guessing Tom and I can accomplish that one :))
13--Bring greater attention to three causes dear to my heart: Heifer, Jill's House, and The Smile Train

So...there's the start. I sent out a query to friends on FB and was given some really great ideas; as I research them a bit more, I'm guessing they'll start showing up on the list. Thanks!

I hope you'll join me on August 17 as I "officially" launch with the first of 365 blogs; I kind of feel like a kid with a new toy.

I can be found at http://tinais50.blogspot.com