Computer Down
The screen went black. I hit the “on” button repeatedly. My computer hiccupped a few times and refused to stay on. I spent fifteen very long days waiting for it to be repaired. During those inconvenient days I learned some valuable lessons; everything from storing data to finding balance in my life.
First, the data. I’ve been using a memory stick for the last few years. Even though it’s super simple to save documents this way, I started to get a little lax about backing up “work in progress.” I was kicking myself when the computer went down and I started having flashbacks of 2006. (Read Crash!) Back then my hard drive had to be replaced and everything stored on the computer was lost. It’s so frustrating when you know you should do something, and you don’t do it…and then you get caught!
I learned that memory sticks are considered a portable way to transmit larger files without wasting a CD. I was advised to back up information on a flash drive or rewritable CD. It’s considered a safer way to archive information. Mainly because if you carry memory sticks around with you, there is a greater chance of damaging them if you drop them or spill something on them. For home use, experts suggest burning a rewritable CD and storing them in a CD binder or in a fire safe lock box. If you save data weekly you’ll minimize the amount of lost work. Corporations have a more elaborate backup system. Depending on the size of the company they do nightly backups to DVDs, DAT tapes or they archive to a server.
The life lesson that I learned from this experience was even more important. I’m sure that many of you can relate to the concept of knowing something, but not being able to convince yourself to do it. I talk about balance quite a bit and I know the information, but somehow my life was slipping out of balance despite that fact.
I know that I should exercise regularly, but somehow that chore always slipped pretty far down on the to-do list. About the time I was suffering through technology withdrawal a friend asked me to start running with her. Ha! If you knew me better, you’d laugh. We started jog/walking and I felt really great. Like “Why haven’t I been doing this all along” great! I should clarify. I felt great after, not always so great during! I found that even though working out took time it gave me more energy, so I could be more productive.
When I had fifteen days to think about things, I realized that I had been neglecting some of the priorities that were most dear to me. When I wasn’t tied to my laptop I found time for things like exercise, reading, cooking and spending time with my family. I even made a big dent in Spring Cleaning. So once I got my laptop back I decided to set some limits on how often I would use it and how big of a place it would have in my life.
KAREN HENKE is a professional organizer and the owner of Come2Order. With a collection of 17 years work experience in design, space
planning and organization, she now helps others come to order. |
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