There are many great inventions out there: the telephone, cars, planes, ice cream, and finally the computer. I purchased my first computer around 2003 and have lost count of how many I have purchased since then, but it’s a lot.

I started out just playing simple card games like Solitaire and then I progressed into other games. My current favorites are Wild Slots, Double X, and Mahjong. They keep me entertained for hours on end. When I visit my daughter she always laughs and says that I am the best houseguest ever because as long as she provides me with access to a computer she doesn’t have to entertain me. She’s right, I absolutely love the computer and would stay on it all day if I could.

Although I love games, I don’t spend all my time playing them. I’ve also mastered other aspects of the computer. I started taking college classes in 2003 so I learned various programs to be able to complete my assignments. I started out with Microsoft Works and advanced to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I spent many hours learning to save, copy, paste, undo (definitely undo), etc… I have learned how to make invitations and programs. I even make my own Christmas cards because it’s more fun than buying them.

I learned how to download clipart from other websites and how to use Front Page to make a web page. I made my first web page at Southside Virginia Community College. I was amazed and became hooked. I started going into various websites, reading news, completing homework assignments, finding recipes, debating, researching topics, and discovering Facebook.

I have lots of family and friends on Facebook. I love going there and seeing what they are doing. I recently discovered GIFs (Graphic interchange Format) and when I’m feeling extra sassy I use them to comment. Sometimes Facebook gets to be a bit too much and you learn more about your friends and family than you would care to, but all in all, it’s a great way for me to stay in touch with them.

The first time I sat at a computer I felt overwhelmed and thought I would never be able to understand it. Once I discovered what it could do, our love affair was instantaneous. One of the main reasons I started my column was my love of the computer. I figured I was on it all day anyway, so why not make it count.

It is said that Charles Babbage “conceptualized and invented the first mechanical computer in the early 19th century.” Well sir, hats off to you for a job well done.

Be Bless in Jesus’ Name.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The K-V Dispatch. She can be reached at AboxofloveKVD@gmail.com