The Night the Lights Went Out

Apparently a rookie electrician in Arizona made a mistake, and cut the electricity from Yuma to Orange County, down to San Diego and Mexico...on one of the hottest days of the year. We were all blacked out for hours, with no a/c, and no fans.

It wasn't so bad, though. I live in an apartment complex, and it seemed like the community was brought closer by the whole thing. Everyone was out of their homes, hanging out grilling, all doors open. Scratchy old radios finally getting some use. Kids and adults were running around with flashlights and glow sticks, having fun with it. We all had glow sticks on our door knobs, as a sign that was life was inside, (we joked). We had candles burning by the pool, and since it was so stinkin' hot, many of us opted for a late night swim under the magnificent star-studded sky, which was actually visible for once!

It was all in fun, but there was a lesson learned: Be prepared! I noticed how unprepared I was for something as minor as a blackout. I realized how important it is to be prepared in case something more serious happens...like, ya know...that major earthquake we're all expecting. :\