Katrina (Page 5)

I know, it's just so disheartening. More than anything, knowing that my graduation date is being pushed back yet again.

Any way Ken, I'm blaming this whole thing and you and Mrs. Manatee's plans to leave. See you guys plan to leave and the whole city falls apart.

The other website moved the pic, so here is my copy.

I heard that some of the universities were doing this, although I think that the best thing for me right now is to work, work, work. I need to make as much money as possible in these next few months. Also I am an Accounting major and UNO has the best program in the state with #'s well above any other school, public or private. I really want my classes to be there, so I may just put it off a semester, depending on what my professors do.

Also I want to let everyone know I appreciate the offers for help, and although right now I am not at a place that I can accept them, I will be later in the coming weeks and may ask for your help. I've even thought of creating a drive type thing where people would send me things, clothes and household items and people here could come to me and take what they need.

"Every time we start thinking we're the center of the universe, the universe turns around and says with a slightly distracted air, 'I'm sorry. What'd you say your name was again?'"- Margaret Maron

Read this quote just now, just made me nod my head.

Don't worry. Things like this either bring out the worst in people or the best. We're seeing here, on this forum, that good things can come from tragedy. This forum, and the people here are simply amazing. I've been terribly depressed the past two days, thinking about what my now homeless mom, bro, SIL and nephew are dealing with. But reading this forum, and the outpouring of support it is generating, makes me very, very happy.

And NOLA (my birthplace), is a helluva city. There are bad people everywhere, but that doesn't (and shouldn't) detract from the good that people there are doing as well.

Brandy and I have the same view of the looters.  It just sucks that that seems to be the only thing I keep looking at on TV.  Luckily, I just read on WWLTV.com (great website for info on how awful this tragedy really is, by the way.  Look at the timeline blog.) that Ray Nagin has taken 1500 NOPD officers and ordered them to do "whatever it takes" to stop the looting.  I just can't understand the mentality of these jackasses stealing TV's!  WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE IT???????  WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO PLUG IT IN???????????

Okay, I'm fine now.

On our homefront, good news.  I have gotten 5 job offers for temporary work here in Monroe, LA.  Physical therapists are apparently in demand up here.  Looks like we're not going back to N.O.  In my opinion, I don't care.  I just want to get back to our house (what's left of it) and get whatever we have left and MOVE.  Where?  Dunno.  Either way, wherever we can find a place for hubby to finish his residency, that's where we'll go.

Lane, Brandy, Manatee, if I hear anything else about the area, I'll let you know.  WWLTV.com is the best website, if ya'll didn't know it already.  Love you guys.

Wow, I can't even begin to imagine what you guys are going through down there.  You're definately in my thoughts and prayers.  If there is anything I can do from far away New York don't hesitate to let me know.

And he's BACK!!

We eventually got back in touch with civilization today. Trees blocked roads for miles north of New Orleans where we were staying.  It looked like a war zone.  We had to drive down a highway zig zagging around trees for about 30 miles. Not to mention driving over downed powerlines.

We have seen video of our area, and I am pretty sure our neighborhood has about 10 feet of water in it.  Bummer. 

It is for sure our tri season has come to an end.  And it is doubtful about our future tri plans, as we left our bikes behind, and will have much greater things to contend with upon returning home.  We are not anticipating getting back to the house for a month or two. But, Joann and I are planning on continuing our marathon run training until we can figure things out.

Perhaps we can start a list of folks "in the need" and folks who wish to donate.  Kinda like the suggestion to pair people up, but more loosely connected than that.  For now, it would be for the very basics, like shelter, food, immediate clothing needs, work, etc.  Down the road, it would include more house-keeping stuff involved with re-setting up a 'home'.

If any you you have, or know someone who has, a specific need, email (krprice at rocketmail.com) or PM me and then I'll post a "needed" post with all the details.  How does that sound? 

Jim, how old is your nephew? My sister has LOADS of boys clothes and an OBSCENE amount of toys the boys never play with. They are ages 7 and 11. If your nephew is in this age group or younger... where can we send clothes/toys/books/videos? And what size clothes does your SIL wear?  I have a closet full of casual clothes I never wear and they are immaculate and cute.

Here is a link to the Aug 31 sattelite photo showing the massive flooding.  By looking at the picture, I estimate 8-10 feet of water in my neighborhood.

We are very fortunate as everyone in our family heeded the warning and left the city. Also, both Joann and I have jobs after the storm.  Her business is setting up a satelitte office in Baton Rouge and I am based at the DFW airport. Many people are not as fortunate.  I could not imagine having to start over withhout a house nor jobs to return too.  If that was our situation, I don't think I would be returning to the city. 

Renee,

Thank you. Emery is just a year old. I'm not sure what size Shanie wears, but I think they may be OK for clothes. We know their neighborhood flooded badly, but they have a two story home with the bedrooms upstairs, so if their roof is OK, they should be able to salvage their clothes. Joe (my brother) is in the Navy, and their ship just docked at Mayport NS in Jacksonville, FL. Shanie's going to pick him up, and then they are going to drive back to MS. We'll know more then. Of course, it's been impossible to get info from them.

So thanks again so much, and I'll let you know more when I know more.

I think that's a great idea!  I have a bunch of clothes (that no longer fit due to the bulging muscles tri trianing has blessed with) that I have been meaning to take to Goodwill.  I would love to give them to someone in need.  So if you know anyone who is in need of women's clothing (small shirts, size 4 pants/shorts, etc) let me know.

Hi guys,

I just wanted to let you all know how heartbroken I am about this.  If there's anything I can do, please let me know.  And if anyone needs a place to stay in the Atlanta area, my house is open to you.

You're all in my heart.

Whitney