Hello, Meet Franken-puter, a Great Money Saver!

byRoxanna

273 followers

Updated 9 years ago

Hello, Hope you’re having a nice day!

I am just sitting here looking out my dining room window, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine, and while my mind wandered off, I came to rest on melancholy thoughts of dear Casey. He was a good friend and one of those real-life angels in disguise that came to my rescue when I was going through some rough times in life.

At the time, I was a single mother of two young boys, and very pregnant with a third one. My unborn son’s father was physically abusive, and learning about this, Casey had opened his home as a refuge to me and my boys.

Casey was an older man, pale, thin and lanky in appearance with large round eyes, that --when he wore his glasses -- were enhanced to appear almost bulging through the magnification of the thick lenses. His mannerisms were very animated, similar to that of a cartoon character. For hours, he enthusiastically shared stories with the boys and me about his love of televised sci-fi, especially “Star Trek”, and his particular fascination with an unusual cuisine that he pronounced something like “nuk mom”.

Since I have no idea how to correctly spell it, I will have to go with the phonetics…sorry about that!

Casey loved to share stories about his involvement in Vietnam during the war. I later learned that Vietnam was where he picked up his appetite for the unusual “nuk mom”.

Time passed and we came to look forward to his daily tales. His stories mesmerized the kids, and his kindness helped us to build a warm and safe home for him, me and the boys. We quickly grew to love Casey like a grandpa, and vice-versa.

Anyway, back to my story….

Casey loved computers. He is the person instrumental in actually opening up the world of computer technology to yours truly. He loved to tinker, and one day, to my surprise, he had summoned me to his usually private, off-limits, downstairs workshop. “Sit down” he said, as he motioned to a small silver and white stool on wheels. Once seated, he proceeded to gently grasp my shoulders and to my surprise, revolved me around in the opposite direction to find myself facing a computer. He then said, with a lopsided grin while literally wheeling me stool-and-all towards the machine. “I want you to try to break it”. His bulging eyes were twinkling.

I was caught unawares… “Computers” I thought “This was undiscovered territory for me”. I was way the heck outta my comfort zone. “Are you sure…?” was all I could say, still in shock.

“Yeah, I dare you to break it!” “Hit the keys”…“Use the mouse”…“Try to break it…do whatever you want.”…“I built it, I can fix it…go ahead, try to break it!!”. He was grinning from ear to ear now.

“Where…how, did you do this?” We were poor as churchmouses at the time, and neither one of us had any extra cash. He knew I had recently enrolled at the local community college to take a few business classes and I had no way to actually purchase a computer of my own, and after his expenses, I doubted he could afford one.

Casey immediately began with “I would like you to meet Franken-puter” and he bowed forward, and then with a grand gesture surveyed the room with his extended arm…“I took a piece from here, and a piece from there” he said as he indicated the two computer carcasses that were skewn from one corner of his workshop to the other.

“I put ‘em all together, and now, here’s Franken-puter….and …(he paused for effect) HE’S ALL YOURS.” “Now…go on, try to break it…”

Within just a short time from that day, I had self taught myself how to use word processing programs, set up an email, giggled when I first heard of “Google” and then learned how to access and utilize the world wide web.

So, what’s the point?

I loved the lesson that Casey taught me. I found out that sometimes we have to just break out of our shells and try something new. Once I overcame my fear of the unknown, I learned that computers are wonderful tools. My fascination with technology -- in combination with my natural skepticism -- has made it possible for me to sit down and share stuff with you like this, here via the world wide web. I hope that your path is a little easier by taking the time out of your busy life to point and click your way here, that maybe you smiled, or picked up a nugget of info, or simply took the time just for yourself.

I am the inquisitive type….So I can’t help but wonder?

Am I the only one who has encountered a real life angel at the time I needed it most? Did you encounter one somewhere along your life’s path? The best money saver technique is to learn to build or make something yourself. Sure would like to know more about what your “Franken-puter” moment was?

Lemme know whatcha think? If anything I have shared today resonates with you, please jump in and share your story in the comments? I will check back here soon to see whatcha had to say. Sure am looking forward to getting to know you!

Until then, take care, and blessings to you!

--R--