Storming the Stores

We all know what happens here in the South when there is any threat of snow or ice- everyone makes a mad dash to the grocery stores to stock up on bread, non-perishable items and batteries.  Well, the latest inclimate weather here in North Carolina has proved no different, except the storm comes in the form of Hurricane Irene rather than the most recent winter 'blizzard.'

With hurricanes and other inclimate weather comes the threat of power outages, something that many in the path of Hurricane Irene have experienced.  So since we're on the mindset of being without power, let's talk about technology fasts- what are some things that would be extremely difficult to give up for a week?
Many may say Facebook, cell phones, computers, cars, or even their newest gaming system.  I would have to say electricity in general is the piece of technology I would have the hardest time giving up.  Initially, I may say computers, cell phone, or Facebook.  I always have my phone with me, I check email on my laptop 5 times a day and generally Facebook at least once a day.  However, last winter during mid-term exams, my AP English teacher made a wager with our class- No Facebook at all and no cell phone usage after 10 pm (unless to contact parents or to discuss schoolwork or work in general) for the two weeks leading up to exams and the week of exams.  It was a difficult task and I did not realize how 'addicted' to my technology I was.  But, it was not as difficult as I thought it would be.  And I noticed that I became much more productive during those two weeks because I did not have the distractions of Facebook and my cell phone as constant options.

Past the side story, I would have trouble giving up electricity in general because I use it so many times a day.  My alarm clock (or my phone) wakes me up in the morning.  I use the light in the bathroom and my room when getting ready for the day.  I blow dry and straighten my hair in the morning.  I use electricity to charge and power my laptop, as well as my cell phone.  The AC unit in my room and classrooms help save us all from the hot Southern summers.  The microwave and fridge in my room are such conveniences.  Just think of everything in our daily lives that relies on electricity!  It would be extremely difficult for me to go a week without electricity.  I remember the large snow storm we had about the winter of 2000.  My family was without power for just under a week and we lived too far in the country to have the roads plowed, so we were absolutely stuck.  While it was a grand time for me as a second grader to just hang out with the neighborhood kids and play board games my candle light, I am not sure that in today's day and age I could be content with that for a week.  Or that companies could stand to shut down in a region for a week.  There are so many things in our lives that rely on electricity, not just conveniences but key ways of communication as well.