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This is just a short-ish post to let you all know what I’ve been up to during the past few weeks.
On Christmas Eve evening I decided that it would be the ideal time to update my contact details on WordPress. I have no idea why I should have attempted such a foolish thing at such an unsuitable time, but there is no accounting for all the rather idiotic things I have done recently. Inevitably, I got into difficulties, found that I had locked myself out of my own blog, tried to wing my way through and by that means I sank even further into the morass. I then attempted to ask for help and, of course, as it was Christmas Eve and most people were busy doing other things the only response I got at first was from the dreaded AI. It told me I needed help from a human but as I didn’t have a paid account I was not entitled to have a human helper. I begged to differ and said that I did have a paid account. AI was adamant that I didn’t, which made me angry. Unfortunately one can’t have a good argument with AI so I gave up in disgust.
When I next looked at WordPress a week or two later I discovered that some kind soul had sent me a message with some good advice and not only that, but a ‘Happiness Engineer’ – an-other real person – had sent me a message offering to save me from drowning in the slough of despond. They had obviously read my messages to AI and must have had a bit of a laugh (but they never let me know). Unfortunately, as the process looked a little daunting and as I was just about to have laser eye surgery and was feeling a little apprehensive, I left it for yet more weeks.
A week ago I felt ready to face the problem and got in touch with the Happiness Engineers who were wonderful and guided me through the whole process and gave words of comfort which helped me to feel a little better about myself. I replied to a couple of comments made by friends and then, wait for it ….. clicked a WordPress bookmark I had forgotten to erase at the top of my laptop screen and fouled it all up again! Last night I erased the bookmark, just in case, and went through the whole process again. Success! I then found that by changing my email address I had unfriended all the blogs I follow which is why many of you may have noticed that I am now following you again. I haven’t managed to find all of you and some blogs don’t appear to have obvious buttons to click to subscribe or follow via email. If any of you find that I have disappeared off your radar please do get in touch if you wish to be encumbered by me, as I would like to continue as before.
It is said that confession is good for the soul and I do feel a great sense of relief that I am now back with WordPress and have told you all how stupid I have been. I can go forward into Lent with a clear conscience.
Best wishes to you all!
A Suffolk Lane 
You dear soul, Clare! What a horrible series of events… I am glad the happiness engineer team (as well as a fellow blogger!) was/were able to offer some help. I attempt never to update anything because I am anxious that some weird and complicated circumstance will unfold and mess everything up. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Glad you are back in the WordPress saddle again. PS: I hope your eye surgery went well!
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Thank you so much Will! I have been putting this change off for years and years because I suspected that there would be trouble – and I was right. However, there are so many wonderful people in this community who are so willing to help others and share their expertise that whether one has a free or a paid account, there will be someone who will help. If I can get through it then any one can and still retain some sanity! The eye surgery was fine but I won’t know how successful it was until I have my next scan in (probably) April. Thank you for asking 🙂 ❤
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Please keep us all in the loop regarding healing/success of surgery…
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Yikes! That sounds like a monumental pain in the arse. Glad you’ve got it sorted. I think I’m still following you, so that’s grand!
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It was all very difficult but all of my own making! I am extremely stupid when it comes to anything at all technical, in fact anything that needs switching on.
Thank you, Mary 🙂
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Oh my goodness, Clare. What a time you’ve been through. I’m so glad it was finally sorted out. I hope all went well with your eye surgery. It’s great to see you. 👋😊
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Thank you, Paula. This whole situation has been troubling me for weeks and I have only myself to blame. What a relief it is all over at last!
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Nothing is more surprising in modern life than to find a real person who can help you. That must have been a wonderful experience, even if they do have to be called happiness engineers.
I see that you joined the list of my subscribers 20 hours ago, so welcome back.
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Ah yes; happiness engineers. I do not think I could ever work anywhere where I would have to call myself that. I think it would make me dour and prone to snideness! Fortunately, I don’t have to and the people who helped me were very pleasant indeed and made me feel much better.
Thank you, Tom.
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I can utterly identify: Im a great one for undertaking odd tasks at appropriate times (usually when I’m very tired) and ending up in a huge mess. Hooray for the real people that helped you out and double hooray for being back in the blogosphere. As for arguing with AI, I know its pointless but just sometimes they need to be reminded to watch their tone,😊
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Haha! Yes, exactly! It was one of those many occasions when I was over-tired and didn’t think the task through thoroughly enough. I imagined being able to have the time to read blogs and write something interesting during those imaginary halcyon days in between Christmas and New Year and everything being easier with all the changes sorted out. Fool that I am!
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Thank you for this update. It sounds awful, and I hope things run smoothly for you from now on. And I did wonder why I had an email telling me you had followed my blog!
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Those imaginary halcyon days between Christmas and New Year’s – Clare, there are no flies on you! 😀 What a lot of trouble, but for those dear Happiness Engineers, even though they do sound Orwellian. What a strange world it’s become!
I hope all will be well with your eyes. xo
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Clare, I was delighted to read your story today, and glad to hear that the Happiness Engineers helped out! I have closed my blog now, rather sadly, but having a blog is SO time consuming…. and now I have a baby grandson!
However I do still subscribe to all the blogs I followed and I enjoy reading all about the fellow bloggers, they all seem like familiar friends!
Best wishes Clare to you and your familly.
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Oh Clare, you sound like me and the smart boards at school. I have now retired 😂 Do happiness engineers work outside the IT world? Could use them in a myriad of situations!!!
Hope you had a pancake to celebrate your success ❤️
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A fearsome tale indeed!
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