Super Powers

Even though I think that the convenience market is way out of control, I must admit that I have a place in my heart that absolutely adores infrared sensors.

As I child, I would lay in bed and put my full concentration into turning off the lights with the power of positive thinking. Minute after minute of scrunching up my face and trying to will the lights off resulted in nothing but disappointment. How do the Jedi do it?

Now that I am an adult, I am surrounded by devices that dry the eyes of the disappointed child. I still get excited when I activate an automatic grocery store door opener. The paper towel dispensers at my school operate only after waving my hand in front of them. So, of course, I wave my hand as if I were using a Jedi mind-trick to overpower the dispenser–the force of my will demands that paper products be provided. Auto-sinks, hand-dryers, and motion sensors all give me a sense of childhood delight. I allow myself to believe that there is something about ME that makes these devices work. If you watch me closely, you will probably notice some subtle body language to support this claim. Watch my eyebrows and the pacing of my strides. Those are the biggest giveaways.

I wish I could say that it is embarrassing to admit, but it isn’t. I don’t mind being a Jedi.