February 5th, 2010
by Nicki Gauthier
Make Your MESS Your MESSage
Mess #1: I was hard at work, when all of sudden I got the blue screen of death on my laptop. I quickly started researching and troubleshooting for answers or instructions to get rid of the blue screen of death. I was on my way to fixing my laptop with the shiny instructions that I had found all by myself (I was so proud at the time) and then… (See mess #2)
Apple iBook blue screen of death
Mess #2: Like I said above, I was on my way to fixing my laptop but first I needed my laptop power adapter. As I grabbed it, I noticed that the cord was split and black. One hour later and a couple phone calls from “the friend” that used it last, I had come to found out that apparently “this friend” was using it the night before and the power cord caught on fire! How could this be? Now I was stuck with a dead laptop and a dead power cord.
Laptop power adapter caught on Fire
Mess #3: To top it all off, the next day I dropped my iPhone face down. PERIOD.
Cracked iPhone screen
The Message: Yes, Mess #1, Mess #2, and Mess #3 were NOT fun, however, I did learn valuable lessons from this experience. Check out my tips below:
- Remember to breathe
- Remain calm - don’t freak out!
- Think Positively
- Most importantly, Focus on the Solution rather than problem
I do admit, that Mess #1, Mess #2, and Mess #3 happened a couple of months ago so it is a lot easier to share my experience with you now. AND I do have good news: the Apple store fixed my laptop, replaced my power adapter and I eventually replaced my iPhone. It took a couple of tantrums and I lost a good amount of hair BUT I did learn my lesson and now I can make my MESS, my MESSage.
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uberVU - social comments
(February 5th, 2010 at 11:07 pm)
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Pamela Sherman
(February 6th, 2010 at 12:15 pm)
Nicki —
Good thing you have a lotta hair Nicki! (I think I’d be close to bald). What a horrible “3-Combo Mess!”!
So glad it all resolved and you lived to write about it!
As for the message… I’ll take this as a heeded warning, since I’m sorta rough on my laptops (using them more like a utility vehicles). I’ll give a little more TLC to my Mac and keep an eye-out to try and prevent any “cord fires” or “blue screen” scariness! Uh-uh; none for me and my baby (”knock on my faux-stainless steel keyboard”)
Thanks for sharing. I think everyone has a scary tech story. (I sadly had an old computer crash and lost about 50% of priceless photos and files, and had a freak scenario with my ext. hard drive backup too! –The whole experience is what prompted me to get a Mac and now I do double back ups!)
Calla Gold
(February 7th, 2010 at 10:24 am)
I loved that you posted the pictures of your 3 messes. It made it all so real.
Thanks,
Calla
Nicki Gauthier
(February 9th, 2010 at 2:57 pm)
Pam, you are so right - backing up your data is key! Matter of fact, excuse me as I go “back it up”
Calla. I am happy you enjoyed my pictures - I will continue to post more “live” shots!
Happy Day, Nicki