What Do You Do When Power Goes Out

Oh, the power's out. Again. Don't pretend you're surprised. Happens all the time, right? Squirrels versus transformers, summer storms, rogue tumbleweeds – the possibilities are endless. But let's be honest, the real question isn't why, it's what now?

First thing's first? Locate the candles. Not those fancy, scented ones you save for "special occasions." No. We're talking about the emergency stash. Probably dusty. Maybe slightly melted from last summer's heatwave. Perfect.

Then, I find my phone. Naturally. Battery's at 17%. Fantastic. I start doomscrolling. Gotta see if everyone else is as miserable as I am. Misery loves company, and all that.

The Great Refrigerator Debate

Open the fridge. Stare blankly inside. Close it. Repeat this process approximately every 15 minutes. It's a compulsion. I can't explain it. It's like, maybe, just maybe, if I open it one more time, electricity will magically reappear and a chilled bottle of sparkling water will materialize. Wishful thinking, I know.

Oh, and the age-old question: do I eat the ice cream? It's starting to soften. I mean, it's melting. Consider this a public service announcement: soft ice cream is better than no ice cream. My unpopular opinion? Totally valid.

Next on the agenda? Blame someone. Usually, the power company. They're always the convenient scapegoat. I picture a room full of people at Edison Electric, twirling their mustaches and plotting blackouts. I know it's not true. But it makes me feel better.

Embrace the Darkness (Sort Of)

Remember board games? Dust them off. Monopoly. Scrabble. Maybe even that ridiculously complicated strategy game your aunt gave you for Christmas five years ago that you still haven't figured out. Now's the time.

Except… who actually enjoys Monopoly? It always ends in arguments and accusations of cheating. Okay, maybe not Monopoly. Let's stick to cards. Go Fish? I'm in. Anything to avoid a family feud fueled by fake money and miniature hotels.

I then listen to the strange noises my house makes when everything is silent. Creaks. Groans. The occasional inexplicable thump. Suddenly, my cozy little house feels like the setting of a low-budget horror movie. Cue the dramatic music. I may need a blanket.

Unpopular Opinion Alert: It's Kind of Peaceful

Okay, unpopular opinion time. I actually don't mind it. The silence. The candlelight. The forced disconnection from the digital world. It’s almost… relaxing. Almost. Don't tell anyone I said that.

I finally talk to my family. Like, really talk. About stuff. Not just, "Did you remember to take out the trash?" or "Where's the remote?" Actual, meaningful conversations. Shocking, I know.

I might even read a book. Remember those? Actual paper pages. No blue light. No notifications. Just words. It feels… quaint. In a good way. Okay, I look for a book. I don't know what I'll read, I just try to find a book.

The power comes back on. The lights flicker. The refrigerator hums back to life. Everyone cheers. I secretly mourn the temporary escape from reality. Back to the grind. Back to the screens. Back to… normal.

I check my phone. Battery's at 14%. Never mind.

I quickly finish that ice cream.

Until next time, Power Outage. Until next time.

And just for the record, I still think soft ice cream is underrated.