State and utility officials said Wednesday would be a telling day as to the power restoration effort across Oklahoma, and it was. In some ways, it was good -- but it was at the same time a bit of a public relations goof.

Yes, OG&E got power restored to about 100,000 customers in the Oklahoma City metro area. Crews from out of state are in here working their butts off to get the heat back on.

Thank goodness for all of 'em.

However, perhaps coincidentally, crews restored power to an upscale neighborhood that Gov. Brad Henry happened to be touring (with OG&E officials) as his walk ended. Actually, I'm not sure that the Crown Heights neighborhood is all that upscale, particularly when compared with Nichols Hills ... but it sure seemed like the timing of power restoration to this area was, well, planned.

You bet I'm a little cynical when it comes to how this is all being handled. Amid calls for OG&E to update its infrastructure, you can bet that they're quite cognizant of public opinion.

In Norman, many if not most businesses are up and running, while neighborhoods adjacent to them are pitch dark, including mine just south of Main Street. Sleeping in subfreezing weather, under blankets, fully clothed, isn't a problem though.

Moving around is.

Thank goodness for hot water. At least one can take a shower.

On the other hand, I really should have finished my laundry last weekend. This mistake has been duly noted on my disaster-preparation checklists for the future. I'm hoping these twice-worn jeans aren't causing too much of a stench for colleagues, many of whom are in the same boat I'm in.

It might give you a feel for my odd personality, but I really wanted to spend a night in the cold just to get a sense of empathy for those who have dealt with it for days. My power has been out since Sunday, but I've been fortunate to have been able to stay in a hotel a couple of nights and at work for another.

Plus, when you have a pet -- as I do -- you really hate to just keep leaving it there night after night, although the cat has been fed probably better than ever before. Folks vastly underestimate how well animals can deal with the cold.

Alas, after this "telling" day, I am apt to believe estimates suggesting that it will be a week to 10 days before power is restored across the state. I also believe we'll be saying "a week to 10 days" for perhaps another "week to 10 days."

In other words, I bet we see locations without power for up to two more weeks.

Again, it makes me a cynic, but it underscores my opinion that our state power infrastructure is in need of a major overhaul.

On the other hand, I also think we should cut power crews a major break until everything is back to normal. We've gotten reports of angry people going to OG&E walk-up centers and acting-a-fool -- and it simply won't make your house warm any faster.

It's wasted negative energy.

Save the anger for when this storm is wrapped up and behind us.