A Close Call
I thought I lost my new wristwatch on Monday. That would have been a very bad thing since I couldn’t afford to replace it with the economy being so bad these days. Fortunately, it was still in the locker I used to keep my stuff in while I was working out. I went running toward the end of the day and forgot to put it back on when I was finished. I panicked a bit when I got home and realized I was still wearing my sports watch. I took The Girl to soccer practice and then went immediately to retrieve it. It’s a sad commentary that you worry so much whenever you leave anything anywhere. My previous sports watch was stolen out of the shower. After working out around lunchtime, I realized I had not put it in my bag later in the day; but it was already gone when I went back for it. It was a Timex Ironman so it didn’t cost very much which made it even more frustrating. If it was a Rolex or something very expensive, I would not have expected it to be there. But who steals something that you can buy for $30 at the nearest Wal-Mart?
Mention of your wrist-watch reminds me that we have never seen you without a wrist-watch, no matter what you are up to. It’s the first thing I remove when I get home. Incidentally, the anti-spam word for this comment was “pub” – which reminds me ….
Speaking of lost things…my boss left his laptop at the airport last week. Again. While my job isn’t technically to be an administrative assistant (no, technically I’m an associate scientist) I got a phone call to find him a new one.
I spent two hours on the phone trying to find a distributor for HP Small Business machines that had an actual retail front where he could pick up a computer, because he needed one NOW. Finally found a place that was willing to let him drive to the warehouse and get the system he wanted.
I can’t imagine just leaving a laptop somewhere, but this is the second one he’s left in a bin at security, and I guess something like 12,000 laptops a week get left behind at airports. Cost to replace? $1449, and I got the guy to waive the sales tax.
Maybe he should pay me more. Anyway, I’m glad you found your watch and all is well. I tend to strap my watch (a Skagen) to my gym bag so I don’t accidentally stick it somewhere I can’t find it. It was me 21st birthday present and I’d be mortally upset if I lost it.
It is sad what people will steal now a days! Glad you found your watch!
~vie
It’s a good thing that you did recover it, but whether or not a watch is expensive or cheap….it doesn’t stop someone from stealing it.
Alfie: Wearing a wristwatch whether we are home or away is something that we have always done. We use sports watches when we are working out; but otherwise it’s the matching two-tone set you always see us wearing. They’re water resistant to 100 meters so we don’t have to worry about splashes of water from the sink or even getting into the shower with them. And, if we happen to hop in the pool it’s no big deal rather.
Lauren: That’s an expensive item to forget. And, considering how many laptops are lost or stolen at airports, there is no chance of recovery. Hopefully, there was nothing on it that can’t be replaced. Configuring a new computer is always a nuisance.
I can’t believe it was so hard to find someplace that was willing to sell you a new one. Actually, I can. So many places these days are more interested in following their arcane rules than helping their customer. At least you were able to find someone to sell you one. With the prevalence of voice mail and automated voice systems, it’s hard to get real live people on the telephone without leaving a message and waiting for a callback. You boss owes you big time.
$1449 is not a bad price for a name brand laptop; but that is still $3000 that he’s left laying around. I’ve never left anything in the bin myself but I can see how it happens. One of the reasons that so many laptops are left at airports is that security checkpoints are so stressful. People just want to get out of there as soon as possible. I think the TSA could be more helpful but they only seem focused on ruining the traveling experience for everyone.
I’m probably going to be woeful when I get older. I have a routine at the gym (and other places) but I usually just count on remembering things. It would help if the lockers were larger and had a shelf. As things are now, I have to be carefully where I put things so they don’t accidentally fall out when I open the door. I would not be happy if I lost my half of our 20th anniversary present.
Skagen makes some sharp looking watches. That was a very nice birthday gift. Can you say who gave it to you?
Viemoira: People will take anything that’s not attached. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had change for the vending machines stolen out of my desk. And lately, we’ve had someone helping themselves to people’s lunches out of the refrigerator at work. It’s getting to the point where you have to lock up everything.
Rage: True enough. I was thinking about would it be worth it given the possibility that they might get caught. But thieves probably aren’t taking getting caught into consideration. And, given the layout of the areas where things are most frequently stolen, I don’t think being seen is worry. Sadly, there have always been and will always be thieves.
The Skagen was a gift from my parents, as I was given a very expensive Tag Heuer for my high school graduation that I never liked to wear because I was afraid of damaging it.
They got me a beautiful black titanium skagen with sapphire crystal that I couldn’t damage if I tried. It’s a fabulous watch.
Lauren: We considered getting The Boy a Tag Heuer as a Christmas present since, other than a new laptop, we didn’t get him a high school graduation gift; but opted instead for a less expensive timepiece just for the reason that you mentioned. The jewelry store had an “inexpensive” AQUARACER that he wold have loved.