What perplexes me, however, are the security questions—they are either too simple or too hard.
Packing My Gadgets
First, I had my camera and the associated paraphernalia—spare battery, charger, data cable, and extra memory card. Since I was attending as a photojournalist, my camera was a requisite tool.
Next was the computer with all its accouterments. I needed it as a functional viewing tool—it’s amazing how perfect a shot can appear on the camera’s tiny screen only to later find it is unusable. The computer also serves as a backup device.
Normally, I would have my thumb drive for a third backup, but I forgot it. I’ve never lost any files going through airport security, but why take unnecessary risks?
The third item was my digital recorder, which I used to record three podcasts. It’s a slick device, holding up to 100 hours of recordings. When I transfer the files to my computer, they automatically convert to MP3 files, ready for playing or posting.
The fourth item was my iPod, which I used to pass the time in the airport and the plane (when allowed) listening to other people’s podcasts.
Last was my cell phone. Of course, there were a myriad of associated items that accompanied each device.
Keeping Track of My Gadgets
In the end, I had more pieces of technical gear than items of clothing—seriously.
I was concerned about keeping track of them all, especially smaller items, such as the iPod. Once I was so focused caring for my digital recorder, that I left my camera on a table. Fortunately, it was still there when I returned in a panic a few minutes later.
Later, I misplaced my digital recorder, eventually discovering that the breast pocket in my sports coat had a small hole and the sly device had worked its way into the garment’s lining. It was quite a challenge to extricate it from its little burrow.
Anyway traveling with all that electronics gear made me feel a bit like a techno geek—wait a minute, I am.
What perplexes me, however, are the security questions—they are either too simple or too hard.
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Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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