The Day Google Stopped Turning

     The majority of Americans drudged off to fight that Wednesday morning traffic while making their way to work today.  They were for the moment unaware of the horror that faced the rest of us.  Those of us that sit in our pj’s drinking hot coffee as they try not to spill it in the car.  Those of us that Tweet as they trek.  Those of us that Like as they load themselves up for car-pool.  Google was down. 

     Where were you when the Google world stopped turning?  The day Google stood still?  Searching for the next best topic to blog about?  Trying to check your e-mail? Maybe you were checking to see how many folks are following you today. Chances are this is a day we’ll be chatting about for quite a while.  There will finally be some new jokes that don’t mention Congress – well, okay not so sure about that one.  At the very least you can be sure someone will tie it in with Y2K.

     Confused parents suddenly found themselves with children trying to bond.  Office workers actually had to – gasp – work!  Twitter saw an increase in activity as panic set in at the inability to access Gmail, check blogs and chat with others brought some to the realization they may actually have to communicate in person.  Scary thought eh?  Hands were shaking as the withdrawal pains began.  How long will it take to fix?  Can it be fixed? Oh the agony! Must Google now, must search now, can’t take this much longer!

     Beads of sweat began to roll.  The clock ticked louder and louder as we waited.  Waited to know what happened.  Pondered what brought this Goliath down.  The only clue was the cute little Error 502 page asking us to try back in 30 seconds.  

      As for me, I took this time to perform household chores: laundry, sweep, mop and walk dogs.  I read a book, watched t.v., put the laundry away and looked out at my perfect country view. That took about one hour.  What to do what to do. Visit the in-laws – negative.  Call my sisters – negative.  Study – big negative.  Tick, tick, tick. Ho-hum.    

     Finally, a little after 1PM we all got some news – “The problem with Google Mail should be resolved.”  We wiped our brows, let out our collectively held breaths and sipped some more coffee. It’s all good. Nothing to see here people.