This is an official complaint about modern life, rife with technological obstacles.

1. In paying my quarterly sales tax, the computer said I needed to verify myself because it didn’t recognize my browser (WHY NOT, YOU IDIOTIC WEBSITE?) when I logged into the state tax collection page (Used to be called Board of Equalization, but now the name is longer and I don’t care enough to remember it). So I had to put in my password, wait for an email with another code, enter that into the site, and then proceed. (It might have required my password a second time). Then I went through the exercises to pay the sales tax, but before I could pay it, I had to enter my password again. After that, in order to finish the transaction, it asked for my password yet again. Why is this necessary?? How is this in any manner efficient? (HEY ELON, COME TO SACRAMENTO AND GET THIS MESS CLEANED UP!)
2. I have a credit card for my business which I rarely use. The company sent a letter saying that my information needs to be verified or updated or somehow enhanced, and I can oh so conveniently go to their website to do this. However, the website requires a user name and a password, something that I have never set up. I think it might be time to let that credit card go the way of all flesh.
3. Some lab work is required, perhaps a week before the next medical appointment. I needed to know how much in advance the blood needed to get its results back, so I called the clinic; “Clinic Name, Can you hold?” I hung up and found the number for the lab; “Lab, Can you hold?” I suppose I should be grateful there is a human answering instead of a robot. The human immediately recited, “Date of Birth?” I said, “Is that required to know how long it takes for the results?” (Hurricane-sized sigh)
4. I may need to fly somewhere soon. Will I need to get a “real ID” to board a plane? What is my current ID—fake?? When I last renewed my driver license, I passed on the option to get a “real ID” because when Trail Guy tried to do this a few years ago, the bureaucrat at the DMV told him he didn’t have the proper papers with him, despite bringing EXACTLY what was indicated on their website. (Thank goodness my passport is still valid). If a California driver license isn’t “real”, then why is it required in order to drive, see a doctor, write a check, or who knows what else? What would happen if I showed my library card instead?

So, tell me: do all these companies have their ducks in a row? Or are their ducks so multitudinous that it isn’t possible to line them up?

Or do I not have all my ducks in a row because I CAN’T STAND ALL THIS STUFF?

Please excuse me for shouting. I’m thankful to live in Three Rivers, in Tulare County, where eventually you can find a human, probably someone who knows someone you know.

Peeps aren’t ducks; they are marshmallows. But I thought we could use a light-hearted photo about now.

Tomorrow we can look at some photos, just fun, perhaps inspirational toward a new attitude or some new paintings.