There are several things about L.A. that I'm not crazy about: smog, crowds, traffic and EARTHQUAKES!! As many of you probably know by now, we had an earthquake measuring 5.4 this morning at 11:40. I have never been in a really big quake and I pray I never am.
I was watching Hadley (Charley's friend) this morning and so I had three little girls here with me. My house was a disaster because I was sweeping and mopping so everything was out of it's normal place. All of a sudden I feel a little rumble and then I hear the earthquake. I don't know how to describe it. I had only been in 2 tiny earthquakes before this one so I had to stop for half a second to figure it out. Luckily, Madeleine was close so I grabbed her and ran to Charley's room (probably the most earthquake friendly room in the house) where the girls were playing. They were rooted to their spots and wouldn't move when I called them to me. After a little loud coaxing we got into a safe position together. The girls really didn't comprehend what had just happened, but I was shaking like a leaf. Once I was sure the quake was over I laid Madie in her crib and let the girls go back to playing. I had to sit for a minute and compose myself. I just kept waiting for the aftershock (which we have not yet experienced in our city thus far . . .). Nothing happened and I pulled myself together and tried to go back to work.
Fortunately, we were not the epicenter and the quake only lasted about 5 - 10 seconds. It's hard to tell when you're in the middle of it. It seems so silly that such a short quake would get me so on edge, but for someone who didn't grow up in "earthquake country" it is not pleasant. I couldn't get in contact with Ameri who was on the train headed downtown and my phones wouldn't work. My sister Julie called to check on me so I knew my land-line was at least working again. That was a relief and it was nice to have a calm voice to listen to and to have a listening ear. Thanks Jules!!
Well, now I'm thinking about emergency preparedness. In church on Sunday we had a Sacrament meeting on being prepared and this just drives the message home. We need to be prepared. Ameri and I have our water barrels filled and have most of our 72 hour kits together but we definitely have a weekend project this Saturday!! If you do not have a 72 hour kit or do not know what it is I hope that you will go to providentliving.org or to lds.about.com
There are my thoughts that were literally shaken into me this morning. We just never know what's coming. It was a beautiful day today and we had not a care except to vacuum. Again, thankfully, it was a small quake that didn't last long. So we carry on and thank our Father in Heaven for the reminder!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
being from california, i have been in my far share of earthquakes! they scare me! i haven't been in one since i've had kids, but they scare me even more now that i have children. we've had several fhe lessons on disaters and what to do in earthquakes and fires, etc. the girls keep a spot under their bed clear just in case they need to climb under in an earthquake!
glad you all survived!
That would be creepy! I would most likely freak out too. We are trying to get all of our stuff together too. It is a lot of work. I love reading your blog you are too cute!!!
We had a few earthquakes in L.A. while I was on my mission, but nothing like what you experienced. How scary. Thanks for the good reminder!
Hey guys! What have you been up to lately? I hope things are good...no more earthquakes, at least.
I officially call you a slacker blogger! But I wanted you to know that I blogged some pics of Charley & Hadley. Hugs!
Post a Comment