After living in New York City my entire life, I have enough crazy stories to fill a book. And now, thanks to Hurricane Sandy, I have a brand new chapter.
As the storm approached, I stocked up on supplies and bunkered down. Then the unexpected happened-the power went out. I live in lower Manhattan, an area hit especially hard by the storm, and have been living in darkness since Monday night. I was fine initially, but after the second day, cabin fever started to kick in. I couldn’t stay inside any longer, so I decided to walk uptown to at least find an outlet to charge my phone and answer three days worth of emails from friends, family and clients.
I walked from Houston street (where I live), to Rockefeller Center. For those of you not familiar with New York City, that’s a distance of about 50 blocks! I walked because the subways were down, buses were packed, and I couldn’t get a taxi. But to be honest, I was actually grateful to be out in the fresh air after being cooped up for so long.
Armed with my laptop, iPhone, chargers and flashlight, I set up shop for about two hours in the concourse level of Rockefeller center. I knew that I needed to be in the South Bronx for work on Friday, so I decided to keep making my way north. When all was said and done, I walked from Rock Center to 145th street in the South Bronx, where I’m staying with family. Throw in the initial trek from my apartment, and that’s 147 blocks, four avenues and a bridge just to find electricity and a warm shower!
Even getting to Katie today was an adventure. I didn’t have the perfect blogging outfit, so I decided to go back to my apartment. At 6 a.m. this morning, I caught a train downtown, before catching three different buses to get back to my apartment. It was still dark outside, so I used my flashlight to navigate the dark streets and I got dressed by candlelight.
Although I might have a few new blisters on my feet, I know that many are suffering much worse from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. To put it simply, this storm has humbled me. As a New Yorker, I have seen this city deal with its fair share of turmoil. Nevertheless, when the dust clears, and the water recedes, we always bounce back. Watching the recovery efforts reminds me of my personal motto: Never take anything for granted.
Have you or someone you know been affected by Hurricane Sandy?
Join the Conversation!