I'm finally done training volunteers!

This past month has felt like the longest of my life. I’ve been battling the flu for most of it, while also training all 73 volunteers on our newly installed software. By yesterday afternoon, I was completely spent.

While the volunteers were all enthusiastic and eager to do their best, many had never done any sort of data entry before. I had to smile (internally, of course) every time someone tried to interact with the computer monitor like it was an iPad.

Only about 25% of them knew what the Tab key was for, and another 25% recognized the Escape key. It took every ounce of patience I had not to walk out the door by the end of it. But I reminded myself constantly: these are volunteers - most with little to no computer experience, who have shown up to help. Add to that the fact that the average trainee was around 70 years old, and it really put things in perspective. The saying "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks" felt very real - but I say that with affection, not criticism. I'm not far from that age myself.

On a brighter note, I got myself a Concept2 rowing machine - and I love it! I’ve been rowing 3,000 meters six days a week. It’s a fantastic full-body workout without any stress on the joints. After a long stretch without time for other physical activities, this has been the perfect way to get back into a healthy rhythm. Rowing FTW!