Order Horizon

Game boy

My big project after I got back was getting Charles computationally operational again. His computer failed a couple of months back and I hadn’t managed to convince Mom of a solution I found … appropriate. Then, a few weeks ago, I sent in my old blue gaming box (which POset enjoyed) to be repaired. Meanwhile I ordered another new computer for myself to replace it, one that was smaller, faster and much quieter. My repaired computer was slated to become Charles’, as it was still much faster than his old one and he never pays attention anyway so the noise wouldn’t make a difference. Of course, everything arrived while I was out of town but the first evening back (last evening) I got to work on getting Charles set up. I figured, since it had just come back from the repair shop, I’d just hook it up and present it to Charles. Sadly, that was not the case.

After a long evening, I managed to get it half way working. The next morning, I had become so obsessive that Mom gave in and we all went shopping for computer parts. After all, it was For The Children™, right?

Charles was very excited about buying stuff for his computer (that’s my boy!). We got a new CD-Rom drive to replace the old flaky ones and a new ethernet switch so both Corwin and Charles could cruise the network (but mainly so Corwin’s friends could borrow the computer for networked games). A few frustating hours later, I had a working system, ready for Charles to try his new Reader Rabbit game. Even Mom liked it, because she could play music videos from Nickelodeon for Alice, who danced like a maniac. Mom used to do that with her laptop but this was definitely more convenient. So, it was good for all the children. And if I have to break in a new computer so they can be happy, it’s a sacrifice I’m happy to make.

P.S. I also bumped Charles up to an 18” LCD instead of the old CRT he had. That was the last CRT we had in use in the house. And it turns out, no one else wants CRTs anymore. You literally can’t give them away.