Maybe I set myself up for this by even thinking about it. My computer has everything in my life on it (should I be admitting that online??), but I can be a klutz. It’s a disease I am managing, this klutziness. I keep a sharp eye out for possible pitfalls, like uneven sidewalks, things sticking out from car roofs, posts that tempt me to walk into them…Over the years I have even trained myself not to catch a falling knife or put my hand in a running garbage disposal (the last is from personal experience…).
So lugging a computer back and forth from my apartment in Accra, Ghana to an Uber, into the office and back again, seemed fraught with danger. But worse was the idea of having it stolen. Lugging won.
And then I dropped it. On the second day. In my apartment. And I treated it like a knife – no stopping it. I waited to assess the damage until I got to work, as it was tucked into my backpack-really, how bad could it be??
Great news, screen was intact and my computer started. Bad news – the opening hinge was broken and it was pulling up the corner of my laptop. CRAP!
By Thursday I knew the computer and I couldn’t go on like this. I confided in my next-desk seat mate, Kubra, who told me to go to IT (the org I am partnered with, Advans Savings and Loan, has all the mod cons). With trepidation and sweaty palms, I carefully took by wonky computer to them. “Oh, we can’t fix that.” Crap. “But we can send it to a shop that can.” YAY! Wait, NO!!! That’s got my life in it!! Send it to some computer shop in Ghana? Seriously? I might be a klutz, but I am not stupid.
I handed over the computer, begging for its safe return. Friday I would be visiting cashew farmers in the Volta Region, so I would pick it up on Saturday. I started to hyperventilate. Everyone chuckled in commiseration – at least, that’s how I decided to view it.
Saturday morning finally came – managing my anxiety levels over the past 36 hours had almost been effective – and I made my way to Advans, hopeful that IT (whom I was assured would be there) had my fixed and unviolated computer.
The super nice security guard lady led me into the bank, informing me with a lovely smile that of course IT was not in today. Whipping out my phone I called my contact and lifeline at Advans, Samuel, who knew all about this stuff. I gave the phone to the Advans bank teller, and lots of conversation ensued. She closed her window (much to the dismay of the other clients) and led me to the back office. To a desk that had a hidden key that unlocked a secret cupboard. And my computer!!
I started it up to make sure it really WAS my computer and functioned – YAY! Hinge fixed, and seemingly unviolated, I silently sent apologies to everyone everywhere for my doubts and anxiety. A well-deserved coffee was in my very near future, and I headed out with the backpack confined to my back with both straps.
I will be looking for a secret cupboard of my own on Monday.
What if...I can! 