Collateral damage
We’re still not into winter, but this morning left one of those icy layers that makes walking more of a sport than anything else. I arrived at my usual bus stop without any corporal injuries; a slight twist to the lower back is just a detail at this time of year.
However. One of the educational consultants was less ready for the climate, and managed to fall on the front steps at home. Again, no corporal injury. Some collateral damage along the way, though. The requisite laptop computer landed with some force, and so my day started with a damage inspection on that precious machine.
Cracked case, in the corner. Keyboard no longer in position. Worst; no startup. Armed with patience and a small screwdriver, I removed any visible screws, the battery, the hard drive, the DVD drive. The memory. In layman’s terms, the poor machine was eviscerated and ready for surgery. Or was it after surgery? No matter.
The interior showed no damage, and after manipulations somewhat like those of a chiropractor, time to test. I plugged in power and noted that vital lifesigns were in evidence; the screen showed a corporate logo. Replace all the pieces on my desktop, except for a single small screw that turned up later in the morning, and the accidental victim was returned to its owner.
Now, there’s always the “hope” that a newer laptop might be in the works, but between a slightly damaged machine and none, one becomes acceptive. Fate was not on side this morning. I’ve earned my pay, and I’m on my way.
