Sunday Undies: Waiting for Godot

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September 03, 2005

Waiting for Godot

Sorry I have not written in so long. Every spare internet second I have had has been spent refreshing CNN.com and NYTimes.com for news on my southern brethren.

I have been waiting, waiting for the news that everyone is safe, that the cavalry has arrived and has removed the people to their salvation. But that is not the news I see. No. Still more waiting, waiting. And dying.

Still more politicians saying thank you to so-and-so governor and so-and-so public official and still nothing. A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

I am thankful that my family in Louisiana is safe. I am thankful my school is doing its part. And I am thankful that millions of Americans are reaching into their pockets and hearts to help.

But in between the thanks comes anger. The anger shared by Kanye West and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

And then comes the fear.

So I am doing what I can. I am donating as much as a poor student can spare.

And I am sure as hell not counting on the feds to do anything for me when the Big One hits LA. I am building an emergency kit (thanks, Mom, for the Target card -- you did not think it would be spent on batteries, a first-aid kit and bottled water, did you?). I am making sure I have enough supplies for Fred & Ethel. And tomorrow morning Laurie, Shannon and Karman and I are planning our survival strategy.

Maybe this all sounds a little overwrought, a little crazy. But I owe it to Fred & Ethel and to my family to be prepared. And so do you! No part of the U.S. is immune from earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. Get yourself a cute little first-aid kit and flashlights ready. It's fun! You can make lists! And cross stuff off!

Don't wait for Godot. He's not coming. And if he does, he'll just make you sleep in a barn.

Posted by jen at September 3, 2005 11:11 PM

Comments

great, great post, girl. you've definitely found your voice. :)

Posted by: carolyn at September 4, 2005 05:46 AM

p.s. one word of advice from amy and i's survival kits we worked on a few years back: an old non-cordless, non-answeringmachine non-fancy phone that does not need to be plugged into electricity to work. the one that just has the connection to the phone outlet and that's it. that was the biggest problem in the NY blackout - the phone lines were still working since they don't require electricity, but no one had a usable phone (and cell phone lines were all jammed, of course).

Posted by: carolyn at September 4, 2005 05:48 AM

The emergency kit is a great idea. I'm definitely doing that when I get back to LA.

Posted by: Gloria at September 4, 2005 08:01 AM

DH and I were reviewing our earthquake readiness last night. One new thing that came to me as a need is a cat carrier, to keep the furry four-foots safe and contained during the aftermath. Some other tips: work gloves for handling sharp or splintery fallen objects; candles, of course, but matches or a Bic (I have some that are 10+ yo that still work); Swiss-Army type knife or Leatherman-clone multi-tool - can opener, screwdriver, etc.

Also, check out this site: http://www.survivorind.com The company I worked for in 1987 (Rosemead quake) got us a discount on the products, and I update ours every 5 years. They're a bit pricey, but the contents are a good guideline to what you may want to accumulate on your own. I've added other things as they occur to me.

http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=2&p=45478&cat=4,104&ap=1 This says it's for outdoor enthusiasts, but it is a great source for inexpensive high-quality small, useful-in-emergencies items: hand crank radios, gloves, candle lanterns, etc.

Posted by: CatBookMom at September 4, 2005 11:13 AM

Sounds like a good kit so far, just a suggestion tho, add a pack or two of playing cards and/or a board game. If you get stuck in a shelter, or in a home without electricity games to keep your mind busy helps.

Posted by: Nancy at September 4, 2005 04:08 PM

Some stuff that I added to my kit after being without power for 10 days after a hurricane last year:

Bug Wipes/Spray
Sunscreen
Glow Sticks
Sharpie Markers
Tap/Push Lights
Lantern(Battery POwered)
Ziploc Bags un Various Sizes
Large Tarp
Baby Wipes
Clorox Wipes
Large Garbage Bags
Hand Sanitizer

Foods that were helpful and could be eaten at room temp if necessary:
Raviloi/Spaghetti O's
Capri Sun/Juice Boxes
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Beef Jerky
Gatorade/Powerade

And belive me - if you think you have enough water, you don't BUY MORE!

Posted by: Crystal at September 4, 2005 06:00 PM

Very glad to hear that your family is safe. And great tips, everyone! (...particularly for those who live in cities where a fast evacuation is difficult.)

Crystal's right about the water. It's essential. Buy it by the case and store it in the garage, closet, etc. Also, if you're in a big city, it doesn't hurt to prepare for man-made disasters as well. http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/61/67284.htm?pagenumber=2

Posted by: ddj at September 4, 2005 06:58 PM

ya'll don't forgetto bubble-wrap the wine in your kits, and put in a bottle opener!

But seriously, that's a great list, Crystal.

xo to jen :)

Posted by: laurie at September 5, 2005 01:56 PM

Hope the emergency kit is going along well. Also hope that you did not use it as an excuse to finish your reading.

Posted by: Dagny at September 5, 2005 08:36 PM

Thanks for all the emergency kit tips! I haven't actually completed it yet. Somehow news watching detracts from time to actually DO SOMETHING about the news.

Posted by: jen at September 6, 2005 10:39 PM