Lights Out!

A temporary loss of electricity last night proved it was just what my sheltered suburban dwelling needed. On a hot sunny and muggy evening, just around dinner time, National Grid (once known as NIMO) pulled the plug on everyone's overworked air conditioning units, favorite television shows and most importantly office computers. All at once, the whole neighborhood, about 20 houses on my block, swung open their front doors and stood staring at one another; shocked more so that we all had the same reaction than troubled by the problem.

It was the first time I had seen my shy introverted Vietnamese neighbor in months, likewise with the Italian family down the street. Moreover, it gave me time to swap Indian recipe ideas with my India-born native right next door. And then there was the new guy who just moved in 3 doors down, cute as a button too - wonder if he's single?

What just happened? A crisis of unimaginable proportions for an electricity-dependent society brushed off the problem and were united under the light of candles, flashlights and lanterns. How beautiful! How powerful! How simple a concept! I say "thank you National Grid" for your shortcomings and apt timing on a Sunday evening. Nothing could have brought this time-strapped neighborhood to a standstill long enough to get to know each other, like your blunder. Might you need to save us some money next month, go right ahead!