Yesterday Dooce related to the interweb the complicated dance she executes to avoid getting shocked by static electricity. Due to my own habit (compulsion, even) to cheat static, my interest was immediately piqued and I read on. And then - right there for everyone to see - Jon, the Professional Solver recommends just exactly what I've been doing for years!
So yes, I freely admit that during these static fraught months I unconsciously seek out little bits of grounded metal everywhere. I tap doorknobs. I keep one hand grounded while I remove sweaters and fleeces. I hold on to the outer frame of a car while removing myself from the seat. And through this, I don't expect to avoid getting shocked completely. In fact, I do the doorknob tap fully anticipating electrocution. The whole point is to know when it's coming. I can handle the pain, but not the surprise, so it's the anticipation that saves me; I'm sure of it.
Now I will no longer put my brilliance into practice surreptitiously; the cries of "OCD!" following me down carpeted hallways will have no effect. 'Cause I know I'm a problem solver; I read it on Dooce.
Posted by liz at February 7, 2005 09:10 AMI miss the dryness of winter that makes static electric shocks commonplace. I always used to look forward to the surprise (is looking forward to a surprise an oxy-moron?) shocks. My sister and I would have static-shock battles on our living room's shag rug.
Cue the sister/shag-rug jokes.
Oh, and you're an OCD freak!
Posted by: lopolis at February 8, 2005 02:24 PMI recommend getting an accidental dose of house current (220V AC). It'll knock you across the room (if you're lucky) and believe me, never again will you fear the omnipresent static menace. It worked for me.
Posted by: jlg at February 16, 2005 06:34 PM