Yes, I hear stories about wok computers. They're so overstuffed with useless junk, but the admin doesn't let you clean it up, install any sort of antivirus, antijunk or antianything... And with proper tech support a computer can do good work for a long time.
Well, kids are supposed to learn languages faster. Since we're born (and some say even earlier, as babies's cries differ based on what language they were exposed to while in the womb) till we're about 11 years old we absorb language much easier, so don't worry about the kids being better. It's supposed to be like that.
Why don't you get a smaller pan? I don't think they're very expensive. Or make the big dish, freeze half for the next time you don't have time to make something.
The Onda points will probably mean you get a free coffee with every 100. Apaprently a points system is the next cool thing and everyone is trying to implement it. Meh...
As for spring, I think it's just about here and I still haven't enjoyed my winter fully...