Early yesterday evening, Marlene (our nanny) told me that someone from the Home Owner’s Association informed her that there would be a blackout from 11pm to 7am. She wasn’t told why, but at least we know what was coming and we could be prepared.

So we charged all the emergency lamps (we have 4 of them) and all the cellphones (we have 5, between myself and the helpers). I made sure the helpers have enough cellphone credits, too, just in case. We got extra batteries for flashlights in case the emergency lamps would decide to be a bitch.

I charged my old beat-up HP Jornada and loaded it with reading materials. I got my good old iPod ready and took out the portable speakers out of the cabinet as well. I loaded the iPod with lullabies, because I was so sure Alex would wake up in the middle of the night because of the merciless heat and humidity.

It’s too bad that we do not have battery-operated fans, but at least we do have fans. I just had to exercise my hand and arms for a bit last night. Sobrang good luck na lang sa pagpapaypay!

So the blackout did come at 11pm. As usual, I got depressed with the gloomy state the house was in. I read a bit but I just couldn’t focus because of the darned heat. And, true to my prediction, Alex did wake up a little past midnight and started crying. Super kapagod magpaypay noh. But I’d rather get tired fanning him than see him have a hard time sleeping and crying and disturbing everyone else’s peace.

It’s a good thing he decided to be up all night (didn’t sleep until morning light kicked in, around 6am), so I had someone to pester when I feel like being the annoying person that I am.

So with tired arms and despite the gloom, we all made it through the 8-hour blackout. I was actually able to sleep for a total of 2 hours. I’m tired, but I have things to do today so… I’ll catch up with sleep later. Maybe take a nap in the afternoon with Alex. Or sleep earlier tonight.