The Importance Of Trying To Work Through Hurricane Sandy

Greetings from Effy’s Cafe in uptown Manhattan. You don’t want to know what I look like right now, but I promise you New York is in worse shape — for now. Hurricane Sandy pummeled the greatest city in the world two nights ago, causing some of the sites in the Abrams Media network to go down and irreparable damage all over. The Halloween parade has been called off for the first time in it’s 49-year history, the subway system, which has a few flooded stations, won’t be up and running again for at least a few more days, and millions are reportedly without power, including me, and I was very lucky compared to many New Yorkers.

It would be easy for me to say that everything is going wrong, and though I hate to see my favorite place in the world take such a hit, I think it’s best if NYC residents make an attempt to get back to their regular routine. This may seem ridiculous to some of you, especially coming from a haggard, poorly groomed, slightly delirious Upper East Sider, but work is the only thing keeping me relatively sane and calm right now. That and my roommate, who has been more like a parent than anything else to me the past few days (love you, Jen!). When you don’t have a warm home to return to, a hot shower, a functioning office, or reassurance that everyone you love and care for is all right, you have to put your energy elsewhere.

That’s what I suggest some of you do. We’ve been slowed down dramatically and traumatized by Sandy, but we haven’t been defeated, because no one and nothing can defeat the people of New York. I saw the best in New Yorkers two nights ago, when I stared in horror and utter disbelief at the giant waves flowing through the street outside my apartment and overtaking countless vehicles. I was certain the East River water would make its way up the steps of my second floor walkup and destroy everything I owned and possibly sweep me away as well. I’m extremely grateful that power is the only thing I lost that night, because too many people lost their lives and/or homes, yet everyone was in good spirits the following day. I’ve never been more pleased to see the bars overflowing with people, and I’ve never seen baristas and other store employees so chipper. All we can really do now is try to keep hustling and look out for each other, so make both of these things a priority. You won’t regret it.

TAGS: hurricane sandy

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