The calm before the storm

It goes without saying that Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc in the Texas coast. People lost property, running water, electricity, and most significantly, some perished. Millions lost business. Businesses lost millions. Thousands were displaced. In short, Ike has been dubbed the worst storm in the U.S. since Katrina. Thankfully, all my friends and family here in the Houston area are safe and dandy, except for some minor damages to property and widespread power outages. Nothing time can’t heal.

My relative paralysis in the absence of power served as a reminder of just how terribly dependent we are on electricity. Being the glass half-full person that I am, I couldn’t help but make the best out of an unfortunate situation. Here are 12 amazing benefits that emerged from my Hurricane Ike experience.

1. Gained newfound appreciation for tuna sandwich
2. Spent more time with friends and family
3. Found out that my neighbors are pretty good conversationalists after all
4. Worked on outstanding college assignments
5. Finally watched that Bourne Ultimatum that had been lying around forever
6. Took care of those 1,105 emails in my Outlook Inbox
7. Caught up with an old friend I hadn’t spoken to in years
8. Enjoyed more natural air than ever
9. Read a magazine cover to cover for the first time in 5 years
10. Discovered just how therapeutic a cold shower could be
11. Saved money on gas and electricity
12. Relearned how to write with pen and paper