So, you all know that about two weeks ago my computer died. It got a worm, which ate its way through my entire desktop and all but ruined the whole system. This isn't the first time it has happened to me. Fortunately, we have a friend who is really computer savvy, and was able to recover most of my programs. Most... but not all. He recommended backing up all my files on an external hard drive and then offered to come over and completely reinstall Windows for me. That is super nice of him, but still, what a pain in the rear!
Greg and I have been tossing around the idea of getting a new computer for a while now. We have had several issues with my PC and even when it is working at optimal levels, it still malfunctions frequently. I have heard good things about Macs, but only know a few people who use them. We have thought about buying a Mac for a while and after this last fiasco with the worm, I decided to email my cousin Willie, my Aunt Carmen's son. He is a sales rep for Apple, currently living in Singapore. He gave Carmen an awesome system for Christmas, and being an Apple employee, obviously knows all about Macs.
I wrote to him on Tuesday, told him about my usage and asked for some recommendations, which he gladly gave. I printed out his response on Wednesday morning for Greg to read (and hopefully start shopping!) Wednesday afternoon, my mom and I took the boys to Idlewild Park for the day with my sister and my niece, Ella. We didn't get home until well beyond our bedtime, so I didn't have a chance to look at the Apple website. On Thursday, I took Jacob in to the Penn State Altoona Campus for his Kids Camp and Andrew and I ran a bunch of errands. Then in the afternoon, my in-laws took the boys and I got some much needed rest! I took a nap and got a massage! How lovely it was!
When I cam home from the massage therapist, there was a message on my cell phone from my Aunt Carmen. I called her back and she asked if I could run to the local grocery store and pick up a few items for her. Of course I agreed, and I asked her what she needed. "Oh no," she said. "You have to come here first and get the list and the money. I don't want you to go to the store, buy me stuff and then refuse to take any money for it."
"Don't be ridiculous!" I said. "Tell me your list!" I continued to press her for the list, and she continued to refuse. I suppose I get my stubbornness honestly! Apparently, it runs on the maternal side of my family! After dinner, I gathered the boys up and ran down to her house. I left the boys in the car while I went in to get the list and the money. First she started talking to me about chit-chat. I must have looked funny or impatient or something off kilter, because she stopped talking and said, very seriously, "Are the boys in the car?"
"Yes," I said. "Where's your list?"
"I don't have a list" she said. "I actually wanted you to come down and get this big box out of my doorway." Confused, I looked around, and there beside me sat a box, from Willie, with this inside:
A brand new iMac 27! I was shocked! It's a huge gift! I started to cry. I never expected for him to send a computer to me, and this one is fantastic! It has a 27 inch screen, wireless keyboard and mouse, awesome display, and does all kinds of crazy media stuff that I have only just started to figure out! I can't even being to tell you all how appreciative I am for this computer. It was certainly no small gesture! I've been thinking about it all day, even when I haven't been home to see it sitting in front of me. I am amazed at the generosity of people, and I am also amazed at the blessings that surround me. I have lived a very fortunate life, in many regards, and the blessings in my life do not go by unnoticed. God is good. Family is good. And I am grateful.
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