I really like my iPad. I guess I have always had a geeky side. There is just one serious problem. My iPad has a recurring glitch that Apple refuses to talk about, and I have been unable to find it being discussed in any online forums, computer magazines or among other iPad users.
The software issue only occurs when my iPad switches to "FaceTime" or when the light strikes the reflective retina display screen just right. I know when this annoying glitch occurs because it is downright frightening.
I still vividly recall the first time it happened. I was peering closely at my iPad, when a not very bright-looking guy was suddenly looking back at me. He reminded me of my father, but older. There were lots of wrinkles, some sag working, no hair
and he kept mimicking my facial expressions. For a split second, I thought the man I was looking at was the senior mortician on the Crypt Keeper website.
and he kept mimicking my facial expressions. For a split second, I thought the man I was looking at was the senior mortician on the Crypt Keeper website.
After staring at him for a moment longer, I came to the realization that I was actually looking at myself. I recall laughing out loud and thinking, boy, I am getting Ocean, Lincoln, David (OLD). My next thought was to rush to the Apple Store at North County Fair and yell out in desperation to their staff (who all look like they are in high school), "This is an emergency! Please, someone fix my iPad, I don't want to ever see that face again!"
What's even funnier is that I don't feel the way I look. I feel young and healthy and still believe I could work a graveyard shift in a patrol car in any city in this country. I can see myself running down criminals, protecting the young and old while still going to choir practice in the morning and celebrating another successfully completed shift.
The reality is I am a dreamer. I would likely be a hazard to both the public and my fellow officers. Street police work is generally for young people with both the technical skills and the reaction speed to confront critical situations. The question I ask myself is how does a person stay young on the inside while your exterior is quickly beginning to look like a band member of the Rolling Stones, without hair?
I think it helps if you have ever experienced a near-death event, worked with people who are at the bottom of the economic ladder or cared for a terminally ill or badly- disabled family member. Those types of experiences make you feel more blessed and prevent you from staring into a mirror wallowing in self pity as you whine like a baby, "I'm getting so old."
By experiencing those events, I feel as if my sunglasses and yes, my increasingly powerful Costco reading glasses, both have a 
special tint, that reminds me I beat the odds. Each blessed day I can rub our children's heads or give them each a big hug are serious gifts from above. Ones never to be wasted. I am surprised how many people both young and old lose that tint or never had it.
special tint, that reminds me I beat the odds. Each blessed day I can rub our children's heads or give them each a big hug are serious gifts from above. Ones never to be wasted. I am surprised how many people both young and old lose that tint or never had it. |
John Napier
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I can think of so many people who have that special tint in their glasses. A few local people that come to mind are San Diego Soccer Club Coach John Napier, Nicki Starr, Patti Bossone and my father in law, Jimmy Mok. Every single day they all have a smile, a laugh and a kind word to share with complete strangers. They know they are getting older on the outside, but inside they are as shiny and new as a freshly- minted copper penny.
I hope I can always be more like them. In fact, I am committed to it. I recall Oprah Winfrey saying in an interview that she was going to keep working at everything she can do to help other people and stay positive. She then said something like, "I want the Lord to use me up until there is nothing left." That is the type of person I want to be. Sta
y "new" on the inside. So, if someone could just throw me a guitar, it is time to get the band back together.
y "new" on the inside. So, if someone could just throw me a guitar, it is time to get the band back together.
As a side note to this story, my father in law, Jimmy Mok, "The Mayor of 4S Ranch" turns 78 years old this week. Be sure to yell out "Happy Birthday, Jimmy!" when you see him. It's good to embarrass him.
Jimmy will be providing a brief lecture and video presentation on "How to keep smiling" while he taps the keg at Karl Strauss Brewing Company in 4S Ranch at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday. We would love to see you all there. The second part of Jimmy's highly-acclaimed motivational series will be presented later in the evening at the 4S Ranch/Del Sur Community Foundation Celebration at the Shay Realtors Community Hub.
Ray and Theresa Shay
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