Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

I feel like I'm in limbo this week.

We're settling into our school routine, and life is pretty smooth, more or less, but all the same, I'm distracted.

This is the time of year when the folks in the Southeast get a little edgy about the weather. Some years it gains us nothing to be watchful, other than a surplus of batteries, ice and charcoal. Other years, like the year Hurricane Fran came through(1996), or Floyd (1999) we were complacent, and didn't prepare, so when the storms came through we were caught with our pants down and the paddling for not having our ducks lined up was ugly. Nothing like having no power and nothing to eat in the house for almost 6 days to make you take it seriously, right?

I like to think that if we make all the preparations nothing will happen. That the hurricanes are somehow sentient beings who prefer to wreak their havoc on the unsuspecting, so if we are ready and watchful, they'll pass us by.

It's what I like to think, because it beats the hell out of remembering and focusing on the absolute terror of hearing that non-stop howling wind; of the continual rattle and pound of god-knows-what falling on your roof; the worry that the flooding will be too great and the yard will crumble into the creek, taking part of the house with it; of insurance companies who take their time or refuse to compensate. Of trying to get on with your life when even putting dinner on the table or washing clothes are major hurdles.

And yet, we are prepared, as much as we can be, and all there is to do is wait. Wait and see.

In the words of Inigo Montoya, from "The Princess Bride" - "I hate waiting."

19 comments:

thailandchani said...

I remember those storms, too. The only logical thing is to be as prepared as possible - and try to put it out of your mind. That would bug me, too.


~*

Madge said...

i hate waiting to. stay safe...

FairiesNest said...

Gack, tis the season all right. How many are we waiting on now...3?!! I think it's all that hot air from the Rep. Convention stirrin' thing up...

Chanda (aka Bea) said...

I also hate spending 50 bucks at wal-mart on batteries, candles, flashlights, etc. It cuts into my sushi fund dammit!.

flutter said...

just come out here!

Vodka Mom said...

My name is Inigo Montoya. prepare to die. I've decided to elevate you to the superwoman status. Anyone who can quote one of my heroes is okay by me.

:) I'll light a prayer candle for ya. (pssst. the wind isn't as loud after two or three martinis.)

Zephyr said...

If it helps, we're all waiting with you... even those of us in the midwest. *hugs*

Karen Jensen said...

Stay safe.

Arizaphale said...

Can't imagine living with weather like that. Fingers crossed for this season.

bandick said...

See? See? Minnesota doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

We may have cold weather (it preserves your youth) but there are no hurricanes, no earthquakes, no mudslides, and only the occasional (read sometimes quite frequent) tornado.

But there's a lake on every corner and quick access to Canada in case you need to vamoose!

You prepare yourself...don't let anything happen to my pickle!

Kelley said...

Ah - here I thought I was the only person who obsessively watched the hurricane tracker during Indian Summer.

Nevermind that I'm in Atlanta... We get tropical storms. And refugees. They count.

Anonymous said...

Superstition offers a strange peace of mind, huh. It's the same reason why I never let my husband leave the house without saying "Be careful." Because I just know the ONE TIME I don't say it...

Fringers crossed for you this hurricane season!

Deb said...

I can't imagine what it would be like to ride out a hurricane. Hopefully you are right and your preparedness will protect you from the storms.

San Diego Momma said...

I can't even imagine how you feel, but my heart and thoughts go out to you just the same.

Anonymous said...

What flutter said. We've never had a hurricane in Indiana . . .

Be safe, my friend . . .

Gypsy said...

It's been so active this year, hasn't it? I'll be happy when the season is over.

Maggie, Dammit said...

Just another reason to move to Wisconsin, no?

Be safe, my friend.

Anonymous said...

I understand how you feel. My entire family was effected by Katrina. So when Gus was on its way to New Orleans last week, and my father refused to evacuated because he has just spent everything he had rebuilding his home, the wait seemed so painful.

Wishing for safety for you and your family!

A Free Man said...

I managed to grow up in Florida without ever getting properly walloped by a hurricane. To be honest, I kind of miss hurricane season.