OUTAGE
Saturday Jan. 13, 2018
These terms seem to go in pairs; outage, outrage.
Internet outage, outrage – we can chuckle – but when we wake early to do something time sensitive to our lives or businesses, only to find power is out or internet isn’t working we can (what choice do we have?), for a short while at least – appreciate what life is like in places where these services are intermittent, or non-existent.
When our schedule/intentions go off track. Might be we are the cause – but more often it is someone else rescheduling a meeting, someone else’s plans that changed or an external event that ‘altered’ the well orchestrate plan. Could be a medical matter, could be internet service down (this happened recently), or some event in the life of a friend, neighbour or family member – the issue is not ‘what the event is’ or how long things are derailed, the issue is ‘what to do with this opportunity’.
Most of the time when this kind of event happens to me it isn’t some new time commitment for me, but rather the unexpected availability of time. In the case of the internet outage – it limited what I could do and delayed substantially doing many things I needed to do (hence, nervous wait/watch for things to normalize). When I first became aware of the problem at 5AM until it was resolved at noon, I didn’t know if would be a minute or an hour. I hoped for minutes. Then I hoped for ‘just one more hour – no more, please!’, but I wasn’t in control.
My reality was seven extra free hours that day.
Outage wasn’t outrage – it became opportunity!
P.S.: it was yesterday’s news .. the Consumer Electronics Show currently on in Las Vegas – they had a one-hour power outage. All those devices, and no juice, no lights …
Reader feedback:
COMES A TIME
So does this mean you won’t accept a lunch invitation? Happy New Year and every success with managing your diet. Warm regards, PT, Calgary, AB
SOME ACTION REQUIRED
I appreciate your reflections and feel that your musings are well written and insightful. Do you listen to the "Road Home" on CK UA radio. If not, may I recommend that you do so as I think you will find a kindred spirit in Bob Chelmick the host. The program airs 8pm-10pm MT Sundays 5am-6am MT Mondays through Fridays ( rebroadcast) ..., JR, Calgary, AB
