Thank and Grow Rich – Day 22

An up close shot of a bluetooth speaker on a granite countertop.
Today's Special Guest

February 22

  1. Wireless speakers
  2. Pair of Thieves socks
  3. Little boys wearing their Dad’s favorite winter hat

Today’s special guest came into my life unexpectedly, went through difficult times, and came back to life in a wonderful way. I’m talking about my bluetooth speaker, of course. And, lo, the journey it has endured.

A little background: I love music. I love speakers. I love listening to music on decent to great headphones and I love listening in a public environment when appropriate. (No one wants to hear me blast Adam Duritz at 10 am on a Thursday in the middle of an open-plan-workspace-ugh-don’t-get-me-started-on-those-okay-back-to-the-story.)

A bluetooth speaker on a granite counter top with an extension cord, container of collagen, and a roll of paper towels all visible.
At home, in its natural habitat.

Our little friend lives a comfortable life today. He travels (from room to room), he is loved, and he is well cared for.

This was not always the case.

The Drowning

It does not rain much in Colorado during the summer months. And it is often glorious outside. The backyard beckons me to leisure. On occasion I will bring the bluetooth speaker (we’ll call him BT Jr. so that I do not have to keep referring to it as “bluetooth speaker” and also I like to personify inanimate objects).

One particular day, BT Jr. and I were outside enjoying a sunset, listening to the kids run around as mellow pop tunes from decades ago played the role of soundtrack to the festivities. It was great. It was enjoyable. We went inside and got ready for bed and slept like angels.

Uh, some of us went inside. BT Jr. stayed outside. And I assume he slept well. Until the sprinklers came on.

Oh, you guessed it dear Reader; BT Jr. was waterlogged. To say he did not respond to any stimuli would be entirely accurate. I waited a few days, tried charging him up again: nothing. He was silent and unresponsive.

He was lovingly placed in the place where old technology goes. I couldn’t quite throw him away. And he didn’t quite work. And life carried on.

Fast Forward Some Months

I don’t remember if it was winter or spring, but I saw BT Jr. again. Something in me decided to give him another shot. I held down his power button and a little blue light started flashing. Soon after, the obnoxiously loud start up sound sprang forth from his loins, er, speaker! He came back!

And he has been a fantastic life partner ever since. And by life partner I mean partner in enriching my life through music. Thanks, little buddy.