UPGRADES DOWNGRADES

STORY TEN

UPGRADES DOWNGRADES OR,

MUDDLING THROUGH LIKE MOST FOLKS

Nineteen ninety-six was our year of the upgrade. To begin with our computer was over four years old. In computer jargon it was a “286”, very slow and real old. We had been thinking “new computer,” because upgrading our old one would have been very expensive and the whole architecture of the components would not really have been “in sync.” We started to subscribe to a number of computer magazines to educate ourselves a little more. Computer Shopper, PC Magazine, PC World and several others were our main subscriptions. When we first started to look seriously in early 1995 word was out that Windows 95 was going to be released soon together with the then 90 megahertz chip. We kept on waiting and reading. Soon thereafter word was out about the 100, 120, 133, 150 and later the 166 and 2OO megahertz chips, each having its own advantages at the time. In concert with the increasing power of the computers, Microsoft finally released the operating version of Windows 95. Meanwhile peripherals were steadily improving. 16 MB RAM was becoming standard, together with 2.1 Gigabytes of hard disk space, 4x CD ROM Drives went to 6x, then 8x, and now 12x. Modems increased to 28.8 and even higher transmission speeds, color printers were becoming affordable and rapidly advancing in technical capabilities. Monitors went from 14 to 17 inches and now are 20 and 21 inches or more and so forth.

After much looking we decided to try a Micron computer and ordered the machine with already built in standard equipment. We tried it for about three weeks, during which time we had to call the Technical Services department on numerous problems until finally they said they could not resolve the last problem we had when the computer just would not respond to any commands. Since the computer was less than thirty days old we shipped it back; return shipment was at our expense. The next computer we tried was from the Dell Corporation. It was one of the latest models, a 200 Mhz with all kinds of special equipment. It was advanced

and fast. When we bought it we were told that yes, it would run most programs. When we tried it, it bombed out. We spoke to their Technical Department and were told that this machine runs best in the 32 and 64 bit program format and unfortunately it will take the vendors two or more years to gear up for this type of a platform with their software. Well, that was not what we were hoping to hear; so, back went the Dell computer, again at our cost. Eventually we thought we would try a Gateway P5-166 XL model. We did so and almost had to send it back too due to technical difficulties. Gateway was very helpful. They tried to solve the problems with three replacement mother boards and two hard drive replacements and other adjustments; problems persisted, especially with the registry. Finally they agreed to just replace the entire computer unit that consisted of components built in to a ten bay tower. With some minor adjustments, the system is working well at this time.

The children are haying a great time using the computer. It works fine for the uses that I have for it, and Mom does her E-mail and Netscape Web browsing with it, reading among other things the Korean Herald, English language edition. She likes to read the comment section, and has contributed response opinions to certain articles submitted by readers. Speaking of E-mail, we have world-wide contact from many countries such as, England, South Africa, Germany, Austria, Japan, Canada and Israel to name just some of them. These days living without a computer is like not having a car. It is almost a necessity for home use and a must for business. Yes, one can certainly live without one, but it is a deprivation of sorts. As the Internet expands and other programs become more sophisticated and easily available through the use of a computer, people without one will find themselves more and more isolated from the mainstream and that is hardly desirable. Add a few more years to 1997, and the computer, or its likeness, will become a necessity rather than a luxury. The computer and its concept have already made major impacts on our lives. This is only the beginning though. By the time certain breakthroughs culminating in quantum jumps in technical advances are added over the coming years, our entire lifestyles will have been totally and completely revolutionized. In other words, we have not seen anything yet.

Speaking of lifestyles brings up the subject of “wheels.” Two years ago, the spouse had resumed her college pursuits. She had changed her major to one of mathematics, and was busily studying her college algebra and pre-calculus together with other appropriate subjects. We still had our Five year old Camry as the only family car. The demands on the car were getting out of hand. With the wife's college schedule, the children's school, preschool and extra-curricular activities, not to mention routine errands, shopping, doctor's appointments and time in the repair shop for car maintenance, it was evident we needed an additional vehicle. The wife started to seriously look at advertisements and visit car dealerships. After much looking she convinced herself that she definitely wanted a convertible; perhaps that at the time one of her closest friends was driving one may have had a subconscious influence on her, but be that as it may. Not only was it to be a convertible, but it had to have certain characteristics that “would match her image,” as she bluntly told me. She locked onto a fully loaded, leather upholstered, aluminum alloy wheeled, red colored Toyota Celica GT convertible. The only problem was that in the whole city of Grand Junction none was to be found. We tried a Toyota dealer in the neighboring city of Delta. He too did not have any in stock, but promised to check throughout the State to see if he could find one. Two weeks later he called back and confirmed be did indeed find just the car the wife had set her heart on. We made the arrangements and the Mrs. had her rather expensive Celica. She wasted little time and with the advice of one of the professors, entered into a slalom car race in Parachute, another near-by town. She really enjoyed herself and apparently raced quite well as a novice.

Well, now it was my turn. My choice was, do I keep the Camry for the next one hundred thousand miles, or do I trade it in for a different vehicle. I tried to think hard. My wife was thinking even harder for me. She told me since she had gotten a car, I too deserved another, especially with the mileage accumulated on our present car. I winced and we went looking. Once again I was restricted to a vehicle that had a power seat so that the wife would be able to drive it as well. We returned to our local Toyota dealer to see what was available and most importantly, what kind of a trade-in we could obtain for our Camry. When we viewed what was in the dealer's showroom, we were instantly taken by a white, Limited Edition, Toyota “4 Runner” that had just been recently been restyled and re-engineered. It had passenger seat comfort, super decor, but still felt a little like driving a truck, which is what I liked; it even had sixteen inch wheels. To be brief, we settled for it, even though the price was outrageous, but we were told that these vehicles are in limited production and their demand was heavy due to their popularity and good ratings. I did my best to dicker with the manager on the price and with my trade-in and a little discount managed to shave off ten thousand dollars on the “sticker” price as a repeat Toyota customer. So far, I am very pleased with the performance of the vehicle, and of course the children are very happy with it since they have excellent seating and a good view when driving.

Shortly after we had moved into our new home in May of 1991, the local College plus a private educational institute put out a help wanted alert for homes that would be interested in having students stay with them. Housing and apartments were getting scarce in the city. We had some spare room and decided it would be great for the children to be exposed to a multi-cultured environment. We received word from the Institute that a Japanese student teacher would be arriving soon, and that we were selected for her host parents. We went to meet her at the appointed hour and day. Her name was Tomoko. She was a lovely young lady from Kyoto, Japan. Her manners were near impeccable, and she had a very pleasant personality as well. The children immediately took to her. Since she too had a younger sister, this was no problem for her. Besides, she was scheduled to teach Japanese culture at Scenic Elementary School, which was in our area. Tomoko stayed with us over a year. Her parents eyen visited her and stayed with us for a brief period. They also were very charming and sophisticated. Four years later, her younger sister visited with us for a week while traveling in the States. She too was a charmer. Just yesterday evening we received another long distance telephone call from Tomoko, indicating she was planning a return visit, and could she stay with us while here; of course we were delighted. So was her boyfriend whom she met while teaching here. He is also Japanese, but from Tokyo and is attending Mesa State College. I remember one time while they were on summer vacation and had rented a car to tour some of the neighboring States. We received a call from a Utah Highway Patrol officer that indicated they had a severe car accident. Seemed when they were on their way home to Grand Junction, the car tipped over while negotiating a curve on the highway. They were apparently traveling at the speed limit which was seventy-five miles per hour at the time. Tomoko was asleep in the car, while her friend was driving in the early morning hours. The car was totaled and nearly flat as a pancake. They managed to crawl out through the smashed windows while the car was upside-down. No one believed that anyone could have survived the accident after seeing the car. Yet these two friends not only survived, but hardly had a scratch on their body; somebody up above was looking out for them for sure.

Other foreign students were assigned us as their foster parents while attending school. Makiko came from Osaka. She was a real “Amazon.” At least six foot high and looking very formidable she made quite an impression. She was very friendly and well liked by the children. There were many others, some staying for shorter orientation programs, while others stayed for the entire semester. Names like Tomomi, Haruko, Mika and Chiharu were soon common in our house. Then one semester we hosted a young lady from Thailand. Her nickname was Lily. She taught the Mrs. how to prepare some Thai dishes and make a spicy Thai soup. Her visit with us was followed by other Thai students. They were Orawan and Pareena. Both were very pleasant although Orawan came from a fairly rich Thai family and had difficulty becoming used to doing things for herself after having been waited on hand and foot by a flock of servants. Pareena was beautiful and had a large choice of boyfriends. She used the telephone mercilessly. One time we arranged for a Thai party. All the Thais who were students, or lived in the city attended. It was a very lively and happy party as it is a natural and cultural Thai custom to have a good time. We also were a temporary home to a number of mid-level Japanese and Korean executives who were periodically brought to the Institute for a special business course. They worked for companies such as the Korean Samsung Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited, the Fukuoka Power Company and the

Tokyo Gas Company. All the executives or associates working for the corporations that the Institute assigned us came as single visitors with one exception. The school needed to place an entire family with a host home for six weeks. They thought of us because we had some extra room at the time. The family was very lovely. The father was a typical, modern, college educated business executive. The mother too, was college educated and was absolutely delightful. The children an older sister and her younger brother were well behaved and acted just as one would expect children to be. There was of course the “culture shock.” Men do not generally help in the kitchen, so washing dishes once a week was a new experience. Mom quickly learned that wives can express their opinion very freely in this country and have a lot to say about everything that goes on in the family and sometimes outside of the family. They can take their car and go where they please and more or less when they please. They can shop for whatever is needed without their husband's express approval. Little things like carrying the grocery which men do if they are with their wives, was a surprise. The lady indicated back home women are expected to do these things. As for the children, the little boy was stunned when his sister was served first, as was the husband when his wife was served first, since children and ladies first is common to us. Apparently we learned that in many Japanese families a boy is raised to be the Man of the household and is rarely rebuked or spanked for whatever he does unless it is very naughty or dangerous. The family started to enjoy their stay. They rented their own car and spent week-ends exploring the surrounding countryside and neighboring States. I really believe they got an overall fairly good impression while here.

Upon their departure, our regular student whose nickname is “Q”, returned from visiting his native country, Korea. A young man, he had gone through an intensive English study program, and when he graduated, transferred to Mesa State College as a regular student. He is spending his second year with us as his host family. The children are so used to him, that they call him “Uncle Q.” He is a whiz in the kitchen and a natural culinary expert in that he is able to come up with a very good meal using whatever he can find around the pantry and in the refrigerator. To that extent the wife is very glad to have him in the home. He is also clean, helps with chores when not studying at the college library, and if needed even is kind enough to watch the children. He had bought a used car some time back so transportation for him is no problem. I think he is fond of our family and is concerned when someone is not feeling well or a family problem arises. This Spring semester a Korean buddy of his, who is also attending the same school has asked us if he too can stay with us for a while and we agreed. So now we have two Korean young men joining our family, even if only on a temporary basis. This does present the wife a continuing opportunity to practice her native language which is appreciated. Not everyone visiting us is from a foreign country, although it is beginning to look like that. Perhaps that is why some of our neighbors refer to us as, “The International

House.” This summer my oldest son and his daughter drove out for a week's visit with us. It was the first time back here for him in ten years. We had a very nice time together and his daughter, or I should really say my granddaughter, hit it of every well with our son, since both are bright students. When they returned home to the East Coast my son told me that she said that was one of her best vacations.

It would be less than honest to say that we, as a family, do not have any downsides. We certainly do. A lot of it has to do with the children and their upbringing. A lot has to do with the little things in life that frustrate people and make them more easily upset; who said what to whom and why for example. Simple misunderstandings or even body language can easily be blown out of proportion. A voice inflection, or change of tone can bring on anxiety or be easily misinterpreted. Usual explanatories such as, “I did not mean this by that,” or equivalents just seem to make matters worse. External influences can be just as devastating. An error in bookkeeping, a missed dental or medical appointment, a scheduled date for an event that was overlooked, and dozens of similar circumstances can instantly change the mood and setting for the people involved; but on the whole these are still minor obstacles. Let us take a look at some more major downgrades.

The death of a loved one is always difficult to deal with, especially that of a parent. So it was that the unexpected happened due to a freak medical accident. Daughter went overseas within the next day to be part of the mournful and painful process. Upon her return some three weeks later, she was naturally still depressed and distraught. Slowly over the next three months she worked her way out of the desperate and helpless feeling. Since she had missed almost a month of the semester that included some stiff courses such as Calculus and Physics, she had to withdraw from completing the semester. Having had a chance to remain at home for some months, gave her time to spend with the children and reflect on what she wanted to do, and when the timing was appropriate for her to do it. I think she just came to the realization that she wants to stay home for the next few years to raise the children and work with her family prior to possibly resuming her college objectives. The sudden tragedy thus unexpectedly caused her to change her short range and possibly her long range plans. That is the way it is with people and their plans. They may have the best laid plans and do their best to achieve them. Usually however, some major event occurs at a most inappropriate time that completely changes or revamps these plans. The result is that life continues, but often in a revised and entirely different direction. The hand of God is everywhere, one just has to look around.

There is always more that can be said, but enough is enough. Suffice it to say that people are human and mistakes will be made. The severity of the errors that occur and the receptiveness with which people closely associated with each other, tolerate and adjust to these, ultimately determines the actions and reactions that are selected by them. The axiom, “That the course of true love never runs smooth,” is a given. That there may be periodic stormy days is understood. Marital volcanic eruptions and entanglements of tornado proportions usually are not rectifiable, for the underlying causes are too severe to overcome; the few exceptions that are able to work their way out of the morass, prove the rule. Marital bliss can be had, but only if all parties work together and only if it is constantly attended to and repaired as soon as threatened or damaged. There have been times when I think I have faced all or most of the above and have managed with luck, blunder, great patience, and an invisible hand from above to overcome the difficult circumstances. While no one knows for certain what the future will bring, we can work hard to avoid self-made pitfalls since most of what happens is in large part due to our own making.

This, then concludes Part III of my “Stories” and brings you fairly up to date. I hope dear reader, that you have in some small measure enjoyed consuming these events and that you may have been left with an uplifting spirit about life in general, despite our human frailties.