don't sweat the little things? are computers considered little things?

I am back behind my own keyboard tonight. It's like getting to drive your own car again after going on vacation. Nice feeling of familiarity.

I was able to pick up my MacBook from the Apple Store this afternoon after a 17 day "repair" visit. What happened? My two year old decided I was paying too much attention to the computer screen and not him, so he poured a soda on the keys. Not so coincidentally, I gave up drinking soda two days later (but that's another story, for another time).

My first reaction to what he did was to freak out (someone call CPS, I yelled at my two year old using my outdoor voice!). Then I mimicked him and threw a Terrible Twos tantrum (behind the closed doors of my bedroom). Not very "adult" of me, I know. But I don't think he realized the implications of what he did. My LIFE is on this computer. Next time (if there ever is one) I'll try my best to retain my composure.

Then, I rushed both boys into the car and paraded them to two different Apple Stores on different ends of town until I found one that could get me in see a "genius" that afternoon. I admit, I was in a bad mood and told the boys pretty much to keep their mouths shut until I had taken care of the computer.

The diagnosis: DOA. I kind of figured that when the soda hit the keyboard and I heard a fizz and the whole thing shut off. The remedy: Send it into the Apple Repair Depot for repairs (read: $$$$$$). While sitting down at the genius bar discussing options, I broke down in tears. I needed to find a way to get the computer fixed and it just wasn't an optimistic situation all around.

Andrew sat next to me watching me cry. He took my hand and said, "Mom, I have an idea. I've been trying to tell you all afternoon but you keep telling me to be quiet." So I asked him what was his idea. He said, "You can call up Santa Claus and see if he'll give you a new computer for Christmas."

We did figure out a way to get the computer fixed, but I was truly touched by Andrew's suggestion. Too bad we really can't put Santa on speed dial.