If my dear reader lives anywhere near Rochester, New York I am sure she will recall the wind storm that hit last Wednesday. As a result many lost power. Rather then let it cripple our college student lives, we made the best of it and did some really cool things that we might not otherwise have done if the power were on. Thus, inspired by a lack of power for a few days, here are the ten best things to do if the power goes out.
1.) Have a “Jam Session,” get a bunch of friends together, find someone with a guitar, and sing whatever you like. All instruments and voices are welcome.
2.) Start an impromptu dance party, to live music of course. This might spin off of the Jam Session. Have a dance competition, who has the best moves.
3.) Go star gazing. It is amazing how many stars you can see when all the street lights are off. Does anyone know the constellations?
4.) Play star tipping. The idea here is you get a big group of friends and one member is spun around and around by the group while focusing on one star. Then after twenty revolutions they are stopped and one friend shines a flashlight in their eyes. It then becomes very hard to stay standing. Just be careful and be sure to do it in a place where if (and when) someone falls they won't hurt themselves.
5.) Go for a walk in the dark. It is amazing how fun it is to walk down the street with no street lights, especially in a safe neighborhood. Or go for a walk in the woods, be guided by nothing but moon light.
6.) Have a campfire. Use a fire pit, or set up a fire ring and start a campfire. Sit around and enjoy each other's company. Maybe run to the store and get some marshmallows, Chocolate, and Graham Crackers for s'mores. Just be responsible and make sure it is completely out before you leave.
7.) Tell ghost stories. Does any one have creepy personal experiences? Things that went bump in the night? Visions of gramma after she passed? Strange dark figures passing in the night? Mysterious phone calls?
8.) Have a hear to heart. Have you ever sat down with one of your friends and let everything out? All of your history, all of your skeletons? All of your joys and successes? All of your dreams and fears? Here are some questions to get you started: How do you feel right now? What kind of experience have you had this past year? What have you learned about yourself? About how you relate with your family and friends? About any relationship in which you may be presently involved? How do you feel about Faith and about Faith's place in your life? Once we have power again what are steps you need to take to keep growing? Is there something on your mind you want to share? Don't hold anything back. Let it all out.
9.) Do some service. Here are a few ways you can help your neighbors and communities, when and where it is safe to do so: help with debris cleanup/removal but avoid areas of downed power lines and avoid any dangerous areas where trees have fallen, check on an elderly or ill neighbor to be sure they are safe, or set up a warming station to offer hot coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, etc.
10.) Read a book. Don't feel like being social, that is okay. Find a book, not required for school, just purely for pleasure, find a comfy chair, grab a blanket and your favorite hot beverage, and curl up for a nice long read.
