You may not be hearing from me this week

April 1, 2018 • Posted in blindness, technology for people who are blind, writing by

A pair of sunglasses on a white desk next to a keyboard and mouse.I have a love/hate relationship with my computer.

Don’t we all?!

I keep thinking I’d love my computer more if I was more efficient at using it. So with my memoir-writing classes on break now, I signed up for this weeklong course at Second Sense, a fantastic non-profit in Chicago for people who are blind or have visual impairments:

Our Intensive Screen Reader course is a great way to quickly update your computer skills in a fast paced one week class. You learn the new Windows 10 environment along with Microsoft Office 2016, (Word and Excel), Internet browsing and web-based email. This class is great for people who are working or those who cannot commit to our 16-week comprehensive course. If you are transitioning from Windows 7 to 10 or if it has been sometime since you last had some computer training, you might want to consider this course. Prerequisites include being able to type at a steady pace, having previous computers skills and familiarity with your screen reader. Classes meet Monday through Friday From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm April 2 to 6.

You read that right. Five days of computer training. Every weekday this week. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Was I crazy to sign up for this? Too early to tell. One thing for sure, though: I’m already looking forward to 4 pm on April 6. Look for me at Friday happy hour.

Lois Baron On April 1, 2018 at 12:58 pm

Good move! Good luck!

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 1:50 pm

Thanks. I’ll need it!

Mary Russell On April 1, 2018 at 1:00 pm

May the force be with you. What does Whitney think of this schedule? You’ll be a brilliant tech guru after this week or go totally round the bend.
I’m betting on your brilliance.
Mary Russell

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 1:59 pm

Oh, Mary, I appreciate your confidence, but I hope gambling is not one of your vices. odds are 6 to 1 that I’ll end up round the bend.
As for Whitney, she’s banking on other guide dogs being with her in class. That way they can all commiserate together!

Marilee On April 1, 2018 at 1:02 pm

That sounds awesome! And intense!

Fiona MacKerron On April 1, 2018 at 1:51 pm

Good for you, Beth! Hope it goes well and Happy Easter! X

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 2:04 pm

Happy Easter to you and yours, too, Fiona, and thanks for the good wishes. And yes, Marilee: awesome, and, I’m afraid, intense.

Bev Miller On April 1, 2018 at 3:22 pm

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Pace yourself.

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 9:34 pm

“Pace yourself, Beth.” That will be my montra. Thanks for the sound –and professional –advice!,

Hank On April 1, 2018 at 3:41 pm

That’s an April Fools joke. Right? *smile*

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 9:36 pm

Oh, how I wish. Please forgive me if I don’t get in touch with you on your birthday this week, Hank –best wishes for a happy and healthy one!

nancybollero On April 1, 2018 at 7:40 pm

holy moly Beth, I’m in awe. Hope you have plenty of coffee and snacks.

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 9:40 pm

OMG, I hadn’t thought at all about bringing a traveling mug (or whatever they call it) to bring coffee along. Thanks for the extremely important tip, my friend.

Tara On April 1, 2018 at 10:07 pm

All the best! Sounds intense but it would be nice to have a good handle on Windows 10.

Beth On April 3, 2018 at 7:13 am

Intense, yes, but you’re right: a good opportunity to try out Windows 10 rather than doing what I usually do with such things: run away!

Beth On April 1, 2018 at 10:15 pm

Hope you’re right about Windows 10!

Shirley On April 1, 2018 at 11:05 pm

You’ll do great!

Beth On April 3, 2018 at 7:08 am

I so appreciate this comment, Shirley. You’ve been my cheerleader ever since hiring me to moderate the blog at Easterseals, back when you had to explain to me what “web content” was!

Colleen On April 1, 2018 at 11:30 pm

Ugh! Good luck Beth!

Beth On April 3, 2018 at 7:06 am

UGH is right! I’ve survived one day, though, and am heading back today.

Maria On April 2, 2018 at 8:52 pm

You never cease to amaze me, Beth! Always learning! Have two drinks on Friday! You deserve it.

Beth On April 3, 2018 at 7:15 am

Trust me, Maria, I will. Cheers!

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