So very complex.

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I have actually had a slightly active, fairly useful, somewhat interesting day. Something I keep realizing is that the world we live in is seemingly impossibly complicated. It honestly amazes me that anything gets done, gets completed correctly, or is understood. If you take a moment to look at what is happening, not even on a grand scale but the little things within our personal lives, it can seem overwhelming. And yet, for most people and sometimes even me, it all works.

I thought I had tended my cellphone bill last time they called. Nope, though it ends up being a good thing. After talking on the phone with one of their collection agents, who in the end began to treat me quite kindly, I figured out the problem with the last call, paid the bill, got set up on a new calling package which will solve this problem, and set up automatic pay again. It looks like my bank initially was set to pay it but decided not to do so and canceled the thing because of how large the bill was (good for them, I say). So, now my Mom can talk to my brother as much as they have been while he is recovering from his last surgery and potentially heading into another surgery. And, I can do that without worry about going broke. On top of that, by switching plans Verizon was willing to release a nice little slice of the expense from my bill.

I also looked over some components for a computer. I came up with a system that would cost about what the higher tiers of the mid-level machines at the major companies would cost and yet would operate comparably to the middle of the upper tier machines runs, or faster, and at about half the cost. I would guess this would easily vie, in some areas, with even the high end machines. There are some problems, however. First, compatibility issues. I simply do not have the means currently at my disposal to ensure all the parts work together. A little more study might or might not secure that surety. A call to a few places might get that information, if I could be sure of the right source. Further, some of the system is a bit more complicated, or new to me, than what I have done in the past. I am looking at a raid 10 hard drive system, for example. I do not think that will be complicated to set up, but it will be new. Then again, this is almost pipedream stuff, for a few months at least. I could push it financially but that usually is not a good plan. With age comes wisdom... I hope. At least it gives me time to check things more thoroughly.

When discussing the new plan and some other things with my mother, she discussed my brother's difficulty in working with the V.A. He retired from the service with severe back problems. He kept on working, setting aside his health issues, as he did not get enough from retirement to not work and at that time he could not get concurrent disability and retirement incomes. Well, after his emergency back surgery, he is nearly crippled. And, he may have to go back in for another surgery. From bowel to bladder, foot to back, he simply is not functioning properly and may never again, operating at what the doctors say is 10% function. So, I suggested some things. First, getting in contact with the Disabled Veterans of America and the Paralyzed American Veterans (since he has spinal issues). She had me look up the closest reps and get her the contact information. Done and done, hopefully she has already passed that on.

I found out, personally if accidentally, that the V.A. will do as little as it can on it's own, even if it knows better, on these cases. I joined the D.A.V. simply because they had been kind while I was hospitalized. I merely patronized them, to my way of thinking. It ended up that, with my gift and their becoming aware of my situation, my case was resolved after a decade of being ignored. The D.A.V. really does make every effort to get the right things done for the right people. It is difficult, for some of us, to even admit that we are down. It is harder still to ask for help in order which might prove we are down. Men will be men, even when we are crushed and broken. Still, that is a good thing. It is nice to retain some dignity. I suppose we all, at times, must learn when, where, and how to surrender though. Bah!

All that and a few other things on the books. My new cellphone is in, which I get at no cost since it is being discontinued (a Blackberry flip-phone). I did not have time to pick it up today, but tomorrow I do not think I will have quite as much going on. I will not, if I have any choice, work with another Microdisaster item if I can. Blackberry is both more secure, easier to use, and actually fun. Or, that has been my experience to date. I am surprised the Blackberry smart flip-phone is leaving the market though. I am really looking forward to getting it.

Yes, complex. Life is very difficult, when viewed from the passenger seat. But in the driver seat all that is necessary, and much that is not, gets done in some sort of fashion and order that does not seem possible. One little bit at a time. Even I can do it sometimes while half asleep, hungry, and grumpy. That is it for today. A little bit back to my old writing style, a little me-ism, but perhaps an inspiring tale of the cripple who sometimes can get things done.

Have a good day.