I Am MPS3 Stupid

Not to give my age away, but I am 45 years old. (was that too much of a hint?) My college computer days, if you can do the technology math, began with key punch cards that somehow created a program that we had to successfully run in order to get a passing grade. Do not ask me how I passed that class but I did go on to take other Computer classes involving writing programs for Finance. Unfortunately, to this day, I have no idea what we were doing in those classes.

Fast forward to the first home computer days. Yes, I am one of those people that spent hours looking for the "Any" key and I almost had a nervous breakdown when trying to get the Microsoft Tiled view perfectly divided into fourths on my desk top. I had a panic attack and had to call a friend who laughingly but lovingly pointed out the Tool Bar and the "Tile" Configuration option. Yes, I thought I had broken the computer.

I was a late entry into the Internet and the whole email stuff but caught up quite nicely. However, I did hold on to dial-up way too long. the year was 2007. Do not laugh, I had my reasons. I was trying to wait out my brother-in-law who was living in our basement at the time. I was convinced that if I got high-speed, he would never leave. I am glad to report that he no longer lives with us. The good news is I got high-speed in 2007. The bad news is that it took until 2009 for him to move out. So, I was somewhat correct in my assumption.

I am proud and embarrassed to admit that I did buy a laptop in 1999. It weighed in at almost 17 pounds. Wait, that is not the bad part, it was a mere steal at $2800. I was so proud to carry my boat anchor around. It was a good thing they made the computer "suitcase" so sturdy because I had to drag the bag around, literally.

Now, about that MP3 Player. I know somewhere in there, the MP3 player became the replacement for the CD player. I could not date it for you but I am sure the common computer savvy person could provide the exact date. Me? I purchased my first MP3 player on September 7th, 2009. I hear giggling.......

I stood in the middle of a very common Electronics store, should we say Pest Guy and when the nice young man of probably 17 asked, "Can I help you ma'am?"

I replied, "Listen, I confess, I am MP3 stupid. Can I explain how I think I am suppose to do this downloading music thingy and you let me know if I am close...... without laughing at me?"

He was very kind and supportive and I left the store with one thought in my mind, "This can not be that hard."

I did buy a simple MP3 player, the Sansa Fuze and it, in and of itself, is easy to operate. The downloading on the other hand has been an experience.

Where do I begin?

Download the Sansa Fuze program on your computer. Oh gosh, how do I answer those pesky prompt question. Oh, no, got an error message, must start over and try the only other option. Does that mean I have two copies on my hard drive of this program?

Now, where do I go for the music? Wasn't there something about sharing music for free and people getting arrested? I do not look good in stripes. Oh, future note to self, Never google "Download Music". Fall back plan, go to the Pest Guy site where I can get free music for the first 30 days. Do not even get me started on the difference in "My Play List" , "My Search List" ,"My Viewed List". Oh my gosh, I think I just bought the entire Bare Naked Ladies (Coutry Bluegrass MUSAK rendition). Might I add, I can not figure out how to make the the Sound move from mute to audible on my computer. I have to guess if I have the right song. Did you know that 30 Day "free" offer means the songs self destruct after about 2 playings. It is kind of a "test drive" thing.

Yes, I continue to stumble my way through this MP3 Player download thingy. I might just wait until my 1 year old gets to about 4 and then she can download the music for me. I have successfully downloaded and listened to about 4 hours of music. I was able to fumble my way back and purchase the songs I wanted. I would not be surprised if my charge card reflects I bought 10,000 songs. Hope my limit is that high and doesn't everyone like Country Bluegrass MUSAK renditions?