Well, the most recent estimate is that power will be returned to MOST of the area, so I'm keeping myself positive about that. I figure I can try to get through the weekend with little to no bathing, and when the power comes back on burn up the shower.

I got last month's utility bills while I was gone this weekend. It was pretty nice to see that having let the air condition run all the time, with 2 computers, it only ran me about $45.00. Water and sewage together were only $8.00 for the month. I'm worried that this next month will be more for the electric though, just for the simple fact of all the damage and repair that is being made.

For tonight, I'm staying with a co-worker - Josh - since he stayed at my place when he first got to Houston. It's nice to have a light, internet, and a place to do laundry. More importantly though, it's nice to have a place to shower.

(Posted from my Blackberry - deal with the typos)

After another 7 hours on the road, we got back to Houston today. Even though I have no electricity or hot water, I am ver happy to be back. Hotel life from an unfamiliar city is not a very fun thing.

They're saying 2 to 3 weeks before power is restored here, and that's being optimistic. Because of that, I am going to try to get the company to (at a minimum) help cover the cost of a hotel room here in town. If that doesn't happen, I will be trying to find someone else from the office -- preferably in my department -- who has hot water, and will allow me to make use of their shower.

I am sleeping in my living room tonight, with the light switches in the "on" position, with the hope that I will be awaken by the return of power.

The first thing I did when I got home was empty my fridge. Either the smell of the already decaying food or the thought of filling 4 garbage bags with food to dispose caused my stomach to churn. I think the odor from the kitchen is gone now that my windows have been open for a couple hours, but I am not looking forward to the day whn I have to clean and re-stock the fridge.

For now, I am going to probably just go to sleep until the daylight or return of electricity wakes me. Rest assured though, I faired the storm well, as did my car and apartment.