Black Panty Salvation

The power went out one afternoon during last week’s extreme cold and I was amazed by all I was still able to accomplish …

with my phone.

First I had to text my husband and then I turned to my other lover, Facebook:

There were a lot of thermometer pic posts that day but I joined the fray for one very significant reason: to avoid feeling alone during this most minor of crises.  I frequently checked the thread, rubbing my hands by its camaraderie.

I texted my landlord about the outage.  Both he and Kris replied with estimated restoration times from our power company.

I checked the weather to ensure my whining and outrage remained justified.

Facebook.

Twitter.

I called my neighbor to see if she had power.  She did.  She offered her home if our power was still out after school.

I called my landlord realizing I couldn’t get the garage door open (electric).  Unfortunately I was already outside for this realization – in the -30 degree outside – with Farrah Star who screamed so loud during this drawn-out debacle that her face became swollen.  Standing there, thumb numb, I texted Kris to call the school to tell them I would be late.  I texted him again, panicked over Farrah’s exposure and the possibility of stranding/scaring Arlo: “CAB???”  (He ordered one via Uber, from his phone, natch).  I called my landlord again because I couldn’t do what he told me to do and I needed help because Farrah and he graciously hung up and came outside.  Garage door finally opened, I texted Kris again to cancel cab.

Messaged Kris AGAIN because I was freaking out by Farrah’s continued “vocal discomfort” and afraid I too would start screaming.  I needed help, if only the virtual kind.

Firstborn finally retrieved, screaming quelled, I messaged my neighbor to tell her we made it inside her house.

Facebook.

Twitter.

I sent my husband directions so he could meet us.

He sent me a message when he left work.

Checked the weather.

My landlord sent me a text confirming power had been restored.

I sent a message to my neighbor thanking her and ensuring we locked the door behind us.

†

Now I was born in 1970; I lived a whole complete life before the advent of iPhones, etc. and maybe it’s because I did that I am ever so grateful and awed by the technology I have today. My phone does the exact opposite of what some naysayers believe – it eliminates isolation.  While I myself don’t experience it, I understand nostalgia for the feel of pen on paper, retrieving a crisp white envelope from a smooth shiny box and the tickle of a hearing a human voice.

But forgive me; I progress.

I have no fear of being alone as I spent a good portion of my life (again, b. 1970) alone and did just fine.  If I had to be alone now, during a teeny-tiny crises, I would also be fine but I don’t want to be, and more and more I find my iPhone is the reason why I don’t have to be.

†

I hope you’re finding your own warmth and camaraderie out there in the cold, cold world.  Thanks for being here with me today.