Be Curious #6 - 11 March 2025
After the cyclone.
What I’ve Been Doing
We are safe after Cyclone Alfred crossed the coast of South East Queensland, at last, late Saturday night. It had felt like forever waiting for it to happen - the warnings had come all week, originally for Thursday, then Friday, then Saturday. By lunch time Saturday, we were starting to think the whole thing (for us, at least) would be underwhelming.
Mother Nature was not done with us.
By 8:30pm, the wind gusts were at around 105km/h (around 65mph for my US friends). The raindrops were closer to bucketloads, in each and every drop. The noise was intense. Our apartment is on the second and third floor of our building, and we knew our windows were strong enough to withstand it - but the noise.
Orbison and Sid, our pugs, were absolute troopers. They were completely unfussed, if a little more snuggly, which we did not mind at all.
We (of course) lost power, which also meant no internet, nor hot water either. This wasn’t a huge issue for me, as I like the analogue life! However, after more than two days, when the power was restored, I was very happy. Our internet connection is more stable today but we are certainly cleaning up, making sure there is no mould and the walls are clean (we did have some water come in but it was 98% contained by towels) and also just calming down.
It’s hard to overstate the anxiety we felt, particularly during the worst of it on Saturday night. I am someone who goes into autopilot in a crisis - I’m actually good at getting sh!t done. But after the elation of the power returning wore off late Monday night, I definitely had a nervous reaction - my blood felt like it was pumping hard, yet I felt weak and tired. I was exhausted.
Here’s the thing: we came through this easily. Thousands of others are fscing flash flooding, fallen trees, damaged homes and will be dealing with trauma for a long time yet. We are the lucky ones.
We were also well served by my low key obsession with fairy lights and candles from Ikea. I have so many, and usually when I produce more, I am met with a roll of the eyes. Not this time! Having lots of candles and battery-operated fairy lights meant we had light - not strong, but not complete darkness by 6pm either! Finally, one of my quirks has had a practical use!
What I Read During Cyclone Alfred
Prior to the power going out, I finished reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was a re-read - I first listened to this wonderful book as an audiobook back in 2015 when it was first released.
Here is my review:
Since the power went out, I resorted to my comfort author, the incredible Ann Patchett. This time, I read Taft, which was published in 1994 and is my fifth Patchett novel.
I really liked it - maybe not to the extent that I’ve loved her other books so far, but it’s an earlier book too, so I’d expect her to get better over the decades!
I’m now reading Range by David Epstein, on the recommendation of my friend Leanne. I am really enjoying it so far.
What I am watching
With Love, Meghan on Netflix. I like her style but I enjoy this show more when she’s dressed more casually. I have always liked Meghan Sussex - back on Suits, and now having escaped the British Royal Family (I would not last 5 minutes in that family). I remember my sister, Jo, and I would often vehemently disagree about Meghan but I also know Jo would have watched this, just so we could have out stoush!
Thankyou for reading Be Curious!
Until next time,
