disaster

If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience. - Edward Rickenbacker, b. Columbus, Ohio, on 8th October 1890. His skill as a leading racing-car driver earned him the position of chauffeur to General John Pershing during the First World War. In March 1918 Rickenbacker joined the United States Air Service and over the next few months became the leading USA Flying Ace when he recorded 26 victories against German aircraft. After the Armistice wrote his autobiography, Fighting the Flying Circus (1919). Rickenbacker also bought and administered the Indianapolis Speedway and later became president of Eastern Airlines. In October 1942, Rickenbacker, on a secret mission to New Guinea, was aboard a B-17 bomber that crashed in the Pacific Ocean. Rickenbacker and six companions survived 24 days afloat on life rafts. Edward Rickenbacker died in Zurich, Switzerland, on 27th July, 1973.

Hurricane Rita is on her way. Just yesterday I was seriously considering taking the kids and heading north. I was a bit scared and emotional yesterday, to say the least. Firstly, because of the unknown effects this storm is going to have, and secondly because I had to leave my kids at an alternative daycare provided by my WorkOptions group because Ms. Connie is closed today and yesterday. The alternative daycare is called "Carpenter's Cross" and is located in a Baptist Church between Flint and Dogwood City. It kinda feels like it's out in the middle of nowhere but it really isn't. It's just that the roads leading to it are winding and flanked by trees - really pretty actually. But anyway, Macy had a blast and wanted to go back again. Her teacher fell in love with her and asked me if Macy could come back everyday. She said, "Macy is soooo great!!! So Smart!!!! So independant!!!" I just said, "I know!" And Nicky was also a big hit. His room teacher said, "He's so easy, so sweet. He just laughs and laughs!" But, its a mommy thing to feel apprehensive leaving them with strangers. After today, things'll be back to normal, well, with the exception of the storm...

So back to the storm. People are crazy, ya'll! No bottled water, bread, or batteries at most stores. Gas stations are running out of gas. Traffic through little ol' Jacksonville is backed up. People are being turned away from shelters. It's mass exodus. I feel fortunate my family and I have a (hopefully) safe haven to ride this thing out. We have been preparing. We have two cases of water, lots of ice and candles and canned goods. Mike got a couple little propane tanks for the little hibachi grill and we have lots of meat to cook, too. We should be fine as long as a tornado doesn't come through the neighborhood (no basements!) Mike will probably be at his office most of the weekend so me and the kids will have to be brave or find a good friend to hang out with... I don't know. We'll see! I'll be back in touch Monday with the details...

I've posted an email from my mom that I thought was cute...

I think you'll be fine. Some helpful hints... from experiencing power outages

Be sure and save lots of water. Fill your bathtubs with water. Then you can dip it out to flush the toilet or use it to wash with.
Fill some ziplock bags 3/4 full with water / koolaid / juice / pop and put them in the freezer. if your electricity goes otu you will have slushies!
Have your cell phone charged up.
Have flashlights handy with extra batteries.
Get out all your candles and matches. (don't let Macy get them!)
Pop some popcorn and big it up. This will go great with your slushies.
Buy some glo sticks. They're fun to play / sleep with in the dark.

I'll talk to you tonight. Love you. Mom