As I am sitting here, ousitde my office, I am glad I cary too much EDC - that is, Every Day Crap.

Last one out of the office tonight. Had been alone for close to 2 hours, except for a few of those pesky customers. Forgot, as I was hauling my computer bag and purse and box of stuff to take home, that there was a printer carcass in the doorway, preventing the closure of that door. So, I put everything I was carrying down, moved the printer inside and gathered up most of my stuff. I locked the door, made sure the sign said we open again tomorrow at 10 and shut the door.

Did you notice that I said MOST of my stuff?

The one thing I forgot, was my keys. I know exactly where they are. Inside the office.

So, the first thing I try is to pick the lock. Unfortuneately, the management company for the building has recently(within the last 3 months) changed the cylanders, and my technique that worked 4 months ago did not today. I went outside(this is an indoor hallway that I have been in so far), and check the windows. All are nicely shut and locked.

I reach for my phone AND... Remember I loaned it to one of my partners for the evening.

What to do? Technology to the rescue!

We have a wireless network in our office. I got out my computer, and tried to contact my partner who is at an onsite right now, but who is an online fiend like myself. It took contacting four other chat buddies to get his attention, but it worked. I put my iSight onto the 12" PowerBook, and video conferenced with him, figureing out our next plan.

So, as I am waiting for him to get here(35 min and counting), I was able to set myself up in a style to which I do not want to get accustomed, but is great for right now. I always leave a way for me to get into my van, so I got out a sheepskin, a table, a camel saddle(don't ask) to all let me get a little work done... Yea right, I immediately came here!

I had my water bottle with me, which I put some Herbalife tea concentrate into and got out a Tigers Milk bar to munch on. I am having fun watching the cars drive by and surfing the 'net as I wait.

You know, I could have brought out the oriental rug from the back of the van, too.

Naw, to conspicuous! Want to see how in agony I am, check out the site, SurvivalGene .

Have a great night!

Rena
<img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

By the way, I did this post, took the picture and updated my website all while outside waiting for my rescuer.

Awe, I want to see the camel saddle. My ancient Volvo broke down once. I had my reproduction 1880 stock saddle in the back. The saddle's worth considerably more than the car. My cellphone SOS went unanswered so I decided to walk the 4 blocks home-with my rig. 2 3/4" riding heels aren't exactly jogging shoes either. I ignored most of the comments until my local CHiP rolled up. " Hey Chris, know anything about a dead horse in the #3 lane? Nope, sorry patrolman Green, my old horse kidnapped a bunch of LAPD mounted unit Mares and took off for Burning Man "<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That is so cool! I do some historial recreation and have gravitated towards the middleastern and asian cultures. I don't have a camel, but I have the harness, tack and saddle if I ever come accrost one... It isn't good to sit on it with a full butt, but it is good to lean against.

It is interesting how things like that can be an important thing that we don't want ot leave behind in a car. A freind of mine left her car alonside a road and walked with a cake to the next gas sation, leaving the gown and jewelry in the back of the car... When asked later, she said, "I didn't want someone to eat it while I was gone - It was a special order!"

Women! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Rena

SurvivalGene:

I wasn't sure if I should laugh at your predicament, or cry, as I think most of us have been in a similar situation. I can honestly say though your choice of a ?rescue? tool was first rate. I always wondered when someone would resort to a similar method for ?rescue!? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Take care,

Stargazer

"If we believe in absurdities, we shall commit atrocities - Voltaire"

When in a situation that is an unaccustomed situation, from the mild shut out to the desperate major wound, it has been beaten into me to try the obvious first and start going down the list until something works.

What people forget is that we know how to deal with almost anything that comes our way. We just have to realize it, before we get into too much of a panic. Technology is a tool, know which end to use and it is great!

If I had not been able to get ahold of Josh via Chat, I was on the line with other people, one of whom was at home about 10 minutes away and was willing to come and get me... Though I did not have keys to the house, so that would have been partially futile. Or, there is a Taxi stand accrost the street and I know many of the drivers, so I might have been able to make my sock money(generally $5) stretch to get me home, or close enough to comfortably walk.

Or, I could have gotten out the tent, pads, sleepingbag, gerry kit with popane stove... And just set up camp in the yard of the building until the next morning. With access to the bathroom and utility closet, I would have been set - I would just miss my snuggle kitty. And Norton Graham. And coffee in the morning...

O.K., so I am a wimp!

Rena