When the Lights Went Out

San Diego paused yesterday. The whole county lost power from around 3:45 pm, to 10:50 pm. Yes, we were without electricity for seven hours, and it was over 90 degrees. Initially, some people worried, not only because of the length of time, but because the power outage was so widespread. Grocery stores and restaurants closed, you couldn’t utilize ATM machines, some people were stuck in elevators, traffic was a cluster of hot and irritable motorist, and others were running out of gas – left and right.

As chaotic as it was for some, others, like myself, enjoyed the forced action of socializing. People were outside talking to neighbors, and kids were actually playing outdoors.

For many, dinner became an issue. We had to be creative. I had chicken, but couldn’t use the stove. My friend had a grill, but didn’t have any food. Solution: my friend brought over the grill and we ate barbeque chicken. It’s was great! My neighbors even came out with their own food for the grill, and everyone offered to share what they had – food, drinks, candles, etc. Even more, the darkness of the city exposed beautiful stars. It was a beautiful night, filled with love and laughter.

Interesting how communal the city became when the lights went out. It could have been such an inconvenience, and for some I’m sure it was, but for many it was a much needed dose of community!