Friday, April 22, 2011

Repair Land


Sadly, my laptop is away in Repair Land for another few weeks. Apparently there's a motherboard issue & she's not talking to the cord for some reason.

I can take my work computer home sometimes, but I'm not able to access some sites, including many blogs. Or TweetDeck. Or Gmail depending on its mood. And it doesn't have Word. *sigh*

I've been able to visit a few blogs in the last week, but not many. It'll probably be the same for the next week or 2 as well. Sorry! I'll visit when I can. Withdrawal is not a pretty condition!


In the meantime, Happy Earth Day! Be kind to our planet & all its inhabitants!

I also finished The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. It was a fun, fast-paced read! It's got a bit of everything: mystery, suspense, paranormal, romance. I really enjoyed it.

Any suggestions for what I should read next to take my mind off my missing computer?


88 comments:

Beth Zimmerman said...

Some times I think an enforced period of computer withdrawal could be a good thing! But not one I would be excited to embrace! You have my empathy!

Old Kitty said...

Good luck with your laptop! I had a motherboard issue with my pc last year and was most bereft! LOL!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!!

Thanks for the info and review of Body Finder!! Take care
x

Anonymous said...

Ooh. I recently read The Hunger Games series but I'm sure you've already taken part in that. :) I bought a book a couple months ago called "I'm So Happy" for you that I really enjoyed but I have a bizarre sense of humor. Other than that, no real suggestions. I'm currently reading "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy.

I'm eclectic.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Beth! It's really hard! But I'm thankful I was able to back up all my files before I had to send it away!

Jemi Fraser said...

Old Kitty - thanks! I really am feeling bereft! Although I am enjoying reading more! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

E - I'm pretty eclectic too! I have read the Hunger Games trilogy - and I loved it! Such great characters :)

I'll check out I'm So Happy. I've read Tess already. There are so many good ones to choose from!!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I just got Save the Cat Strikes Back, plus I downloaded a couple other blogger's books. And I'm trying to edit my own!
Repeat after me - I need an iPad. Must have iPad NOW!
Hope the shop can restore your computer.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Hope your laptop is repaired soon.
I've been listening to Alex about an IPAD but still haven't got one.

Yvonne.

Jemi Fraser said...

Alex - lol :) I have been repeating it a LOT, but the budget keeps screaming back at me! :(

I've heard so much about Save the Cat - going to have to check that out!

Jemi Fraser said...

Yvonne - I'd love to get an iPad, but the budget's not there at the moment! Maybe one of these days :)

Mari said...

Happy Earth Day!

I hope your laptop will be fixed really soon. I know how is it to be without one, and it's pure desperation. uh *hugs*

Yvonne Osborne said...

That pesky motherboard.

You do more without a laptop than many of us do with one.

Read BLOOD SAFARI. It's a wonderful novel.

Thanks for sharing Mother Earth love.

Emy Shin said...

:( I'm sorry about your laptop, but hopefully, hopefully, she will talk to the cord soon. Withdrawal can be terrible.

I haven't read a lot of books lately, so I can't suggest one, but hope you'll have a fabulous time with it.

Jemi Fraser said...

Mari - it's hard isn't it??? I know there are much more important things in life, but I want my laptop back!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Yvonne - I've put Blood Safari on my list!

Thank you - you're very sweet! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Emy - I hope they're talking soon too! Withdrawal is NOT pleasant! :)

kathrynjankowski said...

So sorry you have to go through this. Hope it's not too major a fix.

If you're in the mood for some lively fantasy, try Terry Pratchett's THE WEE FREE MEN. Guaranteed to have you laughing out loud. ;-)

Jemi Fraser said...

Kathryn - thank you! I hope it's not too bad either!

I haven't read Pratchett in years. He really is hysterical! I'll have to look up that one! :)

VR Barkowski said...

Happy Earth Day, Jemi!

I'm so sorry about your computer. I'd send a virtual get well card and flowers, but not having a computer, you wouldn't be able to receive them. I hope your motherboard and cord fully recover and are communicating soon.

I've been reading far too much non-fiction (research), but I'm about to dig into Demonglass, the sequel to Hex Hall. Can't wait. Have you read it yet?

Jemi Fraser said...

VR - Happy Earth Day to you too! :)

Thanks for the thought though!! Virtual flowers are lovely!

Oooo - I really enjoyed Hex Hall - I'll have to pick up Demonglass. I hear it's terrific! Great idea :)

erica and christy said...

Me and my lappy have been through this 3 times. We (meaning the freakishly smart, young people working at our local computer repair shop) finally figured out the cord is not talking to the battery and nothing's wrong with the computer. Just pop the battery out when it's plugged in and it works like a charm (plus, I bought a batter for $28 on Amazon for when I need one). I hope your fix is as easy!
erica

Anita said...

So sorry about your computer! As for reading, I suggest a trashy magazine.

TK Richardson said...

Jemi, sorry to hear about your computer problems. I know hard it is. About a book recommendation... have you read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare? It's excellent. I just finished it and LOVED it. :)

The Happy Whisk said...

It's like a mini vacation away from the Internet. Hope yours goes well and you get back online without too much cost.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry your computer is ill! A book you can read? Not sure. Book Chick City always has good recommendations.

Jemi Fraser said...

Erica - that sounds like a great solution! Unfortunately it looks like there's a connection inside the computer that's weak for some reason.

Jemi Fraser said...

Anita - thanks! You cracked me up! Strangely I've never read a trashy magazine - but maybe it's time to give it a shot! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

TK - thanks!

I've had City of Bones on my wishlist for ages - sounds like a great choice! Thanks :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Happy Whisk - thanks - me too! :)

It's definitely a different kind of day without my writing!

Jemi Fraser said...

Clarissa - thanks :)

I hadn't heard of that site before - thanks I'll check it out!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Sorry about your technical difficulties!

I've just finished the whole YA series by Kelley Armstrong, The Summoning. I couldn't stop reading. Definitely has a way to keeping your mind off things. I haven't read the Body Finder. I'll look for it, thanks.

Helen Ginger said...

My advice would be to do some things that you wouldn't do if you had the computer. Go to a movie. Take a walk outside. Breathe non-air conditioned air.

I really hate computer crashes. Seriously. I do.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry about your problem. I used to take my work computer home with me, but I haven't checked one out in years. I now have a computer and laptop. After having technical meltdowns before, I try to have a spare around.

I have The Body Finder, but haven't read it yet. I finished RIVAL yesterday and loved it. It's by Sara Bennett Wealer. It involves two former best friends acting catty towards each other when they're both singers competing in the same competition.

Jemi Fraser said...

Terry - thanks - it stinks! :)

I've got that series on my wishlist too - I'll have to check it out :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Helen - I've been doing some of that! Although we've been getting snow and sleety kinds of rain all week, so it's not the best weather for walking!

Jemi Fraser said...

Medeia - I really should have a spare. I'd love that spare to be an iPad! :)

Rival sounds fun - thanks for the tip!

LTM said...

computer problems are such a nightmare. Sorry you're dealing with that. But yay, Earth Day! And my book club picked Water for Elephants this month. If you haven't read it, so far I'm enjoying it! :o) <3

Jemi Fraser said...

Leigh - you're so right - computer problems can be a nightmare!

I haven't read Water for Elephants yet. I'll check it out too! Thanks :)

Golden Eagle said...

I hope your computer is fixed soon!

I recently finished Trackers by Patrick Carman--it's a great upper MG/YA cyberpunk novel.

Jemi Fraser said...

Golden Eagle - thanks! Me too :)

I haven't heard of Trackers yet - sounds like it's right up my alley! Thanks :)

Susan Fields said...

I really enjoyed the Body Finder, too. Its sequel, Desires of the Dead, is equally good, and I don't usually think sequels are, so I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it so much.

So sorry to hear about your computer!

Jemi Fraser said...

Susan - I saw there was a sequel! I'll definitely be reading that one. Good to hear it's good too. :)

Thanks - I'm hoping it won't be too much water!

RosieC said...

Oh, no. I hope you don't lose anything. I cringe every time I think of how my computer could get hurt and I want to curl up in a hole. I'm such an addict (who's bad about backing up her stuff). Ugh.

As for reading, I don't know. I'm so behind on what's come out recently that I'm only now reading The Girl Who Played With Fire. I'm guessing you've read that already.

Good luck!

Rosie
East for Green Eyes

Jemi Fraser said...

Rosie - I had another scare last summer, so I'm MUCH better at backing up now. I've got an external hard drive and use it every few weeks. I also email my current wip to myself about once a week. Paranoid!

Actually I haven't read that one. I've heard mixed reviews and haven't decided to try it yet. It sounds like I need a lot of time to get into it, and that is one thing I usually don't have much of! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, losing your laptop is like losing an arm. I feel your pain!! hehe :) Hope you having a lovely Easter XX

Paula RC said...

Hope all goes well for you and your laptop.

Jemi Fraser said...

Niki - I know! It's ridiculous how attached to our computers we are :)

Our Easter was lovely - hope yours was the same! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jarmara - thanks so much! Using the iPod is really hard - but I'm so glad I have it :)

notesfromnadir said...

Jemi,
I know what it's like to be computerless. But hopefully it'll be fixed soon. In the meantime, relax, go for nature walks & read!

Tara said...

Aww. I'm sorry the laptop is still ill. I'd go crazy!

Jemi Fraser said...

Notes - thanks! That's pretty much what I have been doing! And trying out some new recipes too :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Tara - I kinda am! :)

Although having the iPod helps - at least I can comment here. Sadly visiting other blogs is pretty much a no-go for now. Hopefully I'm back to normal soon!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

My computer was acting up last month. I ended up buying a new cord for it and it works sooooo much better. I hope your problems get worked out soon. :)

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

Oh, I'm sorry about your computer! That stinks. Feel better soon, computer!

Amy

Lola Sharp said...

Oh, I'm so sorry Jemi. We have so many laptops and desktops in this house, not to mention phones that go online, etc, I'm spoiled. I sure hope your computer gets well soon.

I've been on hiatus and not blogging...but I still find myself 'cheating' and sneaking onto The Twitter to see how all my loves are doing. I miss everyone so much when I take blogging breaks.

Huggles,
Lola

Jemi Fraser said...

Sharon - thanks! It's still under warranty so I'm hoping it won't cost anything! I just wish it would fix itself faster!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

A.L. - thank you! I hope my computer is listening to you! It seems like forever since I sent it in! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lola - Thank you! I wish we had more computers around the house! It would make life much easier - my eyes aren't handling the iPod screen very well. I hope your writing is going well! :)

Jackee said...

Poor thing! So sorry your computer is down. I hate it when I can't get to what I need to in my comp files, but it's also a nice break. Hopefully you can embrace it. I know it's hard.

I've been reading a lot of Brandon Sanderson lately--I don't know why--but if you like straight fantasy as well as your beloved steam punk, I liked his Elantris the book best so far.

Big hugs!

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

Ouch! I'm so sorry! I'd be lost without my beloved laptop. This makes me think, again, that I really need to have a backup around, just in case. I hope your computer feels better soon.

Jemi Fraser said...

Jackee - thanks! I appreciate it :)

I could probably do without the internet, but having no access to my writing is hard!! Gotta say I've been enjoying the extra reading time & thankfully the NHL playoffs are on! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Cynthia - thanks - me too!! :)

I had this happen last summer without any warning. I bought an external hard drive and I'm pretty good about using it. Thankfully I had time to back everything up before I too it in :)

Helen Ginger said...

Do all those non-computer related things that you have been avoiding or not getting around to doing. I recommend you enjoy the forced withdrawal.

Julie Musil said...

Oh no! I think I'd have a heart attack if my computer didn't play nice. Or maybe it would be really good for me and I should step away from the keyboard right now.

Jemi Fraser said...

Helen - I'm trying!! I have read a bunch of great books, walked more, watched the playoffs & still managed to avoid cleaning more than necessary :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Julie - there have been a few upswings - more time to read being the big one! I've cooked more too!

N. R. Williams said...

I'm honored that you came to my blog. Thank you. Good luck with everything.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.

Arlee Bird said...

Oh bad news! I'll probably take some time away from the computer in May, but I don't want it to be because anything is broken. Can't afford to have anything fixed these days.
I need to take some reading time as well-- I've got a ton of books her to read.
Then again you can always write.


Hope you join us in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post on Monday May 2nd.
Lee

Jemi Fraser said...

Nancy - I love visiting your blog - just wish I had more time & my computer back!! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Arlee - I did work a bit on my SNI, but the work computer doesn't have the same program, so editing was out of the question - too complicated for me :)

Talli Roland said...

Best of luck with your missing laptop! I'm having some computer issues of my own...
My blog's disappeared so my temporary home is here!

Anonymous said...

A blogger buddy lost the internet for a few days, and managed to beat her son at Wii Wakeboard and finish a 1,000 piece puzzle! But to loose an entire lap top...that's a tough one! I just finished Blue Hole Back Home set in a time period when computers were non-existant in homes which might be a good read for you while you wait!

Anonymous said...

I'm reading Stephen King's On Writing. Fantastic voyage through his childhood and his thoughts on writing. Great read!

Jemi Fraser said...

Talli - You're kidding??? Yikes! I had trouble loading your blog yesterday and the day before. Yesterday I was finally able to see it, but I couldn't get it at all the day before. Hope it fixes fast :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lynn - it sounds like a good book for right about now! :)

I like your friend's ideas for filling in that Internet time! Don't have a Wii though :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Stephen - that's a great idea! I've read bits and pieces, but not the whole book. Might just be a good time to do it! :)

Deniz Bevan said...

Goodness! I hope things get back to normal for you soon Jemi! Must be nice to have more time to read though [bg]

Jemi Fraser said...

Deniz - thank you!

I am enjoying the reading time - but not writing is making me a little squirmy! :)

Elliot Grace said...

...it's truly a bummer when computer's go on the fritz, but since you've inquired into reading material...

Yeah yeah, I'm playing salesman now,(minus the bow tie:)

"South of Charm" is now available through my publisher's website. The link's on my blog.

Hoping your computer recovers nicely.

EL

Jennifer Hillier said...

I hope your computer gets well soon!

Although... a sick computer is kind of a good excuse not to write for a while... maybe mine will get sick over the summer :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Elliot - AWESOME!!!! I didn't think it would be available for a few more weeks! Definitely going to check it out :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Jennifer - a lot of computers do seem to get ill over the summer - that's probably the best time for it to happen! :)

laughingwolf said...

singalong:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTn2sazHRVU


Mairzy Doats

I know a ditty, nutty as a fruitcake,
Goofy as a goon, and silly as a loon...
Some call it pretty,
Others call it crazy,
But they all sing this tune:

Mairzy doats and dozy doats,
And liddle lamzy divey,
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats,
and liddle lamzy divey,
A kiddley divey too, wooden ewe?

If the words sound queer,
And funny to your ear,
A little bit jumbled and jivey,
Sing: "Mares eat oats,
And does eat oats,
And little lambs eat ivy"

Oh! Mairzy doats and dozy doats,
And liddle lamzy divey,
A kiddley divey too, wooden ewe?
A kiddley divey too, wooden ewe?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is a great time to get some traditional writing done too -- you know, pen and paper (ancient tools, I know, but they work). Plus, you wouldn't have as many distractions!

Jemi Fraser said...

Laughing Wolf - okay - totally cracking me up here!!! :)

I adore that song - I used to sing that to my kids when they were little - although I definitely didn't use most of the right words! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Lynda - I tried - I really did! But the paper & pen is so scribbly and messy. No delete button! It's too hard!!! :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks Jemi for your lovley comment,What my son or many people don't know next week I have to have hospital treatment to remove abnormal cells from my cervix whuch are pre cancerous(I HAVE NOT GOT CANCER) However a biopsy showed without the treatment I am high risk at getting cervical cancer in the future, That text message from him last night has hurt me deeply, and my usual laughing smiling face is full of tears.It's my grand daughter's birthday on the 10th......the same day as mine and I can't send her a card.My family has always been my first priority and I feel let down.
Yvonne.

Jemi Fraser said...

Yvonne - it's really sad when families go through these down turns. I know it will turn around for you - but this is a terrible time for it to happen.

I'm glad you're going to get those cells treated. I'm so happy we have the technology to find those pre-cancerous cells these days.

I'm tempted to suggest you send the card anyway. You'll feel better! Take care.