Problem Solving

One of the great things about my job is that I frequently have opportunities to work in physical environments like gymnasiums and training centres and dance studios, and I frequently have opportunities to teach or facilitate learners in those environments in activities like games, dance, exercise and training, movement education..... it's quite wonderful most of the time. This aspect of my work life requires that I am certified in First Aid and CPR, and so every two or three years I have to re-certify in those competencies, since injury or death is something that all of us in the learning environment want to avoid.
So that's how I've been spending the last couple of days, re-certifying in CPR & First Aid [ this round with the added benefits of additional certifications in AED administration ( that's the layperson's version of sending an electric shock to the heart) and Anaphylaxis rescue] and experiencing the privilege of getting training that can make differences that are, literally, life changing. Scenarios are a big part of this type of training. Participants are given " real life" situations, i.e, simulations that are performed as closely to the actual crisis circumstances as possible, and have to respond with appropriate speed and correctness of decision-making and action.
During the pause before the scenarios began, we all headed to bathrooms for the pee break that necessarily precedes this level of energy expenditure. I was in process of finishing up my business when the person finishing up at the sink exited the bathroom AND TURNED OUT THE LIGHT !!! Now I am in a crisis situation of my own. By way of context I should mention for any boys who might be reading that girls have to take off half their clothes when they pee, and most of the time do it sitting down. Unimaginable, I know, but that's how it goes. That's my physical situation when the lights go out. I have to " feel my way" for the paperwork, the flush work and then had to spend a few minutes of tactile strategizing to figure out how to open the damn door of the cubicle.... is it a slide over latch, is it a turn of a knob.... the things I don't think to memorize when all I am intending to do is pee. Anyway, apparently, I made it out ( unless the phrase " super portable laptop " is going to move to a whole other level of meaning) but I have to confess that I did have to feel my way along the walls to turn ON the lights in order to wash my hands. Who knows what manner of horrific pee germs I left in my wake. Consistent with the tenor of the workshop, though, I did return before leaving at the end of the day and gave the bathroom wall a full antiseptic wipe down.
I suppose the moral of the story might be, by all means, preserve electricity, but please, think before you flick.