When Bossy was growing up, broken things weren’t just broken, they were defective — a term used regularly by Bossy’s dad and formally documented here.
Fast forward to now: the above photo of Bossy’s MacBook Pro indicates a defective return key. One minute everything was fine and the next minute her return key went spongey. Bossy doesn’t like a spongey return key — she enjoys a certain snap to her keys, a pleasing resistance.
And then to make matters worse, Bossy recently noticed that her keyboard light is only illuminating a fraction of the keys. Bossy works in all kinds of lighting conditions, so this defectiveness is a real drag:
And finally, this:
It’s the defective button below the trackpad used for tasks like inserting the cursor, and when Bossy presses it, which she does every few seconds, it reacts like broken glass under her fingers, and it doesn’t really depress like it used to because the button doesn’t stick up enough anymore, and Bossy has seriously never used so many words to explain so little.
In whatever case, Bossy’s MacBook Pro needs a trip to the Mac Store hospital, which is going to set Bossy back time, energy, and money — and she can’t spare any of the above. Bossy can sum up her frustration this way:
Could you just work please, you expensive piece of aluminum?
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about a defective item in your world that is making you lose all will to live?
And don’t forget to check back later today for the most defective comments on the web.
Lauren says
March 31, 2009 at 8:35 amCeiling light doesn’t latch, flourescent bulb fell out, mercury EVERYWHERE.
Deb says
March 31, 2009 at 8:38 amFlooded basement needs major waterproofing and repair-cost thousands plus!
MidLifeMama says
March 31, 2009 at 8:46 amThird treadmill dead. 20 lbs more to lose before December.
anon for this one says
March 31, 2009 at 8:54 amThird grade teacher is horrible – wish homeschooling was an option.
amy says
March 31, 2009 at 8:56 amMy ability to experience joy, felled by cold weather rain.
Gette says
March 31, 2009 at 9:00 amFront door closer sprung, it bangs against the house
vuboq says
March 31, 2009 at 9:20 amI’m reading blogs not cleaning. My motivation is obviously defective.
Lee says
March 31, 2009 at 9:20 amEngine light on, need $300 sensor chip?
BlinkBlink says
March 31, 2009 at 9:25 amBoy was defective – sent him away before I broke, too.
kristin says
March 31, 2009 at 9:27 amTen words aren’t enough to list the defects at Blackrock.
Lizzy says
March 31, 2009 at 9:28 amPipe in wall leaking onto floor of daughter’s room. Disaster.
carson says
March 31, 2009 at 9:35 am.22 rifle. Bullets jam. You try screaming at a coyote.
BT says
March 31, 2009 at 9:37 amRoof leaking; ice dams; afraid of big bill; summer please.
Ellie says
March 31, 2009 at 9:37 amCD burner doesn’t work for photos. Which means The Mall.
carma says
March 31, 2009 at 9:47 amMy 1986 VCR is on the fritz; time to upgrade?
Debby says
March 31, 2009 at 9:48 amHeel spur irritating plantar fascitis 8 months now, must GO!
Beth says
March 31, 2009 at 9:48 amKid: stomach flu; partner: sciatica: I’m sending them both back.
Philly says
March 31, 2009 at 9:48 amAll I can say is that I need new dry wall.
Maggie Garcia says
March 31, 2009 at 9:51 amMicrowave is busted – and you know this nanny don’t cook!!!!
jp says
March 31, 2009 at 9:52 amThe incescent, DRIPPING of new watercooler I made Husband buy!
janny226 says
March 31, 2009 at 9:56 amDoes my emotional reset button count? How about Husband’s overreactions?
sherry says
March 31, 2009 at 9:58 amRoot canal failed, $1,800 re-do needed, cash in IRA again.
Jenni D says
March 31, 2009 at 10:00 amCan’t transfer photos onto new computer. Memory card almost full!!!!!
Grandma J says
March 31, 2009 at 10:04 amSYNC in my car refuses to read my text messages.
Bossy’s keyboard has a backlight? Jealousy so suits Grandma J.
Bellamomma says
March 31, 2009 at 10:12 amLamp on desk busted, rainy day means dark office BLECK
jennifer says
March 31, 2009 at 10:15 amThree half finished outdoor projects. Rain predicted through Friday. Gack.
Noe says
March 31, 2009 at 10:20 amNo N. No Internet. Phone sucks.
chocolatechic says
March 31, 2009 at 10:21 amRefrigerator held together with duct tape, won’t keep things cold.
Amelia says
March 31, 2009 at 10:24 amCar CD player stuck; no “Old MacDonald” for daughter. TRAGEDY!
Colette says
March 31, 2009 at 10:34 amLinksys WiFi sucks- husband thinks he can fix it- HA!
Mo says
March 31, 2009 at 10:37 amElocrolux vacuum/dustbuster husband bought recalled cuz it splodes…
liza says
March 31, 2009 at 10:39 amDoes despise my jobitis count? It’s causing motitvation malfunction. Gah.
Elle M says
March 31, 2009 at 10:42 amAnti-lock brakes sensor gone wonky, had to unplug, no cash.
Eliza says
March 31, 2009 at 11:00 amDefective husband. Two words. I’m just not that into him.
David says
March 31, 2009 at 11:09 amiPod. Periodically freezes. Wait for battery to die, then re-synch.
Little Miss Sunshine State says
March 31, 2009 at 11:09 amDryer dries clothes. Screeches like a banshee. Landlord is Defective.
Therese says
March 31, 2009 at 11:15 am8 months pregnant, husband out of town, somone vandalized mailbox!
Helen says
March 31, 2009 at 11:15 amBathroom light only works occasionally. Dodgy wiring. Hurray for candles!
suburbanmom says
March 31, 2009 at 11:22 amWater pipes snaked 3x. Back-up muck. Drain painfully sloooow!
Amy says
March 31, 2009 at 11:26 amBuy AppleCare every time. Because, unfortunately, these Mac things happen.
Brando says
March 31, 2009 at 11:28 amWeather still cold. Global warming becoming more appealing every day.
Shelley says
March 31, 2009 at 11:32 amTeenage daughter has a defective attitude. Can I exchange her?
Jill says
March 31, 2009 at 11:33 amcordless phone needs new battery every month. $12 each. yikes.
Not June Cleaver says
March 31, 2009 at 11:40 am$2000 camera sometimes won’t shoot, works fine at repair shop.
Renee in Seattle says
March 31, 2009 at 11:43 amOne more water leak and I will burn down house.
Audubon Ron says
March 31, 2009 at 11:49 amThis woman you put here on Earth is DEFECTIVE – Adam
rebekah says
March 31, 2009 at 11:53 amHusband’s coronary arteries “defective” – surgery tomorrow. All good thoughts welcome.
Reeb says
March 31, 2009 at 11:56 amhttp://www.iambossy.com today, where clicking white space by photo#1 yields https://login.yahoo.com/config/login?.src=flickr&.pc=5134&.scrumb=0&.pd=c%3DE0.GahOp2e4MjkX.5l2HgAoLkpmyPvccpVM-&.intl=us&.done=https%3A%2F%2Flogin.yahoo.com%2Fconfig%2Fvalidate%3F.src%3Dflickr%26.pc%3D5134%26.scrumb%3D0%26.pd%3Dc%253DE0.GahOp2e4MjkX.5l2HgAoLkpmyPvccpVM-%26.intl%3Dus%26.done%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.flickr.com%252Fsignin%252Fyahoo%252F%253Fredir%253D%25252Fphotos%25252F8127276%252540N05%25252F3400715237%25252F!
the cheap chick says
March 31, 2009 at 12:14 pmStupid florescent (sp?) lights in stupid basement went out. Must replace.
hippo brigade says
March 31, 2009 at 12:14 pmMy toaster oven: jimmied it with foil and a hanger.
operagal says
March 31, 2009 at 12:18 pmhelp desk software – have economics webcast tonight no help desk
Lance says
March 31, 2009 at 12:19 pmWindows Vista. EVER. F-you Bill Gates.
well read hostess says
March 31, 2009 at 12:23 pmMy metabolism is defective, but I lost the warranty card.
Imran O Kazmi says
March 31, 2009 at 12:54 pmFour Drs, can’t stop ITCHing everywhere, Cetaphil helps a little!
p.j. says
March 31, 2009 at 12:59 pmMass transit cut 30% yesterday. Highway closed. Traffic balloons. UGLY.
Florida Liz says
March 31, 2009 at 1:03 pmScreen torn, rat came in and died. Imagine my surprise.
p.j. says
March 31, 2009 at 1:03 pmKitchen faucet hot waterless months. Replacement behind chair two weeks.
Sorry to take two. A wee bit frustrated today. Alas, garden is getting water. p.j.
Kathy in B.C.Canada says
March 31, 2009 at 1:08 pmDishwasher dying! The Home Depot replacement cost will kill Me!
reen says
March 31, 2009 at 1:18 pmHeel on shoe snapped. Walking defectively, like a drunk.
Donna says
March 31, 2009 at 1:20 pmLandlord ‘fixes’ leaky toilet repeatedly, but AquaPA bill continuously increases.
wynn says
March 31, 2009 at 1:28 pm5th new delete key on Mac in 2 years!
Karly says
March 31, 2009 at 1:29 pmFan on laptop not working. Spontaneous shutdowns every five minutes.
Jen W. says
March 31, 2009 at 1:42 pmDefective kid: three year old keeps crapping in his pants.
Meg says
March 31, 2009 at 1:57 pmLaptop power adapter, Suburban’s speedometer,
Son’s cell phone. Send money.
ashley says
March 31, 2009 at 2:05 pmVacuum always smells like burnt hair and won’t suck anymore.
Lisa says
March 31, 2009 at 2:08 pmNOW I know my stuff is old, your keypad lights?
delilah says
March 31, 2009 at 2:17 pmpiddled the floor, wet nose, won’t stop yapping. normal toddler.
Unemployed Susan says
March 31, 2009 at 2:22 pmTeenaged boy who looks like me is being purposefully defective.
Manic Mommy says
March 31, 2009 at 2:23 pmStreet repaved. Our front walk? Low point. Moats are cool!
SnowWhitemommy says
March 31, 2009 at 2:27 pmMy do-it-yourself husband……no longer does it! Please send handyman!
Cactus Petunia says
March 31, 2009 at 2:37 pmRecall button for crazy black labs? Seems to be defective.
Sofia says
March 31, 2009 at 2:43 pmAnkles/feet get hurt, get swollen, can only wear boots.
Scottsdale Girl says
March 31, 2009 at 2:48 pmDefective men. That is all.
SherylW says
March 31, 2009 at 2:48 pmDefective government machine; Spending multi-trillions, deadend solutions, forgotten Constitutional purposes….
rikki says
March 31, 2009 at 2:50 pmABS light on Jetta. Hoping its just Volkswagon needing crunches….
jen says
March 31, 2009 at 3:01 pmDog’s “anal glands” not working. I do it myself. AAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!
MamaMo says
March 31, 2009 at 3:05 pmMy brain – not keeping track of stuff like when younger.
margalit says
March 31, 2009 at 3:06 pmDishwasher not dead but has no hot water attached. Disgusting!
L says
March 31, 2009 at 3:24 pmdishwasher,faucet,broken window,lawnmower,car, it’s always something.
karen says
March 31, 2009 at 3:25 pmDryer stops when clothes are damp. Deep wrinkles. Must iron!
L says
March 31, 2009 at 3:29 pmforgot about the hot water heater.
Amelia says
March 31, 2009 at 3:34 pmDear jen (#76): you win.
(Loving these comments!)
Meg says
March 31, 2009 at 3:39 pmJust replaced dead PC. Spending week restoring sanity and system.
Stickman says
March 31, 2009 at 3:49 pmFollicular miniaturization caused by damn genes is making me bald!
Black Hockey Jesus says
March 31, 2009 at 4:06 pmThis monitor is blinking. I’m homicidal. I’ll kill you, Bossy!
Caroline says
March 31, 2009 at 4:28 pmMy brain! My brain! My brain brain brain brain brain!
big hair envy says
March 31, 2009 at 4:32 pmDog REEKS. Will not stop rolling in rotting dead stuff.
Kerri Anne says
March 31, 2009 at 4:36 pmGmail has taken a technology dump on me five times.
Lori says
March 31, 2009 at 4:48 pmIf it has tires or testicles, it’s gonna cause trouble.
K says
March 31, 2009 at 4:55 pmBusy soccer mom – brain like a sieve – losing important information.
Reeb says
March 31, 2009 at 5:16 pmDang, feeling fortunate compared to these.
Jen#76, I’ve been there.
Stacey Ball says
March 31, 2009 at 5:33 pmThis year: refrigerator, car, wireless router, receiver. Right now nothing :o)!
Emily in IL says
March 31, 2009 at 6:26 pmDoes my team lead count? She fits all the requirements.
Dawn in Austin says
March 31, 2009 at 6:35 pmHappy to say, all works well…today. Knock on wood.
Crystal says
March 31, 2009 at 6:45 pmWhat electronic piece of crap DOES work in my house?
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
March 31, 2009 at 6:49 pmEverything I have is defective, up to and including me.
Patti in NJ says
March 31, 2009 at 7:03 pmSon can’t figure out how to fix flat tire. WTF?
sista #2 says
March 31, 2009 at 7:18 pmMy toshiba laptop, my pinky toe, the goat lady neighbor.
peace
#2
Overflowing Brain says
March 31, 2009 at 7:41 pmMy immune system, crushed by a fever, sore throat, headache.
Joie says
March 31, 2009 at 7:43 pmUh, screw 10 word Tuesday. As a fellow new MacBook owner, when did you get this? You mention aluminum. I bought mine when they first came out with aluminum (or I thought so — last October). If this much has happened to yours since that time, I am scared. And will be pissed since this was something like a $2400+/- machine.
Marjorie of Connecticut says
March 31, 2009 at 7:46 pmExorbitant fancy shampoo fails to volumize. Flat hair. No life.
Cecily says
March 31, 2009 at 7:49 pmMy cell phone is so old texting is impossible.
Frugal Maven says
March 31, 2009 at 8:00 pmLightning killed icemaker. $350. Dollar Store ice trays. $1.49. Sold!
Sharon says
March 31, 2009 at 8:35 pmMy supervisor who took away our right to listen to ipods. It was like a knife to my heart.
Liz in Virginia says
March 31, 2009 at 8:47 pmOh, please — either the computer or the printer always suck.
Shmoo says
March 31, 2009 at 8:58 pmOur government is sucking the life blood from us all
habanerogal says
March 31, 2009 at 9:01 pmtwo stove elements, fridge, washer twice in one year GAH
cat says
March 31, 2009 at 9:28 pm#106: Not government, the belief in “spending other people’s money” -capitalism.
We have to stop thinking that rich people fix everything.
Michele says
March 31, 2009 at 9:43 pmKenmore dishwasher, dryer – consumer report rated highest
Future -no report
CupcakeMurphy says
March 31, 2009 at 9:49 pmSony Vaio For One Grand: Where Did Hard Drive Go?
TSL says
March 31, 2009 at 10:08 pmHubby’s job offering buy-outs. He’s considering. Not and live!
sugarpie says
March 31, 2009 at 10:39 pmBossy- If it flies, floats, or fucks: rent- don’t buy.
Rachel says
March 31, 2009 at 10:49 pmbroken window, albatross on computer screen, iceless ice-machine; broken budget.
LizP says
March 31, 2009 at 11:46 pmMy brain is defective, my leg is broken, watch FoodTV.
Gigi says
April 1, 2009 at 12:39 amToaster oven knob broken, pops off when toast is done.
Dara says
April 1, 2009 at 4:55 pmSUV. Paid off. Now sucking us dry in repair bills.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says
April 1, 2009 at 9:40 pmNo dryer. Lugging laundry sucks. Clothes hanging everywhere. Beverly Hillbillies.
Kate says
April 2, 2009 at 2:45 amThis one REALLY bothers me. No GPS on my brand
new car – it just doesn’t work and they want 200.00 for a new one – the worst part, the car is a new Jaguar (listed as the most dependable ) sure, sure.
Auds at Barking Mad says
April 2, 2009 at 7:21 amBrand new fridge, new ice maker, crushed ice dispenser; doesn’t!
Sven says
April 3, 2009 at 1:35 amJames’s PC while I wait for my new MacBook Pro.
Almudena says
April 3, 2009 at 2:08 pmBaby will not nap without mommy – mommy’s life feels broken.
waterproof says
July 9, 2009 at 7:31 ampush the button, hear the crack, OMG! What the ***?!