A co-worker  told me a funny story a year or so ago.  It came to mind today and I thought I'd share it.

She was on the phone with a German cohort who was having an issue with a spreadsheet that he was supposed to update.  It was meant to be straightforward, so when he called with a question, she was surprised.  After some discussion, it became abundantly clear that issue was not the spreadsheet - just simple human error.

"Oh, the German fellow said, clearly a PICNIC! I'm so sorry to have troubled you."

"A picnic?", she asked.

"Yes, you know - a P.I.C.N.I.C."

"Is that a German word?  Here, in the States, it means an outdoor meal."  

He laughed, "No, it's an acronym...  Problem In Chair, Not In Computer."

As someone who loves wordplay and puns, Sarah came by to share the story; we laughed at how clever the term was - and the irony of having learned it from a guy whose first language was German.

PICNICs are so common... and sometimes hard to avoid; have patience with yourself and remember that none of us is perfect. If you're too frustrated, take a break and come back to it; that's the nice thing about computers - you can always try again.

Oh-mi-oh-my! Why must everything I do require a new username and a new password?  I’m up to 412 this week.  To be fair, about 20 of those are my folks', but still - it’s a lot to manage.

Maybe you can relate to one or the other side of this phone call... 

Me: Hello?
Caller:  Hi, uh, Maribeth - you gotta minute?
Me: Sure, Dad, what’s up?
Dad: I, uh, {clears throat} can’t read the paper today.
Me: You can’t?  Huh.  Which paper? The journal?
Dad: Yes.  It’s uh, yesterday’s news still.

Note: About 2 years ago my dad switched to the WSJ on his iPad - he was reluctant so we kept the home delivery too, but within a month, he was a very happy convert. I'm thankful for this switch too - especially when the weather is nasty - I know he doesn't feel compelled to go out to the end of the driveway and risk falling.  He has echoed that sentiment many, many times.

In my head, I start running through diagnostics ...  Is it the router?  Is it offline?  Could he have accidentally turned off the WiFi on his tablet?   {and on and on...}

Me: Dad, what do you see on the screen?
Dad: Well, it’s locked - should I type in my passcode? Oh, wait! I can use my fingerprint!! (My dad loves this handy feature.)

Dad: Well, it says that I need to pay for a subscription.

Me: Cancel out of that - can you do that?  
Dad: Yes.  Done.  Oh, and just so you know, I do see the triangle in the upper left corner.  I remembered to check that!
Me:  {smiling} I'm glad you checked that, Dad...   Now, are there key symbols by the article headlines?
Dad:  Hmmm.   I’m looking...  um. by the headlines?  ..... pause.....  

YES!  I see grey keys.

Me: Sounds like you just need to log in again.
Dad: Oh.  I guess I need my password?     ...what’s a username again?

This conversation happened a few dozen times over the years on a variety of apps and websites.  After having tried a few different password sheets, I finally drew up something on cards that my dad could use, easily file and keep track of - and it didn’t involve a lick of technology to make it work for him.

Password storage can be done in a variety of ways that make it easy to manage - and share, depending on how many you have and what tools you have available to you.  They aren't going away anytime soon, so getting the right tools in place can really save you time and hassle.  Let's talk about what solution will work best for you!