08/25/2011

Hello!

How unlike me to be writing again so soon!  But hey, when you experience your very first earthquake, you  feel the need to have a record of it.

So yes, as most everyone knows, the East coast experienced an earthquake on Tuesday. I happened to be home alone at the time. I highly recommend having someone with you the during your first earthquake 🙂 . I was sitting in my recliner half dozing when I first felt the shaking. Then I heard the ceiling above me squeaking and I remember thinking "what the heck are they doing up there?" Then I heard things falling off the dresser and I realized what was going on. They say it lasted about 30-45 seconds and I’m pretty sure we got the full 45 seconds! It was such a scary and surreal experience. You know the kind of experience where you look back and wonder, "did that really just happen?!?" Aimee and Makayla were unreachable, they were over in DC at the hospital doing a consultation for Makayla’s upcoming surgeries. Leah and Dustin were at Bonnie’s house. I immediately called Bonnie’s house and they told me I should go outside.

Now before going any further, let me tell you a few things about my neighborhood. First of all, the thing I love most about this neighborhood is the landscaping. I live in garden style condos, with trees lining both sides of the street. There are also a ton of trees throughout the complex along with green grass, lots of shrubbery and bushes, even a little creek with a pedestrian bridge over it. We also have playgrounds, a gorgeous pool and picnic areas. A very park like setting.

Now here’s what I hate about the neighborhood, it’s like a ghost town! Seriously, I often liken it to living in a cemetery. I realize a lot of people would love living in this quiet beautiful setting. But I like people. I like interacting with my neighbors. Don’t get me wrong, I like my privacy, I’m not talking about exchanging keys here, just some friendly conversation. This is the first place I’ve ever lived that didn’t have a balcony or patio. and I really miss that. I like being outside, day and night. Here, you rarely see any of your neighbors. And when you do see them, usually walking their dog, you rarely get more than a nod or quick hello. I have more dog friends here than people friends! After 9:00 pm most all lights are out. Coming home, I feel like I have to tiptoe into my building and up the stairs no matter what time it is. I’m a social person and this has been a very hard adjustment for me.

Now I realize most people were at work when the quake happened, but seriously, not one single person outside?? Stepping out of my building I have visual access to at least 15 other buildings, approximately 150 apartments, and no one was home? And If they were, they didn’t step out of the house. When things like this happen there is usually a sense of camaraderie amongst those who experienced it. You want someone to talk to, compare notes, etc. Well all I can say i,s if I ever experience this again, I hope someone is home with me! When I talked to Bonnie later, she said it seemed like her whole apartment complex was outside.  Now that’s what I’m talking about lol. 

Anyway it’s over and we survived. I’ve heard a lot of grumblings from the West coast (not to me personally) saying how we East coast people don’t know anything about earthquakes, we’re making a big deal out of nothing, etc. Well I have a few responses to that!

1) Yes, you are correct. Most of do not know anything about earthquakes and I think for most people in the area this was their first time experiencing one. I for one, don’t care to know anything! I hope what I learned on Tuesday is all I ever need to know about them!

2) I realize that while this wasn’t one of the ‘big ones’ usually experienced on the West coast, it was still devastating. Thankfully no one was killed but there were injuries and there were MILLIONS of dollars worth of structural damage. Some of our most treasured monuments including the Washington National Cathedral and the Washington Monument, will need costly repair. In MD, hundreds of people were left homeless because their apartment buildings were condemned due to the damage. In VA, several cars in a parking lot were totally crushed from falling debris. Schools all over the region, including 50+ in DC alone, are closed for inspection and/or damage. Our entire public transportation system had to be checked for track damage. Homes and businesses WERE damaged. Keep in mind, very few people in this area have earthquake insurance.

3) Lastly, shame on you! If you’ve been through this that’s all the more reason to be compassionate towards those who are experiencing it for the first time. This isn’t about bragging rights! I’ve never understood that type of mentality when it comes to danger and disaster.

And that’s all I’ll say about it.

I do have some other news to share. I know it’s been several weeks since I mentioned in an entry that I was struggling with something. And since many of you are friends with my daughter on Facebook, I figured it was time to put it on here.

I am going to be a grandmother again in January. When I initially learned of it I was very upset and angry. First of all, the money issue. We always struggle financially and now we’re going to add another person to feed and diaper and clothe, etc.?? Secondly, I was feeling upset about the fact that this is her third child and she has never been married. I even felt some guilt while wondering if I had turned her against marriage.

So I had to take some time to process it and pray about it.

And now? I’m happy and feel blessed that I will have another little angel in my life. I know Aimee didn’t plan another pregnancy but it DID happen and how could I choose to be anything but happy about it. Money will always be tight but we have never gone without the necessities. Aimee is an excellent mother and I’ve no doubt she will continue to be so although probably a lot more tired. Her choosing not to get married is exactly that, her choice. I don’t have to agree with but I will respect it. Dustin may not be a great breadwinner but he is a good father and once I allowed myself to stop being angry at him, I see he has many good qualities.  We will all survive this and in January will be wondering how we ever lived without this new little addition. Each baby is a gift and I am thankful.

So that’s all the news that’s fit to print

Remember: If you don’t have anything nice to say, it’s best to say nothing at all!