A few years ago we had problems with the television set in our bedroom.

Every night while we were watching the 10 PM news, we would get as far as the sports segment and the tv would suddenly turn off without explanation. Darren would have to get up out of bed and turn it back on manually, as the remote wouldn’t work.

This frustrated him for several weeks until he finally called the manufacturer and tried to problem solve the unusual issue with the puzzled technician.

“You say it turns off at the same time every night?”

“Yes, at 10:21 PM.”

“Do you have the sleep mode turned on?”

“No, I’ve checked that. It’s not enabled.”

“Sir, we have nothing in the manuals which could account for this problem. You can send the unit in for diagnostics of you’d like, but we’ll have to charge you since your warranty expired.”

“Alright. Thanks.”

I watched as he hung up with a deflated look on his face.

“I just don’t get it, Neen. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Darren, I’ll bet you $20 that I can figure it out.”

“Whatever. I’ve taken the thing apart. If I can’t figure it out, you won’t be able to.”

“Then it’s a safe bet for you. Shake hands with me.”

He squeezed my hand hard and asked if he could receive his $20 in services.

I laughed.

That very night we were laying in bed as the clock displayed “10:21″. The television remained on. Darren sat straight up and said “What the hell??”

It was then that I pulled the universal remote control from inside my pillow case and waved it in front of his face. I had purchased it a few months earlier intending to play this practical joke. Little did I know that it would end up being so much fun!

“You owe me $20, Darren.”

“Jennine, you’ll be lucky to make it through the night alive!”

From that point on, I’ve slept with one eye open. I’m also not allowed to ever have possession of the remote control. Ever.

And it was worth it.