Friday, April 17, 2015

Fly on the Wall: Technologically Challenged

Welcome to a monthly Fly on the Wall group post. Today 15 bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house. At the end of my post you’ll find links to this month’s other participants’ posts.


Fly on the Wall | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

Hubs has finally decided to join the 21st century. Yes, he’s officially retired his razor phone that holds a charge for a whole 15 minutes.
The day he got his new phone activated, I showed him one or two things about how to use it. I'm not terribly successful with mine but at least I was able to get Hubs started.
He found his apps store and retired to the man cave. A while later he comes upstairs.
Hubs: Look what I got!
Me: What?
Suddenly I’m completely blinded.
Hubs: It’s a flashlight app.
Me, squinting: I can see that. In fact, that light you’re shining in my eyes is all I can see.
Hubs: It really works well, just like a flashlight you’d buy at the store.
Me, eyes tearing: Remember we taught the kids not to point flashlights in people’s eyes? That goes for flashlight apps too.
He removes the light from my eyeballs and starts to walk away.
Hubs, like a kid with a new toy: And it’s FREE!
I’m just hoping that tomorrow he doesn’t find an air-horn app.



Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

The next day Hubs told me that he was able to turn off cell phone notifications for his email without turning off other notifications, something I haven’t been able to do.
Me: How did you do it? I’ve wanted to do that for a year now.
Hubs: It was easy, the thing kept dinging and it started annoying a friend I work with.
Me: Aaaaand?
Hubs: So I told him it was my damn email but I don’t know how to shut off notifications just for the email.
Me: Aaaaand?
Hubs: He grabbed my phone, pressed a few buttons and now I don’t get email notifications any more.
Me: Thank you so much for all of your help.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


The following day I was at home and Hubs was at work. We were having our new dishwasher installed and when the installer went to open the box, the dishwasher was damaged. I called Hubs on his cell phone but there was no answer. Two seconds later my cell rang and it was Hubs.
Me: I just called you two seconds ago and you didn’t answer.
Hubs: Ummmm
Me: Ummmm?
Hubs: Well . .  .
Me: Well . . . ?
Hubs: The thing is . . .
Me: What? Just tell me already.
Hubs: I don’t seem to be able to answer my new phone.
Oy.



 Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


The next day Hubs was at work and I was doing laundry. I went down to the man cave to grab the towels out of the bathroom down there and I looked over at the table and there was Hubs' new phone, still plugged in from the night before. He'd gone to work and forgotten it.
Which, I guess, isn't all that bad since he can't answer it yet anyway.

On a similar note, Hubs found out that our phone company offers lessons on how to use smart phones. Now I can't stop giggling. I keep picturing him sitting at a little school desk with a bunch of 2nd graders learning how to use a phone. Better remind him, no cheating on the final.



Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

PurDude is someone who is not technically challenged. I do, however, sometimes question his common sense. He was home last month for Spring Break and with all that’s going on with him, it was great to have him home.
I was a little concerned about him because he had Mono for well over a year in High School and he’s often tired still. His first day home he complained about being tired and fell asleep on the couch in the afternoon. The second day, same thing.
That night he went out with his friends and came home at around midnight. At 3:00 am I went into his room to find him still fully dressed and on his laptop.
Me: Ummm, I think I may have solved the mystery of why you’re always tired during the day . . .


Frosted Mocha Cookie Bars | www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #bake

Frosted Mocha Cookie Bars
Frosted Mocha Cookie Bars | www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #bake




Last month I wrote about a number of funny typos I’d made. Here’s one I made this month:
PurDude had a long day when he returned to school. His first flight left at 7am so we had to get up really early to drive to the airport. He had two flights, then an hour and a half drive back to school. I was worried about the drive when I knew he’d be pretty tired by then. I had him text me when he got to his destination airport, then when he finally got back to his frat.
PurDude (text): Home
Me (text): I feel butter.
PurDude (text): You need help. See if there’s a support group for that.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics



It was Passover this month and I just hate this holiday. There are so many dietary restrictions that instead of my family helping themselves to cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch, I'm force to make them something allowable for breakfast and for lunch  and for dessert and all snacks on top of dinner and what I'd normally make.
We were discussing the start of the holiday, which would be a seder on Friday night. The first day of Passover is Saturday, but holidays always start at sundown the night before.
Me (sort of kidding): You know, with daylight savings time, we could actually eat a normal dinner early and be done before sundown. We'd still have to do the seder after sundown, after we've had dinner. But that would be so wrong.
Hubs (jumping on that): If you want, I'll come home for dinner early. Any time you want me here I'll be here.
Me (laughing): Aren't you accommodating . . . you know it's wrong, though.
Hubs (who's not Jewish): Well, I don't want to do it if we'll end up going to hell.
Me: We don't believe in hell.
Hubs, smiling: No hell?
Me: Sheesh, nothing like taking hell off the table, huh?
So . . . just on the slight chance that my mom or son are reading this . . . I'm not saying that we DID cheat or anything . . .



Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics



One of my wall ovens wasn't working and not worth fixing. We finally got new ones installed. The top oven has a convection option which I've heard people rave about but I've never used. I'm uncomfortable because you have to adjust cooking times on all your recipes and until I have it worked out, I'm worried that whatever I'm cooking in the oven will either be ready way before or way after the veggies and sides I'm making in the microwave or on the stove.
First night:
Hubs: Dinner's good, did you use convection?
Me: No, I was afraid I'd screw up the timing.
Second night:
Hubs: Dinner's good, did you use convection?
Me: No, I was afraid I'd screw up the timing.
Third night:
Hubs: Dinner's good, did you use convection?
Me: No, I was afraid I'd screw up the timing.
Hubs: So let me get this straight. We got these great new ovens with this feature everyone loves and you're afraid of it.
Me: Yup, pretty much.

Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


College Boy likes to toast bread in the oven, not in the toaster oven. Don't ask me why, maybe to boost my electric bill.
With the old ovens, the temperature can be set in increments of 5 degrees. This oven can be set to any number.
The first day that we have the ovens, College Boy takes out a roll and sets the oven to 372 degrees. OK.
The second day he sets the oven to 403 degrees. OK.
The third day he sets the oven to 358 degrees.
Me: Are you on some kind of a mission to figure out the exact temperature for optimal roll toasting or something?
College Boy: No.
Me: Then why are you setting the oven to all of these obscure temperatures?
College Boy: Because I can.
Me: Ah, should have known.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


College Boy: I've been thinking about how uncomfortable you are with the convection oven and I think I know how to help you.
Me: Really? That's great.
College Boy: You know how you always said that the best way to get over a fear of something is to just keep doing it?
Me: Yes.
College Boy: Here's what you do. Get out your cake and cookie recipes and just make them all. One after another. Just start baking and don't stop until you're comfortable.
Me: That sounds like a lot of work. And a lot of food.
College Boy: Oh, and btw, did I tell you my friends and I are hanging out here in the basement tonight?


Now click on the links below for a peek into some other homes:



Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


 

PS: I have been selected as one of the 100 nominees in Dedicated2Life's Passionate People of 2015 awards. If you'd like to vote for me, you can do that HERE.

Frosted Mocha Cookie Bars
                                                                        ©www.BakingInATornado.com
 
 
Printable Recipe
 
Ingredients:
1 stick butter, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 TBSP unsweetened baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
 
2 cups powdered sugar
4 TBSP butter, softened
2 – 4 TBSP brewed coffee
 
2 TBSP softened butter
1/3 cup chocolate chips
 
Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9X13 baking dish.
*Cream the butter, margarine and sugars until smooth. Beat in the vanilla, chocolate syrup and eggs. Mix in the rest of the ingredients.
*Spread into prepared backing dish, making the corners and edges a little thicker than the center.
*Bake approximately 30 minutes or until the center is completely set and browned like the rest of the cookie. Allow to cool completely.
*Carefully at first, beat the powdered sugar with 4 TBSP butter. One TBSP at a time, add the brewed coffee just until the frosting is of spreading consistency. Spread over the cooled cookie bar and place in the fridge for 20 minutes.
*In a microwave safe bowl, melt the softened butter and the chocolate chips approximately 30 seconds. Stir until completely smooth. Spread over the frosting. Return cookie bars to the fridge until the top is set, then cut into bars.

36 comments:

  1. your guys are all too funny!!!! Of course he wants you to keep baking, there's a lot of hungry bellies in the basement, LOL... class for phones, I remember when I was a teen, we all went to a class on how to use microwaves...how times have changed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, if there were still classes for microwaves I'd send Hubs to that one too.

      Delete
  2. HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!
    My Hubby was the same way when he finally gave up his flip phone! It's a wonder we survived all the laughter!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. It's a pain in the butt for him but oh, so funny for me.

      Delete
  3. So Ms Butter did you bake up a storm for college boy and the frats? LOL
    Don't you just love the flashlight app? My ex did the same thing to me a few years ago..oy is right!
    I love my smart phone but it really should come with mandatory classes OR a 4 year old to show you how to use it.
    Spatulas On Parade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I love my smart phone too, but end up bugging PurDude whenever I need to learn to do something else. I think he'd just as soon see me return to the stone age.

      Delete
  4. How about you setting up Hubs phone and he try the convection oven? Win-win? You'll love it when you figure it out and get up the courage to try it

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    Replies
    1. Ummm, Hubs and the convection oven could be a recipe for complete disaster. He can barely use the microwave. But I did get up the courage to try the convection and I do love it.

      Delete
  5. I've had my convection oven for years and have never used it. How will I be able to interpret directions from the pizza box? LOL!
    You husband and his phone dilemmas sound just like me. Instead of co-workers, though, I just have teenagers. They like to solve the electronic issues, they just don't like telling me how they do it. I love the flashlight app! And the stud finder. I don't use them, but I love them ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My problem with the teenagers is that I tell them not to do what I want but to teach me how. But every time the roll their eyes, grab the phone, do what I wanted and walk away. See, it's totally their fault I know nothing.

      Delete
  6. That's so funny my husband also got a new phone this week...let's hope he doesn't find the flashlight app!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, let me know how he does with it. Hubs has actually progressed to texting me!

      Delete
  7. My Husby just learned how to TEXT!!!Look out, world!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What is it with men and flashlights? My hubs has that app too, and the light is BLINDING. But I have to admit, it comes in handy when you're trying to find something waaaaaay back in the closet. Your air horn comment is hilarious. If there IS such a thing, I will NEVER tell my hubs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If there is such a thing and Hubs finds it, I'm moving out!

      Delete
  9. *sings* I feel butter, so much butter...thank you doc for taking all the ouchies away........
    Oh, wait...you don't have a 5 year old that watches Doc McStuffins, do you?
    I LOVE my flashlight app, but I agree, that thing is so bright! The screen on my phone is bright too, so before I go to bed, I dim it.

    FYI, if he has an Android phone...there's several air horn apps.....
    And they're FREE!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG, hush your mouth. If he finds any of those free air horn apps I'm moving him out and getting a lawyer.

      Delete
  10. College Boy and I have a lot in common, although I would have specifically referred to Paula Deen in response to your better/butter typo.

    My husband was really excited about the flashlight app too. Weird.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HA, he has no idea who Paula Deen is or he probably would have!

      Delete
  11. Ok all in all this cracked me up, phones well both Tim and I like to upgrade ours regularly but neither of us are that good with them but we do like to take photos, apps we don't really get apps

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I think one of our kids are going to have to live with us forever or we'll end up unable to communicate.

      Delete
  12. It's been way to long since I've visited. Thank you, as always, for making me laugh! I once had that app and it was blinding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true. I've missed you. Heading over to visit you back! XO

      Delete
  13. I think it's one of those things that gets worse as you get older. My big sister used to be the one with her finger on the technology pulse, but last month I had to teach her how to use snap chat, it was both hilarious and frustrating at the same time.I think give me another four years and I'll be just as confused by the new technology as she is...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, really makes me feel so old. One minute I was in the middle of everything new and the next minute my kids are rolling their eyes at me as I stumble around.

      Delete
  14. I love your post, so funny. I love the one about your hubby getting a new phone and then not knowing how to answer it. I hope he has learned by now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he's figured it out. Although my phone updated and completely changed and I'm the one who couldn't answer it yesterday. Shhhh, don't tell him.

      Delete
  15. Oh Karen, what a fun post! Hubby just showed me some unpleasant work memo, and now, after reading your smart phone and oven stories, I feel so much butter ;-)))
    I think College Boy is right. Tackle those recipes, and have him take notes! Those choc/coffee bars look like an excellent start!
    PS: I might be wrong, but didn't you have 'issues' answering your phone a while back?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me? Cell phone issues? don't know what you're talking about . . .

      Delete
  16. I loved that funny typeo. Was it truly a typeo or was it your smartphone's autocorrect acting up? Btw, how do I participate in Fly on the Wall?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Although my smart phone does it's share of thwarting me, that was an actual typo.
      To join Fly on the Wall, you can either email PM or DM me with your email address and I'll send you the information. OR you can ask to join my Monthly Writing Challenges private FB page. There's info about all of the challenges in the files there, and you can ask questions there as well: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MonthlyWritingChallenges/

      Delete
  17. I never downloaded a flashlight app but now I think I should... and then show it to my wife.

    ReplyDelete
  18. So funny! Your son is a really smart guy. And probably gets fed really well. I can totally relate to your hubby and his technology ineptitude.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I laugh at him but I'm not too far above him on the technology scale!

      Delete

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