Brainpower Bandwidth Blues. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

Brainpower Bandwidth Blues. . .

 

Do we have enough brainpower? I wonder if there is sufficient bandwidth too.  If not, are the blues inevitable?   And is any of this connected?

 

I don’t have the answers to these questions. Or countless others. However, I think many factors may be involved.   Meanwhile, I ponder. . .

 

When technological challenges become apparent, I admittedly feel a bit lost. And that happened this past week. 

 

Some background: my cell phone usage has continued to change since first obtaining one many years ago. Something went amiss recently. Device-wise.

 

I was frustrated.  But I knew the malfunction was solvable.  Not immediately but eventually. 

 

The solution was simple. It might be laughable now if it weren’t so agonizing in that moment.  Lesson learned?  I’d like to think so. However, life seems to regularly offer all sorts of teachable times. While similar, they seem to arrive with a twist. They are different enough to appear new.  At least new-to-me.

 

The following quote seems to fit as I continue to reflect:

 

Everything we do,

every thought we’ve ever had,

is produced by the human brain. 

But exactly how it operates remains one of

the biggest unsolved mysteries,

and it seems the more we probe its secrets,

the more surprises we find. 

Neil deGrasse Tyson

 

Here's to uncovering such surprises. On Sunday. Or whenever they occur.

 

 

The image in this post is from www.canstockphoto.com.

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments (28)

Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, what was going on with your cell phone?    Before I left on this trip, I tried getting my music to work from my phone, but the music player is different and never got it fixed.

Jan 22, 2023 05:55 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - not only is playing music on my cell phone above my skill level, but it's also not a part of something I want.  

Jan 22, 2023 06:38 AM
Joan Cox

Michael Jacobs I really wanted it to work, so during those spots on the road where there was no radio service.

Jan 22, 2023 06:46 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I guess, "ignorance is not bliss!"

Many years ago, I had an issue with my gas paint sprayer.  I worked on it for a couple hours trying to get it started and trying every fix that I could think of.  I finally called my expert mechanic.  He very softly said, "Ray, please do not get mad when I say this, but could you please check the on/off switch."  I can't tell you what my response was, but let's just say, it was not appropriate for prime time TV.  I did check the switch, though.  Sometimes, the easiest solutions are overlooked.  I did take my mechanic to lunch as an appropriate mea culpa.

Jan 22, 2023 06:27 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ray Henson - I have experienced such moments like that.  In many situations.  I can relate.  🙃

Jan 22, 2023 06:40 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Here is my rule of thumb when I get an issue with technology of any kind...call (or hand the object) to my 21 year old son. Yes, his five second fix will make you feel stupid, but it will be fixed. 

Jan 22, 2023 07:09 AM
Michael Jacobs

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty - even if I had his number, I couldn't call/text him at that moment.  Would he respond via email?  😃

Jan 22, 2023 07:16 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Michael,

Ahhh the quote and your predicament is all so common and relatable. I like Leanne Smith's comment about as we age our brain "files" are full and sometimes takes longer to access! The smart phones have SO MANY functions and I don't pretend to understand all it can do but I have learned (from my son) just reboot mom, it will probably correct your issue. I have to admit 99% of the time that is excellent advice, especially after an update.

Jan 22, 2023 07:12 AM
Michael Jacobs

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - sometimes it's the simplest solutions that work out best.  And that's a lesson learned over time.  Sometimes a long time.  Over and over.  And then again.  

Jan 22, 2023 07:19 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Michael.. what I've learned after many years of working with all this new technology we need in our professional and personal lives is that at some point you develop an instinct on how to do or fix something with being able to articulate how you knew to do that. The brain is definitely an amazing thing!

Jan 22, 2023 07:29 AM
Michael Jacobs

Nina Hollander, Broker - instincts come into play, that's for sure.  Other "I" words too.  And it's finding the right ones at the right time that can make a difference.  

Jan 22, 2023 07:54 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Oh how I can relate. I seem to be falling further and further behind as technology overwhelms me.

When technological challenges become apparent, I admittedly feel a bit lost.

Jan 22, 2023 08:14 AM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - I am a longtime member of that club.  

Jan 22, 2023 08:55 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Top of the morning Michael Jacobs .  I sincerely believe 'tech' is here to frustrate us no end.  Does not matter what patience we try, it tends to win out in the end.  To do without the tech is even worse so in the middle most of us remain with no satisfactory oars.  Enjoy your Sunday.  Mark

Jan 22, 2023 09:15 AM
Michael Jacobs

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho - if frustration is the goal of technology - I say "Mission Accomplished" might be heard directed towards me.  Loud and clear.  

Jan 23, 2023 05:59 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael and love the quote and always your blogs you share with us in the Rain.  Make it a great Sunday!

 

Jan 22, 2023 10:34 AM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - thank you for the comment.  I appreciate it.  

Jan 23, 2023 06:00 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I like your quote selection. My old brain is definitely challenged by some of the technology. 

Jan 22, 2023 11:03 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - I am a longtime member of that club.  

Jan 23, 2023 06:01 PM
Ed Silva
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I may still have the bandwidth but for some reason the wiring seems to get shorted at times.

Jan 22, 2023 01:38 PM
Michael Jacobs

Ed Silva - I can definitely relate to the wiring issue you referenced in your comment.  

Jan 22, 2023 03:34 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Michael, 

I have a confession.  Any issue I have with tech I ask HELP from my husband.  This allows me to use the phone for what it was originally intended for…Talking!  Hah 

Jan 22, 2023 08:32 PM
Michael Jacobs

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® - like you, many are fortunate enough to have in-house, technical assistance.   I remember the days when a phone meant a conversation and anything beyond that seemed like science fiction.  

Jan 23, 2023 05:36 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, there are days you just want to hang a sign --- my brain cells are FULL.   

Jan 23, 2023 06:48 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - I can understand how that sentiment might be expressed.  Although I also know of some, beyond Dickens characters, who long for "more, please".  

Jan 23, 2023 07:35 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael just to be clear Diane & I disagree on technology, she thinks it is the downfall of humanity.... I love it when it works, hence I have a phone with a different provider than my Internet.... keeps things on what I call a balance when one is on the fritz the other seems to work...seldom are both down at the same time, Endre

Jan 23, 2023 10:19 PM
Michael Jacobs

Endre Barath, Jr. - I think "balance" can serve us well.   Technology-wise and in all matters of everyday life.   

Jan 24, 2023 02:56 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Thank you for sharing those three  Bs with us. I seem to run into them every day Michael…

Jan 25, 2023 11:19 AM
Michael Jacobs

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - all three seem to be frequent visitors to me as well.  

Jan 25, 2023 02:45 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

So inquiring minds want to know did the drama get resolved?Endre

Jan 26, 2023 10:20 PM
Michael Jacobs

Endre Barath, Jr. - that particular phone issue was resolved but additional drama is a possibility.  Maybe that is always true.  

Jan 27, 2023 04:20 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Michael.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Jan 27, 2023 10:05 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - I wish the same for you as well.  

Jan 27, 2023 11:09 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Michael, I must admit I am not very techy although many of my colleagues think I am.  For me it's all about having a connection with someone else who is.  My brain seems to lean more in the creative field, but I've learned to tap into others who are more tech oriented who can help me out when needed.

Jan 28, 2023 05:27 AM
Michael Jacobs

Barbara Michaluk - I also remember some who believed I possessed some technical knowledge.  It was another indication that computer clumsiness is far more common.  

Jan 28, 2023 06:24 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Michael Jacobs - interesting post! I am challenged practically daily! And it seems as if technology is challenging me more frequently. Yet to keep in check, I remind myelf it is my brain that orchestrates my actions and when I ignore those subtle thoughts or ideas that pop into my head, drama seems to follow. I do believe unraveling the mysteries of the human brain are more complicated than unraveling the issues we experience with technology. 

Jan 28, 2023 07:25 AM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - I agree.  

Jan 28, 2023 07:30 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The right Charlotte REALTOR!

Hi Michael! I like to THINK I'm tech savvy but, when I run into a technical issue, it is very much like finding myself lost - I get SO flustered! I'm grateful to have a hubby who typically talks me off the ledge. Like you, the solution is often so simple, I then beat myself up over not figuring it out.

For the most part, I've learned that if you reboot any device, that almost always works. Otherwise, clearing the cache or closing out of the program you're in is my next move. 

Jan 31, 2023 06:09 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Haha, Michael Jacobs, I've had days that I felt the same way! 

Jan 31, 2023 07:09 PM
Michael Jacobs

Debe Maxwell, CRS - it seems being flustered follows me.

Jan 31, 2023 07:08 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs No matter how many YouTube videos I watch on how to use the features of the iPhone my head is whirling and the phone is in command 

Feb 02, 2023 12:06 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - I can relate to your comment much of the time.  

Feb 02, 2023 12:16 PM