Wednesday 19th March 2025 - A Day of Fixing iPads and Creative Box Updates

"I am proud of the work I do, and I trust that every step I take brings me closer to building a business that I love."

Hello all.

Today was a full day of both technical work and creative excitement. It all started with receiving the stickers for Creators Box—a unique item that will help me showcase my business logos and promote them. This box is a special tool that will allow people to film their own videos, which I can later edit and produce into a professional promotional video. It’s a big step forward for my business, and I couldn't wait to put the stickers on and see it all come together.

But before I dove into that, there was another priority that needed my attention. I had three iPads that needed to be fixed today. All of them had broken screens and required new digitizers. Two of these iPads were for the school, and the last one was for a friend who had asked for my help. Given the amount of equipment I needed to bring to work, I decided to drive in today instead of biking or taking public transport. This gave me the flexibility to carry everything without worrying about space or logistics.

The Process of Repairing iPads

Once I arrived at work, I jumped straight into fixing the iPads. I had to start with the most time-consuming task of all: the screen repairs. As each iPad had a broken screen, there wasn’t any uniform approach I could take to fix them. The process took a great deal of precision and patience, but I find it quite therapeutic. Here's a step-by-step of the repair process:

1. Heat Gun for Adhesive: I began by using a heat gun to warm up the adhesive holding the broken screens in place. The warmth made it easier to peel off the shattered digitizers without causing damage to the internal components.

2. Removing the LCD: After the screen was removed, I carefully unscrewed the four corner screws that held the LCD in place. I then gently lifted the LCD but had to be cautious not to pull too far, as there was a ribbon still connected underneath.

3. Disconnecting the Heat Shield: To access the connectors of the digitizer and screen, I needed to remove the heat shield. This exposed the connectors, and I carefully disconnected them, making sure not to damage any internal components, including the home button.

4. Cleaning the Case: It was important to clean the iPad case, as broken digitizer parts and old adhesive might interfere with the re-attachment of the new parts. I made sure to clear all debris and remove excess glue.

5. Swapping the Home Button: One of the most delicate steps was removing the home button from the old digitizer. The ribbon attached to the button had to be carefully handled to avoid breaking it. Once removed, I swapped it onto the new digitizer.

6. Reassembly and Testing: With the new digitizer in place, I connected all the parts, attached the screen to the connectors, and carefully positioned the LCD back in its place. I made sure everything was screwed back in correctly and did a test run to ensure the digitizer and touchscreen were functioning as expected.

7. Finalizing the Repair: Once everything was working, I applied new adhesive around the edge of the iPad and gently pressed the digitizer into place. To ensure everything set properly, I used soft clamps to hold the screen down while the glue set. The repair typically takes a few hours, but I left mine overnight to make sure the adhesive had fully bonded.

The Results: By the end of the day, I had three fully functioning iPads—two ready to be returned to the classrooms and one back to its owner. There’s something incredibly satisfying about fixing tech devices and seeing them restored to their former glory.

Creative Box Update

After finishing up the repairs, I took some time to work on my creative box project. This is a very exciting part of my business, as it allows clients to film their own promotional videos. Today, I took the opportunity to apply the stickers with my business logos onto the box. However, the stickers didn’t stick perfectly. Thankfully, a colleague suggested using Mod Podge, a type of glue, to secure them properly. I have to admit, I found the name Mod Podge hilariously amusing, and I couldn’t stop saying it. It’s funny how I’ve never come across it before, but I’m glad I learned about it now!

As it was a quieter day in the office, with only two emails (both just notifications), I was able to focus on the repairs and creative work. The day felt a little slow-paced, which was a welcome change, and gave me the chance to relax.

Team Meeting and Evening Routine

After the working day, I stayed late at work for a staff meeting at 6 PM. The meeting was productive, but as it went on, I could feel the mental exhaustion from the repairs setting in. I was glad to have the meeting, though, because it was a good opportunity to catch up with the team and align on goals.

Following the meeting, I headed home to pick up Fearne from her dance lesson. By the time we got home, I was mentally drained from a long day of iPad repairs and creative box work. We decided to unwind with an episode of The Repair Shop on BBC iPlayer. It was the perfect way to relax after a busy day.

Finally, I settled into bed, feeling proud of all that I had accomplished. Repairing iPads and making progress on my creative box were big wins for my business, and it was satisfying to see everything coming together.

Gratitude and Reflection

As I reflect on the day, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to do work that I love. Repairing iPads and working on my creative box are both deeply rewarding. I also feel fortunate to be able to combine my technical skills with my passion for helping others. The day may have been long and tiring, but it was filled with moments of accomplishment and progress.

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