Yesterday there was a huge water main break in Hoboken. I used to hear about water main breaks all the time on the news and I never thought twice about it. Well, now that I am living through one, it’s a pretty big deal. Here’s how it works to the residents: there’s no water so…no shower, no face or hand washing, no dishwasher, no washing machine, no drinking water, no washing dishes at all, so no cooking, and most of all—no working toilets. For all of you who have lived through water main breaks in the past that I completely dismissed, I am profusely sorry!

This water main break has brought us a lot of no’s and can’ts. But last night we received an email from the head of our building with the following subject line, “Maintenance Tips.” As I began to read her email, it was music to my ears; it listed 4 things, beyond the obvious, that we COULD do to help us through this very inconvenient and distressing situation. It gave me hope as well as a direction to move in. It was brilliant.

We live our lives fully aware of all the roadblocks and obstacle. Heck, we cite them daily: I’m too old, I’m too young, I’m not experienced enough, I don’t have enough degrees, I don’t have enough money, etc. But what if, just like this email, you came up with a list of 4 things that you COULD do? Just 4 things! We already know what we can’t do—that list goes on forever. What COULD we do? Let’s make that list today! How about that?

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth
P.S. Consider send your thoughts and prayers to the people who were working through the night and are out in this frigid cold today trying to fix this water main break.