Thursday, January 10, 2008 | by nathan

Seasonally Affected

Last night I moved out of my office. I’ve come to a very Zen place about losing my workplace privacy, mostly because I think it will lead to an upshoot in productivity, and because I rather like my new boss. Still, as I was moving things last night, I was feeling a bit down, because my old office was really the first office I ever had that was all mine, and it was a little tiny bummer to give it up. So, after walking my last major load down to the new space, I sighed, and closed the door.

Then, I went out to my car, and it wouldn’t start. It was cold; I tried to call Brian but got no answer. I screamed and kicked Calvin’s driver’s side door, which has become a habit when he craps out on me. I popped the hood but in the relative darkness could see nothing.

Then, I got in the car and cried for five solid minutes.

I called Brian again; no answer. I left him a frantic message about how I was trapped at work and could he please see his way clear to come get me. Then, with a final, exhausted push of hope and nothing-left-to-lose desperation, I turned the key over.

It started.

I got home and threw a tiny tantrum, then went outside and repetitively petted the dog, who eventually grew tired of it and tried to walk away; I wouldn’t let him. Brian popped the hood on my car and tried everything; finally, he gave my battery a jump and Calvin roared to life; we drove it to AutoZone, where they got out their lovely testing cart and told me it was my alternator. Later, my mom called and said she got a bill for two parking tickets I racked up two years ago that I’m absolutely certain I paid. I felt defeated and worn out; I went to bed at 9:30. This morning I woke up with a sore throat and a congested chest; I think I’m getting the crap that’s been going around since the holidays.

But, Calvin wouldn’t start, and so I took a scalding-hot shower and walked to work. It was blustery and cold but the movement made me feel good. Just when you think things look their worst, you should always go outside and take a walk.