...hmmm...

Interesting today - around 4:30ish this afternoon, the power at work went out. Amid the numerous cheers of jubilation and glee, several of our employees noticed that it wasn't just our building - it was the entire block. Maybe the entire grid (although we couldn't confirm this, since they don't unchain us from our desks until five minutes before five, after which they chase us out with cattle prods...).

Oh well, we weren't complaining. According to some folks in the neighborhood, the power going out in that area of town after some raininess isn't that unusual, after all.

But then, as we sat around chatting and looking wistfully out the window, wondering if the powers that be would deign to release us a few minutes early from our confinement, someone noticed something...

"Hey, isn't that a police officer out there? Why is he skulking around with his hand on his holster...?"

...hmm...? wha...? umm... not a good sign, maybe...?

As we gathered by the window (yes, yes, I know, not a smart move on our parts. Hey, what can I say - it's the environment), suddenly there was an announement over the bull-horn (or "emergency public announcement system" as it's technically known...) -

"Attention everyone, please evacuate the building."

... umm... okay... now that's just a little scary...

Thus, at a quarter til 5, we all quickly gathered our things and departed the building and headed out to the parking lot. There we mulled about anxiously, wondering if NOW the powers that be would deign to let us go home. It only made sense, after all... but... who knows...

So we waited for official word. A few employees were saying it was okay to leave, but a few of us, jaded by experience, waited for "official" word, so as to not once again be burned by the cruel hand of official meany-head-ness.

And then, as the clouds began to gather, and the skies began to darken, came the official word from the very mouthpiece of the official officialness -

YES!

Ah, how quickly we all scurried to our cars, to happily depart, to joyfully escape for a few short hours. To spend time at home, with family or friends, free from the ceaseless mind-numbing toil (or incessant boredom) ... for a short time, at least. A short time...

*sigh*

But really, I wonder what that was all about. The other buildings along the block were also evacuated. Was the power cut for some reason - not as in accidentally, but purposefully? Strange... I'll have to keep an eye out on the news tonight...