30 things we learned from Charley
It’s been exactly a week since we woke up to Charley’s aftermath. And in that time we have been taught some lessons about unpredictability, preparedness, heat, phones, power, human nature -- and maybe some other things we hadn’t thought of until now . . .
Water is comfort food. But 3-day-old Cheetos are too.
We shouldn’t complain about all the “useless” tools in the garage -- we actually DO need a generator.
You can’t spell “priceless” without I-C-E.
Shadow animals on the wall -- still fun!
It’s your God-given right to sit on your back porch and eat Chinese takeout by candlelight in your underwear.
You can use your washing machine as a cooler.
No matter how hard the wind blows, roadside campaign signs will survive.
Cell phones: Breaking up isn’t hard to do.
Water from the shower is much colder than water from the kitchen sink -- and tastes just as bad.
AA and D are the only alphabet we need.
There’s a plus side to having nothing in the refrigerator.
You should never admit to having power at your house in the presence of co-workers or neighbors who don’t.
Even after all these years, it can be nice to spend time with Col. Mustard in the ballroom with the lead pipe.
Chain saw-wielding men are nothing to be afraid of.
When house-hunting, look for closets with lots of legroom.
SUVs are the best makeshift tents on the market.
An oak tree on the ground looks four times as big as one standing up.
The four-way stop is still an ingenious reflection of civility.
Getting through the day should be an Olympic event.
The movie theater can be a most pleasant place, even if the feature is Alien vs. Predator.
Radio can be the best way to watch television.
Air conditioning: Best invention ever.
Candlelight is better than Botox -- it takes years off your appearance.
Lake Eola can generate waves.
Gasoline is a value at any price.
The need for your dog to go out and take care of business is proportional to the severity of the storm.
The lifeblood of any disaster recovery is coffee.
Downed power lines make an excellent security system.
Somebody’s got it worse
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