Oh, Sandy!
As I’m sure many of you have noticed, my online posts on any form of social media have been few and far between this week. Hurricane Sandy really did a number on New York and New Jersey; I am lucky that all I have had to deal with is a few days of no electricity.
On Monday we were “prepared for the storm” by not really being too prepared at all. Many people in NYC were underwhelmed with Hurricane Irene and the (what seemed to be) overly cautious actions by Bloomberg. That being said, instead of stocking up on flashlights and candles, people laughed off Sandy and thought it to be nothing more than a few days of rain. There were multiple bars and restaurants packed on Monday as people awaited her arrival. I said over and over and over “I really bet this time it’s going to be a disaster because people are not taking it seriously.” Well… you’ve seen the news.
I chose to stay in Manhattan with Charmel and his roommate as my roommate was in New Jersey and I was worried the subways would be down for a while. Also, being by yourself in the middle of a hurricane is less than ideal. Lower Manhattan (below 34th st.) lost power around 10:00 pm on Monday night and is still a ghost town- appropriate for Halloween. Subway service has not resumed and there is no cell service or power as of today. I have walked probably 150 blocks in the past 3 days trying to get from point A to point B as the cab drivers pretty much refuse to go downtown since there are no traffic lights. Walking to midtown on a daily basis is less than desirable, but it’s the only way to stay in contact with the outside world…or watch the news….or call my parents. Trade off? My apartment currently has power and cell service, but there’s NO way to get in/out of Manhattan without a car. In addition, my roommates family from Long Island has had so much damage to their home they are staying at my place. This week has definitely been one of moments. Moments of fear in the dark, of chuckles at some people’s cleverness in the situation and also moments of incredible acts of kindness.
I found myself being frustrated that my appearances were canceled and my ability to make it to the gym was hindered by transportation (I still went). In addition, cooking and keeping food is difficult so I’ve had to depend on what is around (bread, peanut butter, crackers)- none of which is on my meal plan. My thought bubble sounded something like ‘Miss America is only 2 months away, I do NOT have time for this.’ Listen to me, eh?
I am so lucky.
And very grateful.
It was when I heard that former Miss Brooklyn and 4th Runner Up to Miss NY, Keelie, lost everything that I changed my tune. Here I am being irritated by a few candles and extra layers while Keelie has no home or belongings at all. However, a few people have opened up an opportunity to help (www.HelpKeelieandJoe.com). I hope you will consider donating in some way to her recovery from Sandy. In addition, the Miss NY Organization and myself are trying to find the best avenue to help others in need, too. I have inquired about volunteering at a shelter downtown, but being that there is no power it is thought to be a bit of a dangerous thing to do for a young lady.
It’s also crazy to think about the amount of revenue the city is losing just by being without power. Businesses are closed, restaurants have lost a week’s worth of food and revenue, and it may be days even after the power is back for shipments to make it in to Manhattan. All of this coupled with no gas and the city’s carpooling rule (any car coming in to Manhattan must have at minimum 3 passengers) is making forward movement more difficult. It is wonderful, though, to see what is thought to be such a ‘rough and divided’ city come together and lend a hand to neighbors. I can only hope that this need to be charitable will continue once the remains of Sandy disappear.
It also goes without saying we have lost a bit of Miss America history this week. Much of the Atlantic City Boardwalk was destroyed in the storm. I know it has been rebuilt time and time again, but I don’t think that makes a difference to us Miss America girls. Our history began there and it hurts to see it torn to shreds. Here’s to hoping the iconic landmark makes a full recovery soon.
This blog is just a tip of this week’s “iceberg,” but i’m working with limited time here at the JP Morgan offices (thanks, Charmel)! Looking forward to keeping you posted on relief efforts. Thank you for checking in on me and I love you all!
Mal