Today, at work, we were discussing this possibly impending Hurrican Irene, that is at this moment anyway, heading right for us here in Wilmington. I mentioned that while not wishing for either one of them, if I had to endure one or the other I would prefer an earthquake. Earthquakes - and as a former Californian, I've been through many - are relatively fast, usually over before you're quite sure that it's even an earthquake. I realize that in many parts of the world earthquakes can be completely devastating, and I'm not making light of that, but there is something to be said for getting it over with quickly. A hurricane - and in the 20 years I've been in NC, I've seen plenty of those, too - on the other hand, takes it sweet ass time coming around, making everyone uneasy, questioning "is it coming?" and "will it miss us?" Once it gets here it takes it's time leaving. Twelve to 24 hours later it disappears, leaving behind 20 or so inches of rain, which floods even the houses that are higher than the flood plain (mine), trees uprooted or many branches lighter than before (and many of those have gone through someone's roof or window, or fallen on their cars), and yards a mess. The roads are unpassable for days until the crews come and chain saw thru all the debris in the street, which stays on the side of the road, 6 or 8 feet high, for weeks. And no power. Usually for several days, maybe a week. And it's incredibly hot after a hurricane, but there's no AC. I once told my sister, when she called to check and see if we were alright, that the only danger we were in was dying of boredom.
Any way - in the words of Ellen Degeneres: "my point - and I do have one!" - so I mentioned at work that I'd rather endure an earthquake than another hurricane, and guess what? We had an earthquake! No more than 10 minutes after I said that. Looks like we're still getting the earthquake, though. Humph...
*The quake was centered in Virginia, so we only got a tiny little shudder. Kind of like when a big truck goes by and makes the ground shake a little. But to hear people in Wilmington tell it - we all almost died from the buildings falling all around us. And they'd all still rather have a hurricane.
**I really do hope no one in VA - or anywhere else - was injured or suffered any loss from the quake today or from Irene.
Very entertaining story, serious as it is. I know it was a mild earthquake but our buildings weren't built to withstand that. In California, all the buildings like ours have fallen down long ago and new, better ones have been built in their place. Even up in Boston, my office building swayed back and forth a couple times and the blinds swung back and forth in the windows. I think my co-workers would quote me as saying "WTF WAS THAT?!" Buildings aren't supposed to move in my opinion. And with a hurricane, at least we know it's coming.
ReplyDeleteThey have downgraded Irene for the moment. I am keeping my fingers crossed she doesn't regain strength. While living in San Francisco we experienced earthquakes, but seldom knew about them until they passed. Our dog seemed to sense them before they happened. All of our furniture was attached to the walls and we never went to bed without having shoes by the bed. Having grown up in Louisiana I know first hand what hurricanes can do. I think this little southern girl would rather know what is coming at her. Seriously I will be happy never having to experience either....and then there are tornados... This is only my humble thoughts. I am so glad you were not harmed. Stay safe! Bonnie
ReplyDeleteAre you headed for the hills? Be safe, my friend!
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