August 31, 2005
But after seeing the devastation and the flood damage, loss of life and the thousands of homes destroyed as a result of this hurricane, well, I have little to moan and groan about. As bad as things are, I do have a dry environment, clothes, a roof over my head and a job I love. Many Katrina survivors don't even have that.
As I work today, I will be waiting anxiously to hear from my best friend in New Orleans. I've been trying real hard not to visit CNN because doing so brings back tearful memories. These images trigger memories of knowing first hand what it's like when you emerge from your shelter after a hurricane only to see the world around you totally destroyed.
Having survived 19 hurricanes during the years I lived in the Caribbean, I know firsthand the shock, bewilderment, sadness, depression and utter despair one feels in the first few weeks after a major hurricane. Being surrounded 24/7 by so much devastation influences negatively these survivors' psyche and spirit. Boudicca says it better than I can in this post, for if I were to try I would start to cry immediately; doing that at my work desk is not a good idea.
I have already sent money, but Lee Ann remind us, there's still a bit more everyone can do - by giving blood, etc. Please visit Lee Ann's post for ideas and details. Thanks.
Posted by: Michele at
08:39 AM
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August 30, 2005
Yesterday, I met my lovely new downstairs neighbors who were moving in and as promptly as they set foot in their new home they showed up and accused me of causing a leak in their apartment. After they raised holy hell, I was summoned from work and threatened with a lawsuit if any more damage occurred to their apartment if I didn't come back at once.
I did leave work right away, but it was to prove to everyone that the leak was not coming from my apartment. After doing volunteer work for 3 years with Habitat for Humanity I know my way around floor plans and structural issues really well. Well, my words went ignored (after all I'm only a woman) and when I stepped out of my apartment to go see the water damage in the apartment downstairs the plumber, who I can't stand, took a sledghammer to my foyer then proceeded to tear up my cedar lined walk-in closet. I ran upstairs just as he was taking aim with his sledgehammer for my tiled bathroom wall. You see he decided to make the holes first and inspect afterwards. I was so angry I stood in front of the sledge hammer and tore it from his hands, pulled out my cell phone, called management and told them the only lawsuits were going to be coming from my attorney who happened to be sitting in my living room at the moment (my sister in law) from the inept way they were handling the situation.
Within the hour the leak was located (downstairs midway through their wall) and I was left to clean up the plaster dust that was on my floor, furniture clothes, etc. I have already obtained receipts from the dry cleaners and laundromat for the clothes that have to be washed as a result of the plaster dust.
I've taken pictures and documented everything (did I mention it's good to have your attorney in your apartment when this is going on?). Well, at one point my attorney (who's also my sister n law) put her litigator game face on and the result was: today I will have a crew in my apartment fixing all the holes and painting the walls. In addition, I've hired a cleaning woman to clean everything after they're gone, for which the board will receive a bill.
Of course, immediately afterwards I was both visually overwhelmed and saddened seeing the damage of the hurricane. Later, when I finally finished my software upgrade I visited all my affected BE (blog) family and was greatly relieved to see they were all okay. It definitely put things in perspective for me! Everyone in that area continues to be in my prayers!
Anyway, by the time I finished sweeping, dusting mopping, and finished preparing dinner for 5, my sister in law informed me that my brand spanking new computer Hi-Speed computer had gotten infected by what she believes was a virus. I had not had breakfast or lunch, let alone a snack, and it was looking like I wouldn't have time for dinner other than a meal bar. I was ready to scream and cry at that point. I didn't because I have to keep my most excellent attorney happy and my son remindded me, "don't worry mommy, you're really good at fixing computers. There hasn't been a computer you have not been able to fix yet."
That was the inspiration and affirmation I needed. SO, after having spent the last 5.5hrs debugging, disinfecting and upgrading (with only one major issue solved with the help of a most wonderful guardian angel), I am now back to blogging full time. YAY! [doing snoopy happy dance]
My new state of the art PC is so awesome he's been christened Bad Boy!
Posted by: Michele at
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