Four weeks ago today Hurricane Charley swept through our state, and the tropics have remained in attack mode ever since, in the form of Frances and Ivan. Can anybody remember what life was like B.C. (Before Charley)? For sure, the last month has changed our view of certain things in our blustery world.

Spare batteries:

Then: Flotsam rolling around in the junk drawer.

Now: Treasure to be amassed, hoarded and securely stored.

Fuel gauge on "E"

Then: I'll fill up in the morning before work.

Now: Opening chapter of Lord of the Flies.

TV weather people

Then: Blow-dried "meteorologists."

Now: Hurricane therapists.

The fridge

Then: Modern-day convenience we never clean.

Now: Modern-day convenience we have to disinfect every two weeks.

Head scarves

Then: Worn by bikers and Russian grandmas.

Now: Worn by those who can't shower.

Power lunch

Then: Meal during which you woo the big hitters.

Now: Meal during which the electricity is working.

Charley and Frances

Then: Adorable, old-fashioned names. Think of an elderly, likable farm couple.

Now: Don't even want to think about it

Chain saws
Then: Annoying power tools that disturb your sleep on a Saturday morning.

Now: Move over cell phones -- this is the new status symbol. (Insert a mighty "Tim the Toolman Taylor" grunt!!)

Utility trucks

Then: A lumbering highway menace.

Now: We know the difference between a bucket truck and a digger derrick, and which one is needed to get the power back on where we live.

Plywood-covered houses

Then: Condemned eyesores.

Now: Home of the handy and well-prepared.

Spam
Then: Annoying e-mail that slipped through your filter.

Now: Mystery meat that makes good eating when the power's out.

Camping equipment:

Then: Something to use on vacation.

Now: Something to use every day.

Makeup

Then: Indispensable.

Now: Fuhgeddaboudit. Can't put it on without lights, can't take it off without water.

Phone calls from out of state

Then: How've you been?

Now: Is your house OK?

Noah:

Then: Old Testament figure who survived the first great flood.

Now: It's all about phonetics -- think NOAA, part of a Web site address you should bookmark to keep an eye on the next hurricane (www.nhc.noaa.gov).

Kim...I have to admire your sense of humour during these times. Those were funny but touched a sore spot at the same time.

I don't know how you do it...tell you what...you wanna come up here to Illinois for a while? :)

Keep safe ok?

I am going to forward this to my friends in Kissimme and Orlando. I know they can relate to all of it. One of them is holding up great but she wants to move back to New York ASAP. The other is a mess and not doing too well I wish I could help... I feel so bad for all you have gone through :ghug:

Funny and thought-provoking :thumb: :ghug:

It takes great strength to laugh in the face of adversity. :thumb: Great post, Kim! :yesnod:

It is a great post Kim. My heart and prayers are with you and Pagan always.

I am happy to hear that you haven't lost your sense of humor about all of this, Kim. It's amazing how we all take things for granted and then suddenly, when these "luxuries" are taken away from us, life seems entirely different. I went through Hurricane Hugo in '89, so I do know where you are coming from, sweetheart. I'm just keeping my thoughts positive that Ivan will spare Florida...