Tested

It happened a few nights ago. I was tested. As I was sitting at the computer desk, about five a.m., the power browned out, immediately my hackles raised. The power came back on, only to brown out several more times, and go dark a few minutes later. In my little computer closet, at the dark end of the house, with little warning, I was in the dark. To my surprise, my training took over. I had rehearsed the move many times before, closing my eyes, and trying to find the flashlight I had stashed in a corner of the desk.  I had also rehearsed the same move finding the 357magnum, but this time I needed only the flashlight. finding it, (and grabbing the 357) I checked the house just like I rehearsed. I shined the flashlight into the back yard, making sure the back yard was empty, and the back gate still locked. It was, then going to check on my still sleeping wife. yes- still sleeping, although stirring fitfully. Whispering "its okay, I'm up", she relaxed somewhat, and I went about checking the house. Finding nothing out of order, I went about my pre-arranged duties. It was then, the power came back on. I relaxed. Twice more the power browned out, and went dark. Although there was much computer work to do, and a few clocks to reset, I was satisfied. Realizing my training and preperation had paid off, I was content. Next time, who knows. Can you say the same?