Five Minute Projects Yeah, Right
I started this blog, okay multiple blogs, as a Toastmasters Pathways project. Those who know me know I believe everything I do can fit into some project within the Toastmasters education system. If you don’t believe me, then come on back, I need an evaluator here’s the evaluation form.
9-11-2026
Today’s five minute project was going to be on something else, I forgot what. I went to log in to the computer today to write the blog (another -five minute project - NOT), and I had no internet. Not as in the internet wasn’t working, it was working fine on the phone, the tablet, my husband’s devices, just not this computer. I used my tablet to YouTube why my computer doesn’t have the wifi icon and why won’t adding wifi work in the settings. The ever helpful AI (sarcasm here) immediately asked and explained why it was important to know the exact model and brand of my computer. I provided the information, and then it gave me some more explanations on how it could help me.
Finally, I was able to circumvent AI to get to YouTube on my own, in case you need the information, it is YouTube.com. After 20 minutes of skipping ahead through the long monologues of people who like to hear themselves talk, trial and error, I found the one that worked,.. are you ready? Hold the off button for 30 seconds to reset the battery. 40 years of working with computers and I didn’t think of that myself. (head banging against the wall). I was then had to find the wifi in the settings, remember (find where I had written down) the password. Another 5 minute project - Yeah, right.
What I learned, shut the darn thing off and go read a book.
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P.S. yesterday’s blog was missing so I had to rewrite that too.
9-10-2026
Today’s five minute project was using my 10w laser to cut a couple of pieces of wood to make a shelf to hold the tools for my 20w laser engraver. One minute to boot up the computer, put in the password, stick in the wood, draw the line, (the whole purpose was to get straight lines), push start and in five minutes have a shelf. Easy peasy,.. Yeah right.
The monitor didn’t want to cooperate, it kept timing out every third keystroke. Checked the settings, go to sleep - never, automatic shut off - never. Okay, only it wasn’t I was frustrated and the password wouldn’t work - it wasn’t a password; it was a pin. Glad I kept the old rolodex - No not rolex, rolodex the old system of keeping names, addresses, and telephone numbers at your fingertips now repurposed to irritate the older folks even more - who has a rolodex when you are forced to change a password at the restaurant. Anyway, I digress.
Finally, I was able to push the start button but the laser head crashed, I had neglected to automeasure the wood. Just as I was finally ready (50 minutes later) to again push the start button, the neighbor came over to borrow a cup of sugar - no, really. Needless to say, the wood is still in the machine, I have eaten a tub of ice cream, and writing this blog post. Pictures coming the next time I attempt to to make the shelf.
What I learned from the experience, use the saw and who cares if the shelf is straight, as long as it holds stuff.