My diagonal-across-the-hall neighbor Marty is also known as the candy man. He always has a little bucket full of those mini Dove chocolates, and at least 2 or 3 times a week he just tosses me one or two. Sometimes I eat them then, sometimes I save them for later. But the best part about them isnt the chocolate. Its the neat little messages they put on the insides of the wrappers. Some of them, like the one I got today, arent anything too special- it said "Write a real letter, not just an email." But other ones are worthy of taping to my drawer, like the ones that say "Live your dreams" or "Follow your instincts." Every once in a while, when Im just really not having a great day, Ill come across one that just makes me smile. "Life. Joy. Chocolate." comes to mind... And that makes me smile, which thus makes my day a little better. What more could you want?
Random, I know. But thought Id share :)
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Gee, thanks... (also A Bit of Venting)
So I was hoping that, by giving Weps a full list of what I had not had time to finish up, and with him knowing what I was gone for, and being so supportive, and knowing that half of it had to do with the ammo onload we have on Saturday, maybe he would have done some of it. Boy, was I wrong. (Warning- this may sound slightly whiny in nature. Sorry, sort of. But I dont want to whine at work so yall are it...)
My onload notice for the onload had not even been shown the XO, who of course always has changes. I even sent it to him electronically so when he made those changes it could be fixed and ready to go to the Captain. So there it was, not a thing done to it, when I get back on the ship at 230 this afternoon (Thanks a lot duty driver- apparently "pick me up at 1200" means "pick me up at 1310") So now the CO will not see this until tomorrow, the day before the evolution, which Im sure will thrill him, and I am going to be the one that has to take it to him.
On top of that, Monday morning the CTTC decides to tell me that "he didnt know" the onload was on a weekend, and hes not going to be here. So that throws off my watch bill- this was the reason why this document did not get routed earlier to begin with. So when I left they were still working that issue out, which apparently was worked out that afternoon and PQS done. Of course that did not get routed either, because I have to sign it first. Youre the department head, you can supercede me!! That, and the Training Officer's assistant lost the paperwork I was rushing to print for him before I left, and of course he needed that NOW, so I was running around redoing that, and all in all, its been a frustrating afternoon, with no end in sight that I can see.
On another note though, the ceremony that the Vella Gulf put together for Charlie was really nice. I am really glad that I was able to get down there for it, and in the process meet a bunch of new people at wing night, spend some good time catching up with Molly, and have dinner with my parents and sisters.
And only one more week til Im out of here. Thats probably the best news of all.
My onload notice for the onload had not even been shown the XO, who of course always has changes. I even sent it to him electronically so when he made those changes it could be fixed and ready to go to the Captain. So there it was, not a thing done to it, when I get back on the ship at 230 this afternoon (Thanks a lot duty driver- apparently "pick me up at 1200" means "pick me up at 1310") So now the CO will not see this until tomorrow, the day before the evolution, which Im sure will thrill him, and I am going to be the one that has to take it to him.
On top of that, Monday morning the CTTC decides to tell me that "he didnt know" the onload was on a weekend, and hes not going to be here. So that throws off my watch bill- this was the reason why this document did not get routed earlier to begin with. So when I left they were still working that issue out, which apparently was worked out that afternoon and PQS done. Of course that did not get routed either, because I have to sign it first. Youre the department head, you can supercede me!! That, and the Training Officer's assistant lost the paperwork I was rushing to print for him before I left, and of course he needed that NOW, so I was running around redoing that, and all in all, its been a frustrating afternoon, with no end in sight that I can see.
On another note though, the ceremony that the Vella Gulf put together for Charlie was really nice. I am really glad that I was able to get down there for it, and in the process meet a bunch of new people at wing night, spend some good time catching up with Molly, and have dinner with my parents and sisters.
And only one more week til Im out of here. Thats probably the best news of all.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Rita, the update
As you all well know by now, Rita wasn't as bad as it originally looked like she was going to be. My family had reservations to head out to the Valley, but they cancelled them. The worst of the storm was the traffic getting out of Houston, which my friend Kathy experienced firsthand- stuck for 10 hours and she didnt even get out of the city. So thanks for all your prayers and love, and thank God everyone is OK!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Hurricane Rita
Yet another hurricane coming through... Please say a prayer for everyone along the Gulf Coast of Texas tonight as this hurricane comes in. Off to call the grandparents to check on them...
For Mollina :)
Molly, here you go.... :) I had to keep some of yours though... we are too much alike.
7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die
1. Live in Europe. Anywhere.
2. Find true love.
3. Get a record contract.
4. Get a dog.
5. Find a job I really, truly love to do.
6. Backpack through Europe.
7. See the rest of the states that I haven't seen.
7 Things I Can Do
1. Sing almost anything.
2. Fire a pistol. Well.
3. Take an amazing picture of the sunset.
4. Drive a Navy ship.
5. Drink Whiskey straight.
6. Understand just about any accent.
7. French braid my own hair (when its long enough)
7 Things I Cannot Do
1. A pull up.
2. Get off the damn internet.
3. Eat lima beans.
4. Stop eating carbs.
5. Not take things personally.
6. Turn back time.
7. Get enough sleep at night.
7 Things that Attract Me To The Opposite Sex/Another Person
1. A strong Faith in something. Preferably God.
2. A sense of humor. Ideally a dry one like mine.
3. Common Sense.
4. The ability to carry on a conversation with me about something other than yourself.
5. Unselfishness.
6. Honesty no matter what.
7. The ability/willingness to put up with my line of work and not be intimidated by it.
7 Things That I Say Most Often
1. Yo.
2. Whatever.
3. It is what it is.
4. Eh.
5. Outstanding.
6. Talk about music...
7. And I can't think of anything else. Molly?
7 Celebrity Crushes
1. Luke Wilson
2. Johnny Depp
3. Tom Drummond (bassist from Better Than Ezra) (see a trend?)
4. Chris Isaak
5. Vin Diesel
6. Dane Cook
7. And my one almost celeb crush... those who need to know do...
7 People I Want To Do This
1. Noone on this blog....
2. Molly's the only one who would and I got it from her...
3. So onto the other place Ill post this...
4. Amber
5. Kathy
6. Gina
7. Andreas
7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die
1. Live in Europe. Anywhere.
2. Find true love.
3. Get a record contract.
4. Get a dog.
5. Find a job I really, truly love to do.
6. Backpack through Europe.
7. See the rest of the states that I haven't seen.
7 Things I Can Do
1. Sing almost anything.
2. Fire a pistol. Well.
3. Take an amazing picture of the sunset.
4. Drive a Navy ship.
5. Drink Whiskey straight.
6. Understand just about any accent.
7. French braid my own hair (when its long enough)
7 Things I Cannot Do
1. A pull up.
2. Get off the damn internet.
3. Eat lima beans.
4. Stop eating carbs.
5. Not take things personally.
6. Turn back time.
7. Get enough sleep at night.
7 Things that Attract Me To The Opposite Sex/Another Person
1. A strong Faith in something. Preferably God.
2. A sense of humor. Ideally a dry one like mine.
3. Common Sense.
4. The ability to carry on a conversation with me about something other than yourself.
5. Unselfishness.
6. Honesty no matter what.
7. The ability/willingness to put up with my line of work and not be intimidated by it.
7 Things That I Say Most Often
1. Yo.
2. Whatever.
3. It is what it is.
4. Eh.
5. Outstanding.
6. Talk about music...
7. And I can't think of anything else. Molly?
7 Celebrity Crushes
1. Luke Wilson
2. Johnny Depp
3. Tom Drummond (bassist from Better Than Ezra) (see a trend?)
4. Chris Isaak
5. Vin Diesel
6. Dane Cook
7. And my one almost celeb crush... those who need to know do...
7 People I Want To Do This
1. Noone on this blog....
2. Molly's the only one who would and I got it from her...
3. So onto the other place Ill post this...
4. Amber
5. Kathy
6. Gina
7. Andreas
Monday, September 19, 2005
Cowards
Cowards really make me angry. Especially the kind of coward that would hit and kill two pedestrians and not even stop. The kind of coward that would not, the next morning, get himself to a police station, even if he didnt know what had happened, and try to figure it out. The kind of coward who would wait until someone called the crime line because they saw his jacked up car and let himself be arrested for taking two innocent people out of this world.
For those of you in the Va Beach area that may have seen this story on the news, one of those people was my friend Charlie. I only met him a few times, but I considered him a friend, alot because of the kind and caring person that I knew that he was. I met him through Molly; he and his fiancee took good care of her while I was on deployment, taking the guest room in their house and making it her room whenever she wanted it. I ask you all to please keep Kate, as well as all of Charlie's family and friends, in your prayers.
As for the coward, I'm glad they caught him. He has quite an impressive rap sheet, no stranger to moving violations. He's caused accidents, he's done drugs, he's due in court next week on assault charges. A real winner. Its sad that after all that, he has now taken two lives. I hope that this time will be enough to ensure that it never happens again.
For those of you in the Va Beach area that may have seen this story on the news, one of those people was my friend Charlie. I only met him a few times, but I considered him a friend, alot because of the kind and caring person that I knew that he was. I met him through Molly; he and his fiancee took good care of her while I was on deployment, taking the guest room in their house and making it her room whenever she wanted it. I ask you all to please keep Kate, as well as all of Charlie's family and friends, in your prayers.
As for the coward, I'm glad they caught him. He has quite an impressive rap sheet, no stranger to moving violations. He's caused accidents, he's done drugs, he's due in court next week on assault charges. A real winner. Its sad that after all that, he has now taken two lives. I hope that this time will be enough to ensure that it never happens again.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Night Classes For Men
OK, this just made me laugh really hard, so I had to post it...
ALL ARE WELCOME OPEN TO MEN ONLY
Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course willaccept a maximum of eight participants.This course covers two days. Topics covered include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS-DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES & SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts
LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line andsupport groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
************************************************
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS;BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counselors
ALL ARE WELCOME OPEN TO MEN ONLY
Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course willaccept a maximum of eight participants.This course covers two days. Topics covered include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS-DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES & SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts
LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line andsupport groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
************************************************
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS;BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counselors
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Ponder this...
Can someone please explain to me how the hell the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE could be UNCONSTITUTIONAL????
A federal court in Sacramento has claimed that the Pledge of Allegiance, because it says "Under God," is like a prayer, and therefore unconstitutional. Come on now... The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the first ways that children are introduced to patriotism, and if we get rid of that in schools, how are we ever going to teach our children patriotism??
This really upsets me. What is this world coming to? I can guarantee you that when the founding fathers came up with the idea that there should be a separation of church and state, they did NOT mean that we would not recognize our flag and the principles on which our country came to be. Because, even though our country is religiously free and our government does not have an established religion, and as much as some people may not like it, this country was founded as one nation, under God. If you don't want to say God, say Allah or Jehovah or whatever else you may call Him, or say nothing at all. But don't tell me that MY kids, when I have them someday, can't say the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
End rant.
A federal court in Sacramento has claimed that the Pledge of Allegiance, because it says "Under God," is like a prayer, and therefore unconstitutional. Come on now... The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the first ways that children are introduced to patriotism, and if we get rid of that in schools, how are we ever going to teach our children patriotism??
This really upsets me. What is this world coming to? I can guarantee you that when the founding fathers came up with the idea that there should be a separation of church and state, they did NOT mean that we would not recognize our flag and the principles on which our country came to be. Because, even though our country is religiously free and our government does not have an established religion, and as much as some people may not like it, this country was founded as one nation, under God. If you don't want to say God, say Allah or Jehovah or whatever else you may call Him, or say nothing at all. But don't tell me that MY kids, when I have them someday, can't say the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
End rant.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Oh what a weekend....
Horace and I had a nice drive down to Va Beach. I stopped off at Mary Beth's house in New Jersey on the way to visit her and her mother. They are doing remarkably well, considering the events of the last 6 months, and it was great to see them. Saturday I rolled into Va Beach at around 4, got changed, and headed to Keagan's. I was quite pleasantly surprised to walk in and see James West, a good friend who now plays there 5 times a week. I got to see most of his set, have some dinner with Slim, and see some of my good friends who work there, which was nice. Then at about 830 I headed out to Mo and O'Malley's to see Kevin and Randy play. I walked in and got hugs from everyone, even Gudi! Sceleta wasn't there, apparently she only works days now, but everyone else was, and Molly, everyone says hello. Big Mike got fired, but Nathan, the blond kid with all the tattoos who was in on St Patrick's Day and started being there all the time before we left, is now the fry cook. Not sure who does it when he has duty or is underway, but he was back there Saturday night. He made me a beautiful cheese stick. Yes, thats singular. Check out the picture:
It was a great time, and it was especially nice to see that Kevin had taken our advice from way back when and learned that Lifehouse song, You and Me. And he did sound quite good on it. Sunday morning Mandy took me to the airport; she had had to work Saturday night so I hadnt gotten to see her. She also says hello Molly. Then I flew back. Its less than 48 hours later and I already miss Horace.... This not having a car business SUCKS!
It was a great time, and it was especially nice to see that Kevin had taken our advice from way back when and learned that Lifehouse song, You and Me. And he did sound quite good on it. Sunday morning Mandy took me to the airport; she had had to work Saturday night so I hadnt gotten to see her. She also says hello Molly. Then I flew back. Its less than 48 hours later and I already miss Horace.... This not having a car business SUCKS!
Friday, September 09, 2005
Snoozebox
If you're like me and like checking out new music, I have a suggestion: Check out my friends Snoozebox. Their website is linked over there<---. Plus, ladies, they're 4 quite good looking guys :)
Oh, and for those of you that live in the greater DC area, they're playing a show at Zig's on Duke St in Fox Chase Center (up towards Landmark Mall) on October 13th... you should all go.
Oh, and for those of you that live in the greater DC area, they're playing a show at Zig's on Duke St in Fox Chase Center (up towards Landmark Mall) on October 13th... you should all go.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Talkin' 'bout friends....
Its always nice to get in touch with old friends. Whether its just someone you havent had a good chat with in a while, or someone that you haven't talked to in 10 years, there's something comforting about knowing people are still around.
I talked to Molly last night for a good hour. This was the first time we had really gotten to chat probably 6 or 8 weeks- WAY too long. We got to catch up on a lot of things, and it felt really good to talk to her. We've both been going through some things lately, and its nice (for me at least) to unload them with someone who truly knows me and understands how I feel, even if I can't always express it very well.
I also have gotten back in touch recently with a girl I havent talked to since like 9th grade. Elise and I had classes together in 8th grade, and I guess you could say we were friends that year and the next. Then she moved, then I moved, and well, you know how it is. But she is living in the Tidewater area now, and we have gotten back in touch, and are making plans to get together when I get back down there.
There are several other people that I have gotten back into contact with on some level in the lat few months, and I really am glad that I have. I have had some great friends over the years, and you guys have gotten me through EVERYTHING. I'm not really sure that this blog makes a lot of sense, but I know what I'm trying to say... and I think my friends do too. At least I hope they'll nod and smile and act like they do, cuz thats what friends do right? ;)
I talked to Molly last night for a good hour. This was the first time we had really gotten to chat probably 6 or 8 weeks- WAY too long. We got to catch up on a lot of things, and it felt really good to talk to her. We've both been going through some things lately, and its nice (for me at least) to unload them with someone who truly knows me and understands how I feel, even if I can't always express it very well.
I also have gotten back in touch recently with a girl I havent talked to since like 9th grade. Elise and I had classes together in 8th grade, and I guess you could say we were friends that year and the next. Then she moved, then I moved, and well, you know how it is. But she is living in the Tidewater area now, and we have gotten back in touch, and are making plans to get together when I get back down there.
There are several other people that I have gotten back into contact with on some level in the lat few months, and I really am glad that I have. I have had some great friends over the years, and you guys have gotten me through EVERYTHING. I'm not really sure that this blog makes a lot of sense, but I know what I'm trying to say... and I think my friends do too. At least I hope they'll nod and smile and act like they do, cuz thats what friends do right? ;)
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
No More Sick :)
Well, almost. But Im 10 times better than I was!!
I got home from my roadtrip just about dead. I would have just sucked it up like I always do, but as luck would have it I had an audiogram scheduled for the morning after my return. I got to the clinic, gave them all my info, sat in the booth, and blew my nose. I guess audiologists listen for stuff like that because immediately I got the questions: Do you have a cold? Well, I have something... How are your ears? A little wierd... He looks in them... Hmm, theyre a little bit red... He takes the little sonar machine and does each ear and before the results are even done printing he says oh no, youre not doing an audiogram today. You need to go to a doctor ASAP.
So I went. And my sinuses were infected. And it had caused lots of fluid buildup in and behind my ears. Thrilling. They gave me drugs, and Ive been taking them for about a week now. It took 4 or 5 days to feel better, but man did I feel better.
Then last night we took ASWO out. He had a pretty bad labor day weekend, and needed to be taken out. I was already in my bed, and it was a good 3 hours since I had eaten anything, when I realized I had forgotten my medication. Oops. Of course Im on the "Take with food" kind, and Im not about to risk taking them without- I know what that can do to your tummy. So I just skipped that dose. Would you believe STO just came up to me and said I sound stuffy again? Missed one dose and it set me back. I only have like 4 more days of the medicine left. What happens when its gone? I hope I dont get sick again...
(OK so I just went back and read this and realized I sound like a rambling nut case. Wow. I think Ill make this the end...)
I got home from my roadtrip just about dead. I would have just sucked it up like I always do, but as luck would have it I had an audiogram scheduled for the morning after my return. I got to the clinic, gave them all my info, sat in the booth, and blew my nose. I guess audiologists listen for stuff like that because immediately I got the questions: Do you have a cold? Well, I have something... How are your ears? A little wierd... He looks in them... Hmm, theyre a little bit red... He takes the little sonar machine and does each ear and before the results are even done printing he says oh no, youre not doing an audiogram today. You need to go to a doctor ASAP.
So I went. And my sinuses were infected. And it had caused lots of fluid buildup in and behind my ears. Thrilling. They gave me drugs, and Ive been taking them for about a week now. It took 4 or 5 days to feel better, but man did I feel better.
Then last night we took ASWO out. He had a pretty bad labor day weekend, and needed to be taken out. I was already in my bed, and it was a good 3 hours since I had eaten anything, when I realized I had forgotten my medication. Oops. Of course Im on the "Take with food" kind, and Im not about to risk taking them without- I know what that can do to your tummy. So I just skipped that dose. Would you believe STO just came up to me and said I sound stuffy again? Missed one dose and it set me back. I only have like 4 more days of the medicine left. What happens when its gone? I hope I dont get sick again...
(OK so I just went back and read this and realized I sound like a rambling nut case. Wow. I think Ill make this the end...)
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Katrina
I have always looked at natural disasters and mass tragedy around the world and thanked God that it wasn't near me and didn't involve anyone I know. This week that all changed.
I was still on my road trip when the storm hit. I knew there was a hurricane coming, and that was about it. I didn't know the severity, I didn't know exactly where it was supposed to hit. It wasn't until Monday night/early Tuesday morning when I was driving back to Maine that I even realized anything major had happened, and even then I was so incoherent it didn't really register until Tuesday when I saw the news on in the wardroom. My first thought was oh my god. I know people there. My USNA roommate, Melanie, was born and raised in New Orleans, and about 80% of her family still lives there. Or at least did before last weekend. I immediately went to try to call her, text her, anything to get through to her, and finally, on Thursday afternoon, I heard back.
Everyone was out safely, thank God. One family had ridden out the storm, but had left before the levee broke on Monday. Unfortunately, the levee broke fairly close to where Mel's stepdad ony, his girlfriend, and his mother all live. None of her family think they have anything left, as anything that may have been spared by the floods was probably not spared by the looters.
But they are the lucky ones. They had the means and the common sense to get out. They have insurance, so that someday, months from now, when they are finally able to go back in and assess the damage, they can rebuild, they can start over. They have family outside of New Orleans that loves them and will take care of them until that time starts. My thoughts and prayers are with them, but even more so for those who are much less fortunate. Those who truly believe they did not know the levee could break. Those who had no way to get out of New Orleans before the storm, and nowhere to go if they did. Those, who by losing all of their physical possessions, have lost all hope because they can never rebuild. And, most of all, those who have lost loved ones. Those who were not able to get out at all.
New Orleans was one of my favorite places in the world, and it saddens me to see it in the state that it is in now. All I can do to help now is make a donation. Others can volunteer to go help, others can knit quilts and clothes. I ask everyone to do what they can. This is us, this is our nation, our home, our people. If we can take care of the rest of the world as we have in the past, this should be easy.
I was still on my road trip when the storm hit. I knew there was a hurricane coming, and that was about it. I didn't know the severity, I didn't know exactly where it was supposed to hit. It wasn't until Monday night/early Tuesday morning when I was driving back to Maine that I even realized anything major had happened, and even then I was so incoherent it didn't really register until Tuesday when I saw the news on in the wardroom. My first thought was oh my god. I know people there. My USNA roommate, Melanie, was born and raised in New Orleans, and about 80% of her family still lives there. Or at least did before last weekend. I immediately went to try to call her, text her, anything to get through to her, and finally, on Thursday afternoon, I heard back.
Everyone was out safely, thank God. One family had ridden out the storm, but had left before the levee broke on Monday. Unfortunately, the levee broke fairly close to where Mel's stepdad ony, his girlfriend, and his mother all live. None of her family think they have anything left, as anything that may have been spared by the floods was probably not spared by the looters.
But they are the lucky ones. They had the means and the common sense to get out. They have insurance, so that someday, months from now, when they are finally able to go back in and assess the damage, they can rebuild, they can start over. They have family outside of New Orleans that loves them and will take care of them until that time starts. My thoughts and prayers are with them, but even more so for those who are much less fortunate. Those who truly believe they did not know the levee could break. Those who had no way to get out of New Orleans before the storm, and nowhere to go if they did. Those, who by losing all of their physical possessions, have lost all hope because they can never rebuild. And, most of all, those who have lost loved ones. Those who were not able to get out at all.
New Orleans was one of my favorite places in the world, and it saddens me to see it in the state that it is in now. All I can do to help now is make a donation. Others can volunteer to go help, others can knit quilts and clothes. I ask everyone to do what they can. This is us, this is our nation, our home, our people. If we can take care of the rest of the world as we have in the past, this should be easy.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Deep Thought (not of the Jack Handy variety thank you very much)
Something Molly said to me really hit a chord. Im ready to go back to my life now. Im gonna jump start it with a trip down to Va Beach this weekend to take Horace (my truck, for those of you who didnt know) back, and then only a few more weeks til Im out of here and can get back to my real world.
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