Stress Center Peer Support

Well, panic has set in around here with a storm approaching. Luckily, these skills from this program have come in handy. The storm itself doesn't bother me; it's the before and after that try you.
The stores are sold out of everything. It doesn't affect me that much. I was always a good organizer or good at being prepared. I think I've got things under control except for maybe having enough milk for the baby should we lose power. I'll try the stores again today. And I'm a little worried that if we have to leave, it will be too late. By that time, everyone else will hit the road too, and the highways will be at a stand still for miles and miles.
But I'm taking my son, and my ex has thrown a fit about it, saying he can't miss school; he doesn't want us leaving until they cancel school. Tuesday, if it's coming, it'll be right on top of us. The jerk has one bagful of supplies, which is an improvement over Katrina, but I'm not letting my son stay with him being unprepared and having no place to go. It's too late to get a hotel room- they are booked up to Memphis, five hours away. I have family where I can go, plus I have everything we need here to make it a week without power, so I'm insisting on keeping our son through the storm. And if my ex has to go to work, he'll have to leave Chad home alone. Assertiveness has done me good here.
Pray the heat will subside a little- it's been at 100 degrees. Some people are stuck in that if they lose power. A lady was begging the store clerk yesterday for a battery operated fan for her baby. She was so desparate.
Pray for patience for everyone- this either brings out the worst or best in people. There's so many people trying to get out, town is a hot pad for tempered drivers and long lines. Wow, I don't know how I stood in line after Katrina for 7 hours to get $20 worth of gas- not this time!
Pray that everyone just makes the best of it. There's no point in having a meltdown at the store b/c the spam is gone- get canned chili instead. Hey, so there's no bottled water left- Gatorade will get you thru a hot day, right?People just need to stop and think how to make the best of it. And to see the humor in finding the ONLY toilet paper left is the MOST expensive brand in super industry size, so the $35 you have to give for it is worth not having any when you need it. People weren't so understanding at the store yesterday. Imagine the intercom announcing batteries available on aisle five and there being a massive race with smashed buggies and overturned carts- I'm NOT kidding. You have to laugh at some things.
Sorry this got so long. Hopefully, all this preparation is for nothing, but then I feel bad wishing it goes somewhere else. Somebody, somewhere will have to endure it.

Hi Bev:
Well, I've already breathed a prayer that it won't hit where Katrina hit. Because they are not even over Katrina yet.
Of course I don't want anyone to get it.

I live a long way from danger of hurricanes. But we'll likely get lots of rain.
I'll be thinking of you, Bev. I will be praying for you.
Good for you for keeping your son with you.
I would have also.
You sound really good!!!
Bless you!!!
MaryJane

Hello,

I live in New Orleans, and I'm sure everybody here is worried about Gustav. I do have a ride out of town, but they aren't sure exactly when they'll leave. I wish I knew when; if I'm going to get out of town, I want to get it done and off my mind. If I had a car I'd probably have left yesterday or even the day before.

If it happens to fall through, well, I've got some jugs of spring water and enough canned goods to get me through several days. Plan for the worst and hope for the best, as people used to say.

purpmartin

Cornflower,
Thanks, and yes, a direct hit in New Orleans would devastate a lot of people who haven't rebuilt from Katrina. It's been a long road for them. Plus, the ones near the levees have to wonder if they'll hold when the news is reporting about gaps and breaches already. Of course, poor Florida may get another pounding from Hannah when they are just getting over Fay.
Purpmartin,
I know what you mean. The sooner you can get out, the less traffic and worry you have, but then leaving this early might be considered jumping the gun by most. At least you are prepared. And I'd have my stuff together for when your ride calls to leave. Don't forget cash, important papers, sentimental items like a grandmother's wedding ring or pearls, meds, a book for the ride to keep you distracted, and to take a few pictures with your camera (sort of a mini-home inventory) in case you have to file insurance claims when you get back. I've got to take my "unlosable" pictures from the frames and put in a plastic bag. I just hate the thought of losing baby pictures and don't want to have to rush to do those at the last minute.
Take care and Good luck! Bev

Just apologizing for using the word "fun" in reference to these hurricanes when they do take lives and property. Fun was meant to be sarcastic and for me to try to see the humor in it all. Really hope I didn't offend anyone. I was just trying to be lighthearted. Bev

Bev...

I'm near Galveston TX. When Rita was coming we had a time! Although, we just went through the scare, not the hit like Katrina.

I don't want it to hit us, but I don't want it to hit you either!
UGH.

Maybe we should pray God just takes the wind out of it's sails.

Well, Francis L,
It looks like we both may be spared. But, yes, we'll pray for the weakening for the people of Louisiana definitely! And sadly, there are 3 more storms out there, so we'd better not cease the praying! We'll keep watching...

Bev,

Where are you located?

I'm in McLain, Mississippi near Hattiesburg. Looks like it's going to turn left away from us. I'm scared for the others now, since it's so strong.

Ok, there's nothing light-hearted about it now. So much for trying to keep a sense of humor in the midst of trials. I'm praying double time (for those affected) now.
See how I make a fool of myself????