Sneaking in... Power on...

The first time I laid my hands on a computer was in 2009. I was around seven years old then.

I've lived with my grandparents and my mother’s siblings for most of my life. Back then, my uncle and aunt had no families of their own yet, so they were like my older siblings. And until now, I can still vividly remember the day they brought home our first computer set.

I was very thrilled! Trying my best to remain calm as they started with the unboxing, I couldn't help but feel giddy and impatient. One by one, they took out the computer components – from the monitor to the system unit, up to the speakers, keyboard, and mouse. Everything smelled new - and I've always loved the smell of plastic. 

They had me distracted and busy with the bubble wrap as they set up the computer in my uncle's room. The monitor was white, looking heavy and bulky. I think it was a CRT monitor, its sides having linear-patterned holes. And since my uncle loved playing games, the first thing I did on a computer was play DotA, mainly because I had no other options (yet.) I was clueless, didn't know what I was doing – but I had a lot of fun.

I'd only get to play the computer when my uncle goes out, so every time he leaves the house, I'd hurry in his room and let the internal voice guide me. "System unit, click; monitor, click; speaker, wind up," as I'd aggressively slide the mouse from side to side, waiting for the computer to turn on and open Warcraft.

I survived on whosyourdaddy and greedisgood.... 

Later on, when we got connected to the internet, I'd spend my days playing Habbo Hotel and the popular Dragon City on Facebook!

Reference:

Tumblr. (n.d.) BMO [Image]. Retrieved from https://stimnasium.tumblr.com/post/664721907770327040/bmo-stimboard-with-technology-and-computer-stuff