Dearth: “an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack”

A nagging pet peeve of mine regards the dearth of power outlets in most airport waiting areas.  In a time when almost every traveler carries one or more power-hungry devices with too-small batteries, it would seem that each airport would at least consider providing a much larger supply of easily accessible power outlets.

This problem is exacerbated by flight delays, such as the one I am experiencing tonight at San Francisco International airport.  I was fortunate to find one obscure electrical outlet hidden behind a garbage can, where I could plug in, recharge my batteries and get some work done.  But alas, when I took a much-needed bio break, I ceded my prized spot to the next power-hungry traveler.  I am now relying on battery power alone.

If things go well, my laptop battery will expire just about the time I board my 2.5 hour late flight.  Who knows, if the flight is delayed further, I might have to resort to reading a real book!