Last Monday night, I was comfy and warm in my NYC apartment, baking blueberry muffins and preparing to watch That’s My Boy, the new Adam Sandler movie. I grew up on the beach in North Carolina with hurricanes being frequent occurrences, and I’m sad to say I completely underestimated Sandy.

I lost power around 9 p.m. Monday, and I didn’t get it back until Saturday morning. I live on the 21st floor of a high-rise apartment building on 31st and Lexington. My building did not flood, and although we did not have power, water or elevator service, we did have bottled water and food provided in the lobby. We kept busy by reading by flashlight, playing cards and organizing within the apartment during daylight. Cell phone service uptown was extremely sparse, and I was lucky to get a signal to send a text message.

I was not prepared for this storm, and I will certainly be better prepared in the future. I can’t complain about our situation here in the City after hearing about those in N.J., Staten Island and Long Island who are without their homes, still without power and lost loved ones. My heart goes out to those who traveled to this area for business or leisure during Sandy. Everyone was stranded here, and I’m sure their families were very concerned, as many couldn’t get in touch with their loved ones back home. New York City is still recovering from the damage caused by Sandy, but there is an overwhelming resilient spirit found in this area, and it’s truly awe-inspiring.

— Christie Rhodes, advertising manager eastern region