We all know that losing electricity can be fun, for about an hour…..then it just becomes a huge inconvenience. As the Frankenstorm approaches, the chances of us regressing to the dark ages for a day or two seems more and more likely. So we put together a fun and useful list of things to do in order to keep cabin fever away during Sandy’s visit to Montgomery County. Today also happens to be National Hermit Day, so don’t feel guilty staying inside doing absolutely nothing, that’s what hurricane Monday’s are for!
#1 Raining Ice Cream
The power is off which can only mean one thing, your fridge and freezer are off too! Make your way, carefully, to the freezer and have a guilt free ice cream feast! You’ll probably have some reservations about how unhealthy this might be, but do you really want it all to go to waste?! Have a competition to see who can down the most, make some milkshakes, or create your own version of a “Sandy” sundae! (scale to size of course)
#2 Fun with the Kids!
If you have children, why not sit down…….and talk to them! You might find out something you didn’t know about them, and vice versa! As far as activities, your only limited to your imagination. Have a scavenger hunt, grab flashlights and pretend your camping, dust off the old board games, build a fort, play charades, cards, or even a good ol’ game of hide and seek. If your trying to do or fix things in the house, have them help you out with a flashlight! The more active and involved you keep them during the storm , the more rest you will have later. Plus it’s a rare opportunity to rediscover your own imagination, you might end up having more fun than your kids!
#3 Quality Time
If your shacked up with your significant other with no facebook, tv (football), or your cell phone, don’t panic! Having no power can actually be a blessing in disguise. It’s the perfect opportunity to pay attention to the one you love without life’s daily distractions. You can read a book together by the candle light, sit by the fire if you have one, ask each other trivia questions about how well you know each other, laugh and talk until the rain stops, and if things are going really well maybe even break out the Twister mat! However, if there has been trouble in paradise, or if you live with a less than desirable roommate…..we’re sorry it’s going to be a long week.
#4 Write A Letter
Sit by the window and write a letter while watching the rain. We had to do some extra research on this matter, but we did find out that they do still make pens and pencils for writing use! As old school and tedious as writing may be, it always say’s so much more than an email or text. Think about someone who has helped you, someone you love, someone special, and write them a personal letter. Trying to find the right words to say will not only kill time, but it will mean a whole to that special someone.
#5 Exercise?!
We admit this may not be the most enjoyable thing to do during an epic storm, and slightly harder to accomplish with no light. However, it is a great way to expend some pent up energy and it offers a quick break from spending endless hours on the couch. Make sure your ipod is fully charged before the power goes out too, music can be the ultimate mood changer.
#6 Be A Scientist
Make A Rain Gauge:
1) Empty and wash out the 2 liter bottle so it’s nice and clean.
2) Take scissors and cut off the spout top right where the taper or curve begins.
3) Fill bottom of the bottle with 1/2 inch of sand. This will create ballast and keep the bottle from falling over.
4) Pour in just enough water so you can see the water level above the sand. This is called the saturation point.
5) Use the Sharpie Marker to draw a line at the saturation point above the sand. Next to the line write “starting point”.
6) Line the ruler up (from the starting/saturation point) and draw a line for every inch up to the top of the bottle. Go back and use the marker to add dots for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 inch spots between every inch.
7) Take the top “cut off” spout portion of the bottle and flip it upside down. Insert it into the bottle and use some duct tape to secure it. This part will help catch and collect the rainfall by funneling into your bottle.
8) Find a good place to put your rain gauge. Make sure nothing is blocking it from above and its in a stable wide open area.
9.) Pat yourself on the back for being so constructive, and let us know how much rainfall your area received! However, we don’t encourage anyone going out in any severe weather!
#7 Make a List
Create a bucket list of everything that you need and want to do when the power comes back on. That way when it does, life won’t seem so overwhelming. Some of us may need to catch up with work, school or appointments so make a note of everything that will be missed due to the storm, and handle accordingly when the the lights come back on.
*We hope that everyone stays safe during this storm, and feel free to send us pics of how this “perfect storm” is affecting you!
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