Powerless

A massive storm hit coastal Connecticut (and elsewhere) over the weekend. It seemed like it started raining Friday night and it didn’t really stop until this morning (although it still looks threatening out). The rain, along with the snow melt, softened the ground and high winds (sustained 40 MPH) with tropical storm type gusts downed a lot of trees. In a place where most of the power lines are above ground, that spells trouble. Most of the town where I live, as well as surrounding communities, are without electricity (I’m writing this from the public library which, thankfully, has free wi-fi and power). According to the power company, it may be 3 more days until we’re back on the grid.
Sitting in front of a roaring fire last night, I got to thinking that the day without computers, blackberry (always remember to charge before you go to bed, kids), TV or other modern distractions actually hadn’t been that bad.  I read a book I’d been meaning to get to (Ken Auletta‘s great book on Google), spent more time with the paper than usual, and enjoyed the quiet.  In fact, I thought it wasn’t a horrible idea to do it from time to time under more controlled circumstances – maybe shut of the main breaker to the house for a day.

This morning, however, was different.  It wasn’t fun any more.  There’s work to do, clients with needs, and frankly I’d love a little hot water.  Yes, the gas stove worked but without ventilation, cooking anything filed the house with lots of smells and opening a window is not going to work – it’s still too cold.  Maybe my Boy Scout camping days are too far behind me but this pioneer thing is old already.

No business lessons today – just a little report from the inconvenienced front.  No real complaints – that perspective thing we talk about – since nothing hit our house and other than no power, we’re fine.

How are all of you?