Come on Irene

In case you live under a rock or on the West Coast, the entire East Coast was “hit” by a hurricane this weekend. Also in the not-a-surprise category, I am a bit of an alarmist (ok, and probably this one, too). The last time a hurricane-type storm hit the DC area was quite a scene, so this year I was going to be prepared!

Last time, during Isabelle, at a ripe old age 23, my friends/colleagues and I made vigorous preparations: we stocked up on booze, went over to some friends’ house and partied our way through the storm. When our boss called to tell us the office would be closed the next day, she called one of our cell phones. In ending the call, she said, “Ok, I have to go call Kristin now.” The friend said, “Oh, no bother! Here she is!” and handed the phone to me. After we had talked, she said, “Ok, off to call Jessica.” “Oh, here you go! She’s right next to me.” Next: “Calling Lindsay next.” “No need, here she is,” and on it went until one phone call connected with all 8 of us. I think we were busted.

Now, that last storm had been categorized as a lesser danger than this weekend’s Irene, in my recollection. Still, it knocked power out at my apartment for a full WEEK! During that time, there was an epic, flashlight-illuminated Monopoly game that lasted so long there were two Monopoly casualties (I think they may have PTSD and have never played the game again) and new money had to be minted. So, this year, I knew what to expect and was ready. Bring it on, Irene.

I hit the grocery store before the storm was expected to land and bought things under the guideline that if it’s not in the store’s refrigerator section, it probably will last outside of mine if needed. And wine. I bought plenty of wine. Then, I went into preparation mode:

1. Found all the flashlights I have. All are about 2 inches long and were received in Christmas stockings over the years from my dad. I think one also operates as a flare for emergencies. That could come in really handy.


2. Laid out entertainment so I wouldn’t have to go searching through dark drawers when I needed them: playing cards, books, nail polish, the basket I need to paint, paper and pens to draft blog posts the old fashioned way…


3. Prepared a cooler, complete with a bag of ice for drinks.


4. Made a bunch of sandwiches for the cooler. One couldn’t be too sure about how long eating out of the cooler would be necessary. Backed up the sandwiches with bread, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit, veggies… It was a veritable feast, ready for feeding myself for days!


5. Watched NBC all day long, where the anchors were on the air so long they were getting punch drunk and hysterical.


6. Turned the air conditioner up full blast so that when the power went out it would take longer to get hot in the apartment. I. Am. Such. A. Genius!!


7. Put on a sweatshirt. And sweatpants. And a blanket…

I was ready for an apocalypse in which I wouldn’t be able to leave the house for who knew how long!

Then I got bored. And cold.

I went over to some friends’ house, who made me dinner, and we drank beer and played card games all night long waiting for things to fly past the window and trees to crash into the house that never came. Eventually, they drove me home when we were worn out from monitoring the weather—it really takes it out of a girl! I don’t know how Al Roker does it.

Wouldn’t you know the power didn’t go out except for maybe a few hours in the wee hours of the morning while I was asleep? But, boy was it cold when I got back home. I had to sleep in flannel pajamas, fuzzy socks, a hat and scarf. In August.

In conclusion, the storm was a bit disappointing after all the hype. I’m glad everyone’s safe and that I’ve got full power. But now, I’ll be eating sandwiches for months. Come over if you get hungry!