Paid a visit to the entrepreneurial geek's lair today: the Build Your Own Computer store down the street. My lappy came back from the Best Buy Geek Squad service I'd had done a few months back missing 3 screws. The touchpad is now virtually inoperable unless the laptop is in my lap -- or the lower left corner is held firmly between my thumb and forefinger.
While cruising the aisles in search of the proper size screws and some rubber feet for the bottom of the lappy -- I overheard one of the geeks working tell a customer, "Yeah, just go to Mozilla.org and download the Firefox browser. That should help a lot. I've been using it for three years now and it works like a charm." My ears perked up and I walked to the end of the aisle to cast a glance. Yup. Geek.
After returning to my browsing, he continued in his pitch:
"So what kind of ISP do you have?" And after explaining what ISP meant and looking over the befuddled customer - he went on to ask/demand, "You're not using AOL, are you?"
Yeah. It was awesome.
(I'm still without my supplies -- the geek guy later came over to tell me that I'd do better at the hardware store and Radio Shack. And it should here be stated that I embrace my inner geek -- and celebrate the geek in others. Do not denigrate the geekdom - something I fear the Best Buy/Geek Squad Union has a talent for.)
My Dearest Nephew,
While browsing your pictures, I noticed a darling one on you and Mark playing with a racetrack. In this picture you noted that I was in the NAVY and gave you that guitar. I don't think so! First of all I was in the Air Force and I gave you a huge stuffed F-4 Fighter Jet that had your name stitched on it. I think it's still hanging in your Mother's basement. Run down the steps and see if it's there! The dresser, the one with the crooked handle, which is now red is in your cousin Andrew's closet and the the handle is still crooked. I'm sure when I point that out to him he'll be amazed by that also! Have a wonderful day!! Love always, Aunt Susie
Point taken -- and I've noted it in the photo...Although I should mention that in the photo I never claimed to have been the beneficiary of the guitar. I simply said that you brought the guitar back. I have yet to unearth the F-4 from the piles in the basement -- although it is probably right next to my baseball card collection.