It's highly likely that I will be out of commission on NaBloPoMo for a few days, hopefully not more, due to a computer issue. My power was out for two hours last night, and when it came on, it killed my computer. I thought my computer was plugged into a surge protector, but evidently it was just a garden-variety power strip. Shooooooot. I have an appointment at an Apple Genius Bar on Friday to assess the damage. My dad assures me that my hard drive (and thus all my data) was probably not affected, but that my logic board is probably, quite literally, toasted. Sigh. Just how I want to spend my time and energy! And another thing to add to the "Why 2007 Can Bite Me" list.
Until I discovered that the computer was fried, I was pretty pleased with the way our power-free evening went down. The power went out at 5:45 p.m. The twins and I were in my bedroom; I was changing from work clothes to comfy clothes when the house went totally dark. (Thank you, time change.) Maddie started to cry, which caused Riley to cry. Meanwhile, I was about to have a heart attack because I am terrified of the dark. An internal debate ensues: comfort children or search for light source? Motherhood trumped fear, and I used echolocation to find the twins, gather them into my arms, and get us all on my bed for a snuggle and calm-down. We then lit the John candle, and from there went from room to room more gathering candles to illuminate the house.
Once we had some light, I gave the twins a candlelight picnic dinner. They had string cheese, grapes, applesauce, and crackers. I managed to light my gas stove with a match and thaw a "muffin" of mac'n'cheese, too. It was fun to have a candlelight dinner, and as a bonus, I was unable to see much of the mess they created on the floor.
Maddie and Riley were in desperate need of a bath, which I was going to forgo because of the lack of light. But I took them into the bathroom so that I could take out my contacts, and with two candles in such a small room, it was certainly bright enough for a bath. So a candlelight bath it was, and 'twas quite a success. After that, PJs and bed just after 7:00 p.m.
It was a triumphant night for me, a night that made me feel confident as a parent. I was able to deal with my own fear, calm the kids down, and make our evening fun and productive. The twins slept great and seemed to enjoy the evening.
Now if only I'd been together enough to save the computer . . . I actually thought about going to unplug it when the power went out, but never made it over to the desk to actually get it done. Oh, well. It's just a computer, right? The real problem is that I'm feeling financially fragile right now, and I fear that either (a) the repair will be expensive, or (b) I'll need a whole new computer. As it would happen, my (very generous and fairly well off) father gets to town on Friday, so I might be hitting him up for a large early Christmas/b-day present. We'll see how things go. I'm so tired of needing financial help from my parents, even though I know they are happy that they are able to provide it. It just makes me feel like a failure as an educated, employed adult to ask them for the help. But that's my issue.
I'm posting from work now, and might get my post in from work tomorrow. The weekend is a crapshoot, depending on the computer situation. I'm still NaBloPoMo-ing in spirit, even if my technology lets me down.
Moi
- Snickollet
- I'm a mother and a widow, and a whole lot of other things. Here, though, I tend to write about parenting, grief, and their intersection.
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12 comments:
I agree with you on how it feels to ask your parents for financial help. I finally wrestled myself into accepting some by thinking that I would be happy to give help to my children (when I get some). Good luck on the computer issue.
Don't feel bad. You've been through a lot and sometimes a little bone thrown your way can help boost you back. Its great that you have parents that are there to help you. Not everyone does. And it certainly doesn't sound like you take advantage of it so don't worry about it. Good luck with the pute!!
Congratulations on the successful evening, although the computer issue sucks. But the candlelit night sounds very nice and sweet and calm.
parents are there to help when needed. i mean, wouldn't you do the same for maddie or riley if they were (hopefully never) in a similar situation? don't beat yourself up too much over this --- it's been a hellish year and sometimes you just need others to pitch in and help (even financially).
and you're right, aside from the computer issue, it sounds like it was an absolutely wonderful evening. :)
Glad you made lots of lemonade out of your lemons!
I love that you found the twins by echolocation. I am keeping my fingers crossed for your computer--best of luck with that.
I am 38 and terrified of the dark and usually too embarrassed to say so. Thanks for speaking up, I agree totally. Especially that unexpected moment when all the lights go out.
I know how that is, hoping your parents come through with the early christmas present. But consider it a blessing that they're there, willing, and able? And you know you'd do it for M & R if they needed you, decades from now.
Love the description of your victorious evening. I know you said (on Moxie) that you do what you have to do because you have to do it, but really, you seem to do it, on your own, even when there are more than the average obstacles thrown in your way, SO WELL. Good for you, and so good for those babies. Hope the computer heals itself without too much more effort.
What a rock star! I'm glad you conquered your fear of the dark and had a good evening with the kiddos.
emil anonymously said:
In case you need it, a good place for mac repair is iresq.com My son used to work for them and they are reliable and fast.
Snick, get a UPS for your computer. That stands for "uninterruptable power supply", not the delivery company. They're available at any electronics store. You don't need a large, fancy one. One in the $125 - 150 range should suffice.
We live in an area where the power is a tad wacky and we've had our computer equipment on UPS since day one. I'm sure it's saved us innumerable problems. On the other hand, I've had the power supply go on my desktop for no good reason, so that may or may not have been due to the electrical outage.
I seem to recall an episode of Star Trek where Spock's logic board was fried. Different circumstances, though.
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