Friday, April 08, 2005
So I logged onto Blogger last night to make this post and as soon as I do, bam! the power goes out. Unlike the previous several times it had gone out that evening from the storm, this time it didn't come back on immediately. Using the glow from my phone backlight I found my way to the kitchen counter where I illuminated my candle. After stumbling around to its faint flicker (it's not a very good candle), I realized how stupid I was being by following the traditional route of light, proceeded over to my desk, turned on my laptop and allowed its screen to beam light which far exceeded what the candle could produce.
So, the original post topic:
Recipe for Stress: misplace something essential when you are already running late
I was already running a little late for my orthodontist appointment and hadn't yet brushed my teeth. I hurried to do that rationalizing that I'd just drive faster. I walked out the door and headed toward my parking place when it hit me that something was missing. Then I realized what it was... my car wasn't in its normal parking place. I always park in the same general area and the parking lot was nearly empty so I became a little panicked, especially since I was already running late. As I began to sprint around the building vainly checking the alternate parking spots I have used at rare times in the past, my mind raced with thoughts about how secure it was and what I would have to do to find out if it was towed and how I'd tell the orthodontist and my mom why I missed the appointment. In a burst of inspiration, I darted toward the furthest bus station that I use. I ran until my breathing grew harder and then walked as quickly as I could. As I turned over the hill to look down, there sat my car in the parking lot by the bus station. Sometimes when I am running late for that bus I drive to the bus station and then when I get off the bus later that day I drive the car back. Apparently on Wednesday I had driven to the stop and then when I got off the bus later, I had completely forgotten that I had driven and just walked back. I made it to the orthodontist 5 minutes late and suffered no ill effects other than my increased sweat and hard breathing for a few minutes and whatever chemicals panic releases.