Complications...

This just about sums up my week. I am a professional computer programmer by trade and training, although I use that term professional a bit loosely here. I have been pushing bits and bytes now for nearly 25 years. There used to be an exhilaration to it, and there still is from time to time. Now, though, there seems to be more road blocks; complexities.

I want to do something simple. Connect two or more computers to each other on the internet and let them exchange real-time audio data. Simple you say? Well, that's what I said... initially.

My only requirements were simple; the language had to be something called C# and it must use a communications session control protocol called SIP. OK. Can't be that bad.

After three days of searching and experimenting and trying and writing and compiling and swearing and smoking and reading, I have made very little headway. It would seem this path is full of complications and issues.

Then, my personal life. No good deed goes unpunished. My ex-wife is in my truck and says "The seat belt is all twisted," as she tries putting it on. I reach over, pull it and buckle. It's good now. No. "You never believe me when I say something is wrong!" Damn. I just thought I helped her, nothing more. I won't bore you with the rest. It's complicated...

So, yes. I have a Honda Rebel. It is simple compared to other bikes. Single carburetor. Simple ignition and timing, with no computers involved. There is no fuel pump or fancy, sparkly things to have problems. Compared with technology 100 years ago, this bike nears the definition of witchcraft. Compared with my complicated life this week, and, well, the world today, my little motorcycle is simple.

So, you know what? I'm going for a ride.