Brownout is Compulsory Rest

Honestly, I am barely ready in case of a disaster. Like the previous brownout. How much more for serious calamities. The uncharged phones, no alternative laptop batteries, lack of supply in candles, failing flashlight batteries, and emotional readiness. At least we should be emotionally ready.

I was very worried over my research which is due next week. And to add to it, we had brownout the past days. Though it was to be expected because of the weather, I still felt helpless and restless. I was still hoping for the electricity to come the soonest but it didn’t come as quickly. We had no power banks. We weren’t able to charge cellphones to their full capacity. My laptop’s got a dead battery and all we had were two candles, one was already almost used up.

I tried writing on paper but it was so inconvenient because of some circumstances. Good thing I was able to publish the day the electricity went out, just before it went out. At least I saved one day from a no-article day.

I have to admit that without much gadget to use and books to read, the next thing that was inviting was sleep and rest. It was unusually quiet the first night of brownout. One of us was very afraid even to cry so he slept through the night. He kept his eyes closed and lightened up only when electricity came back.

But then, the brownout was not without its advantages or say perks. It forced me to stop thinking about school works. No matter how hard I tried thinking about the due paper works and assignments, I didn’t have something to use to accomplish things. No gadget to finish them up or to edit them. Borrowing was also out of my option since we were all trying to save some battery. How scarce our reserves were. So I eventually stopped thinking about those and my research. Sleep and rest will somehow be managed.

During the brownout, I was able to turn to other thoughts that would otherwise be left untouched in my brain cells during normal days with electricity. For one, I thought about my lack of supply of physical books. I became over thrifty not spending a coin on books. I relied on free downloads. I relied on ebooks as if there won’t be circumstance where I will be needing physical books. Another, I thought about my failing penmanship. But I know at least my trick in order to write continuously and make texts as readable as possible. I just have to use a not-so-fine pen and let the words be written in a manner that letters appear as they are in standard appearance.

Well well well, to be safe, let us say that temporary brownouts are compulsory rest from gadgets. But not necessarily rest from everything. And definitely, brownouts are not all-sleep rest. Because it is evident here on this very article that other sides and parts of the brain are working during the absence of electricity.

For the kids, it will mean more reflection for them. A break from the never ending debate on using cellphone for most of the day. I feel triumphant to see them taken a back. At least they realize that gadgets are not eternal commodities.

I don’t want to say that brownouts are good because during those times, some important messages must be seen, but the event of brownout nevertheless makes us realize the many things we fail to realize. That we also have to take a break from the conveniences of life that we have become so familiar with and also try to live the basic life. And also, it is a chance to assess our readiness in times of disaster.

We were sleeping through the afternoon when the lights eventually returned. One of us left some switches on so when the electricity came it was obvious that it came. We charged immediately but I didn’t use my phone yet. Let it just charge without being used. Remember, I thought, we just had some gadgetless moments. It was after few hours before I resumed my use of my laptop. Here we go again, was another thought. But of course, this is the now the normal thing. For a moment it was as if no brownout had ever happened. Silly, just charge and store reserve just in case there will be another power outage. Fortunately, once the electricity returned, it never went out again.

In case of another brownout, it will again be compulsory rest from all gadgets.