Walking by a book store and this title caught my attention. You know…this is something I never thought of before…

One item I decided to do without when I moved was a printer. I’m thinking it’ll be my little way of being green, plus I really need to cut down on so much copying only to spend time trashing it all when I get into one of my simplification moods (which happens quite frequently!)

I’ve only needed a printer one or two times since I’ve been here and my neighbor always comes to the rescue. Well guess what? She’s out of town and I’m in need of making a couple of copies. (One to print my free guest pass to hear Mariah Carey perform in the morning and two, to print my registration for a 60 mile bike ride on Saturday.)

So I take off to the library thinking that’s where I can make a copy. I brought all of my documents needed to get a library card, filled out the paperwork and within minutes I had a card and permission to use the computers. I go over and sit down at one of 20 PC’s (half aren’t being used) and try to log on using my new card. Nothing happened. Beside of me was a very nice little old man with no teeth and a Mick Jagger Tshirt on who saw me struggling and explained the process. Oh, so I learned I have to go to the one designated PC to request computer time. So I went through the process and signed up for a 10 minute session that won’t be available until 45 minutes later. (Remember I told you over half the computers where empty? Go figure.) So I strolled the library to pass time. Oh, and by the way…as I was strolling around the library I came across a machine that you need to feed money to for a credit card for when you do get your computer time. No instructions on how to use it, but I figured I would deal with that when I get my time. (I’m just glad I found this machine before I sat down at the computer.) It’s now my turn, I log on, insert my flash drive and of course nothing happens. I tried everything, including the nice man with no teeth, but no one can help me. Either no one knew what a flash drive was OR they had never made copies before. Hmm… 10 minutes go poof and I have no copies. Guess what? A little message comes up telling me since I’ve used the computer once today I can NOT use it again until tomorrow. ARGH!!

Where to next? Within the same block I came across a small mom and pop mailing center. I walked in and a really nice man working on the printers told me that the owner would use my flash drive and make my copies from his computer in the back. So I waited in line 20 minutes only to be told they don’t do that and he sends me to Broadway and 70th street to Kinkos. After searching for 10 minutes or so, I finally find it at 72nd and Broadway. Oh well, what’s a couple of streets.

I walked in and tried to chat with a young woman who speaks something that sounded like English, but I really couldn’t make out a word she said. So I ventured over to the computers in hopes to find some document posted explaining the process. OK, the only thing I could find was a sign that clearly stated to insert your credit card to begin the process. OK, did that and waited. Oh, by the way, not only are you charged by the copy, but you are also charged by the MINUTE as well for using their equipment. So of course the clock is ticking…and I’m seeing the meter running just as fast as they do in a yellow cab. Finally after several minutes my documents appear on the screen. Yippee! Now, where is the print function? I asked for help from a Kinko woman going by and I received more of an unknown language. As the meter continued to run I get more frustrated. After asserting my best New York attitude, I finally got some help. Who would have ever known that this tiny icon imbedded in the corner of this foreign looking screen was the print button? ARGH!! So three hours later and almost $10 I have my two copies. Ahh…life in the city.