While Georgetown students were safe inside with power and food, it was impossible not to think of DC’s homeless, not to mention the hundreds of people who were killed or seriously injured, as well as the thousands who are now without power or whose homes have been damaged, as Hurricane Sandy tore through the coast on Sunday and Monday.
Georgetown students were lucky to be well-taken care of during the storm, and while my heart was with those who were being negatively affected, I also chose to acknowledge the positive—a lovely, impromptu two days off that was the “pause” button I had needed.
This was the rare occasion where we could be together—no commitments, no reason to leave the building – and just enjoy each other’s company and feel cozy as the rain poured outside. It was probably the first time our entire floor was actually all there at the same time, and we talked over PBJ’s and mac & cheese in the common room. It was a day that isn’t usually part of a collegiate’s routine; it wasn’t a weekday but it also wasn’t the typical weekend that was filled with adventures and going out. It was a stay inside and do nothing kind of day.
Most of the day, honestly, was spent lounging in our room with two of our friends from upstairs, doing homework, drinking tea, playing games, napping, and doing nothing. And for some reason, that was just the nicest day I’ve had in a long time. It brought to mind the Vonnegut quote, “I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.’”
As cheesy as it sounds, being “locked in” to Harbin Monday evening was like a signal to slow down, to be grateful for what I have, and to take a deep breath.