Well day ten rolled around and just as I felt I was loosing my mind the power cam back on. I tell you for someone who hasn’t gone through this before it’s like and adrenalin rush. I was so happy I didn’t know how to act. I went from room to room turning on lights and saying “LIGHTS” while doing so. I have to tell you I don’t wish this on my worst enemy indeed. It’s was an experience as we take so much for granted and don’t realize how we have become so dependent on things that are powered by electricity. I do want to give props to all the men and women who worked so hard to get the power back on especially in the extensive area such as mine. Unless you have gone through something like this one has no idea what a person is feeling. Emotions and mental state all play a part in ones life. I’m usually a strong person but I tell you come day ten living in Houston, Texas in the middle of our summer season and reaching temperatures of ninety degrees, I’m often wondered how our ancestors did it. Well my friends one crises is over and on to another as we continue to clean up here. Since I hadn’t been able to see any news I hadn’t realized what was going on in the city. There are still lines for folks receiving REM. (Ready to Eat Meals) I have to say I tried one when on of my co worker brought one to work the other day. It wasn’t bad but not something I wouldn’t want on a regular base. Before I sign off I do want to thank all the my circle of family friends as your kind and encouraging words really helped a lot during these very difficult times, Hugs to you all. So until fingers meet keys.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Still No Power
Well here we are Day Six and still no power. They’re saying maybe Monday before we have service again. I’m so stressed to the max but I know there are some folks in worst shape them us. I was watching my neighbor two doors from out place who works for Halliburton, pack stuff out of their home. They really suffered some damage. Garbage day was yesterday and there was no pick up. So you can imagine what the streets look like in our area. Fires, I’m so sick of smelling smoke its unreal. At first I thought someone was burning their fire place but remembered there were a few fires in the area or folks lighting fires to burn off trash and stuff left behind from IKE. Last night on the way home it was so smoky I thought a brush fire had started somewhere.
Went to try and find some battery powered lanterns, no such luck. Some of the banks are still not open and it’s hard to find cash or places that will dispense cash. I think I was smart to take out enough cash before the storm just in case. However in a world where we live in with electronics folks seem to forget that. I got me some reading material while I was out so I won’t go stir crazy from cabin fever. At this point I thank my stars that we have our health and doing ok. I’m just going to keep taking it one day at a time. So until fingers meet keys.
Went to try and find some battery powered lanterns, no such luck. Some of the banks are still not open and it’s hard to find cash or places that will dispense cash. I think I was smart to take out enough cash before the storm just in case. However in a world where we live in with electronics folks seem to forget that. I got me some reading material while I was out so I won’t go stir crazy from cabin fever. At this point I thank my stars that we have our health and doing ok. I’m just going to keep taking it one day at a time. So until fingers meet keys.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Five Days After IKE
Well here we are five days after hurricane IKE and still no power. I’ve seen electric trucks running up and down the road every where but still no power. Driving home last night I had to drive over one of the highest over passes in the city and I couldn’t believe how dark it was from folks being without power. Yet today, day five and still no power. Stress isn’t a word I can use right now as to how I feel. Folks have been asking me how am I able to access the internet, well at work since we’re on a generator only a few of them have access to the internet, which is good since we still haven’t power in my neighborhood or surrounding areas. It’s good to have a family of friends that will keep me informed on what I’m not able to see other wise. It’s been news papers and radio so far. I do want to thank all who had kind and encouraging words as it really does help keep ones sanity. It can be stressful especially for those who were caught off guard and really didn’t prepare for this storm. Most thought it was going to fizzle out but one never plays with a Hurricane at all. I take them very serious. Although we lost the food in the freezer and refrigerator we have plenty of none perishables that will keep us going, however a good hot meal is nice every once in a while and we have been lucky to have a few places open to do that.
There have been 31 people arrested from what I’m told for looting. I guess that’s why some folks wouldn’t leave as they wanted to protect their property. I can’t blame them as I’m pissed at my brother for leaving the house unprotected a few times. I tell you he’s really starting to get on my nerves with this on the move stuff. He’s really not taking this serious at all. The Sunday he burned up half a tank of gas trying to stay cool from the heat. Good thing a cool front has come through to die off the humidity and keep thing cool but it’s not going to last long which is why I’m so in a rush for them to get power on in your area. The full moon has provided some light during the night but since we have a curfew we can’t go out and enjoy it.
You know it’s sad when you have folks calling and posing as FEMA to try and steal your identity. For one FEMA isn’t going to call folks asking for info. Second you should know not to give out your info over the phone. Still we have some folks who will do that. I have to say the city of Houston has done a wonderful job of recovery as this isn’t like Katrina and Rita FEMA. Food and supplies are getting to the areas as needed. Gas is a problem but the lines are slowing down. Again I want to thank all for the support as it does really help. So until fingers meet keys. Big hugs
There have been 31 people arrested from what I’m told for looting. I guess that’s why some folks wouldn’t leave as they wanted to protect their property. I can’t blame them as I’m pissed at my brother for leaving the house unprotected a few times. I tell you he’s really starting to get on my nerves with this on the move stuff. He’s really not taking this serious at all. The Sunday he burned up half a tank of gas trying to stay cool from the heat. Good thing a cool front has come through to die off the humidity and keep thing cool but it’s not going to last long which is why I’m so in a rush for them to get power on in your area. The full moon has provided some light during the night but since we have a curfew we can’t go out and enjoy it.
You know it’s sad when you have folks calling and posing as FEMA to try and steal your identity. For one FEMA isn’t going to call folks asking for info. Second you should know not to give out your info over the phone. Still we have some folks who will do that. I have to say the city of Houston has done a wonderful job of recovery as this isn’t like Katrina and Rita FEMA. Food and supplies are getting to the areas as needed. Gas is a problem but the lines are slowing down. Again I want to thank all for the support as it does really help. So until fingers meet keys. Big hugs
Monday, September 15, 2008
We Made It Through Hurricane IKE
Hey All
I suppose a lot of you are wondering how I’m doing since hurricane Ike passed through. Well to bring you up to speed. Friday night I ended up working since I’m on the disaster team at work. Seventeen plus hours I must add. A lot of folks didn’t take this to serious and figured it was going to be a walk in the park. One should never a take a hurricane lightly as a native of Houston I’ve had my share of them, however we have never been hit directly with one like this since 1983, twenty plus years ago. For those of you who know I work in juvenile probation so we ended up evacuating the kids from our facility as it was in the direct path of the storm. Around Midnight the storm started rolling into our area. Folks on Galveston Island lost power around seven. We lost power around one thirty. By this time the storm was rolling pretty well. Good thing the county has generators to supply power. However the air started going out in certain areas of the building and it started getting hot for sure. I didn’t get much sleep and it wasn’t due to the storm but the regular staff not having respect for others who were trying to get some sleep. Then again we were visitors in their building so I really couldn’t complain. I was really staring to feel my body shut down as we rolled to five o’clock. At this point we were receiving the back side of the storm. I couldn’t hear to much as the building we were in is pretty solid and sound but we could see the wind and rain whipping and whirling the trees outside so we knew it was pretty bad at that point. The only place in the building that had air was the gym. There you could really tell how bad the weather was as it rattled the window with water leaking. Mostly everyone was so exhausted by this time they didn’t care if the roof came off. The kids were hunkered in and we were riding the storm out.
Eight ok finally rolled around and reports were saying the eye was over the Conroe area. I evaluated the situation to see if I could make it home and after seeing two staff leave earlier and not return well I figured I would chance it since I only live twenty minutes away. Besides I was ready to go and nothing was going to hold me back. I was literally exhausted. On the way out there was hardly anyone on the roads as the rain and wind were still going but no hurricane force. I could see power lines down and toppled trees as I adjusted my course to make my way home. My biggest fear was something flying through the air and striking the vehicle. I took my time as there was a lot of water on the roads and the last thing I needed to do was spin out on the highway. The few vehicle that were on the road were flying passed me but once they hit high water they quickly hit the brakes to slow down. I’ve been trough hurricanes before but as a young person you don’t think of the danger they can pack. Now that I’m much older one doesn’t take things for granted. I finally made it home and the neighbor hood didn’t look so bad, a few tree, fences and roof shingles lying around that’s about it. I did know we were out of power as my brother called and told me so around four that morning. At that point I was so exhausted I just closed the door to my room pulled off my clothes and went to be. That was around 9:00 AM. I didn’t wake up until 5:00 PM. Since we had no power I knew it would get dark around seven or so which meant I needed to get a shower before night fell. Once I did that our local television station has been broadcasting on one of our local radio station for those two million folks without power. The Mayor of the city placed curfew on the city until next Saturday. Nine O’clock no one should be on the streets. I can understand as there have been over thirty five arrest from looters. One thing I can say about Houston finest, they are on their jobs.
Sunday I survived the heat of the night as we still had not power. Second storm rolled in and knocked out a cell tower in my area so I had no cell service until five that evening. You really don’t realize how miss something until it’s taken away. We take so many things for granted that my brother was really having a hard time of it. He started off with a full tank of gas, by Monday he was a little less than half a tank cause he was riding around trying to stay cool from the air in his vehicle. Problem is gas has been hard to fine and when you do fine some your sitting in a long line for it. It’s been along time since I’m seen lines looking like 1977. Well Rita too. Still Houston Finest was doing and excellent job on getting fold in and out. Lots of gas cans being filled for the electric generators. Not to mention folks going to the hospitals from poisoning as they have placed their generators in the house. How stupid can one be know that thing will put off vapors? Families have been hospitalized in critical condition over this. Good news a front came through to give us that natural air condition and I slept like a baby. Well I want to thank all those who have been concerned about me as I’m doing ok. Still no power in the area as I’m using the computer at work to take care of my computer needs. Help is on that way as the city has been on it’s job. I can’t say when I will chat with all again as we have to get power first. So until fingers meet keys all take care and I will be in touch.
P.S.
I wrote this in a hurry as others wanted to use the computers so I haven’t had time to edit most of it. Hugs guys.
I suppose a lot of you are wondering how I’m doing since hurricane Ike passed through. Well to bring you up to speed. Friday night I ended up working since I’m on the disaster team at work. Seventeen plus hours I must add. A lot of folks didn’t take this to serious and figured it was going to be a walk in the park. One should never a take a hurricane lightly as a native of Houston I’ve had my share of them, however we have never been hit directly with one like this since 1983, twenty plus years ago. For those of you who know I work in juvenile probation so we ended up evacuating the kids from our facility as it was in the direct path of the storm. Around Midnight the storm started rolling into our area. Folks on Galveston Island lost power around seven. We lost power around one thirty. By this time the storm was rolling pretty well. Good thing the county has generators to supply power. However the air started going out in certain areas of the building and it started getting hot for sure. I didn’t get much sleep and it wasn’t due to the storm but the regular staff not having respect for others who were trying to get some sleep. Then again we were visitors in their building so I really couldn’t complain. I was really staring to feel my body shut down as we rolled to five o’clock. At this point we were receiving the back side of the storm. I couldn’t hear to much as the building we were in is pretty solid and sound but we could see the wind and rain whipping and whirling the trees outside so we knew it was pretty bad at that point. The only place in the building that had air was the gym. There you could really tell how bad the weather was as it rattled the window with water leaking. Mostly everyone was so exhausted by this time they didn’t care if the roof came off. The kids were hunkered in and we were riding the storm out.
Eight ok finally rolled around and reports were saying the eye was over the Conroe area. I evaluated the situation to see if I could make it home and after seeing two staff leave earlier and not return well I figured I would chance it since I only live twenty minutes away. Besides I was ready to go and nothing was going to hold me back. I was literally exhausted. On the way out there was hardly anyone on the roads as the rain and wind were still going but no hurricane force. I could see power lines down and toppled trees as I adjusted my course to make my way home. My biggest fear was something flying through the air and striking the vehicle. I took my time as there was a lot of water on the roads and the last thing I needed to do was spin out on the highway. The few vehicle that were on the road were flying passed me but once they hit high water they quickly hit the brakes to slow down. I’ve been trough hurricanes before but as a young person you don’t think of the danger they can pack. Now that I’m much older one doesn’t take things for granted. I finally made it home and the neighbor hood didn’t look so bad, a few tree, fences and roof shingles lying around that’s about it. I did know we were out of power as my brother called and told me so around four that morning. At that point I was so exhausted I just closed the door to my room pulled off my clothes and went to be. That was around 9:00 AM. I didn’t wake up until 5:00 PM. Since we had no power I knew it would get dark around seven or so which meant I needed to get a shower before night fell. Once I did that our local television station has been broadcasting on one of our local radio station for those two million folks without power. The Mayor of the city placed curfew on the city until next Saturday. Nine O’clock no one should be on the streets. I can understand as there have been over thirty five arrest from looters. One thing I can say about Houston finest, they are on their jobs.
Sunday I survived the heat of the night as we still had not power. Second storm rolled in and knocked out a cell tower in my area so I had no cell service until five that evening. You really don’t realize how miss something until it’s taken away. We take so many things for granted that my brother was really having a hard time of it. He started off with a full tank of gas, by Monday he was a little less than half a tank cause he was riding around trying to stay cool from the air in his vehicle. Problem is gas has been hard to fine and when you do fine some your sitting in a long line for it. It’s been along time since I’m seen lines looking like 1977. Well Rita too. Still Houston Finest was doing and excellent job on getting fold in and out. Lots of gas cans being filled for the electric generators. Not to mention folks going to the hospitals from poisoning as they have placed their generators in the house. How stupid can one be know that thing will put off vapors? Families have been hospitalized in critical condition over this. Good news a front came through to give us that natural air condition and I slept like a baby. Well I want to thank all those who have been concerned about me as I’m doing ok. Still no power in the area as I’m using the computer at work to take care of my computer needs. Help is on that way as the city has been on it’s job. I can’t say when I will chat with all again as we have to get power first. So until fingers meet keys all take care and I will be in touch.
P.S.
I wrote this in a hurry as others wanted to use the computers so I haven’t had time to edit most of it. Hugs guys.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Yet Another Hurricane Coming
Hello My Pals
Well it looks like we are having yet another Hurricane and it’s due to hit here in the Houston Galveston area. The media has folks all hyped and scared but Hurricanes you don’t play with at all. Good thing is we have plenty of time to evacuate. However I won’t be going as I’m on the disaster team at work but good news is they are moving the kids to a facility near me so I won’t have to drive as far to work the next two days. 20 minutes compared to 45 minutes. We haven’t had a hurricane hit directly to the Galveston coast and Houston for over 20 years so we are due. Still Ike as it’s called is very unpredictable and last night on the way home from work I saw families evacuating so it won’t be another scene like Rita three year ago. Well that’s about it for now so until fingers meet keys I will keep all informed on how things are going after the storm hits.
Well it looks like we are having yet another Hurricane and it’s due to hit here in the Houston Galveston area. The media has folks all hyped and scared but Hurricanes you don’t play with at all. Good thing is we have plenty of time to evacuate. However I won’t be going as I’m on the disaster team at work but good news is they are moving the kids to a facility near me so I won’t have to drive as far to work the next two days. 20 minutes compared to 45 minutes. We haven’t had a hurricane hit directly to the Galveston coast and Houston for over 20 years so we are due. Still Ike as it’s called is very unpredictable and last night on the way home from work I saw families evacuating so it won’t be another scene like Rita three year ago. Well that’s about it for now so until fingers meet keys I will keep all informed on how things are going after the storm hits.
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