The SavvyBostonian and The Back Bay Blackout

It’s been a long, strange and most importantly, dark couple of days. And, it’s not over yet. Like many Back Bay residents, my week took an unexpected turn with a three alarm fire ripped through a parking garage several blocks from my apartment. As of Thursday night, I’m one of the 1,500 residents still without power (gee thanks, NSTAR). It’s been an interesting 48 hours and I feel compelled to share some of the strange, heartwarming and comical series of events that have keep my little Back Bay world going.

During situations like this, I think it’s important to create a routine and strive for some level of normalcy. For some, that meant “camping out” at the Four Seasons (still waiting for my invite), or asking if the Cristal in the fridge would go bad (wishing that was in my fridge). Others flocked to the nearest watering hole with power (I heard Eastern Standard was serving martinis and salads), while some (like moi) gave into the darkness and futzed around on my computer by candlelight.

During the day, normal for me has been finding Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, regular showers, hitting the gym and going to work. With my car trapped in a parking garage sans power, commuting to work was not an option, so I focused on what I could: charging my phones/computers and finding temporary office space.

Through Twitter, The Colonnade Hotel graciously offered to charge my phone, while I was in a bit of a haze on Wednesday morning. After more tweeting, a kind Bostonian suggested I set up shop at Oficio, a super cool co-op space with tons of natural light at 30 Newbury Street. On your first visit, they’ll give you a free day pass, then day passes are $25 after. After two days of working there, I can tell you that it’s 100% worth it. I liked working there so much, I kind of wish it was my permanent office.

All in all, having no power hasn’t been as terrible as friends/family think it is (though ask me again in a few days if this continues). There’s no doubt that it’s a huge inconvenience. I mean, who wants to haul all the way out to Allston just to use the gym and take a hot shower? Or, how would you feel about having to carry a flashlight so you can see the keyhole to your building and then climb up several flights of stairs in pitch black (creepy, right)? Oh, and I opened for the fridge to rescue my brita today and I did not like what I smelled.

Despite all of these things, this experience has brought me a little closer to my neighbors and Bostonians. I’ve been offered couches to crash on, words of sympathy and wishes for the power to come back soon. I’m also grateful for local news outlets like Boston.com and Universal Hub, who continue to help me spread the word that many of us are still without power. The more we talk about it, the sooner it hopefully gets fixed and then life returns back to normal. And by soon….who thinks we’ll have power by tomorrow!!!???