Let there be dark

[kjpepper]

So last night, after accidentally leaving work half an hour late, I was crossing the street to get to the bus stop and thinking "Huh. Isn't the Academy showing For Your Consideration right now? They forgot to light the marquee." And then it slowly dawned on me that it was quite a bit darker than usual, even for a winter 5:30 PM. It took a couple of minutes to filter into my work-addled brain that half of Northampton (with the split being down the middle of Main Street) was having a blackout.

Familiar landscapes look very strange without the usual quotient of sodium orange at night. Being not inconvenienced in any way by it except for the bus crawling through town due to dead streetlamps, I was free to enjoy it. It's sort of amazing how we take light and power for granted... even when stores are closed there's usually at least a light on or in the sign. Last night, except for the occasional emergency floodlamp, the Thornes side of the street was completely dark, dimly illuminated by the working streetlights across the street and passing headlights. clusters of people stood outside of their businesses or just inside the doors, probably speculating to each other about when the lights would be back on. Spoleto's windows seemed somehow more charming due to the pin pricks of tabletop candles twinkling from inside. Even the big clock hanging from Silverscape was dead.

I realize there are safety concerns to be had when the lights go out, but I'm one of those weird people that actually feel less safe under the glare of a streetlamp. (none of your urban ninja jokes, masteradept) But it did get me thinking about people's dependance and use of electricity. I actually had a chat with Phil this morning on the bus about it. What sort of business purpose does it serve to leave the strings of funky lights that decorate your ceiling on all night, or the neon display that circles your bar area? how much per month does that cost you in power? Do people really need that or is it just more light pollution? of course, as always this train of thought just led to the conclusion that most of humanity is doomed when the apocalypse arrives. I'm reminded of our erstwhile neighbors that couldn't figure out how to finish making breakfast without their electric mixer during a now long ago blackout one Saturday morning. Oy.

but yeah... we really do consume all sorts of power when we don't need to. I should stop that. :)

In other news, went to the doctor yesterday to check in about the Crohn;s treatment, which actually has been going rather well. I'm starting to put a little bit of weight back on, which makes me a bit happier as I'm still not entirely comfortable with how small I got so fast. So, we're going to continue with the two blue horse pills four times a day, and I left with my ears ringing with the admonishment to call him if ANYTHING changed. Seriously I was reminded rather strongly of Rory from Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. "If you start feeling listless, you call me. If you lose weight or get pregnant, you call me. If you forget anything, you call me. Now do you understand everything I've said? Because if you don't, you call me." *chuckle* I need to see that movie again.

In closing I just want to reiterate that front closing grown-up bras are terribly terribly fun. Not to mention it is not necessary to wrench your shoulders getting them off after they've expired for the day.

Comments

[masteradept.livejournal.com]

WhatWhat!!

I mean you being from NY does give you the edge whats his face was talking about...cause all ninjas are from NY.

*ducks*

btw...a certain sexy man informed me that you have not opened certain things yet...I think you need to.

[kjpepper.livejournal.com]

yes yes... been busy. :D It shall be fun.