Friday, April 3, 2009

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.

16 metawords:

MJenks said...

Any respect I had lost for you with the "I didn't like the Lord of the Rings movies" came rushing back and then some with "That'll do, pig." Bravo, sir, bravo.

Soda and Candy said...

I feel changed just reading about it.

Girl Interrupted said...

Yeah, muchos kudos compadre for getting in a "Babe" reference!!!

Gwen said...

I'm invigorated just reading about it. Bravo!

Falwless said...

Your courage is an inspiration to us all.

Cora said...

Ha ha ha! "That'll do, pig" Words, I just wanna hug you!

Some Guy said...

It's always nice to start the day with a story of hope. Thanks!

Phat Mama said...

I would have knelt and whispered, "Thank you, Master."

The Diva on a Diet said...

Hope and Change! Its a brand new day, America.

Dr Zibbs said...

I love the new avatar!

OG said...

way to cheat death.

BeckEye said...

Before I even got down to the Kramer part, I knew that's where this was going. :)

Quoting the great James Cromwell was a surprise, however. That'll do F...Words Words Words.

Dr Zibbs said...

Just wanted to stop back and say that I hear that you've been invited to the dinner party of Girl Interupted.

And wanted you support that I've requested to sit at the head of the table. Not to be a baby. It'sw more of a security thing.

And vanity.

Greta said...

How invigorating, huh? Pushing the boundaries of modern technology and winning gives me hope for a brighter future.

reb wins said...

Profiles in Courage is about to get an appendix.

sista #2 said...

I need a tissue.


My battery also averages an hour. I am going to try your little experiment and get back to you.

peace
#2