no, you are not alone. I live in NJ, too, and after seeing the devastation of my neighbors, and even those who have the means to survive, I realized just how blessed I was, and my family as well. Yes, we lost power, and had to toss all the food from the refrigerator, including the holiday food, I had been buying on sale, that I have decided that this storm was a blessing of taking stock of my life? What was really important to me? Because I could have been one of the more devastated neighbors, where everything was gone, and I realized that "things," are not important, because, if I was to die today, the only thing accompanying me, would be me... Not to sound morose during the holidays, but, when we think of the meaning of these next two holidays, what do they really signify? Spending money for things, or the relationships we have with our family and our Creator? that is what this storm brought to our communities, the realities that, just maybe we need to make a personal and spiritual shift in our interpersonal relationships, because what is more important the items or the family, firends, and the legacy of what we want to instill into our children? Will the things really instill anything into them or the interpersonal relationship we SHOULD be building with them? How spiritual am I? And have I taught the simple belief of a "mustard seed," into them? Or in the items, they want as instant gratification? Yeah, a new winter coat for warmth to attend school is great, but, do they really need all the electronic trappings, when so many other New Jerseyans are hurting for more in life? I think that this would be a great time to instill into your children the "knowledge of helping others," there are numerous organziations needing help for the numerous displaced people, who need help. how about forgoing the presents for yourselves, and offering your presents to the special needs kids, who lost everything? Or cleaning a home that has been damaged? Offering your home for a old-fashioned turkey dinner for the day? Taking a veteran into your home that lost everything? Cleaning your closets to give to others, like the old winter coats for kids, Carter's and OshGosh are taking coats for the Sandy victims. there are many lessons here that could teach your kids to be greater than themselves... I hope you do not miss the moment... My parents taught me to serve God, country, family, community, and government... This legacy has built a positive, giving demeanor into me that brought me far, because I know there are events and things far greater than the items in my home and the wants that I might think I "need," for that moment gratification... Good luck and count those blessings, for some are searching for them, now!