Time to find the matches & candles!
by Laura
The last time I was in the Triangle area for a serious hurricane warning, the following happened: I failed to understand what was going on and came home to roommates frantically covering up windows with duct tape or whatever it is you put across glass during such events. The fraternity next door played Bob Dylan’s Hurricane on repeat (which, fortunately, is a fantastic tune). Ultimately, 1.5 tree branches fell down. We had off from class. All was well that ended well!
A few years earlier, there was another hurricane warning during freshmen move-in. My parents had arrived from NJ in advance of my return from an orientation hiking adventure. I remember walking in the door of my new room, which was filled with belongings my parents had desperately chucked inside as they attempted to beat the storm. I couldn’t wait to greet my loving Mum & Pops – except that I hadn’t showered in two weeks, and now, on top of everything else, they were extremely concerned that my new roommate would get a very bad (and smelly) impression. Luckily, it turned out that Melissa was a wonderfully down-to-earth kind of girl who didn’t mind meeting me in a towel.
This time around, I have confidence that Irene threats will dissipate in central NC. I’m a little more worried about NYC! If the hurricane really does hit the Big Apple full on, New Yorkers will go into crazy overdrive. There will be no relaxed Hurricane drinks sipped while listening to Hurricane songs – although, some entreprenurial folks are probably already printing up “I Survived Irene” t-shirts. There will be mass stoppage of all the million parts of the city that buzz about each other and work sort of the way they’re supposed to most of the time. Things will be shaky.
Down here, people will be more like, “Yes, there is some rain and wind. Fortunately my ten flashlights and sixteen gallons of water will get me through until the morning. Granola bar?” I also have a distinct survival advantage thanks to my friend CP, who was with me during a more intense hurricane situation in Florida. Here is what she did: rescued me from the hotel room where I had been evacuated, taught me how to put up metal sheets of storm protection (as they are technically called), made an apple crisp and allowed me to snuggle with her bulldog. Friends for the win!
I hope all of my friend people stay safe this weekend as we face Mama Nature! Keep dry and stable, everyone! #GoAwayIrene #FingersCrossed #GettingReadyToEatPB&J
Laura
Harold
