To Boldly Go

I had an exhilarating experience at work the other day. One that neither I or my coworkers will soon forget.

I'd arrived at work and set up my computer only to find that I had left my power supply at home. My battery is on its last legs and has been averaging only an hour per charge, so I let out an aggravated string of profanity as I realized I'd have to travel back home for the power supply. I figured I might as well work on battery power to check my email and go through my morning routine before heading home again. After about 45 minutes, the battery meter was down to 7% and I knew my time was short.

But a funny thing happened. The meter hovered at 7% for a few minutes. And then a little longer. Soon it was a full half hour with the meter still reading 7%. And that's when I realized that something special was happening. The ancient battery was exceeding all expectations, heading toward an hour and a half of power with time apparently standing still. I had been ready to shut down and make the trip home, but I felt a strange compulsion to see this miracle through to the end. I adjusted my computer's power setting to "Long Life" just to see how far I could ride this baby out. I then alerted my coworkers to what was going on, and we all soon felt a stake in what was happening.

My experience was reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer test drives a car. He and the salesman realize the car's gas tank is near empty, but they drive on through the night, daring the car to quit on them. Their own special experience is captured here:



The plucky battery raged against the dying of the light for THREE FULL HOURS, two hours longer than expected. There was nothing left to prove. I nodded with respect and whispered, "That'll do, pig" as I selected "Full Power" from the power settings. The battery expired in a matter of moments.

I then set about driving home to retrieve my power supply. But none of us will forget the thrill of pushing far beyond our natural boundaries and turning our fear into exhilaration. You don't forget a day that changes you.