Surviving Hurricane Sandy

      All of us in New Jersey have our Hurricane Sandy story. For the lucky ones, like my family, it was just bearing through those few hours of nature's terror, and then enduring 10 days of darkness, dreariness, and cold.
       Others,obviously, weren't as fortunate, losing their cars, businesses or homes, and sometimes, all three.
It's hard to believe if you didn't experience it, but food choices were limited with no power or refrigeration. There was a real shortage of gasoline, and it was nearly impossible to get cash as the banks were closed, and ATM's inoperable.
   Exercise helped keep this writer sane and somewhat grounded during this two week interruption in our lives.  Unable to run outside due to closed roads, downed power lines and trees, I kept moving in our arctic-like gym, hitting the stationary bike for up to an hour-and-a-half or relying on the self-powered True eliipticals. I also did some "old school" weight workouts, concentrating on multi-joint movements like squats, lunges, bench,  or shoulder push presses to keep the body warm. Thankfully, we did have hot water, and I don't think I appreciated the warmth and cleansing effect of a shower as much!
    Disaster does bring people closer. I enjoyed playing chess with my 16-year old son under the candle illumination, and there was something peaceful about the quiet in our home with no television, radio, or computer to immerse and distract us. At the gym, people shared survival tips and stories, letting each other know where you can try to get gasoline or a cup of coffee, which roads to drive on, and which to avoid.
    The break from running did help my injured achilles, although during the blackout it was throbbing badly from the dank cold. My other 54-year old joints ached more, as well. I almost was in disbelief when the electricity strained to "power up" after 10 days of darkness, in the midst of a freak 6-inch early-November snowstorm!
    The lesson I came away with was appreciation for family as we went through the shared misery together (and many thanks to my parents for graciously hosting us for a couple of days). My wife and I drove 25 miles down Route 22 one night to wait 45-minutes to fill up our tank - and I have to say it was a nice time!
    I also appreciate how lucky we are to live in America. I spent a lot of time thinking of villagers in Russia and China, who survive even colder climates with no electricity at all - and I know there are even some in this country who live that way, as well...