worst day ever?

Apparently, a British psychologist has mathematically calculated January 24 to be the "most depressing day of the year"...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4187183.stm

He even has a formula:

[W + (D-d)] x TQ
------------------
M x NA

W = weather
D = debt
d = monthly salary
T = time since Christmas
Q = time since failed attempt to quit something
M = low motivational levels
NA = the need to take action

Pfft...today wasn't so bad.

September (a month for which my distaste is already legendary) is much worse than January. I abhor autumn. It marks endings rather than beginnings. Days get shorter and shorter, a slow burn that gradually smothers any semblance of optimism left from the summer. The leaves fall from the trees and collect in wet piles like soggy cornflakes. Sure, the colors are nice, but the leaves fall because they're DYING. Worst of all, the cold darkness of winter, poised to descend upon you with its sparse sunlight and frigid temperatures, is all in FRONT of you. Bleh.

Worst day of the year? Perhaps Labor Day...or any given Sunday in September.

Today was downright decent. January, taken at face value, is probably worse than September. But it's just so difficult to look forward in September. When the future is bleak, the only way to enjoy the present is through escapism. In January, the best is yet to come. People really NEED to be able to look ahead without being overcome by apprehension. Possibility is just that and only that...something which is POSSIBLE, something that has the potential to occur. But it's as valid a reason as any to get out of bed in the morning.

Drive slowly...or the terrorists win

A message for every single one of you on the road this morning:

Go!! Just freakin' go!

A miniscule pile of slush on wet, unfrozen pavement does not require speeds of less than 10 mph. Furthermore, a couple inches of light snowfall do not constitute an apocalyptic occurrence. Those of you crawling at snail's pace on the freeway this morning are almost certainly the same alarmists who went out and stocked up on water before Y2K, or those who drove around frantically looking for gas during the power outage.

Actually...strike my earlier statement. Don't go...stay. Stay home. Your lives are in danger! Give in to your overreactive crisis mentality and hide under the bed.

It would certainly make my life easier.