It is a remote operation

I am technology challenged.

It's really not technology challenged (I do fine with computers, phones, tablets) it's more of a video electronic challenge.

Seriously, before I had yet to master our ten-year old VCRs they moved over to make room for DVD recorders. I didn't figure out two remote controls and now we have three sets with each of our two-televisions.

Back in my younger days it was simple - one television equaled one remote control. I could handle that. Now we have a VCR remote, television remote, and DVD remote times two. I think I actually just have a mental block against those little black button things.

There are several shows that my husband and I enjoy, however on a typical week I am not home at the appropriate hour to watch the shows at their regular viewing time. That's where the DVD recorder becomes a wonderful invention. We have the recorder set-up to record our favorite programs to watch at our convenience sans commercials. Of course I would be hard pressed if I had to actually program the thing. Fortunately, being married to an engineer has its benefits - I don't typically have to mess with the programming end.

Okay not typically - never. It's a good thing, too, because I flat out don't get it.

I really think that I am mostly an intelligent person, but this really has me beat. I do not know which remote to use for which product and in what order to make it all work. My husband has some special sequence of "use this to turn this on and then use that." Once I figure out which device is the proper one to use, I am fine; I can scan the channels - that part I get.

I am certain it is my husband's subtle way of keeping a monopoly on the remote control usage. Which is usually fine; like I said I have a mental block against the things and frankly I don't have a strong desire to learn the finer points of remote control operation. But occasionally, I do attempt to handle the remote control. After several times of hearing my husband sigh as he once again walks me through the process, I have become hesitant to ask. Unfortunately, I'm afraid if I don't ask, I'll mess up some pre-set record sequence so it's a catch twenty-two. Just imagine if we had a Nintendo, Wii or other electronic game figured in the sequence  - I would be even more lost.

I've about got it figured out, though - fortunately, the television still has a power switch. It takes a few extra steps and I can't scan the channels, but I can find the on/off button. I can't record and can't watch a DVD, but I can watch Law and Order and NCIS reruns all-day long.