A guru’s work is never done

Like most people (I think!?), I give my parents a hard time about their lack of knowledge in the technology department.

But I always oftentimes try to patiently assist them when they have questions about how to do things on their computers or need help their iPods.

Don’t get me wrong, they do better than a lot of people their age. I mean, they do have iPods. They’re into social networking. They’re up on the Internet lingo – even if they don’t always understand it (tonight my dad asked me, “What does ‘WTF’ stand for?”).

My dad pretty much has a handle on working the TV, DVR and the DVD player. (Mom? Not so much.) My mom does blog on her own, even if she needs some help putting photos and videos in her posts.

But with me living at home right now, I’ve become, like, their live-in IT guru.

“Jane?” I’ll hear from the library, usually at night when I’m on the couch watching television or working on my laptop.

Sometimes I just get up right away and go see what they need help with. Other times, I hope I can just instruct from my comfortable seated position in the other room.

The questions range from “Why can’t I get [insert Firefox, Microsoft Word, an email attachment] to open?” to “What’s my password for my Blog Talk Radio account?” (Audrey has a show every Friday) to “What’s wrong with the printer?” to “One of my Facebook friends wants me to click on this link that says, ‘U gota see this funny vid i posted of u’ – is it safe?” (NO!)

But it’s not just my parents who need my expertise sometimes. Tonight, Audrey was over with her 4 little guys, and William was playing a Webkinz game on my mom’s laptop.

During one of his games, I heard him start to panic from the other room: “Oh no! If my guy can’t blow bubbles, I’m gonna lose!”

I had no idea about the game he was playing, but I just had a feeling that I was going to be called on for assistance. Hanging around the house enough, he’s aware of my rep.

I was right.

“Janie! Help, my guy’s gonna lose!” he screamed.

I got up from the couch (he needed help beyond me calling out instructions from the other room) and walked over to the table where he was playing.

I swept right in, and with a couple of clicks, his guy was back to blowing bubbles – and most importantly, he didn’t lose.

And the incident solidified my role as the multi-generational family IT guru.

It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Technological balance in the home is at stake. 😉

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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7 Comments

  1. 3.30.09

    Fortunately in my house, my husband has that role. My mom drives him NUTS and I get to sit back and be entertained by it all. 😉

  2. 3.30.09

    I remember this exactly last night! LOL!! So funny!
    xo
    Audrey
    ps – You’re non-guru IT sister.

  3. 3.30.09

    Hey, Janie… at least I don’t need your assistance to leave a comment, like right now!! But otherwise, I love you dearly for your incredible skills and… patience (?)!!!!
    Love, Mom

  4. 3.30.09
    Ashley said:

    so funny. I don’t know how I missed it, but I DID miss your “personal” post a few posts ago… so I just went back and read it. I just wanted to tell you Jane, that you are so strong and I hurt for you during this time. I will be praying for you both! xoxo

  5. 3.30.09
    Chrissy said:

    How funny. They must be happy to have you around to help at a moment’s notice. 😉 It’s cute you have to help both generations.

  6. 3.31.09
    Dad said:

    Well Jet! A wise man once told me, “it doesn’t matter so much if you know how to do it yourself, what matters most is, if you know how to get it done.” That being said…with you as my official
    “IT GIRL” I know how to get it done. And by the way, you never told me what WTF means.

  7. 3.31.09
    Heather said:

    In our house, I turn to my husband for all of the “fixes” but he usually has to ask me for internet “how-to” help! Glad to hear you have job security in the family through all generations 🙂

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