I got trapped on an elevator!

I've never been a fan of the overused news cliche "Your worst nightmare," but today after being trapped in an elevator, I can honestly say it was.

This week, Mike and I are moving into our new apartment, so I decided to take a load of stuff over this morning.  I finished up, and parked in the parking garage near our current apartment.  When I got to the elevator, I thought, "I really should take the stairs," but decided not to because sometimes you encounter scary bums.  I got on and hit "G" for ground floor.  Pretty soon it felt like there was a small earthquake, because the elevator rocked back and forth, there was a loud thud, and then it felt like I hit the ground.

I waited for the door to open, but it didn't.  Yikes.



I hit the alarm button, but nothing.  I hit it again, and still nothing.  Then I hit the "call" button and told the woman on the other end that I was stuck, but she didn't seem too interested.  I then called Mike and told him what was going on.  I told him, "If I don't make it out, know that I love you."  Okay, I was totally kidding, but I thought it seemed funny. (Side note: I'm totally grateful my cell phone actually had service, because it doesn't in 99% of Chicago elevators/high rises/restaurants.)

Then I noticed it was getting really hot, (probably my mind playing tricks on me) so I went to unzip my sweatshirt, but of course, the zipper was broken.  My Abercrombie & Fitch sweatshirt that's been a staple of my wardrobe since college suddenly failed me.  I decide to shimmy shake my way out of the sweatshirt so all I had on was my sports bra.

Then I hit the "call" button again, and got a much nicer operator.  She asked me the color of the elevator, the cross streets I was near, and if there was an elevator number inside.  She said she was going to call security and the fire department.  Finally I could hear some commotion outside, which I knew was a good sign.  Then I saw a very nice (and strong!) gentleman slowly pull the doors open with all of his might.  He was so forceful, he actually fell.  (Sadly, I didn't get a picture of my rescue because I was busy throwing my sweatshirt back on.)  The elevator was only about 1/2 way down to the ground floor, so he helped me jump out the rest of the way.  The other security guard told me, "Thank goodness you didn't panic!"  All I could think was, "I can't wait to blog about this!"

Wow, what a scary experience!  I took these pictures with my cell phone.  I'm totally bummed that I didn't have make-up on or my hair done.  I'm sure Kim Kardashian would be much better prepared for this photo op.