The ONLY reason I’m living in Seattle is because of my husband. Well his job. I hope you didn’t think this was a random place I chose on a map of America to get away from the tropics… I’d be on crack if I did. Anyway, he’s a software engineer and doing a very fine job at it. I’ve been introduced to a few wives within this industry and not all have an idea of what their husbands do, the team they’re on, their job titles, what building they’re in or even went to the Christmas party. But not me… I’ve been thrown in because I’m his best friend (I think). I know everything about what he does even if I don’t have a single clue when he’s explaining it. Technically you can say I can regurgitate it, although he can give a few analogies to help me understand what he’s really doing.
Part of being married to this nerd (and a fine one at that ;)) is that I have come to be a little “techy” myself. He gives me such a run around that I try everything before I ask him for help. Bing, Google, reset, unplug, click everything until something happens. That is what my life is about when I’m faced with a problem with some electronic device. Two years ago, I wanted to unlock the very old iPhone we have to use at home. He refused to do it for me, said go online and figure it out. I did. And after not being able to do it after a million tries, he resolved that I had the wrong program for the phone and then he did it :D. But the point is, I tried. Normally, you only have to show me how to do something twice (max) for me to be able to do it on my own. I don’t believe someone will always be around to help me and it’s just better if I give it a shot myself.
Keyboard shortcuts – I know a few, if I don’t, Bing it. Lost safari on my iPhone home screen the other day and was freaking out – Binged it. Got it back. (Took an hour trying on and off because one option wasn’t working >_<). Setting up wi-fi on printers, all electronics in the house – I got it covered. Something comes on the news about a tech company – I listen and relay the story for him to follow up. Don’t know the answer? BING IT!
The other aspect of this is experimenting and being aware of websites. No I don’t read everything but, he’s read it, is infatuated with it, shares with me and then I know. I tend to know a few things going on in the tech industry before the average Joe and it also makes me to jump in and try things even if I don’t want to just to get him off my back. Google +, Facebook (new timelines), Twitter, About.me and Klout may soon be added, but all of the aforementioned I joined because of him. For him it’s more about what the company has done and he wants to use me in his personal usability study. When everyone is complaining about some change, I’ve adjusted. It’s become my way of life for dealing with my nerd, and I don’t mind.
One thing about programers is that they don’t sleep and, somehow, he thinks this should extend to me, but I need my 8 hours (minimum, 9 is preferred). I’m up before he is, making breakfast (which I use to wake him up) and getting ready for the day. I do need my beauty sleep… not for physical appearance but to make sure I’m a pleasant person when encountered. Lack of sleep and being forced to get up against my will do not sit well with me. Since my day revolves around his, everything is scheduled around the time of his first meeting. Yes, he does not do 8-4.30/9-5/10-6. I’m very spoiled in this regard. I only see 7am when I’m going to the gym for 9am or flying somewhere, not because he has to be at work for 8 and even then, that’s not guaranteed to happen at least once for the year. *Amen*. However, he works non-stop. The lack of sleep is due to him working on something that has to work before he goes to bed. I’m still trying to break this habit so he can get more sleep but I’m positive this year will see a better sleep schedule.
The most important part of being a Microsoft wife is to be supportive. He hasn’t gotten where he is solely on the fact that he’s always up working but he has me making sure everything else is being looked after. But hard work is rewarded with a lot of play time which is what makes us happy people.
xx
Just a Dash 