Justin and I frequently describe living in NYC as living in a bubble. Living here is different than living in many other parts of the country and world. Last week, we lived in even more of bubble.
As everyone is well aware, Hurricane Sandy blasted through the tri-state area devastating many areas in her path. We were fortunate enough to be relatively unaffected. The picture below is probably the best visual (Photo: Iwan Baan/New York Magazine - read the amazing story here).
This image shows Manhattan during the storm. Lower Manhattan up to the very southern part of midtown is dark - power went out Monday evening. Midtown and north is lit. We thankfully live in the lit section and never lost power - our little bubble in the NYC bubble. Our neighborhood remained mostly undamaged - a few awnings and canopies blown off buildings, branches and trees down, but nothing like the Jersey shore and the Rockaways.
Like many of our friends and family, we watched to news to see the damage and hear the stories. We kept track of friends via Facebook. Both of our offices were closed through the week. Mine is located at the entrance to the Holland Tunnel (in the dark area) and was without power most of the week. Justin's office had power, but some of the data centers were damaged so systems were slower. Jack's school was closed all week. Our biggest challenge was entertaining two little ones during and after the storm when many of our usual play spots like parks and playgrounds were closed during clean up.
So we improvised. We did several projects making ghosts and cats. We had playdates with friends in the building. We watched more movies and shows than we probably should have. We made it through. While some Halloween activities were canceled, the boys were still able to trick-or-treat (pictures of our bumblebees below). They had a blast and were an adorable pair. Our building even improvised throwing together an impromptu Halloween party in the lobby.
One disappointment was that the Marathon was canceled. This was going to be Justin's first marathon. He'd trained hard to qualify and to prepare. He was excited. But he was also torn - was it appropriate to hold this big event when so many in the area were struggling? Ultimately, the city decided that it was not appropriate. Many runners took to the park anyway proudly sporting their bright orange Marathon shirts. Next year!
This week, things are returning normal. Subway lines are running. Offices and schools are opened. Most of our friends are back in their houses and have power restored.
It's funny. In times like this, it's very clear that New York City needs no one and everyone at the same time.
As everyone is well aware, Hurricane Sandy blasted through the tri-state area devastating many areas in her path. We were fortunate enough to be relatively unaffected. The picture below is probably the best visual (Photo: Iwan Baan/New York Magazine - read the amazing story here).
Like many of our friends and family, we watched to news to see the damage and hear the stories. We kept track of friends via Facebook. Both of our offices were closed through the week. Mine is located at the entrance to the Holland Tunnel (in the dark area) and was without power most of the week. Justin's office had power, but some of the data centers were damaged so systems were slower. Jack's school was closed all week. Our biggest challenge was entertaining two little ones during and after the storm when many of our usual play spots like parks and playgrounds were closed during clean up.
So we improvised. We did several projects making ghosts and cats. We had playdates with friends in the building. We watched more movies and shows than we probably should have. We made it through. While some Halloween activities were canceled, the boys were still able to trick-or-treat (pictures of our bumblebees below). They had a blast and were an adorable pair. Our building even improvised throwing together an impromptu Halloween party in the lobby.
One disappointment was that the Marathon was canceled. This was going to be Justin's first marathon. He'd trained hard to qualify and to prepare. He was excited. But he was also torn - was it appropriate to hold this big event when so many in the area were struggling? Ultimately, the city decided that it was not appropriate. Many runners took to the park anyway proudly sporting their bright orange Marathon shirts. Next year!
This week, things are returning normal. Subway lines are running. Offices and schools are opened. Most of our friends are back in their houses and have power restored.
It's funny. In times like this, it's very clear that New York City needs no one and everyone at the same time.
Glad you guys made it through ok and did not lose power. Justin can always come down for the Richmond marathon this weekend to practice!
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