Ice Disaster 2007

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know where I am from. I was part of the crazy ice storm this week that hit so hard in Oklahoma. I still can't get over the devastation to the area of town where I grew up. It was rich with old trees, but now there are a lot fewer.




My parents lost power on Sunday (as did 12,000 others), so they came to stay with me. I lost power the next day at 5 AM - along with 500,000 other electric customers in OK. My mom took some pictures along the way, so I'll include some of them here.

You can see the icicles on the bench. This was day one. sort of bad. We had no idea how bad it could get



This is a dogwood from their front yard that has lasted despite all odds....


We decided to stay at my place anyway, because it was smaller and easier to heat with a fireplace. The first night was an adventure. We had firewood and lots of flashlights and batteries. We played two rounds of Trivial Pursuit and actually enjoyed ourselves, sort of. The weirdest part about the whole storm was that the roads never got icy. We were able to go over and get more wood from Mom & Dad's and check on their house. Each day the storm damage got worse.


Here are some pics from Monday.... You can tell the ice is thicker on the bench in this one.






The icicles on the table were really long because it has a metal edge to it.




This is looking in between the neighbors' house and theirs. Notice the swingset in the foreground. It is made of galvanized pipe that was welded together. We have always joked about that swingset. That it could be a deerhanging station, but we have never gotten around to getting rid of it. That'll be significant just one day later.


While we were there, we dragged branches out of the driveway and scraped ice off the cars. Then we moved the cars to the middle of their cul-de-sac, in an effort to minimize damage potential, becaue Mom & Dad's driveway is under a huge tree. It was a good thing we did, because less than 5 minutes after we moved the cars, a branch as long as the van fell right where it had been parked.


I had to work Tuesday, so I went in at noon and they went to check on the house. The neighborhood was shocking really.... But they weren't prepared for the back yard.







The neighbors huge tree had fallen over in the night. It's a hackberry and the top of it was literally scraping the back wall of their house. The berries even left a smudge on the new paint job. But it didn't take the back off of the house like it could have. Why not, you ask? Because it was stopped by the galvanized pipe swingset, which did sustain some damage. You can sort of see the swingset in under the tree.


And this is their neighbors' carport (on the other side of their house from the tree pictured above). The car is still inside.




By Tuesday we decided to get Mom & Dad a generator, because we didn't expect their power to be on for another week (PSO, the electric company, was telling us Tuesday, Dec 18th, 11:59PM). It pays to work at the Big Orange Box, in this case. I heard that a truckload of generators was coming in at any time, and just kept calling in. We were even willing to go next door to the guys in blue, but their store was empty. As I drove by our store about 9PM, I noticed a truck in the loading bay. We don't get deliveries that late, so we stopped in and sure enough. Generators. Hallelujah!!! We got the first one off the truck. By then we just stuck it in their van and went home to try and get warm by my fireplace.

Wednesday morning we went over to the house and my dad's surrogate son (the guy would be my dad's son if he had one, I swear) came over to help hook up the generator and brought his sons and wife and a chainsaw. We spent a significant amount of time just stacking up debris in the front yard, as well as helping the neighbor create a path to their front door.

While I would never recommend what they did (Uh, basically they were hotwiring the generator to the house) they were able to get heat and refrigeration on after only a few minor modifications to the home's wiring system.... WE HAD HEAT!! It felt like a miracle, truly. Then I swung back by my house (after dropping off #1 son) and, lo and behold, I had electricity (after a few false starts) by about 8PM that night. The decision was easy - pack up the generator in the garage, and come back over and stay with me.


By Friday, my cousin (who still doesn't have power) came over with a chainsaw and got to work on the tree in the back yard. He did it under the guise of getting firewood later, but I know it is just because he is basically a good guy and wanted to help out. I pulled as much as I could to the woodpile and the smallest branches to the front yard. We can get all the way around the house now....


The good news is that Saturday my parents got their power on. We are all kinds of happy in our own warm places, and today the temp is up to about 50 degrees.


There is so much more that happened but suffice it to say, I am glad that it is over with, and I am thankful that my family and friends are safe for now. Below is a link to the Kodak Gallery Album that my mom put together. The pics are better there, but I couldn't make them bigger here. Ah, technology.

Shopping Extravaganza!

OK - I admit it. I was one of the crazy people standing outside in 25 degree weather to get a really good deal yesterday morning. My dad and I have a tradition of sorts. Wherever the best deals are, that is where we go first. This year we went to Circuit City. Really the worst that I have been to since we started this - and I've been to Best Buy, CompUSA, Staples, etc.... The WORST. My dad and I had to stand in separate lines to buy our selections, one for TV's and another for Computers, and it took 2 hours. Usually we are in and out in 30 minutes. We were only buying 3 things!!

As for the Christmas shopping, I made a pact with Curly Girl that I would make all attempts to be done with shopping by her birthday, December 9th! It will make Christmas so much nicer, and maybe I'll have time to do Christmas cards this year.

How about you, what do you have to get done by Christmas? (Only 31 days left!)

Give Thanks

I have been having some internet connection issues, which I referenced in an earlier post. Unfortunately I don't have the strength or desire to get started on something that I know will probably take me several hours to accomplish. Anyway, that is where I have been lately, so I'm sorry that I've checked out for a couple of weeks.

This is the time of year when we give thanks for our blessings in this life. I know that some years it is harder than others to do so. This year I am thankful for so many simpler things than I have been in years past. My family being healthy and happy, a roof over my head, and me being able to work and enjoy my life. I looked through some of my favorite bloggers' posts, and I noticed that there are a lot of people who are worried about how they will make it through Thanksgiving tomorrow. Me, I look forward to our family events. But that is probably because I know that the part of my family that makes me crazy won't be here. They weren't invited.

Enjoy your holiday. Remember, life is good.

Wrong Number 1, 2 & 3 .....

How long should it take for someone to figure out that they are calling the wrong number? About a month ago, I started getting a call from a specific prefix out of town, but still in the same area code. Of course at first I would answer, never knowing if it was for me or not. They would always say, "Sorry, wrong number" and then sometimes call back again, 2 or 3 times. Then, after a while, I would recognize the number, but not be sure who it was, so I would answer. Again, "Sorry, wrong number," but still she would call 2 or 3 times. Cell minutes being at a premium, I saved the number as "Wrong Number" so at least I would know that I didn't need to answer. They keep calling, and they must have a work number or something, because I now have Wrong Number 2 and Wrong Number 3 saved as well. I have probably received 50 or 60 calls from Wrong Number. Wrong Number 2 called this morning at 8 AM, and I didn't answer. So she called right back. This time I answered and said, "Hello" she said, "Sorry, Wrong Number (how did she know I called her that?)" and I said, "Wait a minute, You call here all the time. Would you please write down the right number, because I work nights and you just woke me up!" Wrong Number hung up on me. Not even a "Sorry" or anything. But at least she didn't call right back.

Let Go, Let God

That was the title of our women's retreat this weekend. It was a wonderful time spent with members of our church, past and present, and some friends of members as well. I heard some great ideas on how to increase your prayer life and what to do about things that you can't let go of. There was at least one "Ah, Ha!" moment about relationships with others, that I can hopefully use to improve some of my relationships. I figure if I can go away with one thing that I learned, it was worth the time spent.

As an added bonus, the retreat was at the state conference center where I used to attend church camp. It was the first year that the women's retreat was held there, and there was some reminiscing and great memories from a special time in my life. Plus I could share it with people who hadn't been there before. All in all, a great time.

Computers Make Me CRAZY

I am a fairly smart girl (thus the nickname), but nothing makes me feel more dumb than when something goes wrong with my computer. This time it is something with my wireless card. Luckily my dad was able to loan me a wireless gizmo that just plugs into a USB port. In the meantime I spent all this time uninstalling / reinstalling various software, trying to get things fixed in other ways. UGH. And it just makes me madder and madder the longer I work on it. Totally wrecks my attitude. Enough about that.

A 15 Minute Day

One of my favorite web presences is The FlyLady. Her website is filled with great tips and a wonderful system to help get your life more organized, ALL FOR FREE. She is very encouraging, and is constantly reminding people no one is perfect. One of her slogans I have taken to heart is "I can do anything for 15 minutes" - No matter how tired I am, I can usually muster up 15 minutes to clean the house or work on a project. I say USUALLY, because there are times that I look around my house and realize that I haven't done anything for too long. Today was one of those days, so I called up Curly Girl and told her I needed some inspiration (she is also a fan of The FlyLady). She told me to do four 15-minute sessions ( I had 4 hours between church and work) and to report back what I had done. The only rule is that I have to set the timer for 15 minutes and accomplish something during that time. The timer is important, because you know the session will come to an end, and it allows you to remain focused. Curly Girl was at the pumpkin patch with the Gift & the Firecracker (her stepdaughter - born on the Fourth of July), so I texted them to her instead of calling. Here's the list of what I accomplished:

• 1st 15 min: Gathered up all my laundry, Started 1 load of laundry, Straightened up my bathroom, Wiped down the countertops, and Cleaned the mirror.


• 2nd 15 min: Cleaned up the kitchen, Switched wash to the dryer, Started 2nd load of laundry, Threw away b-day flowers, and Did a 27 fling boogie


• 3rd 15 min: Put away 1st load of laundry, Switched 2nd load to the dryer, Start 3rd load of laundry, Shredded a weeks worth of credit card offers, Straightened the living room, and Picked up no less than 10 hair doodads


• 4th 15 min: Started dishwasher, Went through the mail and tossed junk, Cleaned off the dining room table, Hung up laundry from 2nd load that was half dry, and Cleared off my desk

It never ceases to amaze me how much I can get done in 15 minutes. That is why I always set the timer. It becomes a challenge to get as much done as I can in that 15 minutes. And I spent the other 45 minutes reading, catching up on the DVR and vegging out. WOW. I feel so much better.

Swapping!

Being so new to the blogging world, I am trying to expand my community of blogging buddies out there on the world wide web. I have read other people's blogs, but I decided that I needed to check out some blogs of people that I don't actually know. Thank goodness for ElastiGirl, my blogging mentor, who has a list of bloggers that she reads regularly. And while I was reading Bits and Odd Pieces of Mindy's Kingdom I found something I had never heard of before. A swap. Sort of like a blogging pen pal, because you learn about another blogger and then you send them stuff that you think they would like. Only rule is it has to fit in a 8 1/2 x 11 envelope. And they send stuff back to you.

SO MUCH FUN! I can't wait!

Strategery

One of the things that I help organizations with is Strategic Planning. I am actually pretty good at it. I started doing it as a voluntary thing several years ago at my last church, and then again here at my new church. And as of late organizations are actually paying me for my advice. And are happy with the result.

Ironically, though, my own life has seemed a bit out of control and misdirected lately. In the past 4 years, I left a position as VP of one of the largest banks in the world to work for a non-profit. It was less money, but I thought I could make a difference in the world. While there I learned that I had really misjudged my "mentor" and one year later I was laid off by that person. (In my own defense, I had a really good friend that I respect very much have the EXACT same thing happen this year with the EXACT same woman. Seriously. One year and out.) Anyway, after so many years of work and being good at saving money, I was in a position to not work, so I didn't. I was quite disgusted with the whole thing. I sold my house and moved back "home" - my parents were out of the country and I stayed at their place, helped take care of my grandmother and just did what I wanted. Started working part time at a place that offered benefits for part time employees (a rarity in this day and age), did some volunteer work, and until my grandmother passed, was quite sure that I was doing what I should be. I do not regret it one bit.

Another year goes by and I start looking for work in the fields I have worked in during my career life. I mean it really is time, because I'm now making one tenth of what I used to make at the big bank, and I am missing the lifestyle. Unfortunately, banks don't seem to want me because I left banking, and non-profits don't want me because I didn't work in that field long enough. And in the meantime, I find out that as much as I love the strategic work of non-profits, the day to day is often not managed well, and I haven't had much luck with some of the people I've worked with in that area. What's a girl to do?

So today I decided to make a strategic plan for ME. It will take a while, and I don't think it will be easy, but I need to get my life back into focus. And for the first time in a long time, I feel a little more at peace.

Progress or Selfishness, You Decide...

I tend to do for others more than I do for myself. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is a form of avoidance or procrastination. Putting off the things I should be doing, and getting a small high by helping out others. But today I drew the line, and even though it was hard for me, I felt a tiny bit better about saying, "No" to an acquaintance who called me to ask a favor. It was made a bit more complex by the fact that my mom recommended me... Some guilt that I wasn't willing to help out someone that I have known for 20+ years, some guilt that my mom suggested I do it and I wasn't, and some guilt that I put myself first. But I think that it is a good step for me. I'm seeking balance (as a Libra, it should be second nature, right?) in my life this year.

Happy Birthday to Me!

No countdowns or anything exciting, but today is my birthday. Birthdays always make me a little reflective, and I am now sitting here pondering the next year of my life. Hopefully it will be more exciting than the last year. I read somewhere recently about a person who resolved to do something new each month that she had never done before. Maybe I'll try that. Any suggestions?

I've Been Tagged

Mrs. Swizzle tagged me, my first tag...

Four jobs I've held

• Math Lab Tutor (college)
• Risk Manager
• Temp (including peeling labels off of binders for 8 hours)
• Consultant

Four films I could watch over and over

• It's a Wonderful Life
• Office Space
• The Truth about Cats and Dogs
• Any "B" Elvis movie - the early years

Four TV shows I watch

• Ugly Betty
• Grey's Anatomy
• My Name is Earl
• House

Four places I've lived

• Andrews AFB (Washington DC)
• Niceville, FL
• Beavercreek, OH
• Lewisville, TX

Four favorite foods

• Chicken Paprikash (or anything Hungarian)
• Fresh berries - almost any kind
• Grandma's Apple Pie
• Brie & Tomato sandwiches (first tried this in London)

Four websites I visit everyday (I can't say I visit any everyday, but these I check out a lot)

• Perez Hilton
• The Drudge Report
• Adventures of Elastigirl
• Allrecipes.com

Four favorite colors

• Red
• Blue
• Yellow
• Ultra White - no hint of any tint in it

Four places I would love to be right now

• On a beach in Mexico
• By Curly Girl's pool
• Budapest
• Malta

Four names I love but would/could not use for my children

• Ariel
• Ruby
• Jay
• Raymond

Not sure who I will tag yet. I'm fairly new to the blog world, so I don't have an extensive list of bloggers to tag yet. I'll pass it on soon though.

A Visit from Curly Girl

Today my sister, Curly Girl, is coming for a short visit from the suburban dessert. I am so very excited. We always have a great time together, even though we have never lived in the same city in our adult lives. Who knows, someday that may change.

She's bringing along my nephew, the Gift, who has a Christmas birthday and was the best present we have ever received! He's not quite 2 yet, but so much fun. Her husband, QB, is staying behind to close for the month at work. He'll be very busy, so we are glad that she can make it and he won't miss them too much.

She just called me to help her remember what she forgot to pack. I came up with a few ideas, but I wish that there were some surefire way to remember everything. I always forget something, no matter how detailed a list I make out before my trip. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remember what you need?

Why Miss Smarty Pants?

A nickname that I have had off and on since I was a kid. Mostly by my mom... Then out of the blue, my favorite blogger, ElastiGirl, started calling me that again in her blog. I supposed it is in reference to the fact that I am smart enough to figure stuff out most of the time. I say most of the time, because I haven't yet figured out some important things like

• Why I haven't started working again full time in the past 3 years, after a kind of crushing layoff at a non profit organization.
• What I want to do with the rest of my life.
• How anyone can really like to eat lima beans.

For now, I am a consultant that helps organizations complete strategic plans, and I work part-time at a large orange box store. The big box gives me medical benefits for a part time job (almost unheard of in these days, but that is for another blog entry). I marvel sometimes that other people pay me (semi - big bucks) to help them strategize about their future. Maybe I should spend some more time strategizing on my own.

Cowboy Sounds Off!

I enjoyed watching the OSU & Texas Tech game this weekend, but was surprised when I saw the press conference afterwards. Coach Gundy came in and said he wouldn't talk about the game, but talked about a column in the Daily Oklahoman that disparaged the character of one of his players. Watch what he said here.

Today he said that the only regret that he had was that he didn't write down what he wanted to say and that he had forgotten to make a couple of points. I read the article by Jenni Carlson (9/22) on the Daily Oklahoman website. I have to agree with Gundy, the article was garbage. It was something that you would see in a gossip column disguised as something newsworthy. Nowadays, we don't see enough people standing up to the media, and I for one am tired of seeing journalists who put things in the paper that just aren't worth printing. I am all for freedom of speech, and I think that censorship is the worst idea ever. But where has journalistic integrity gone? Maybe this will straighten up the journalist that wrote the column. Unfortunately, I doubt it.

Inaugural Blog

Here is my first post. I'm not sure where I am going to go with this blog, but I am jealous of friends who have one, so I guess I need to start my own.