I realize I think in extremes. I'm not late to this realization but it tends to darken perception.
I'm writing in the midst of a power outage. We had a bad thunderstorm an hour or so ago. And as is the way of it, I do not have water stockpiled or a back up generator for the house utilities. Oil lamps, yes. A propane mini-stove, yes. Normally I keep water on hand but in summer, who needs backup?
Maybe being brought up with the possibility of nuclear disaster/and the Fatima end of the world scenario - a distinct possibility reinforced by the Catholic school system on a regular basis - had something to do with this bleakness of outlook.
So I think: what happens if the power never comes back again? OMG freezer and contents?
Meanwhile I have this battery back up in the office - thus enabling internet and laptop, good for an hour or so.
I remind myself this is not the end of days. Even though, seriously, it feels like it.
I remind myself how fragile we humans are, how dependent on the niceties of the power grid, the internet, water, fuel.
And the antidote: Right now, I am safe, housed and coffeed.
