At 5:00 PM, on a windy Wednesday evening, I found myself arriving home from a long, hard day of school. I was exhausted, and dreaded as I reminded myself of the numerous projects I was to finish for the next day. As I slowly made my way to the front door, I took a glance at the kitchen window, where I would usually see my mom greet me home, only to find it unoccupied. Another thing that boggled my mind about this strangeness was that there was no light in the house. It was not until I walked into the house that I realized that there was a blackout.
The house that was once was filled with a metropolis of sounds was now abnormally silent. The buzzing of computers fans, the clicking of mice, the tapping of keyboards was no longer there. Despite the exciting fact that this blackout was a great excuse to skip over my english essay, for some strange reason, I felt at peace. Sitting in a room, lit only by a battery-powered lamp, my mind felt at ease. The stressed-out-me was gone. I sat and enjoyed the stillness.
My brothers, who spent most of their day sitting in front of the computer (as do most people these days), were found sleeping in their beds at 5:30 PM. The only logical reason for this, I thought, was because there was "nothing else to do". Nothing else. But, what else WAS there to do when all electric connections were lost? It got me thinking about the future generation's inability to get through a blackout. I imagine the high-tech generation would go into panic-mode, hyperventilating about not being able to do yadayadayada because of the unfortunate turn of event. Computers today are a real "must have" for people, and when that source of living is lost, so is the hope of checking Myspace comments.
Even I am a sore-loser when it comes to not being able to go on the computer as I use to. It has become such an essential part of my life to check my e-mail and whatnot, that I found it difficult to occupy my time when I was away from the computer. I tried to think about things I did in the past before the internet, but sadly could not come up with anything except that I use to read books. Ah, the joy of reading books. I remember I use to go through at least two books a week. Now, it has come to about one book that I read on and off for about a year. Pathetic. Where did my former bookworm life go? Easy, into the recycling bin of my PC.
Through the blackout, I felt I rediscovered that old, practical self I once was. It was as if I broke away from the busy city, and found a tranquil place with nature [Walden-style!!]. It was so calming. I wish I were stuck in a blackout more often. The computer was like a big flourescent light. When it was on, i turned into a zombie-fly and found it diffucult to shy away. When it was off, my concentration was clear and I was able to other things.
Come back blackout! Take me away! I want my peace again! (/end zombie talk)
Ah, I really don't know what to say now except that it's 12:57 AM and I'm still sitting in front of the computer. Woo.
