Being a Computer Squid Father

Here is a task I think I was meant to take on.

I used to be a computer nerd ... pretty much in every way you can imagine one defined in the late 70s and early 80s. Then, one day, my sister walked in and saw me managing three machines: one online, one being cleaned up, and one rendering a 3d modeled video I was creating. Realize that this was sometime around 1986 when personal computers were really just coming into existence with some regularity.

She made a comment that stuck with me ... "you're not a computer nerd, you're a computer squid."

Computer Squid ... it stuck. Over the years, I've joked about that comment with a brother's fondness ...

Now, I'm a father ... and being a computer squid has taken on a whole new meaning. Working on projects that I used to just warn Jen about is now a thing of the past. Projects are now assembling toys that take not just a Masters in Engineering, but a fluency in any one of a half dozen languages beyond English. I also find myself having to fix things like the crib when the side rail is stuck. I work on computer projects with one ear our for his cry. Because Patrick has a fondness for refrigerator magnets, I have to be distinctly aware of where he is and what he is doing when he is in the room and I am on the computer.

I purchased some heavy duty gaming equipment (mouse and keyboard) under the assumption that any child of mine will enjoy working (playing) on the computer. I was right, but significantly earlier than I expected. Patrick enjoys little more than sitting on my lap and slamming the keyboard and playing with the mouse. He lights up as he watches the mouse move and various menus open and close. I've learned to hold him and keep on finger on the escape key.

I never imagined a re-conceptualization of what being a computer squid would entail, but I am getting a real-life lesson in how I can apply the multi-tasking skills that I have developed using computers over the years.

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