If one isn't really close to the water, the rising wind and other noises can add some excitement to the wait. I've been known to go out on the screen porch, but will admit with Ivan I found out that may not be a good idea.
Oh yes, the Red Cross trucks and the National Guard, Churches and other organizations will give you lots of goodies. MRE's have those cute little bottles of Tobasco Sauce and it's always fun to guess what treat is in em for desert. I like the M&M's surprise. As long as you have bottled water and enough food for about 72 hours you'll do ok. If you need a tarp and can't get one fast enough, some sign companies give away their old billboards and they seem to work just fine. We had one house that didn't want to take down their 'KISS' sign when the roof was fixed.
Beware, you will see bugs you have never seen before. You will also have every creature that outran the storm and those that outslithered too.
Keep an eye out for power crews. We were 10 days without power with Ivan. On day 9, a neighbor and I went to a grocery store that had power and bought a six pack and put it in a cheap cooler,with ice, got a pizza from a Domino's that was open and put it in the cab of a Georgia Power truck. (they can't 'take' things out of your hand). We had our power back the next day. :)
Might as well keep a journal Jim. One day some family member will find it and be thrilled about the family personal story of the storm in '08.

Pam