Greetings from New York City. The city that never sleeps has been battered and beaten in ways people never imagined possible considering this was a Category 1 hurricane. I apologize that I haven’t updated earlier but this is my first access to internet, thanks to my office re-opening.
It is almost a tale of two cities at this point, especially in Manhattan. People north of 38th street barely felt anything during the storm other than the howling winds. They have power, heat, water, etc and the streets and businesses are alive as if nothing happened during the past 48 hours. However, south of 38th street is a different story. No one has had power for the past 36 hours, there was severe flooding to the avenues closest to the East River and Hudson River, strangers are helping each other, and there are people literally walking up to 39th street then standing in the sidewalks using any power plug they can find charging phones and computers.
We lost power around 9pm on Monday night and don’t expect to have it back until at least Friday or Saturday based on the latest news. Luckily, Bo’s sister who was evacuated from her home came to stay with us and the 3 of us have been warm, dry, safe and sound. We have used 15 candles to light our home and our thankful for the gas stove which allowed us to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Our freezer stayed cold enough so that we didn’t lose any meat and I was able to bring it to the office freezer today when I came to work. I can’t say enough amazing things about our gym, Equinox, as they have allowed members to use any club in the city that is open, north of 38th street, for showers, charging phones and computers, and warmth. While the lines have been long for showers each day there is nothing like a warm shower after 36 hours without one. We have decided that we’re going to stay in our apartment even though we don’t have power as it just seems like the simplest option. We are taking advantage of our offices today to catch up on work, emails, and phone calls to loved ones who have been concerned. I’m also taking advantage of having news access so I can catch up on the New York City news and marathon updates. This is definitely not the taper week we expected but at least we’ve enjoyed 10-12 hours of sleep the past 3 nights since there isn’t much else to do.
Not bad for a dinner without power! Luckily all of this could be made using stove top heat!
For those of you who have asked, here are a few images of what our neighborhood looks like after the storm.
People were literally standing outside using the plugs normally reserved for holiday tree lights. Amazing!
I’m so happy to hear you’re safe and sound. I was so worried when I didn’t hear from you, sounds like you lost power right after we talked on Monday night – I guess Bo didn’t have to watch magic Mike after all? Stay safe up there – Derek and I are thinking about you guys down here. We love you both and please let us know if there is anything we can do.
so so glad to hear you all are safe! It must be incredibly sad and frustrating, but so nice to see the community coming together. Keep us posted!
Oh my goodness – I’m happy to hear that you’re safe and sound and able to eat some normal meals! My prayers are going out to all of NYC!
Thank you for the update, Ashley! You have such a positive attitude through this tough time. I’m so very happy to hear that you’re safe and dry and am sending hugs and all my best to you and your crew!
So glad to hear that you are safe! I will keep my fingers crossed that your power comes back on soon – in the meantime, it’s awesome to hear that places like Equinox are offering showers and warmth for their customers. Thinking of you!
Glad you are safe. I’m so sad for your city, but I hope everyone is sticking together and keeping everyone safe and warm =)
Glad you are safe and sound! I have power and such on the UWS if you need anything. It’s so sad to see my home town destroyed by the Hurricane.. It literally breaks my heart. I finally spoke to my parents today and they had a tree fall into our dining room and a telephone pole land on my dad’s truck 🙁
Glad you are safe and sound!
I’m so glad to hear that you guys are ok!! NYC and hurricanes have both been a big part of my life and the storm coverage practically made me cry.
I’m so sorry to hear about the affects Sandy had on NYC… I have a handful of friends up there who are still without power and had to be evacuated and they all say how warming it is to see everyone helping eachother whenever they can. My thoughts and warm wishes are with you all!
So glad you guys are both safe!
Ah, I am just dying for you, especially this week! I truly pray that you will find joy in the midst of the literal storm and it will be so inspiring to run the marathon after a marathon week! Hugs from AZ!
A tale of two cities is really the only way I could describe it too. I was in Soho when the power went out and am now staying on the Upper West Side. It felt like the twilight zone to go from people waiting in lines to use a payphone and wandering aimlessly downtown to life-as-normal uptown. Glad you’re safe, and enjoy the rest of your taper! I’ll be at the finish line volunteering as an interpreter – hopefully the international runners can make it to NYC in time!
Thanks for an update, Ashley. Glad to hear you guys are well. It’s amazing to hear the stories of how people will come together in tough times.
Really glad you guys are safe! What a nightmare for the city, at least there is access to electricity in some areas.
So glad to hear that you and yours are safe. I can’t believe the damage! I hope things return to normal for everyone soon!
Good to see that you are safe AND to hear that strangers are helping each other!