If you live within the path that our blustery Nor'Easter took on Friday, March 2nd, chances are you experienced anything from flickering lights to a total loss of power. Or, maybe you can't read this article because you've lost it during the impending one for tomorrow, March 7th.
There are definite causes for concern when you have a total loss of power. In the winter, heat and in the summer, air conditioning. But let's pretend that this is for a snowstorm since that's what we're dealing with right now. Any time of year you are afraid to open the refrigerator or the freezer lest you add to the deterioration of your frozen goodies. But hey, if it's a snowstorm and you lose power, you have a stockpile of ice outside! If your home is like mine, your sump pump will not work without power and the risk of flooding creeps into your mind. These are all potentially extremely serious problems and should occupy your attention.
However, do not fret simply because you cannot get on your Wifi to binge watch Netflix or connect to your Facebook friends when you play Panda Pop.
I know this may come as a shock to some of you youngsters, but you actually can entertain yourself without your TV or internet connection. So here are some ways to do that.
1. Read a book.
You can't fool me. A good bit of you actually likes to read OUTSIDE of school. Don't deny it. What happens if your lights are out? You can sit by a window and read by the daylight, or use a flashlight. It doesn't have to be the one on your phone.
2. Play REAL solitaire.
I bet you didn't know that you could play solitaire with actual, physical cards instead of on your phone! Although I find it to be the most frustrating game, it can pass the time through hours of darkness.
3. Have a nerf battle.
There is nothing better than a Nerf battle with glow in the dark bullets. Why not set yourself up in a little fort and take aim? *IF YOU BREAK A PRECIOUS FAMILY HEIRLOOM, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME*
4. Play a board game.
You remember the board games that kept you entertained as a child? If you check, I'm sure they're still there and craving some attention. Why not dust them off and bring them out by lantern-light?
This is just a short list of things to entertain you, but believe me, they can keep you entertained for hours. It will be amazing how much you DON'T miss your wifi. Now I know the second the power comes back on you'll be running to your devices to check Snapchat and Twitter and lord knows what else. But, you and your parents will know that you didn't spend the outage pouting and calling the electric company for an estimate (which is probably off by the way).