Monday, September 5, 2011

cell phone gone mobile: a cautionary tale

Last night I went on a ten mile run. It was after seven, so Grace asked me to take my cell phone with me in case it got too dark. ( Or, if I'd bitten off more than I could chew.) So, I tucked my blackberry into the back of my jog bra between my shoulder blades where I thought it'd be least noticeable. I was afraid that it might fall out of the bottom while crossing a busy road and I wouldn't hear or feel it. Turns out, that was the wrong fear.

About 2.5 miles into the run, I came across a toilet on the side walk that reminded me of Skeeter's stunt in The Help. Plus, it belonged more in my hometown than in front of this posh address: juxtaposition. I pulled out my phone to take a picture. My phone had little drops of sweat over it. So, when I put it back in it's slot, I put the back to my back and the phone to the material, thinking that would prevent any dampness problems.

My loop was proving to be eminently doable: it was neither hot nor hilly, and I was well rested having been slack earlier in the week. I got to around mile eight and realized it was dark. I got out my (now drenched) phone to alert Grace I was going to finish the run even though it was dark--that I was almost back. I hit the call button. Nothing happened. So, I hit the power button. Nothing. My brain sighed, "I should have seen this coming." Then, I was glad I wasn't whipping out the phone because I'd pulled a hammie. Then, I was nervous that it would. never. work. again. Eek. I don't have insurance on it.

I woke up in the middle of night, stretched my back and played with my phone. Again, nothing. Then, my alarm went off. Relief! Then, I went to hit "dismiss". I pressed the button multiple times. Nothing. Yet, the alarm kept alarming. There was no five minute snooze. I stuffed in socks in my sock drawer to let it wear itself out. Tonight it's semi-responsive. I have hope it will go back to normal.

Moral of the story: put your phone in a ziplock before you put it next to your sweaty flesh in a workout!

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