The Greater Seattle area has had the worst weather of any year I’ve lived out here over the last month. We had a snow storm that — despite being completely inline with the forecast — took everyone by surprise. (Yes, I am aware of the extenuating circumstances. I’m also aware that it was partially decided to save money). This past Thursday night, there was a wind and rain storm. Strongest gust ever recorded in Seattle, from what I hear. The rain was minor; apparently some drainage issues occurred and flooded some streets, but I honestly don’t know how that happened — I just know I left when Mandrina called and asked me to, and I got stuck in traffic for two hours. No flooding, though.
Mandrina and I were lucky; we never lost power. Had a few brief flickers, but that was it.
Our friends were not so lucky; they were invited over to enjoy our heat and hot water, but apparently weren’t that hard off that they wanted to drive to Everett.
So, please understand that when I start complaining in a second, I’m not saying my life is hard, or that I am suffering. I’m just pissed.
I haven’t been allowed to bake in nearly two years. With slight exceptions, Mandrina prefers to keep me out of the kitchen (I overturned that yesterday, but it was a hard fought victory). I acknowledge that she makes prettier cakes; I just concentrate on the taste. And I know chocolate. So when my new group had a holiday pot luck scheduled, I chose a recipe from my mother to make for the first time. Then I realized it was too hard, and chose a simpler one. I realized that one was pretty bad, too, and finally found one that required ten minutes of cooking, and a single sauce pan. Worked for me!
I made my mother’s toffee bars last Wednesday night. I brought them to work with me on Thurday. I may have stolen some during the day, but since I didn’t want the chocolate to melt — and I didn’t want them tempting me in my office — I put them in the fridge at work.
Friday the entire Microsoft campus lost power due to the wind storm. The entire campus. The surrounding area was also pretty bad off, see above. I didn’t come into work on Friday (Surprise, surprise!).
Today when I came into the office, I headed directly to the fridge. I wanted a cookie, darn it!
On the fridge was a note, which read:
“Due to the power outtage over the weekend, all items in the refrigerator and freezer have been disposed of. Plastic containers will be cleaned and left in the sink.”
Yes, that’s right. My cookies that had NO risk of spoiling were thrown out. Apparently, Facilities didn’t trust us to take care of our own possible messes. And on top of that? There WERE some items left in the refrigerator; other items that were okay to be non-refrigerated for a few days. My cookies? TRASHED.
I’m pissed.
And I still want a cookie.
