I have a million pictures I want to share with y'all, a million more things I want to tell you about, and not enough time or space to successfully do either. But I will try.
The most important thing I need to say is thank you. So many people have reached out to me in some way over the past couple of weeks, and I cannot fully express how grateful I am or how much it has meant to me. Everything from a much needed phone call or message, to opening up your home to me, to free meals...thank you.
So, I know it's been a while since I last posted. I have been staying in Galveston, and have not had internet access. Yesterday we were able to check our e-mail at a FEMA station on the island. Tonight there are 5 of us staying with a lady from our program who lives in League City and has been kind enough to open up her home to whoever needs a place to stay.
Mary Alice and I drove onto the island bright and early Thursday morning. The interstate is lined with debris from the storm. There are countless boats covering the median and grassy areas beside the the roadways. Cops are everywhere, watching for looters, directing traffic, and helping to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
Before we went to work on my apartment, we decided to drive around the island. It seems like every street, every home, and every business was somehow affected by Ike. People's homes are destroyed. People's family businesses are gone. There are trash piles everywhere, and they all smell less than pleasant. But they are filled with children's toys, furniture, books, photos...you name it, and it's on the curb.
Regardless of what I lost, and how this storm has affected me, I feel fortunate. I know it can all be replaced, and somehow it will be replaced. I've had a place to stay since we evacuated. I've been surrounded by people I love, and love me. This storm has completely devistated some people's entire lives, in every way possible.
Okay...so my apartment. Well, it did not fair well. The path up to the door was covered with debris that we had to clear away. We opened the door, and had to walk away. The smell was beyond horribble. I cannot explain just how bad everything in my apartment smelled. GROSS. I was able to save a TV, some DVDs, a kitchen table, side table, some clothes, a couple pairs of shoes, dishes, and some decorations. Everything else, gone. 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartment, flooded and moldy, and put in a trash pile.
It's the things that cannot be replaced that were the hardest. Journals I've written in for years. Bibles that important people in my life have given me. Photo album. My favorite books. First guitar. Gifts. Yes, they're just worldly possessions, but some of these things have sentimental value. Bedding, towels, furniture, appliances, clothes, shoes, school books, tv, decorations, movies, games...all important to me, but all can be replaced in time. I realize now that most things in my life have been a luxury, and not essential for everyday life.
But there is a certain comfort in being surrounded by the things you've chosen, the things you've decorated your home with, and the things you love. There's a comfort in having somewhat of a routine, a purpose, and your own safe haven to relax.
Now I have a new normal. I actually just finished talking with some other girls from my class, and we decided that we all have a new normal...and nothing's normal. I'm living with my friend Mary Alice indefinitely. Her apartment finally got power and water. But the water still isn't safe to drink. We get ice, water, and food from FEMA. And for the past few days, Kroger has provided free hot lunch. TIDE set up a mobile station where they wash a load of clothes for us for free. I realize now how much the little things make a difference, and just how far a kind gesture really goes. There's not much open on the island at all. It's interesting to say the least. For now, we share her car. We share her school books. We share her apartment. I'm invading her space, and she's okay with it. She's welcoming. I appreciate it more than ever.
My parents came Friday, without a UHaul, and took home the rest of my clothes. They are being specially washed by my mom and aunt. My family is awesome.
I love my friends, I love my family. I'm doing okay, and I know I'll be just fine. No, this is not what I expected to happen in a million years, but it's just a little bump in the road...our theme has become LAUGH SO YOU DON'T CRY.
Soon I will post pictures...so stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
"This is it, Don't Get Scared Now!"
First, if you can name what movie that came from you’ll be cool in my eyes forever…hint: it’s a childhood fave!
Okay, but seriously, tomorrow’s the big day, the day we are finally able to return to our hurricane-struck island. I’m on my way to
Mary Alice’s car is packed as if we are going into a war zone…or on a mission trip, for ourselves! We are equipped with rubber boots, N95 respirator masks, tall rubber gloves, goggles, insect repellent, bleach, disinfectant, and unfortunately lots of trash bags. I’m sure we will be looking good all geared up. Don’t worry, they are supplying the rat bait. Yes, rat bait! Apparently the rats are having a grand ol’ time on this deserted island! Sick out! Most of the island is still without water, sewer, or power. So tomorrow night we will be camping out at Mary Alice’s apartment, in the dark, no AC, bathing with bottled water, eating food cold from a can, or MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) supplied by FEMA. This will be interesting! But there's a small chance her apt has power and water by now? That will be awesome!
I know for sure that my apartment flooded, I had friends go by and check. I was informed yesterday that my lease is terminated, and I have five days from today to get all of my stuff out of my apartment. By now, the mold has had ample time to set in, and take over everything I own. The reality that the majority of my stuff may be lost has not fully set in. I know that the first thing we will do when we go into my apartment is open the windows to air out the apartment as much as possible, as every report I’ve gotten so far has said that the whole island has an unexplainable stench. And therefore my apartment most likely also smells horrible, not to mention the moisture building up inside. Then, we will completely tape shut my fridge/freezer and drag it to the curb for the garbage men to take. Then, I will have to sort through all of my clothes, all of my school stuff, all of my, well, all of my everything. I will have to decide what is salvageable, and what is even worth the effort of attempting to save. My parents are coming on Friday. They will bring a U-Haul, if there is enough left for a U-Haul.
It is still not safe for pets and children to come back on the island. So Baylie will stay behind, indefinitely. That is not fun, not fun at all. In the meantime, I’m homeless. Our next test is October 7. I do not know when I will be able to start clinicals again. Or where. Mary Alice has been kind enough to allow me to crash at her apartment until I can figure things out. Without that, I do not know what I would do. But now we have to figure out where our clinicals will be, and therefore where I need to live. Time will tell.
Oh yah, and did I mention I’m officially without a car as well. During Ike, my car somehow caught on fire, and is completely destroyed. Here’s the pic. (Yah, I know, it’s not the red car I’ve had since I was 15…that car bit the dust. This is the Durango, its replacement. I just inherited it in August).
I’m not sure what else there is to say for now. I’m anxious about tomorrow. This is a lot all at once. But I think I’m too stressed to cry. How's that for honesty? So here I go…this is it, don’t get scared now.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Galveston's Dream Team?
Bush just announced on national TV "I'm fixin' to go down to Galveston." Why thank you G-Dub, that is great. (and an extra thank you for your impeccable use of the English language)
Go meet up with Matt Lauer and Geraldo. Last I saw, Geraldo was up in a palm tree, holding on for dear life. Of course this was after his major wipe-out, and his hand up by the firefighters, so who knows where he is now. Maybe he's chillin' with Connie? Matt's on a roof somewhere, talking to the locals, wearing his best water-resistant "I'm reporting from a natural disaster" pants.
Matt, Geraldo, and G-Dub...Galveston's dream team? We'll take what we can get. But really?
Go meet up with Matt Lauer and Geraldo. Last I saw, Geraldo was up in a palm tree, holding on for dear life. Of course this was after his major wipe-out, and his hand up by the firefighters, so who knows where he is now. Maybe he's chillin' with Connie? Matt's on a roof somewhere, talking to the locals, wearing his best water-resistant "I'm reporting from a natural disaster" pants.
Matt, Geraldo, and G-Dub...Galveston's dream team? We'll take what we can get. But really?
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Waiting Game
Many of y'all told me to keep you posted on what goes down post-Ike. So here's the new info I know....NOTHING. I'm pretty much just playing the waiting game, and trying to be patient.
As most of you know, Galveston was directly hit by Hurricane Ike. The words used so far to describe the scene there are "catastrophic", "complete devastation", and "the new ground zero." Granted, it's the media's job to sensationalize everything, but this time the pictures speak for themselves. I've got to say, these past couple of days have kind of been surreal. I remember watching the news broadcasts of Katrina and all of its destruction, and wondering how that must feel. It's hard to put yourself in that situation. But this time it hits a lot closer to home.
I've lived in Galveston since April...and was finally starting to really like it there. For now, that's my home. We are reading a news forum that updates us on the condition of different places in Galveston, as well as looking at pictures from around the island. Soo many of our favorite restaurants, fishing places, hang-outs, or just the places we drive past everyday are either damaged or completely gone. That is WEIRD! And sad. Even the road I drive to school on is messed up. Seriously?
My life for the next couple of weeks-the next year is all one big unknown as of now. We've been told that it will be at least one week until they can get our hospital back up and running, and then they will start to restore the rest of the island. The entire island is currently without water, power, and phone service. I've heard estimates ranging from several weeks to months for when that will all be restored. But we have been told we are not allowed to return to the island until the search and rescue operations are completed, and there is power and potable water available. The causeway (the bridge on and off of the island) sustained damage as the road buckled, and there are currently boats on it. Yah, that's going to have to be fixed as well.
So for now, I'm waiting on word on how my apartment is. (I heard at one point that there was up to 6 feet of water inside). We are waiting to hear about our school. We are waiting to hear about everything as of now. Do I need to start buying new everything, seeing as all of my stuff may be molding and rotting as of now? Or is my apt untouched? Do I need to start looking for a place to live in San Antonio? (there are rumors we might have to relocate there...just a rumor? I DON'T KNOW!). Will I graduate in time? What do I do until then?
All of these unknowns and concerns pale in comparison to what other people are facing. People lost their entire homes, businesses, and loved ones. All of my friends and family in Houston/Galveston area are okay, that is really all that matters.
I am glad to have places to stay, and glad that I left. I am sad for Galveston. And sad for the loss people are experiencing. But it's still surreal.
Until then, I'm waiting. And possibly crashing on your couch soon. Check back for updates.
*PS-several people have asked..."Why would you leave your car?!?!" "Why didn't you take more stuff with you?!?!"...okay, here's the answer. Put yourself in that situation. The last major evacuation left people stranded on the interstate for hours on end, running out of gas, causing huge problems. And I was advised that it would be better to travel together. So that is why I left my car...so if we did get stranded, at least I wouldn't be by myself. My stuff? Well, it's kind of hard to pack up an entire apartment in the middle of the night. So I took the essentials. Hindsight's 20-20.
As most of you know, Galveston was directly hit by Hurricane Ike. The words used so far to describe the scene there are "catastrophic", "complete devastation", and "the new ground zero." Granted, it's the media's job to sensationalize everything, but this time the pictures speak for themselves. I've got to say, these past couple of days have kind of been surreal. I remember watching the news broadcasts of Katrina and all of its destruction, and wondering how that must feel. It's hard to put yourself in that situation. But this time it hits a lot closer to home.
I've lived in Galveston since April...and was finally starting to really like it there. For now, that's my home. We are reading a news forum that updates us on the condition of different places in Galveston, as well as looking at pictures from around the island. Soo many of our favorite restaurants, fishing places, hang-outs, or just the places we drive past everyday are either damaged or completely gone. That is WEIRD! And sad. Even the road I drive to school on is messed up. Seriously?
My life for the next couple of weeks-the next year is all one big unknown as of now. We've been told that it will be at least one week until they can get our hospital back up and running, and then they will start to restore the rest of the island. The entire island is currently without water, power, and phone service. I've heard estimates ranging from several weeks to months for when that will all be restored. But we have been told we are not allowed to return to the island until the search and rescue operations are completed, and there is power and potable water available. The causeway (the bridge on and off of the island) sustained damage as the road buckled, and there are currently boats on it. Yah, that's going to have to be fixed as well.
So for now, I'm waiting on word on how my apartment is. (I heard at one point that there was up to 6 feet of water inside). We are waiting to hear about our school. We are waiting to hear about everything as of now. Do I need to start buying new everything, seeing as all of my stuff may be molding and rotting as of now? Or is my apt untouched? Do I need to start looking for a place to live in San Antonio? (there are rumors we might have to relocate there...just a rumor? I DON'T KNOW!). Will I graduate in time? What do I do until then?
All of these unknowns and concerns pale in comparison to what other people are facing. People lost their entire homes, businesses, and loved ones. All of my friends and family in Houston/Galveston area are okay, that is really all that matters.
I am glad to have places to stay, and glad that I left. I am sad for Galveston. And sad for the loss people are experiencing. But it's still surreal.
Until then, I'm waiting. And possibly crashing on your couch soon. Check back for updates.
*PS-several people have asked..."Why would you leave your car?!?!" "Why didn't you take more stuff with you?!?!"...okay, here's the answer. Put yourself in that situation. The last major evacuation left people stranded on the interstate for hours on end, running out of gas, causing huge problems. And I was advised that it would be better to travel together. So that is why I left my car...so if we did get stranded, at least I wouldn't be by myself. My stuff? Well, it's kind of hard to pack up an entire apartment in the middle of the night. So I took the essentials. Hindsight's 20-20.
Friday, September 12, 2008
TAKE A HIKE IKE
Okay, reading my last post kind of makes me laugh now. But laugh only a little. The tone has changed since then for sure...not so excited about Ike anymore. Lemme give you a breakdown of what's happened since my last post...
To sum it up, I packed up enough clothes for a week, enough school stuff for the classes I'm in now, my laptop, and Baylie. I moved as much stuff away from my windows and doors as possible, and put stuff up on shelves in my closet. I left my car in a high place, and loaded all my crap into my friend Mary Alice's car...and we took off, in the dark, so that we didn't get stuck on the interstate for hours in traffic...Officially evacuees! (we decided if we use the word "refugee" we might get some free handouts? Yes? haha)...So after a quick stop for the essentials (Whataburger taquitos of course), we headed towards Austin, yorkipoo in tow, glad for a couple days of no school.
Yes, we knew a hurricane was coming...but not all that long ago we sat at a church dinner talking to a BOI (Born on Island...they're high status, FYI) and people who have lived in Galveston for years and years...and they totally calmed our fears about hurricanes. In fact, I sorta like hurricanes! The first one that came to TX while I lived in Galveston prompted us to get fishing poles and all the gear and venture out in the massive waves for our first fishing adventure...and that was one of my fave G-Town adventures thus far! Sooo....hurricanes=fun! Right?
Well, now we're sitting at her cousin's house in Austin, watching the news and weather. And watching pictures of the streets covered in water, and waves crashing over the seawall...with the 'cane still hundreds of miles away from landfall. And looking at predictions of where the flooding will be. And what is already flooded. In fact, earlier today, they were reporting live from the gas station across the street from my apartment.
Okay, so here's a little piece of info about my apartment. It's on the first floor. Less than one block off the seawall. Right by a lagoon. And it's old. Sooo, c'mon people, y'all aren't dumb...let's put the pieces together here. Flooding will not be good.
Basically, I'm just watching and waiting to see what happens. Hopefully all will be okay, and either Ike won't continue to gain strength, or it will shift just a little. I'm not sure. But as far as I know, all of my friends got out of there, so in the big scheme of things, that's what's important.
Safe in Austin, visiting fam and friends, and watching Ike. More updates to come.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
"Here Ikie Ikie Ikie!"
So this is just a quick excited update to say that we might get to evacuate tomorrow for the hurricane! "Get to evacuate"?!?! Yes, it's an exciting thing! Not the chance of destruction and damage, but the chance of getting a "free pass" to go to Austin for the weekend! So currently Mary Alice and I are sitting here drinking Red Bull, researching ol' Ike, texting with Laura, waiting for word about if we will be required to go to our clinicals this weekend, and calling Ike our way..."Here Ikie Ikie Ikie!!!" I'm about to go get gas in my car just in case! (Then we are going on a Historical Home Tour and to play tennis...obvi we are REALLY scared about the 'cane haha).
Monday, September 1, 2008
CONFESSION: I'm a Recovering Addict
I have a confession. I am in recovery. From a very serious addiction. An addiction that wreaked havoc on my life for the past month, taking my social life, routine, and productivity level and turning them upside down. Every morning I would wake up and tell myself that today would be different. But alas the night would come, and once again I would give in. Night after night, for three weeks straight. This addiction was short-lived. I'm now on the road to recovery, trying to find a way to move on.
So what is this addiction I speak of? I have no doubt this addiction hits very close to home for some of you. In fact, I have a feeling that many of you are experiencing the same trials of recovery I am now experiencing. My addiction? I feel it necessary to give it some formality...
"Hi, my name is Jessica, and I'm a recovering Olympics-aholic."
Well, there you have it folks...the SUMMER 2008 OLYMPICS! How great they were and how quickly they left me.
I loved them. I loved every second of them. From the opening ceremonies (yes, I admit to being one of the sappy ones who fell in love with Yao Ming's little friend from the earthquake) to the closing ceremonies (minus the yellow suits and white visors), I loved it all.
What's not to love? I mean, Ohh Emm Geee people!!!, this stuff was like crack in TV form! Shawn, Nastia, Michael, Sonya, Misty May...my new best friends! Sure, friendship usually requires the other person to be even slightly aware of your existence, but in this case I feel it's okay to make an exception. I love them. And in my addict's mind, I will choose to believe they knew I was rooting for them, on the other side of the screen. (or other side of the world, however you want to think about it). The point is, I was obsessed!
It's really a good thing that I was out of school during this time, because starting 8-8-08, life as I knew it was no more. My nights were spent watching balance beam routines and swimming races, and my days were spent contemplating where the female Chinese gymnast's fountain of youth possibly could be. *(I mean, they must be sitting on a fortune...to be 16+ years old and look like you're 9 is a miracle! Someone seriously needs to bottle whatever it is they're drinking, slap a label on it, ship it to the good ol' US of A, and BAM! You've got yourself an instant fortune! ORRRR, on second thought, someone needs to stop lying on documents and stop putting babies on Olympic teams! Whatever, back to the point).* If I had been in school, I surely would have failed, seeing as the Olympics take precedence over all.
But now I'm left, on the road to recovery. What am I supposed to do with my time without the Olympics? Yes, have a ridiculous amount of school/studying to do...but learning about chest tubes and pink frothy sputum doesn't quite have the same appeal. You get what I'm saying.
Well, I loved you Olympics of 2008, but the time has come that I must say so long old friend. It's time for me to move on, and stop living in the past. The past 8 days have been dull without you, and there are sure to be more boring days ahead. It gives me hope to know that I will see you in Vancouver in 2010 and then again in London in 2012. But until then, I'll be here. Waiting. And practicing my badmitton skills so I have a chance at being on some Olympic team. Because badmitton is the most hardocre Olympic sport there is.
So what is this addiction I speak of? I have no doubt this addiction hits very close to home for some of you. In fact, I have a feeling that many of you are experiencing the same trials of recovery I am now experiencing. My addiction? I feel it necessary to give it some formality...
"Hi, my name is Jessica, and I'm a recovering Olympics-aholic."
Well, there you have it folks...the SUMMER 2008 OLYMPICS! How great they were and how quickly they left me.
I loved them. I loved every second of them. From the opening ceremonies (yes, I admit to being one of the sappy ones who fell in love with Yao Ming's little friend from the earthquake) to the closing ceremonies (minus the yellow suits and white visors), I loved it all.
What's not to love? I mean, Ohh Emm Geee people!!!, this stuff was like crack in TV form! Shawn, Nastia, Michael, Sonya, Misty May...my new best friends! Sure, friendship usually requires the other person to be even slightly aware of your existence, but in this case I feel it's okay to make an exception. I love them. And in my addict's mind, I will choose to believe they knew I was rooting for them, on the other side of the screen. (or other side of the world, however you want to think about it). The point is, I was obsessed!
It's really a good thing that I was out of school during this time, because starting 8-8-08, life as I knew it was no more. My nights were spent watching balance beam routines and swimming races, and my days were spent contemplating where the female Chinese gymnast's fountain of youth possibly could be. *(I mean, they must be sitting on a fortune...to be 16+ years old and look like you're 9 is a miracle! Someone seriously needs to bottle whatever it is they're drinking, slap a label on it, ship it to the good ol' US of A, and BAM! You've got yourself an instant fortune! ORRRR, on second thought, someone needs to stop lying on documents and stop putting babies on Olympic teams! Whatever, back to the point).* If I had been in school, I surely would have failed, seeing as the Olympics take precedence over all.
But now I'm left, on the road to recovery. What am I supposed to do with my time without the Olympics? Yes, have a ridiculous amount of school/studying to do...but learning about chest tubes and pink frothy sputum doesn't quite have the same appeal. You get what I'm saying.
Well, I loved you Olympics of 2008, but the time has come that I must say so long old friend. It's time for me to move on, and stop living in the past. The past 8 days have been dull without you, and there are sure to be more boring days ahead. It gives me hope to know that I will see you in Vancouver in 2010 and then again in London in 2012. But until then, I'll be here. Waiting. And practicing my badmitton skills so I have a chance at being on some Olympic team. Because badmitton is the most hardocre Olympic sport there is.
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