Sunday, September 23, 2007

My Son's New Computer

Yesterday, my son built himself a computer...

For as long as I can remember, we have had two or three computers in the house. Except for the first non-Pentium, 486DX 4-100 computer which we bought in 1995, I had built all of our computers. Over the years, with pieces from here and pieces from there, we have had computers good enough for everyday use but not good enough for my son's "real gaming."

Well, with all the hours he worked at his part time job at the local Tim Horton's coffee place, he was able to save up for all the parts he needed to build his powerhouse system. I tried to talk him into simply buying a new computer but he insisted on building his own... sort of a family tradition, I suppose... not to mention the pressure he received from his gaming buddies. I believe that, in the long run, he made the right decision.

So...After three long months of saving all his pennies, we ordered all the parts he needed and yesterday was the day!

Late in the evening, we cleared off the kitchen table and spread out all the parts. After about a hundred "Dad be careful" warnings from my son and after my near anxiety attack of not wanting to blow up the thing, the computer was finally completed.


I must admit that I have never seen him so proud of his accomplishments!



I am proud of him. I am proud of his skills, determination and desire to accomplish new things as he moves from "youthhood" to manhood. I have no doubt that he will accomplish all kinds of goals on his new system... Hopefully that will also include accomplishing his schoolwork! Actually I have no doubt he will.



After all was done, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said "Thanks Dad, I really appreciate your help." To me, that made it all worthwhile!

11 comments:

Ruth W. said...

awesome...God, I love hearing stories like that!!! I think that is why I have chosen to read blogs instead of newspapers, I like happy endings.

Good job to the both of you.

Monika said...

Wow, that's amazing! Is it cheaper to built your own PC? For me the best part in your story is the father/son working together, we don't have that around here. I'm real glad for both you you.

Cheryl said...

I hope this is a memory that you'll both cherish.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

I applaud you both. What an achievement and what a wonderful father-son memory! Myself, I would not dare attempt this kind of computer assembly project for fear of finding extra pieces or for it not to work.

Jazz said...

He built a computer? Damn. I can barely start the things...

heiresschild said...

congratulations dave on a job well done--in raising a fine son and in helping to build the computer. another example of how our youth are doing positive things with their lives.

Jo said...

Aw, what a great story, and a great picture of you guys together.

I can't even imagine building a computer.

Janice Thomson said...

I loved reading this wonderful story of accomplishment - and the two of you working together. Kudos to you both.

Dave said...

Hi Ruth! Nice to meet you. It is experiences like these that make parenting all worthwhile.

Hi Monika! It is not necessarily cheeper to build your own computer. He just couldn't find a fast enough one already built. Hew wanted RAW SPEED! LOL

It was definitely a great Father & Son experience.

There is no doubt about that Cheryl! :-)

Well LGS, I have built many a computer but this one was different... There was a lot more involved and a lot newer technology than I was used to... Fortunately, I had everything we needed and didn't forget to put in any parts... LOL

Hi Jazz! Sometimes I think he knows too much! :-)

Hi HeiressChild ... This was certainly a positive learning activity for him.

Hi Josie! He put this picture on the desktop of his new computer... That means more to me than he realizes.

Hi Janice! I am looking for another "working together" experience for us. Thanks Janice!

none said...

Terrific. I did the same with my nephew. It's rewarding and it's nice to get the thing just they way you want it.

Becky Wolfe said...

woohoo - looks like a kick arse system. Building it by pieces is the way to go! Used to have a home based computer company that did just that (I didn't know how to do it but the ex-hubby did)Still, when it comes to new puters, you won't catch me going to Future Shop or Costco - I want all the pieces hand picked too. Big congrats to your son (and yay for the Tim Hortons job)