The Dos and Don'ts of Tropical Storm Debby

I may be a Florida newbie, but I think I've already figured out how to survive my first tropical storm. It hasn't stopped raining in two days and there's no end in sight. But here are my tips for surviving Debby.

Don't bother changing out of your pajamas for the entire day. You aren't going anywhere and no one is going to come see you.

Do take advantage of the fact that there wasn't any lightning and fill up the bathtub for use as a pool. Get in with your toddler and splash wildly.

Don't bother doing laundry in your outdoor laundry room. (I wish I could have taken this advice, but dangit I needed clean underwear.)

Do hide behind the recliner any time your toddler starts playing on her own so as to not interrupt the fleeting moment of peace and calm.

Don't freak out when the electricity flickers.

Do blow bubbles. Lots of lots of bubbles.

Don't bother taking your carload full of stuff out to your new place. Even though you have to be out of your house by Saturday.

Do chase your toddler around the table. Over and over and over again.

Don't give up on discipline when that same toddler tries to climb onto the table for the fiftieth time in an hour.

Do mentally write your blog post in your head to keep from going insane talking to someone who never talks back.

Don't stick to your no-tv rule. Turn that thing on. Leave it on all day.

Do sit at the window watching and listening to the rain.

And do take advantage of the endless entertainment a camera with a self timer has to offer.