# 15 Sandy's Lessons

One thing I've learned is that I should use all the things that happen to me on a daily basis as building blocks for my writing.

We're in the midst of the outer rim of Sandy. Way off west of New York. The storm hit us last night with horrid winds and constant rain. The wind knocked out the power to everyone that lives anywhere near me. So last night was spent with candlelight and blankets. It's cold. The water heater is empty and I need a shower.

I'm filing all the inconveniences in the back of my mind. Remembering how it feels to not have enough light to read. Or sitting as close to the candles as I can without catching my hair on fire.

Going to a public place to take a shower. Slightly degrading feeling. But very glad the local rec center has showers.

Watching the wind whip the trees and scatter the leaves about. Seeing the waves crashing. Lake Erie is known for its towering waves. Being as shallow as it is, the waves build quickly into dangerous, life-threatening beings. They closed some lanes of the highway that runs next to it, near our downtown. Before my electricity went out, I was glued to the tv, watching the waves break over the breakwall.

New experiences. I know I'll be able to use them. Very glad that life nor limb has been threatened by this mess.

Life is messy.