Let me start by saying how strange New York City feels right now. Besides the obvious fact that half of the city is essentially out of commission with power, everyone is just kind of in this strange limbo. It’s really hard to describe. It’s like it completely doesn’t make sense.
We’re sleeping in friends’ and family members’ (uptown) apartments. We’re walking everywhere because the roads are super congested. We’re grocery shopping in stores that aren’t quite bare, but not quite fully stocked. We’re working, but in borrowed conference rooms or on the floors of Starbucks.
It’s…. off.
Unbalanced.
I know just how fortunate I am to have power in my apartment. I have a lot more “normal” right now than most in this city right now. I’m very, very, very thankful.
Everyone is definitely trying to move forward. Because, really, that’s what you just have to do. Nothing may be conventional right now, but we’re just having to to make it work.
We (some of the Levo team and I) have been talking recently a lot about “the universe” and its plan. (Have you read this book yet?) It’s hard to think that there is a reason for everything happening… and it’s even harder to not feel guilty even trying to figure out why. Cue semi-existential crisis.
In no way do I mean to take away from those who truly are suffering as a result of the hurricane, but I think there is plenty of positive we can find. So so so many people are working together to get the city back on its feet. Whether it’s police officers directing traffic because the stop lights aren’t working… or it’s the ConEd employees working tirelessly to get electricity back to residents and businesses…. or it’s the (free) charging stations that popped up around the city for those without power…. or it’s the friends setting up sleeping bags and air mattresses strewn across the floor of already crowded apartments… really…. the city has truly come together.
Suddenly, the strangers on the street feel like close neighbors. The chit chat between customers and employees is actually nice (for a change). Everyone is beyond flexible, ready to do whatever needs to be done (even if it means filming Office Hours from an employee apartment).
So while it doesn’t feel normal, it’s okay. Because we’re all in it together.
xoxo
PS After I wrote this, I signed into Facebook… and saw that one of my coworkers wrote this on Facebook. It’s so true.
the energy is different.
I totally agree with everything. I got to Fordham in the Bronx and even through we weren't really hit hard by sandy we still don't have class until next week. It's been weird. As stressful as its been I'm school were all dying for classes and normalcy and routine to come back. And we are continually thankful for all the staff that worked through the hurricane to keep us safe and fed.
I go to Concordia in Bronxville, and we were without power all week and still have no power. It was crazy how quickly people went from enjoying the lack of technology to going into survival mode. Our school basically evacuated us, and I went to stay with a friend's aunt in Manhattan. The city was very different, too. We then ventured to DC where my friend lives. I am thankful no one was hurt near me, and I am praying for everyone affected. It is times like these that we must all pull together (:
I'm a west coaster, but my heart goes out to everyone who was affected by Sandy. Fortunately everyone I know back east is safe and I'm glad that you are too. I can only imagine how strange everything must feel right now in NY. It's nice that you're seeing a sense of unity and camaraderie in the city–I think that's so important at times like this!
Erika
http://www.thecardinalplanner.com
i get where you're coming from and i agree, it has had positive effects on the attitudes of people in manhattan. there's no silver lining, though for people who have lost more than just their power for a week, but their homes and communities.
I heard many people say that if their commute was possible, it was much easier than "normal". I believe that has a lot to do with the patience and respect that many don't consider on a regular basis. People helping each other.
Beautiful post. So happy you're safe. Keeping you and the east coasters in my prayers!
I love how you talked about sticking together!! I'm from New Orleans and when Katrina hit it was hard. Everything was turned upside-down. But one positive thing that did come out of that natural disaster was the fact that the city bonded in ways that no one ever thought possible. All of yall are in my prayers!!! Stay safe and keep up the positive energy!
for anyone in the Manhattan area-there is a benefit concert tonight featuring matt laur, bruce springsteen, bon jovi, christina agulera and others at Rockefeller center. all proceeds go to the red cross, its a fantastic opportunity to help everyone in need after sandy.
http://www.nbc.com/hurricane-sandy-coming-together/
Even from the little time I spent in New York it has been hard for me to imagine what the city would be like in this state. I wouldn't go so far as to say there are good things that can be taken from this, but I definitely agree that it shows the good in people. From an entirely different standpoint, I think this is an extremely important event for the climate change movement. If this isn't a wake up call…