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Since I’ve spent a fair amount of time lately in the dark and all, I’ve had nothing better to do then think about some of the things I’ve learned over the last few days. And since I’m in desperate need of some communication with the bright, outside, world, I figured I’d share those with you.
1. People get paranoid fast. Regardless if it’s a blizzard, a blackout, or both, as soon as the word “warning” gets mentioned, paranoia kicks in. Like really, really, fast. Grocery stores and gas stations get emptied literally within the blink of an eye. I witnessed a man in front of us at the gas station two nights ago not only filling up his own vehicle, but the five jerry cans of gas he had stored in his trunk. Not us, though, we weren’t a bit paranoid. We just waited in that same gas lineup for over a half hour just for fun! Which brings me to the next one.
2. There’s probably a reason why people stock up on groceries and necessities. Call it paranoia if you will, but after a few days with no groceries, I’m finally starting to think that there may be some actual sense to this. The box of crackers I had to take to work with me today didn’t exactly hit the spot. I’m waiting for my carb crash to kick in any minute now.
3. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Not necessarily for driving purposes, but for times when you need to keep warm. Siting in your vehicle with the heat blasted is a sure way to feel like you’re living on a tropical island, and not stranded in your house with no heat. Just make sure you keep those eyes closed.
4. You should have payed closer attention in Girl Guides, or Girl Scouts, or whatever other survival organization you participated in when you were a kid. Although I had a sash full of “earned” badges, I deeply regret not remembering all of the things I learned, like starting a fire without a match, or getting light by using just a light bulb and a potato. That stuff would really come in handy, you know.
8. Find someone to cuddle. Whether it’s a spouse, a family member, a friend, or even a neighbour, make sure you invite them over for a slumber party extra body heat. As much as I complain about Charley sleeping in the bed with us, I was never so happy to have that black and white fur wrapped around my head at night.
9. You’ll never be stuck for small talk again. No need to worry about awkward silences for a while because situations like this will give you enough to talk about for weeks. I can’t remember the last time I talked about anything else besides snow, lights, heat, and where I’m going on my next vacation. The answer to the last one would be SOMEWHERE WARM.
10. Never, ever, ever, ever joke about losing power or anything else that could possibly happen during a blackout/blizzard because you’re automatically setting yourself up for failure. Yeah, so that was totally my bad!
And last but not least, just be thankful for where you live and all of the good things it has to offer, whether it’s with the lights on or off.
Ahh I've been in this same position… Hang in there girly!
LOL this is hilarious and all true! my friend was without for TEN DAYS! that's bananas, yo!
we have a small backup power supply that can last up to a week, depending on what is plugged in. stuff like computer, phone etc can give us a week of power but things like a fridge would last maybe 2 days. i can't remember why we bought it in the first place but i'm glad we did when we saw the lights flickering.
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
Ahh I can't believe you missed the Bachelor! I don't care how trashy it is, I love that show!
All so true! Over Christmas when we were dealing with tons of power outages in our area it made me realize I hardly ever have my computer, phone, etc. fully charged & that would not be ideal if the power were to go out! You really realize all the things you take for granted!
Hope things clear up for you soon!
I can't imagine being without power in this weather. I'm so glad it hasn't happened to us… yet! It was -40F wind-chill today though. People's cars wouldn't start… it was a mess. How many more days until spring?
That small talk is surely invaluable! Glad you have power again, oh man that must've been tough!
We didn't lose power or water but I know several who did! Such gross weather!
agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com
A romantic date for two with the flashlight on your phone, ha love it! And I agree, people go nuts when natural disasters happen! When hurricanes come anywhere close to Texas, people start to stock up!
Our Costco membership is a lifesaver! We now always have tons of non-perishable food items that I would be happy to eat uncooked if I had to (like a can of diced tomatoes).
I always try to keep my phone and laptop charged during storms – just in case I'm going to lose power! So that's a great tip. 🙂
I hope you're staying warm!
So glad things are starting to get back to normal! *fingers crossed* I totally know what you mean about the paranoia. When we had those crazy floods here in the spring, there was nothing left on the grocery store shelves, and one store had jacked up the price of water to $20/bottle. It was madness! And the small talk one made me laugh. So true!
It is always funny how crazy people go when even the slightest buzz goes around for a snow storm. That stinks you are without power especially when it is that cold. I lost power for three days but it was in the spring so it wasn't as bad. Hope it comes on soon!
Oh goodness!! How long were you without power?? I love cold and snow but there is an unspoken clause with that, my electricity stays intact!
I would have had problems without caffeine too… But at least I could have just opened up a can of coke since I'm not on coffee yet. But then I'd had to make sure I went to the store too!! HAHA.
Hope you're powered back up and have a house full of groceries, including a caffeine fix. 🙂
Kate
I'm glad things are back to normal! Must've been quite the adventure!