the blackout

It was 3:35pm yesterday afternoon and I was guiding some parent helpers around to show them where everything is in my room when they come in and volunteer.  We made our way to the copy room, and the copy machine (both) were off.  We thought it kind of strange since they were both plugged in.  As we left the copy room we noticed the entire building had lost power at my school.

Phone calls were made and is turned out that the entire county of San Diego had lost power as well as parts of Mexico and Arizona.  Isn't that crazy?!?!?

It is crazy to think how much we depend on electricity until you no longer have it.  Streets were a disaster, freeways were at a dead stop, hospitals were packed, and alarms were sounding.  I made my way to a friends' house since I barely had any gas and did not want to sit in traffic for hours trying to get home.  

Amidst all of the chaos there was a beautiful feel outside.  People were outside!  Kids were playing, parents were chatting, doors were open, bonfires were blazing, and candles were lit. 

The power was out until around 1am at our place.  Since we didn't have light we decided to act like we were camping and cook with headlamps and flashlights!  

I had intended on spending the evening frantically putting together a newsletter for my class, writing out lesson plans, prepping materials for tomorrow, and beginning a paper.  School was cancelled for today.  My computer was completely dead.  Everything I had planned to do did not happen.  My anxiety kicked in a bit and then I looked around to see how beautiful it was to be with friends, enjoy each other's company, and live life unplugged.  

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Since school was cancelled I got to sleep in a bit, snuggle with the husband, rearrange some items in the kitchen I had been wanting to, and begin cleaning the house.  There is no stress, no anxiety, no fear.  It is crazy to see what you expected take a dramatic turn and find the beauty that lies within.  

It was most definitely a blessing in disguise.