Meanwhile, I still haven’t heard from two of my three brothers. And I won’t start a list of “friends” who didn’t bother to check on us during or after the storm (waiting until I blogged does not count).
This is so cool. It’s guilt-trip heaven.
Instead of “hello,” I’m going to start off every conversation with: “Yeah, I’m alive. Thanks for asking, ya bastard.”
Did I mention that I don’t have very many friends?
Speaking of friends, the way people have pulled together during this has been incredible. Sure there are the typical jerks on the roads, but mainly people have been great. Those with power (and air conditioning) have been hosting those without. Neighborhoods have been getting together to barbecue and feed those who have no means (and to help them clear out the perishables in their fridge). When the city crews were busy clearing main streets, guys with chainsaws helped cut paths through the side streets. I’ve had more conversations with my neighbors in the past few days than during the previous 10 years! It’s a cliche, but you can usually count on people to rally together during a crisis.
This just in from south Orlando and JustAGirl:
We’re doing well. Had a tree rip in half and bounce off the roof (big oak — at least I think it’s an oak) — minimal damage to the roof. Had the top 50 feet of our cedar tree ripped off and deposited on the neighbors van. Had large limbs off of the two maples we have in the back yard. All in all, a big mess. But the clan is alive, well and feeling good. Not only that, but I have had the pleasure of seeing my neighbors banding together like family and the acts of kindnesses abound. It’s been wonderful to see how we humans can come together in a time like this — well, you know what I mean.
We were without power until yesterday late. I was able to bake a chicken, make mashed potatoes and serve my family a nice meal. I also did a gozillion loads of laundry last night. It was great. And the hot shower this morning…ooo-la-freakin’-la!! It was heaven.
When Denver was snowed in a year ago with 4 to 10 feet of snow – the neighbors rallied outside with snow shovels. The one and only time we were all outside together working for a common cause – escape from cabin fever!
Yeah, maybe I didn’t call you because you told me NOT to, stupid, and the voice mail you left me was all garbled and I didn’t have your stupid home number so I figured your cell coverage was toast.
Oh, and you’re welcome for the box of freaking emergency food I sent you, ya bastard.
Did I mention that I also sent over 7,000 meals to the hurricane victims? Yeah, THEY’RE welcome, too.
Bastards. The lot of ya.
OK fine! Be that way! Take time out of your busy schedule of feeding starving children to send food to the hurricane victims. Make me call and tell you we’re fine before AND after the storm. Freak out when I leave my IM for more than 15 minutes during the storm. Is that what you call caring???
Kat found my home phone number. If you just put a little EFFORT into things…
(Did I mention that I don’t have very many friends?)
So I heard you had some rain the other day, huh?
Anything big?
(I actually have your home number, dummy, but I’m paranoid about people talking on the phone during storms. I was raised to believe you can get zapped straight into your brain, even if you’re on a cordless or cell phone. You didn’t want me to be the cause of unnecessary brain-zappage, did you?)
Oh, and by the way…did I also mention that I’m sending down boxes and boxes AND BOXES AND BOXES of medical supplies, personal hygiene products, blankets, first aid stuff, etc. to the emergency relief department? No, I didn’t mention that?
It’s cuz I’m MODEST, yo.
Yeah. Right. Like you’d be able to tell if I had brain zappage. It’s all excuses, baby. But I’ll let you know when the stuff gets here.
What’s that? You didn’t send any of it to me? Bastard.
Oh and Brian… Yeah, I’m alive. Thanks for asking, ya bastard.
Weirdly, while I was on vacation [Thursday, Friday and Saturday], all I could think of were you, Kathy, and Chari and a few others, hoping you all were OK. Does that make me stalkery?
Mac, while your stalkery concern is touching, we’ve told you before that the restraining order is still valid in Florida. I’m glad you wasted part of your vacation fretting about us, but we’re not paying you for the time lost. Sorry.
I will make you a care package consisting solely of items that begin with the letter B. A box of Barbie bandages, Berry-Bustin’ Boost Breeze, and Fleet enemas.
Ah-ha-ha-ha….
Guilt doesn’t work on me.
I’ve been married too long, it’s effects are harmless.
Puny earth man…
I didn’t figure it would. Bastard. ;p
I thought Whiny was one of your kids, not you. Christ on a cracker you bitch and moan a lot.
Besides, I thought we were telepatchically connected and that you *KNEW* I was praying and concerned. *sniff*
If that’s not you transmitting the weird elf porn to my brain, let me know, because I’ve got a problem then.
Hey! Since when is elf porn weird?
…damn you a tough little bugger…;-)))
I always figured that if you don’t see someone’s name on the “dead list”, then they’re alive.
And I didn’t call you first because I was having trouble making long-distance calls: I was receiving them fine (as far as I could tell), but was having trouble getting an outside (the area) line.
Oh, wait. You are local, aren’t you? … Did you know that you don’t have many friends?
“Oh, and you’re welcome for the box of freaking emergency food I sent you, ya bastard.”
OMG, I thought you were kidding, but a case of food just showed up today. You are insane, Natalie Yates. That’s why we love you.