February 11, 2009 Archive

I’m convinced my elevator is trying to kill me. I’ve prided myself on getting over a majority of my phobias in the last year and a half, but I think I’m quickly developing a new one. 

The last 3 weeks have been progressively worse in this thing. The first time this happened it was the middle of the day, no one was around, and I was alone. Went up the 2 stories to my apartment, and before the door opened, the elevator DROPPED a good foot and a half. I was able to open the door and step up onto the landing, but my heart was racing and I felt a panic attack coming on. This lead me to avoid the “death-trap” for the next couple of weeks. That is, until I had some groceries. I decided to risk it. After having an ok-ish experience, I have been using the elevator a lot more.

The problem with my building is that it was designed by a moron. You start on the street level and you can get into the lobby from either the mailbox side or the parking garage side. From there, you can either take the elevator to floors 1-3, or you can take a flight of stairs that stops at level 1. This is the ONLY set of indoor stairs. I have no idea why you can only take indoor stairs to one floor. At either end of the building, there is an outdoor set of fire stairs. The problem with these is that they do not connect to the lobby/garage. So if you want to check your mail or get to your car, you literally have to walk outside, halfway around the building. It’s super lame. Given the recent cold, windy, rainy weather, I’ve been making myself brave my fear of the elevator. At least it’s dry and warm, even if it’s scary!

Well, those days are over. I got in today and damn near got stuck. Thankfully there was no drop this time, but the elevator stopped and the doors opened halfway between level 1 and 2!! I couldn’t get out. I’m glad there were 2 other ladies in there who remained calm (I certainly didn’t) and they pushed the button and took us safely to the third floor. Fuck the bullshit!