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Our life without power after Hurricane Sandy

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Hurricane Sandy was not kind to our town. Mercifully our house weathered the storm okay.

But we’re now on day 7 without any lights, heat, hot water, internet or cell service and we’re not likely to get back online until November 11th.

Coping with it is easier than you might think. Here’s how:

Keep it in perspective. Seriously.

Have a sense of humor.

Get comfortable with your frizzy hair. And hairy legs & armpits.

Enjoy the extra five minutes you would have spent putting on makeup just goofing off.

Indulge your inner pyromaniac (safely, of course).

Ask for help.

Heat up the grill. Invite friends over for an “empty your freezer” party.

Visit the library. A lot.

Ride bikes.

Go on walks. And then walk some more.

Look what we saw on one of our walks – a crazy dog hanging out on someone’s roof (no there was no water he was escaping from – clearly he just had cabin fever!)

Go out to eat…and stay for awhile.

Play marbles.

Play Monopoly.

Play Angry Birds (the actual, physical game).

Play Hot Wheels.

Did I mention the library?

Rake leaves.

Jump in leaves.

Go to family swim at the YMCA and revel in the hot shower…well, as much as you can with two little boys bouncing all over the locker room.

Take note of how fabulous everyone looks via candlelight.

Connect to the Internet in short bursts. It’s truly amazing how many emails one can bang out in 30 minutes when that’s all you have.

Go to bed at 8:30 because, well, what else are you going to do?

Pile everyone in the same bed and snuggle up for warmth.

Sleep with sweet little toes in your face.

When you’re feeling frustrated, revisit point #1.

Rinse & repeat daily.

Anyone else out there walloped by Hurricane Sandy? If so, how are you coping? If not, have you ever had to go an extended time without power? How did you do it?

Posted by Sarah on Nov 05, 2012 print article e-mail to a friend

Kit

Now that we’re empty nesters…to be honest it was kind of fun. But more than a few days with kids is tough! Good for you for having a great attitude- I wish you all well!
SarahButtonedUp

Thanks @88de423f0af582be5edb2a43fd8636e4:disqus! I have to admit – I am looking forward to school being back in tomorrow. I need to get work done!!
jill

I am also without power…and heat…and cold food for 7 days! We packed up our 2 kids and headed to my aunt’s who had power.
Before we lost power, I printed (not enough!) coloring pages from Disney Junior and let the kids just hang out in pj’s all day. It was fun for the first…day or two
http://www.facebook.com/lindambolt Linda Mickler Bolt

Bless you for having such a great can-do attitude toward this trying situation. I sure hope you will get your power back on soon, and glad you at least have a couple of places to go to get warm and such.
JDaniel4′s Mom

It looks like you have found wonderful ways to cope. I have never had to make it seven day without power.
SarahButtonedUp

@392fa5cf5ca7a50287c8a625a0d26d52:disqus – hope you got power back. Ours came on at 6pm last night. That first hot shower was pure heaven.
SarahButtonedUp

@b262adaeaa046a5f261775c3bf47fa83:disqus – It can be trying, for sure, I won’t lie. But honestly, compared to the problems of most of the world and those in Staten Island or Jersey or Brooklyn or Queens who lost everything – we had every reason to feel lucky. That is what kept us sane – and the confidence that it would all return to normal at some point in the near future.
SarahButtonedUp

Thanks so much @facebook-649349322:disqus! The lights came back on last night (hallelujah!!).
Elena

The only thing I can say after reading your article is “Respect”. I would be totally paniced, if i were in your place and I would nag 48 hours per day. You are really a very strong person.
Stacey

Really great ideas! I know it must have been difficult, but I have to say that I like some of your ideas a non-tech day, which we could all use a break from on occasion. Hope things are getting back to normal for you and your family!

: Sarah, Everyday Life, Featured, Home, Kids