Not Everything Works Out All the Time (Unless It Does)
27. Oct, 2008 
16 Comments
Apparently bad things do happen in threes.
Since we’ve been home:
1. I found my car interior was covered in mold (don’t ask)
2. My computer has died (Dell customer service is a special circle of hell)
3. I had to send off my best lens to Canon for repairs (at La Tomatina, I banged my camera and now the lens cap won’t close)
Did I mention Vermont is cold? So sans computer, sans camera, sans sanity, I’ve been regulated to unofficial taxi, official baker and winner of the crabbiest non-Vermonter award. Apple pie, carved pumpkins and time with the nephews help, but what I really need is Mexico. A big heaping spoonful of another country, another language and some good old fashion sunlight. Is that too much to ask?
So with all this free time on my hands, and unable to go anywhere until I get my gear back, I’ve had some time to reflect. Mostly I’ve been eating too many baked goods, drinking giant as my head Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffees and scowling. Then I realized something…
Thank god this didn’t happen while I was traveling abroad.
Is it amazing that everything of value that I own broke the minute I got home, just in time for me to fix it before the next trip?
In the end, I’m actually pretty lucky. There are worse things than spending some extra time in the Fall Capital of the world. But seriously, I can not wait to take pictures, use my computer and drive to a new country. Oh and write. When I get my computer back I am going first hug it, and second write my little heart out.
Have you ever had a bad situation actually be a good one?
Aww, chica, that’s awful! But a blessing in disguise sort of way. How long have you had your computer? I just ordered a Dell, and now you have me scared. Uh OH. And, I know you said not to ask, but what in the world happened to your car?
I suppose if this is the worst, it can only get better from here, right? =)
Dell?
Acer is the way to go.
What lens did you mess up? My 50mm f/1.4 had to be sent back to Canon last year, but they made it as good as new.
Stevos last blog post..pair on the pond
Yeah, I’ve sworn off Dell products for life. (After this lappy finally kicks it… Hang in there a little longer, ol’ buddy!) I’ve had two major problems with it the last few months, and spent HOURS on hold with Dell, never got through to anyone. Useless.
Evas last blog post..R.I.P. Dee Dee Warwick
I agree that you did luck out on things falling apart back in the States instead of abroad. The power adapter to my MacBook decided to fry itself my second week in Korea. I was without Internet in my apartment for a while, so I didn’t have Skype to call Apple to get it replaced until a while later. Then I had to mail my old adapter to my parents to return to Apple for my new one, and now I’m waiting for it in the mail. It wasn’t a difficult process, but more annoying than if I had been in the U.S.
It did, however, give me an excuse to ask my parents to send me some other gear I needed that I couldn’t find here in Korea. I wouldn’t say this turned out good; it was more of a wash, which is still better than bad.
Daniels last blog post..Only if there weren’t so much smog
Ugh the lens thing is awful!! Sorry – but yes, can you imagine that happening on the road. Man. I just a new SLR and I’m gonna carry it like an egg when I leave in 3 weeks lol. Things do happen in 3′s – for sure. Right now I just found out my DVD drive on my powerbook isn’t working…agh!! and i leave soon, what to do. The first time I had to ship my powerbook was a few months ago – first time I ever had any trouble with my computer and it came back to me all good and new and clean, within 3 days (Apple rocks). But I remember how I hugged my laptop soon as I got it!!!LOL so I understand completely. As well as the feeling of going away, writing, seeing new things. SO READY.
Here is one tip for you: Don’t put your camera into your pocket after playing volleyball…you might (and will) get sand in it, causing a funny sound to come out of the lens every time you turn it on. And don’t do it before going to see Iguazu Falls, you JUST might need a camera for that.
And nothing like ending your trip in Arizona for a funeral rather than in Buenos Aires.
Christine, you play volleyball somewhere in Brazil, just don’t put in your camera in your pocket like yours truly. DUMB!
Anthonys last blog post..One Last Hurrah
Ahh Sory to hear about all those things!
I guess only things can get better from here on!
Bad situation to a good one? Yes. I was let go from a job/profession I hated, but paid the bills. Once that happened I decided it was time to try one of my dreams, so I called my old college coach up. They happened to have an entry level coaching position open, which I was able to snag. I’m not coaching college football anymore, for financial reasons (99% don’t make much), but it was a great experience for 3 years.
Chad @ Sentient Moneys last blog post..A Little Bit of Everything
>>More Travel Blogs (Do they visit? No idea.)
http://travelrat.wordpress.com/<<
Sure do! Looks like a great blog! I’ll be around for a more leisurely look around later, and might put it in my blogroll.
Hasta la vista!
Keith
Keiths last blog post..Tartiflette
Sorry to hear about the mishaps. Things always happen for a reason and you’ve made the best of the situation!
Stevo- It’s a EF 24-70, my priciest lens by far! (but I’m sure others have more expensive gear than that).
Keith- Thanks for stopping by! I hope you like what you find, later.
Looking forward to reading your Mexican chronicles. That’s a country I’ve never been to.
Keiths last blog post..Tartiflette
Mexico is going to taste twice as sweet after all that mess!
Tanyas last blog post..Comparison Shopping
Hi been through the lens thing knocked mine while in the camerabag while on a trip, still under guarantee thankfully.
Computers oh I hate them, backup backup and service is a dirty word there ain’t any no matter who you deal with. Throw it away and start again.
Sorry about the car wipe down with strong bleach and drive with open windows for awhile. Where to next?
Donna Jacksons last blog post..social media your rights – can your boss ban use
Christine,
Sorry to hear about the moldy car, the same thing happened to me when I moved to Spain for six months last year. Best thing to do is bring it to a detail shop, it’ll be as good as new in no time.
johndbritton´s last blog post..Backstage Shadow
Sorry to hear about your car. Thats just messesed up. I have some good tips to help you out on your car problems and easily keep it in shape so it could never happen again on this site http://www.freetips.cowze.com