Mental and physical preparations for this storm have been extremely stressful for our family. At first we said “screw it all” and considered leaving the area. But because I insisted that we take the dog with us, we had to find a dog friendly hotel. After calling around, the only affordable hotel with availability, that would accept a big dog, was The Red Roof Inn. Um, no thanks. If we can’t ride out the storm in a 4 star suite we’d rather stay home and risk death. That’s how we roll.
Once we officially announced that we were going to hunker down, I decided that we just had to have a camp stove. So my hunt began late Sunday morning. That was stupid. Apparently everyone else wanted a camp stove too, but they were smart enough to buy one in advance. At every store I walked in, the salesmen laughed at me like I was a pregnant woman looking to buy condoms “too late lady, too late”.
On my way out of one store, I heard the salesman say “Remember, camp stoves are designed for outdoor use. Make sure you’re in a well ventilated area because carbon monoxide..blah blah blah” That’s all I needed to hear. Right there I knew that a camp stove was not for us. I’m that OCD person that checks that their curling iron is turned off before leaving the house, at least 5 times – never mind worrying about carbon monoxide “the silent killer” (or is that hypertension?)
*NOTE- OH MY GOD, GUYS…as I’m writing this, the kids are constantly fighting and interrupting me…and we’re not even in the basement yet!!! Is there such a thing as an inappropriate time to drink on a day like this?
Sorry about that. Where was I? Oh yeah…
So over the past 24 hours, I told everyone that they were responsible for gathering what they thought were important items to take to the basement. We agreed on many things: flashlights, water, batteries, snacks, etc. But some of our priorities were not in alignment and that’s where the bickering began.
Our basement was getting filled to the gill and we had to make some cuts (the violin) and tough choices. It’s like that game: if you were going to be stranded on an island and could only take 1 thing, what would it be? In the end, I chose wine, Brian picked chocolate, Collin took 1,000 tiny Lego pieces that will wedge up our asses in the darkness, and Ana grabbed as many stuffed animals as her little arms would hold. (And Mr.Bojangles took his bacon flavored bone- if you care).
And get a look at our non-perishable food stash that is meant to sustain us in the event that we are stranded for a week or more…
No need for a can opener.
I’m guessing we’ve made some poor choices.
I can’t even imagine the evening that we’re in for. Wait, yes I can- the power will go out, the kids will wrestle, the dog will crap on the floor (in the dark), and there’ll be plenty of yelling and crying (both emanating from me).
When we emerge from this storm, I can almost guarantee you’ll see marks on the basement door where I tried to claw my way out.
I have to go now because everyone is in a tizzy and driving me craaazy! It’s getting increasingly hard to string sentences together.
If you’re in the Northeast too, stay safe, stay dry, stay sane! I’ll catch up with everyone when the power returns.
