~A Bitter Swallow~

It's raining outside. Not that that's anything new, being I live in the Pacific Northwest. However, it's really raining outside! I can hear it battering against the windows, trying to barge it's way in. It's just about made it through the ceiling in parts. Let me tell ya, that's not good in any building, but particularly not good in a library. At our staff meeting the other day, we were informed of various leaks around the building. The only solution available to us for the time being: set out buckets. Well, if the power goes out, we have water! They say rain water is the best to wash your hair with.

The lesson to learn from this, those of you reading. VOTE FOR THE LIBRARY LEVY! Whenever they are able to justify putting it back up for option on your election card.

Today is one of those days that make me just want to heat up a pot of tea, curl up in a nice, cozy chair by the window, in front of a nice, warm fireplace, and read a good book or three. The sound of the rain falling, the wind blowing everything down, the tree limbs scrapping the side of the house.... it's all so soothing. I can see in my mind, the lamplight flickering. I have the candles and matches there waiting, just in case the power finally gives up. The teapot of water hangs above the fire, keeping toasty.

Unfortunately, I'm not at home. Home does not have a fireplace, or a woodstove. When the power goes out, it's cold. I have tons of blankets for this reason. There is no fireplace here at work either. Oh, wouldn't that be lovely! A safety issue, as well, I would imagine.


But, I had a bagful of holds come in today, so I'll be set with stuff to do tonight, should the power fail. I'll be wrapped in tons of blankets, and won't have any way to keep my tea warm, but at least I'll have something to occupy myself with! That, and my cupboard full of board games!

Today I had an extra long time frame for lunch, as our morning meeting at work ended much earlier than normal. Dustin and I decided to go to the buffet here in town(well, I decided.. he just agreed to go along). I usually go there when I have long lunches, because I feel more inclined to linger there. Usually with a good book; this time with good company.

Well, it so happened that the power went out while we were finishing up. So, of course, they could not run my debit card. They also do not take checks. Since the entire block was out, there was no readily available ATM. The restaurant wanted me to hand over my debit card number. Had I been in a clearer state of mind, I would have just told the library I would be late, and sent Dustin on an ATM hunt. As it stood though, I reluctantly gave her my card information. She seemed rather flustered that I was hesitant to just hand over my account information.

It just so happens that I am a paranoid person. A contradiction, considering I am usually such a trusting person- to a fault sometimes. Keep in mind though, if you read my previous post, I just did my taxes and am expecting my return. That return is scheduled to be deposited into THAT account. Not to mention it is where my paycheck is deposited. I am constantly hearing about people stealing card numbers and going on spending spree, and with the down-turn in the economy, people are becoming more desperate.

It is not the company or even it's employees that I am concerned about. It's all of the customers that were inside. It's that thought that one of those customers could have been watching that young gal writing all those people's card information on that one reciept booklet. The one that watches when she sets it down, and casually walks up and walks out with it under his arm.

Paranoid? More than likely. But I still had Dustin go home and transfer everything out of that account and into my other one, with the exception of just enough to cover the tab at the restaurant. I figure I should also contact the bank and let them know. Maybe have them stop any other transaction with the card (excpet for the buffet's check) until further notice. Sometimes I think I worry too much. Maybe that's true. But I also am counting on that money for very specific things, and the last thing I need is to lose it to some person who decided to be decietful.

So, in my attempt to write at least a little every day (an attempt that I have not been altogether successful at ), I decided to look up writing prompts. Google led me to this little site here: http://creativewritingprompts.com/ . I find it fantastic. It is from this little niche that I am going to do today's writing, albeit a bit cheating.. since it is more a list than actual writing. But hey.. I'm here, aren't I?

I chose to list 10 things you can do with no power. Since I live in the Pacific Northwest, and that is a rather frequent occurrence, I thought it would be not only appropriate and informative, but also relatively easy! Let us see if I am correct in that assumption!

1. Well, since I work at a library, I figured it rather obvious that I will list READ A BOOK! first. Not to mention, it is something I do with no power. Candlelight can be somewhat hard on the eyes sometimes, but a good book will make that inconvenience unnoticeable anyways.

2. Break out those board games! What could be better than playing a game of Clue during a blackout by candlelight!? When you decide to chance a guess, be sure to hold the flame beneathe your face, attach an ominous look to yourself, and state your guess in an evil, threatening voice.

3. A game of hide and seek in the dark. Oh yeah!

4. Go outside and see how many stars you can see now! It's amazing how much of the night sky is hidden by the glow of the city lights.

5. Have a campout in your front yard. Grab some sleeping bags, build a campfire, and roast marshmellows and tell ghost stories.

6. Grab a pencil and paper, and write a good old fashioned letter to some pals. Get creative, and post their address in an old time script, and seal the envelope with a dab of wax.

7. Teach yourself how to do something, be it play guitar, crochet, knit, etc.. That way you always have an activity for power outages.

8. Find a bunch of no-cook recipies that can be whipped together over a fireplace or woodstove. Call all your friends over for an old fashioned dinner, and play some of the games listed here.

9. Charades in the dark. Now that could be interesting.

10. Go to the local hardware store and purchase a generator. We live in Washington people.. you should have one!!!


There.. I did it. And it wasn't all that bad to come up with stuff. Now, the funny part is that next time the power goes out, and I want to refer to this list.. it will be conveniently stored on my computer- you know..that thing that requires POWER to turn on and look at...

/sigh....

That's how it goes in this technologically "advanced" age...