Oh, Sandy.

I'll admit it...I've never really taken hurricanes seriously. When Hurricane Isabel hit in 2005, I spent the night at a friend's house, playing spatula mini golf and growing fond of not shaving my legs due to the lack of running water available. When Hurricane Irene hit last fall, my husband, mother-in-law, and I spent several hours playing board games by candlelight.

This year, though, is the first year I've ever prepared for a hurricane. Hurricane Sandy had me scared. I went to Target and bought Starbucks doubleshot energy drinks, waters, canned tuna, and animal crackers (all necessary for survival, of course). I purchased two flashlights, extra batteries, extra cat food, and some extra Yankee candles.

I was ready, people. I even researched "where to buy dry ice" with every intention of buying some in case the power went out and I needed to preserve the Lean Pockets and frozen spinach in my freezer.

The county I teach in was scared, too! They cancelled school Monday (hallelujah!). A day to do laundry, sleep in, eat Halloween candy that was supposed to be for kids while lounging on the couch glued to HGTV, and crochet that blue scarf I've been working on for two years!
But then county officials went all paranoid.

We also had Tuesday off.

Thank you, Sandy, for not destroying Virginia. To all you up north and on the coast- thoughts and prayers are with you. I know so many of y'all don't have power or transportation. Hugs to you all! Wish I could send you some tuna and animal crackers!