When I got the word a month ago that my office building would be demolished and thus my lease terminated at the end of August, I got to work right away. Knowing I had a lot to do to clear out the space and get it to its original state, I started packing up the books, took down the art, and removed the decorative tape I had used to cover up the hideous whiteness of the door. I filled a few large garbage bags with trash, took my sewing machine and table lamp home, and threw out some plants (both real and plastic). All there's left is my desk and chair. And sofa. And the TV. And the game consoles.
And, of course, my dearly beloved coffee pod machine. But otherwise... oh wait, the fridge. But otherwise it's quite bare.
Well anyway, just this week I was hanging out there, supposed to be doing some work, but I made myself a cup of joe and just sat on the sofa, looking around. Aside from feeling a little sad that I might have started the clearing out process too soon, I felt so happy. I have such amazing memories from that place. Here are some of my favorites:
- When I first got the place in January 2021, it was nothing but a white, lifeless rectangle, with a horrible light blue plastic tile as the floor and hideous 90's office lamps on the ceiling and an AC unit that didn't work. But I saw potential, went to IKEA and the hardware store, painted the walls, built a built-in bookcase with the door in the middle, sourced a beautiful bonded leather sofa, and hid that horrible floor with a cool rug. I loved the process of turning the place around. In fact, I think I may have manifested the end of the lease by dreaming about the chance to do a decorating process all over again.
- Every fall, I would plug my computer to the TV and let Spirit of the Autumn God play in the background as I worked. Crack the window ajar to get the full experience, make a cup of pumpkin spice coffee, feel the wind in the back of your neck... Aww, I can't believe I won't get to experience it again!
- I used to have this ritual that whenever we had a publication day, I would have a small bottle of champagne waiting in the fridge to celebrate.
- When I was doing research for Life Lessons from The Queen's Gambit, I would watch the show and eat ice cream and white chocolate and whatever else I felt like having. Plus, it was winter, so I would also be cuddled up under a blanket. It was glorious.
- Last fall, I would take naps on the sofa with the puppy. His favorite spot was behind my knees - my theory is that there was a nice little pocket of warmth there that he liked.
- I've played so many simulation games in that room! Once we played Snowrunner and I destroyed perhaps an hour's worth of progress by driving the truck straight against a wall. (To be fair, I didn't realize there was a wall. It looked like a tunnel. Also I had had a little to drink.)
- Also, movie nights with sushi and champagne. Yes, at the office. They were office parties.
- Shooting The Weekly Wyat was always a blast, everything from scripting to shooting to editing to publishing.
- Playing Hogwarts Legacy in 2023. It was a good game, and first round is always special.
Oh well.
The era might end, but memories live on.
And I suppose this means something better is coming.
