Highway Robbery
Some times it is necessary to laugh at your own life because you cannot make this stuff up unless you are writing a Hollywood Blockbuster.
Trip on this, right. I was speaking with my friend Ani who possesses great wisdom behind her young eyes. We were comparing times we asked for something and the Universe answered by giving us exactly what we asked.
Her words stick with me until this day. Be careful not to ask for more than you need and you may be surprised by how little you actually need.
The week I found myself (pun intended) while walking to Valencia to keep my appointment with the United States Consulate for a replacement passport.
I walked many days over the mountain ridges and peaks to reach my destination. I was again struck by the fact that I am able to use a phone in the city for a full day on one charge. Often using several apps at the same time. Google Maps , web browsers, email clients, text messaging and even telephone calls.
The Hand That Feeds
This speaks to the great advancements in cell phone battery technology over the years. I am speaking about _ hours of heavy use on one charge and my phone was the entry level device. But one thing vexes me and I will repeat the question here.
Why does the same battery and same phone quickly die when you leave the confines of the city and roam into nature. I have tested this many times to find even with all apps turned off and cell phone in airplane mode I can watch the battery drain quicker than corn through a goose.
I believe the cell phone and the system needs your eyeballs and if you are not staring at your phone for hours a day the phone will call for your attention by malfunctioning or inexplicably draining the battery. Causing you to be a good little consumer and racing back to the wifi and plugs and wires and using your phone to research how to extend battery life or whatever! I know the battery works for eight hours at full use on single charge until I stop looking at my phone.
Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
After complaining how the phone was messing with me in the mountains I once again found myself in Babylon (Valencia) and my phone, thankfully holding a charge no problem. I sat down in the park near the Rainbow benches to relax with one hour before my consulate appointment to find the Universe had an answer for myncomplaints!
The thug was wearing an orange reflective vest which made me think he worked in the park. I would soon find out he indeed did not work in the park.
He slammed his hand onto the bench to grab my phone and yelled and pointed that I could not sit in this section. His friend also yelled for me to go and I stuffed my papers into my bag to leave and said, oh crap! my phone!
Choose Your Own Adventure
I saw the man in orange and yelled to come back while knowing if I chase him I may not get the phone but definitely will miss passport appointment.
The man took a strange turn and start heading in my direction on the other side of the street. I know he does not see me but if I run he can run. I faded behind the dumpster and popped out behind him and he can not get away.
I see from his split lips he has taken many beatings over time and if I hit him as I really wish to do I may still not get phone but may get arrested on busy downtown street!
He swore he does not have phone and my appointment with the consular is coming quickly . To boot, now I must find the consular with no gps in Valencia (Babylon).
I let the pillaging villager go and made it to the consular on time that day. I am happy to say the passport replacement meeting was the best part of my day. The people who work there make losing your passport seem fun. Almost…
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