You all knew it was coming. Here it is.
My dear friend Emmar called me today to say that she is wearing the colorful beads I brought her from Mardi Gras as a political statement: to protest the devastation still apparent in Louisiana and Mississippi. This is why she is my friend. I'm wearing mine for the same reason AND because it's Fat Tuesday. I made gumbo because I now know how.
What has happened, and continues to happen to those of our brethren is shameful. I passed the big ole Halliburton Company with lots of shiny machinery in the yard. They got the big bucks to clean it up. Why are the machineries just sitting around?
One child I spoke to said his father was staying in a trailer on their property gutting the house in order to rebuild. He's doing the work himself. There's no one else to do it. Mom is working in New Orleans and commuting to be with her children. They stay at Grandma's which was never intended to hold them all. Family tensions are running high. The guests don't do enough/clean up enough/ care enough. The hosts are "picky". Everybody has high expectations that they don't share and it causes trouble. He's not the only one. This was a common theme. Some kids didn't know WHAT was going to happen to them.
Construction costs are have doubled since before the hurricanes, and the big home improvement companies are racking up.
The fact that SOMEbody was on vacay/shopping for $500 pumps/looking at million dollar real-estate (choose all) while children watched the dead bodies of their neighbors float by increases my blood pressure. Good thing it's low or I'd be deadified by now. Check out this statement courtesy of ABC News:
BUSH: "Listen, here's the problem that happened in Katrina. There was no situational awareness, and that means that we weren't getting good, solid information from people who were on the ground, and we need to do a better job. One reason we weren't is because communications systems got wiped out, and in many cases we were relying upon the media, who happened to have better situational awareness than the government."
Huh?Dude you were on vacay! And here's another one:
VARGAS: "When you look back on those days immediately following when Katrina struck, what moment do you think was the moment that you realized that the government was failing, especially the people of New Orleans?"
BUSH: "When I saw TV reporters interviewing people who were screaming for help. It looked Â? the scenes looked chaotic and desperate. And I realized that our government was Â? could have done a better job of comforting people. "
They did not need my Mama's macaroni and cheese, although it beats the bejeezies out of any MRE I can guarantee you that. No they did not need comfort. They needed HELP. They said it HELP HELP HELP. That was the clue as to what they needed. Apparently there was a lack of situational awareness.
What I did was a drop in infinity. It was necessary and good work and I am by no means minimizing it. It was the hardest work of my life. However,it can't have any lasting effect. The need is too great and the resources are nil. Mental health prevention in this country does not exist. If each of those children could be provided with 8-16 sessions of trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy many problems could be prevented. Teens are so vulnerable.
So when crime is absolutely infesting the hurricane affected area remember who predicted it. And please don't give me the racist business. None of the people I met fit any stereotype at all.
So beads it is. I'm going to wear Mardi Gras beads every day to remind everyone that it is so not over. If you want some let me know-I'll be glad to send you some.
This is it for now on this blog. When I get some photos back I'll put 'em up. Otherwise I'm back to the other side.
I never like saying I told you so when it's bad news. Let's all pray that I'm wrong.
Amen.
Post amended: Here's a surprise! There WAS "situational awareness"! I know you are shocked, as am I.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Back Home
I am Home. I am so lucky to have one. This I have known for a long time.
I am still whirling so I won't post much now except for theis photo, which I have entitled "Thank goodness for yoga". That's me on the left!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Bon Nuit et Bonne Chance
Okay, chers,
I'm all packed up and I leave in the morning. I have some other things I want to post which I'll do after I get home. I kept some notes and some recordings I want to get to when I'm there. I need a persective. My brain is whirling. More than usual I mean. Stop it lovely sisters, I know you are laughing and I will not call you lovely if you don't cut it out.
I want you all to know that I had the best hosts ever. They were all accomodating, kind, fabulous cooks, and boundlessly energetic members of their community. Their friends were my friends, period. They made the hard work here easier. Check them out at www.naquinsbb.com. Call them if you want to come to the Bayou,cher.
There are things that I know to be true:
1) The recovery effort is cosmetically underway. The psychological scars are so deep it will take resources that people just don't have to fix it. I by no means want to take away from the resilience and determination of the fine people here, anything but. But all the hearings and bazillion page reports and pontification cannot replace what is gone. After a crisis like this life as you know it is over. It's hard for children to think about that.
2) The Mississippi Delta is sinking. Where I sit will be under water in 20 years. The River no longer feeds the Delta because it was dammed up. It is beyond worth saving.
3) I am one fortunate woman to have the opportunity to come here and meet these people who have laughter, spirit and guts that can't be captured by Hollywood, much less by me in this blog. I am humbled by them all.
So good night and good luck to all my new friends.
Pets, I am coming home to you.
I'm all packed up and I leave in the morning. I have some other things I want to post which I'll do after I get home. I kept some notes and some recordings I want to get to when I'm there. I need a persective. My brain is whirling. More than usual I mean. Stop it lovely sisters, I know you are laughing and I will not call you lovely if you don't cut it out.
I want you all to know that I had the best hosts ever. They were all accomodating, kind, fabulous cooks, and boundlessly energetic members of their community. Their friends were my friends, period. They made the hard work here easier. Check them out at www.naquinsbb.com. Call them if you want to come to the Bayou,cher.
There are things that I know to be true:
1) The recovery effort is cosmetically underway. The psychological scars are so deep it will take resources that people just don't have to fix it. I by no means want to take away from the resilience and determination of the fine people here, anything but. But all the hearings and bazillion page reports and pontification cannot replace what is gone. After a crisis like this life as you know it is over. It's hard for children to think about that.
2) The Mississippi Delta is sinking. Where I sit will be under water in 20 years. The River no longer feeds the Delta because it was dammed up. It is beyond worth saving.
3) I am one fortunate woman to have the opportunity to come here and meet these people who have laughter, spirit and guts that can't be captured by Hollywood, much less by me in this blog. I am humbled by them all.
So good night and good luck to all my new friends.
Pets, I am coming home to you.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Winding Down
It's my next to the last day here and I am coming away having made new friends, learned much, and with the desire to do more.
It's part of the work I have chosen to think more needs to be done, but in this case it's a fact Communities in this area have been financially strapped for a long time. Now the evacuees must be absorbed into the school system. I was told that there was a referendum to raise taxes by something like one cent to go specifically to the schools but it was voted down. People are always scared of the word "tax" even though they know their communities need the money. Somebody (wonder who) has made "tax" a four letter word. Such is the story here.
School children watched bodies of people they knew float by. One child I talked to went out onto the porch during the Hurricane and was picked up off her feet. Remember, she was not watching the devastation on TV like we were. She had no power and knew nothing. She's only 12.
I have discovered the fabulous crawfish. Long may it reign. I recommend a restaurant called the Half Shell if you're in the area. They treated me like one of their own, were always happy to see me, and hugged me every time I left. The softshell covered in crawfish sauce was most delectible.Hey, Miss Tina, y'all rock.
The weather here has been foggy and cloudy most of the time. The Bayou LaFourche is beautiful and big and important.
It's part of the work I have chosen to think more needs to be done, but in this case it's a fact Communities in this area have been financially strapped for a long time. Now the evacuees must be absorbed into the school system. I was told that there was a referendum to raise taxes by something like one cent to go specifically to the schools but it was voted down. People are always scared of the word "tax" even though they know their communities need the money. Somebody (wonder who) has made "tax" a four letter word. Such is the story here.
School children watched bodies of people they knew float by. One child I talked to went out onto the porch during the Hurricane and was picked up off her feet. Remember, she was not watching the devastation on TV like we were. She had no power and knew nothing. She's only 12.
I have discovered the fabulous crawfish. Long may it reign. I recommend a restaurant called the Half Shell if you're in the area. They treated me like one of their own, were always happy to see me, and hugged me every time I left. The softshell covered in crawfish sauce was most delectible.Hey, Miss Tina, y'all rock.
The weather here has been foggy and cloudy most of the time. The Bayou LaFourche is beautiful and big and important.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Mardi Gras, The Young People, that Hank Williams Special, and my Precious Nephew
Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras Parade here in Thibodaux on Sunday was great. I caught lots of beads and people were giving them to me because I am from Off. We had a grill going, as did many people along the parade route, and eats were fabulous. Thank you my new friends!
The Young People
Yesterday I woke up with a stopped up ear. Please do not worry, Mama, I am fine. I have medicine and it's almost gone this morning. However, I felt a little weenie when I went early to the High School to meet with more young people. I met with several students, including my girl I told you about in an earlier post. We agreed to write each other after I leave. I am working to get her a therapist that can help her feel better. All of the students have told me that the big noise at 4 in the morning during the storm ( the sound of the power going out) was what made them know how serious their troubles were. Several are angry with their parents and feel guilty because they are. They all have survivor's guilt. Every single one said he or she doesn't want to complain because other people died. If I have done nothing else I have told each of them that their pain is real even if it isn't as bad as someone else's. It was a long day. So I immediately went to the restaurant that offered
That Hank Williams Special
which consisted of Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie, and File Gumbo. With a salad for $7.95. It was so good I almost burst into song. The restaurant is near my home-away-from-home and will be my spot from here on in. I HAVE to learn to make crawfish pie! My hostess has written a cookbook, so maybe she'll help me.
My Precious Nephew
I got an email from my Lovely Sister yesterday with a photo of my precious nephew who is serving all of us in Iraq. Here he is, the one on the left. One more month and he'll be preparing to come home. Hallelujah.
The Mardi Gras Parade here in Thibodaux on Sunday was great. I caught lots of beads and people were giving them to me because I am from Off. We had a grill going, as did many people along the parade route, and eats were fabulous. Thank you my new friends!
The Young People
Yesterday I woke up with a stopped up ear. Please do not worry, Mama, I am fine. I have medicine and it's almost gone this morning. However, I felt a little weenie when I went early to the High School to meet with more young people. I met with several students, including my girl I told you about in an earlier post. We agreed to write each other after I leave. I am working to get her a therapist that can help her feel better. All of the students have told me that the big noise at 4 in the morning during the storm ( the sound of the power going out) was what made them know how serious their troubles were. Several are angry with their parents and feel guilty because they are. They all have survivor's guilt. Every single one said he or she doesn't want to complain because other people died. If I have done nothing else I have told each of them that their pain is real even if it isn't as bad as someone else's. It was a long day. So I immediately went to the restaurant that offered
That Hank Williams Special
which consisted of Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie, and File Gumbo. With a salad for $7.95. It was so good I almost burst into song. The restaurant is near my home-away-from-home and will be my spot from here on in. I HAVE to learn to make crawfish pie! My hostess has written a cookbook, so maybe she'll help me.
My Precious Nephew
I got an email from my Lovely Sister yesterday with a photo of my precious nephew who is serving all of us in Iraq. Here he is, the one on the left. One more month and he'll be preparing to come home. Hallelujah.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
The National Estuary Project, The Young People,Mardi Gras, and the Breakfast Update
National Estuary Project
I tried to place some beautiful maps on this post to give you all a visual of exactly where where I went when I played hooky on Thursday, but I can't get this old computer in my cute room to cooperate. The lovely people from the Barataria Terrebone National Estuary Project needed help at Port Fouchon. That is where offshore oil drilling takes place. Back in the fifties, Large Drilling People (see how nice I am today? See?) dredged new channels to the detriment of barrier islands there called chenieres. ( My New Dream is to run away to a Cheniere. It just sounds really good.) My new best friend Kerry St Pe (accent Ague) is the boss of BTNEP has spent his life trying to save these precious wetlands and apparently having some luck. A particular cheniere had been removed by the Biggus Ones and he convinced them to replace it with the slurry from dredging. "Slurry" sounds to me like a nice frozen drink but it is not. It is sand, grit, etc. We went to the spot on Thursday and planted black mangrove, wetland grass and matrimony vine, which has nice thorns to protect baby pelicans from predators. We like that. Anyway we all worked very hard and had fun too. They gave us yummy gumbo and potato salad at the end of the day. I saw a white pelican. It was a pivotal day for me. I gave each black mangrove a kiss before planting.
The Young People
I met with little kindergarten people yesterday, all of whom were adorable. The work was not as difficult as the day I described before, but it was still profound. These stories need attention and I will take on that responsibility. I have copious notes. The children I met with are permanent residents here now from New Orleans and were good at telling me what has changed. The school is very rural and will hold a little Mardi Gras Parade on Friday. Yes Virginia, I was invited to participate! I will be in a Parade throwing beads!!
Mardi Gras
I had to go to the Thibodaux Walmart Wednesday night to buy mud boots for the journey on Thursday. I came around a corner and was dazzled-Walmart has Mardi Gras beads! An entire aisle of them! I was swept away and of course bought many. I also bought a pointy hat that says "Mardi Gras Princess" on the front. I am invited to a party tomoroow with my BTNEP friends and shall wear it with pride. The party is on the parade route so I will likely catch beads there too. It's all glittery and exciting!
The Breakfast Rundown
I have been remiss in keeping y'all up on the breakfast menu. On Wednesday we had scrambled eggs and ham, biscuits, satsumas, and all kinds of jelly. On Thursday I had cereal because we left for the trip at 5:30 am. On Friday we had baby sweet potatoes, grits, crepes, and biscuits. This morning we had poached eggs with cheese and scallions, crepes, biscuits, and satsumas again. Satsumas are like tangerines but really sweet. Frank gets them from his friend's tree.
Oh and by the way, the AA meeting was great. After it was over a do-rag man came up to me and said"Charleston, SC? Dat up da bayou ain't it?" I said Well oui it certainly is.
Thanks for your support everybody. It means a lot to me.
I tried to place some beautiful maps on this post to give you all a visual of exactly where where I went when I played hooky on Thursday, but I can't get this old computer in my cute room to cooperate. The lovely people from the Barataria Terrebone National Estuary Project needed help at Port Fouchon. That is where offshore oil drilling takes place. Back in the fifties, Large Drilling People (see how nice I am today? See?) dredged new channels to the detriment of barrier islands there called chenieres. ( My New Dream is to run away to a Cheniere. It just sounds really good.) My new best friend Kerry St Pe (accent Ague) is the boss of BTNEP has spent his life trying to save these precious wetlands and apparently having some luck. A particular cheniere had been removed by the Biggus Ones and he convinced them to replace it with the slurry from dredging. "Slurry" sounds to me like a nice frozen drink but it is not. It is sand, grit, etc. We went to the spot on Thursday and planted black mangrove, wetland grass and matrimony vine, which has nice thorns to protect baby pelicans from predators. We like that. Anyway we all worked very hard and had fun too. They gave us yummy gumbo and potato salad at the end of the day. I saw a white pelican. It was a pivotal day for me. I gave each black mangrove a kiss before planting.
The Young People
I met with little kindergarten people yesterday, all of whom were adorable. The work was not as difficult as the day I described before, but it was still profound. These stories need attention and I will take on that responsibility. I have copious notes. The children I met with are permanent residents here now from New Orleans and were good at telling me what has changed. The school is very rural and will hold a little Mardi Gras Parade on Friday. Yes Virginia, I was invited to participate! I will be in a Parade throwing beads!!
Mardi Gras
I had to go to the Thibodaux Walmart Wednesday night to buy mud boots for the journey on Thursday. I came around a corner and was dazzled-Walmart has Mardi Gras beads! An entire aisle of them! I was swept away and of course bought many. I also bought a pointy hat that says "Mardi Gras Princess" on the front. I am invited to a party tomoroow with my BTNEP friends and shall wear it with pride. The party is on the parade route so I will likely catch beads there too. It's all glittery and exciting!
The Breakfast Rundown
I have been remiss in keeping y'all up on the breakfast menu. On Wednesday we had scrambled eggs and ham, biscuits, satsumas, and all kinds of jelly. On Thursday I had cereal because we left for the trip at 5:30 am. On Friday we had baby sweet potatoes, grits, crepes, and biscuits. This morning we had poached eggs with cheese and scallions, crepes, biscuits, and satsumas again. Satsumas are like tangerines but really sweet. Frank gets them from his friend's tree.
Oh and by the way, the AA meeting was great. After it was over a do-rag man came up to me and said"Charleston, SC? Dat up da bayou ain't it?" I said Well oui it certainly is.
Thanks for your support everybody. It means a lot to me.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Young People
At long last I met with 3 of the students on my list that my instructions indicated follow-up. All three are teen-agers, one male, two female. all three were exhibiting such blatant PTSD symptomology I am referring them ASAP to the Psychology Clinic at the University here in Thibodaux. It was heart breaking. These are kids who escaped New Orleans and now live with relatives in the country. The adjustment from urban to country is huge without the trauma of surviving a major natural disaster. One of them had to stay on a roof for 5 days. She was at her sister's house when the levees broke. She was asleep when the helicopter came and they thought she was dead. She was pulled up into the helicopter on a rope by a "soldier man". She did not know where her mother was. She was taken to the Highway with her sister. The buses finally came (she said she had never seen an add water meal and thought it was too weird to eat. ) In the shoving to get on she lost her sister and was taken on another bus to Texas. On that bus she got her period. At this point in the conversation she bowed her head and wept. It was all I could do not to come up out of my chair. But I kept my professional distance and continued with the debriefing. She was in a shelter alone in Texas until the Red Cross found her-her mother had been searching for her.
So as you can see we are six months out and the trauma is still fresh. This is a weird time in a recovery process. People look fine, some of the mess is cleaned up. But all three of these children said it's on their minds everyday. It's no wonder. Last night on the local news there was only one story that was not about Katrina recovery: the bill in Congress blasting the current administration for the non-response, Squabbling in the statehouse over whether displaced New Orleans residents should be able to vote for their mayor from satellite locations (I'm watching this one-if Iraqi citizens can vote while in the US, New Orleans citizens should be able to as well. Big Duh.)
Tonight I meet with a group of substance abusers to see if they have children who need assistance. Hmmm, anybody want to make a bet?
So as you can see we are six months out and the trauma is still fresh. This is a weird time in a recovery process. People look fine, some of the mess is cleaned up. But all three of these children said it's on their minds everyday. It's no wonder. Last night on the local news there was only one story that was not about Katrina recovery: the bill in Congress blasting the current administration for the non-response, Squabbling in the statehouse over whether displaced New Orleans residents should be able to vote for their mayor from satellite locations (I'm watching this one-if Iraqi citizens can vote while in the US, New Orleans citizens should be able to as well. Big Duh.)
Tonight I meet with a group of substance abusers to see if they have children who need assistance. Hmmm, anybody want to make a bet?
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Crepes for breakfast, and Notes to Missy.
Crepes for Breakfast
With peanut butter. No kidding. Heaven.
I found my way to the office that is my headquarters. I got a bunch of paperwork done, read the orietation material and asked questions. Then I hit the trail. I have a list of schools that the teams before me went to and performed assessments and referred as necessary. I got the map and found them all (shew). It took a while, but, since I am a Team of One, I have no co-pilot. I needed to get my bearings. I went to Bayou L'ourse, which of course means "bear" but I did not know that. Probably a good thing. I went to Labadieville, Bell Rose, and Napoleonville. This place is beautiful.
I came back to my home away from home and read more of the information I was given. One paper, written by an doctor from Tulane right after the hurricane, about cultural sensitivity and disaster recovery, is concise and most helpful. I mean, I know how to crisis debrief, actively listen, and validate people in many different situations. But the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina is still obvious no matter what newspapares report. Now we're six months aout and people are still reeling. They're just reeling in a different way and it looks different. And many think they are ok. So I'm happy to get all the help I can.
I found a radio station called "The Ragin Cajun". It is my current favorite. For those of you who are so inclined it's KLRZ and they have streaming.
Notes to Missy
Those who know me pesonally know how much I enjoy weekly sushi with Missy. Since I'm missing our weekly session, I thought I'd visit the local sushi place here in Thibodaux to find myself a little zen and saki. Well, there was no saki, the Korean guy at the door said "How y'all?" and the sushi was great. Along with the sushi there was, not in this order: mac and cheese, Hong Kong Beef, Frog Legs, Petit Fours, Baked Salmon, Chinese Donuts, Chicken and Broccoli, and salad. There was crawfish too but I decided to hold out for tomorrow night's choice the "Hank Williams Special" at another local place that is a combo of jambalaya, crawfish pie, and gumbo. There were no chopsticks and Missy no green Soy Sauce! There WAS wasabi and my sinuses needed it after yesterday's air travel. *sigh* Time to knit my shawl that is the colors of the swamp-alpaca laceweight greens, browns and a shot of turquoise. I love it. So far so good. Stay tuned....
With peanut butter. No kidding. Heaven.
I found my way to the office that is my headquarters. I got a bunch of paperwork done, read the orietation material and asked questions. Then I hit the trail. I have a list of schools that the teams before me went to and performed assessments and referred as necessary. I got the map and found them all (shew). It took a while, but, since I am a Team of One, I have no co-pilot. I needed to get my bearings. I went to Bayou L'ourse, which of course means "bear" but I did not know that. Probably a good thing. I went to Labadieville, Bell Rose, and Napoleonville. This place is beautiful.
I came back to my home away from home and read more of the information I was given. One paper, written by an doctor from Tulane right after the hurricane, about cultural sensitivity and disaster recovery, is concise and most helpful. I mean, I know how to crisis debrief, actively listen, and validate people in many different situations. But the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina is still obvious no matter what newspapares report. Now we're six months aout and people are still reeling. They're just reeling in a different way and it looks different. And many think they are ok. So I'm happy to get all the help I can.
I found a radio station called "The Ragin Cajun". It is my current favorite. For those of you who are so inclined it's KLRZ and they have streaming.
Notes to Missy
Those who know me pesonally know how much I enjoy weekly sushi with Missy. Since I'm missing our weekly session, I thought I'd visit the local sushi place here in Thibodaux to find myself a little zen and saki. Well, there was no saki, the Korean guy at the door said "How y'all?" and the sushi was great. Along with the sushi there was, not in this order: mac and cheese, Hong Kong Beef, Frog Legs, Petit Fours, Baked Salmon, Chinese Donuts, Chicken and Broccoli, and salad. There was crawfish too but I decided to hold out for tomorrow night's choice the "Hank Williams Special" at another local place that is a combo of jambalaya, crawfish pie, and gumbo. There were no chopsticks and Missy no green Soy Sauce! There WAS wasabi and my sinuses needed it after yesterday's air travel. *sigh* Time to knit my shawl that is the colors of the swamp-alpaca laceweight greens, browns and a shot of turquoise. I love it. So far so good. Stay tuned....
Elle est arrive
Yall! Bayou dark at night!
Making way seemed to be more difficult than it needed to be. My first flight from Charleston to Atlanta was late-the plane has to come from somewhere snow bound. I guess I thought they had enough that they could use one from somewhere else if one was stuck somewhere but I was incorrect. So we were 30 minutes late leaving after I had bothered to Check for on times and get there 1 hour early.
One of the nice things about Charleston is I always see somebody I know. I ran into a friend in the airport. We boarded the plane. She sat in front of me and went to High School with the guy sitting next to me. I love this place.
SO, anyway, I missed my connection to New Orleans. It was sitting there-I could see it-but it was too late. Not to worry, there was another one in an hour. That gave me time to go to this place called "Sports Scene" for some en route nachos with my new friend Carolyn. This place had sports equipment all over the walls. Right in front of my particular face was a big cup they use in hockey. I am not kidding. I think I'll open a delicious restaurant in the Atlanta airport. I'd make a killing. Something nice and comforting would be worht gold during a hard travel day. Some nice soup and a little cheese sandwich? M-HMM I digress.
So we got on our next flight. I had left home at 9, it's now 3. We're all boarded and we hear "This is you captain speaking" and I knew it was trouble. We had to wait while the mechanics checked it out and *surprise!* We had to debark, they had to find us another plane, we had to board again, and then we came to NO. I was a LITTLE concerned about finding my way in the car after dark. However, my hosts were and are of the Graciousest Class of People, and they helped me via cell phone. Y'all, when I saw my accomodations I nearly cried from happiness. It's an efficiency with a full fridge, stove, computer, tv vcr and laundry facilities. There's a big porch right outside my door perfect for hanging out which I will do. The only thing that made this scene more perfect was the fact that there is a place very nearby that makes po'boys- a big shrimp po'boy and a cup of tea: now I'm ready for whatever is facing me. Oui.
Making way seemed to be more difficult than it needed to be. My first flight from Charleston to Atlanta was late-the plane has to come from somewhere snow bound. I guess I thought they had enough that they could use one from somewhere else if one was stuck somewhere but I was incorrect. So we were 30 minutes late leaving after I had bothered to Check for on times and get there 1 hour early.
One of the nice things about Charleston is I always see somebody I know. I ran into a friend in the airport. We boarded the plane. She sat in front of me and went to High School with the guy sitting next to me. I love this place.
SO, anyway, I missed my connection to New Orleans. It was sitting there-I could see it-but it was too late. Not to worry, there was another one in an hour. That gave me time to go to this place called "Sports Scene" for some en route nachos with my new friend Carolyn. This place had sports equipment all over the walls. Right in front of my particular face was a big cup they use in hockey. I am not kidding. I think I'll open a delicious restaurant in the Atlanta airport. I'd make a killing. Something nice and comforting would be worht gold during a hard travel day. Some nice soup and a little cheese sandwich? M-HMM I digress.
So we got on our next flight. I had left home at 9, it's now 3. We're all boarded and we hear "This is you captain speaking" and I knew it was trouble. We had to wait while the mechanics checked it out and *surprise!* We had to debark, they had to find us another plane, we had to board again, and then we came to NO. I was a LITTLE concerned about finding my way in the car after dark. However, my hosts were and are of the Graciousest Class of People, and they helped me via cell phone. Y'all, when I saw my accomodations I nearly cried from happiness. It's an efficiency with a full fridge, stove, computer, tv vcr and laundry facilities. There's a big porch right outside my door perfect for hanging out which I will do. The only thing that made this scene more perfect was the fact that there is a place very nearby that makes po'boys- a big shrimp po'boy and a cup of tea: now I'm ready for whatever is facing me. Oui.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Provisions, Hydrating,Mardi Gras and the Animals
Provisions
This afternoon I went to Barnes and Noble to provision. Here's what brought home: Vanity Fair with that skinny girl on the cover, Horticulture , O, and Vogue Knitting. I also bought an ancient Doug Kershaw CD and I am now getting in the Cajun Mood. Cajun Joe was the Bully of the Bayou! He was from Thibodaux. Did you know that? Consider yourself enlightened. I have Airborne and Vitamin C. I have all necessary documents in one organized binder. Diggy-liggy Lo.
I got the luggage from Missy since I am suitcase-challenged. It's the perfect size for boots. Speaking of, I will be wearing the Pink Ones on the plane. For those of you who have known me for long you know this means I mean Bidness. The black-pointy-toed terrorist stompers will be in Missy's luggage. I'll be wearing them on the way home.
Hydrating
Okay, I am having many glasses of water and gave myself a nice facial today. I do that on Sundays anyway. I made a mask of oatmeal, parsley and yogurt. I am now hydrated. And feeling good about it.
Mardi Gras
Well imagine how serendipitous I felt when I realized that my tiem in the Bayou would include Mardi Gras. No, Mother I will not go to that raucous thing in New Orleans. I will go to the one inThibodaux. I found my beads I got at a Cajun Music-fest at Wolftrap a lifetime ago. It's all very exciting. It's the Comeback Mardi Gras.
The Animals
My new friend at Whole Food's name is Sweet Cin. She asked for a report on how the animals are doing. I will include an update on this subject along with everything else. I'm still haunted by those pictures of those poor hungry dogs, as I know are many of you. It's a good thing I'm not driving. I'd bring home a carload.
This afternoon I went to Barnes and Noble to provision. Here's what brought home: Vanity Fair with that skinny girl on the cover, Horticulture , O, and Vogue Knitting. I also bought an ancient Doug Kershaw CD and I am now getting in the Cajun Mood. Cajun Joe was the Bully of the Bayou! He was from Thibodaux. Did you know that? Consider yourself enlightened. I have Airborne and Vitamin C. I have all necessary documents in one organized binder. Diggy-liggy Lo.
I got the luggage from Missy since I am suitcase-challenged. It's the perfect size for boots. Speaking of, I will be wearing the Pink Ones on the plane. For those of you who have known me for long you know this means I mean Bidness. The black-pointy-toed terrorist stompers will be in Missy's luggage. I'll be wearing them on the way home.
Hydrating
Okay, I am having many glasses of water and gave myself a nice facial today. I do that on Sundays anyway. I made a mask of oatmeal, parsley and yogurt. I am now hydrated. And feeling good about it.
Mardi Gras
Well imagine how serendipitous I felt when I realized that my tiem in the Bayou would include Mardi Gras. No, Mother I will not go to that raucous thing in New Orleans. I will go to the one inThibodaux. I found my beads I got at a Cajun Music-fest at Wolftrap a lifetime ago. It's all very exciting. It's the Comeback Mardi Gras.
The Animals
My new friend at Whole Food's name is Sweet Cin. She asked for a report on how the animals are doing. I will include an update on this subject along with everything else. I'm still haunted by those pictures of those poor hungry dogs, as I know are many of you. It's a good thing I'm not driving. I'd bring home a carload.
Friday, February 10, 2006
OO y'all I am one busy girl!
The Agency is allowing me to go alone since I am not scared of the sort of thing, and I am so glad. I heard I will be working in the schools. That's all I know. I'm taking my child and adolescent PTSD assessments (well, duh, I know, but it's nice to have measures that have empirical back-up).
I do not have adequate luggage. I do not go on trips that involve work so I've never had to take work fashions. Fortunately I am not required to dress up, jeans are recommended and are very heavy. So I am borrowing luggage from my dear friend and Travel Queen Missy. She is moving soon to a beachfront home! Yay! Anyway, I am reshuffling all clothing items.
I spoke with my hostess, Miss Joyce. She told me that everything is available down there so I don't have to lug stuff I might not need. I looked it up-there is a Michael's in case I need needles etc. I'm taking my Denise's on the plane. I hope it's all copacetic.
I located my Mardi Gras beads. I do not want to try to acquire them when I get there. I will wear them on the plane in a show of soladarity to all my Brothers and Sisters affected by Hurricane Katrina and all the brouhaha that has ensued. I love that word brouhaha. I just hope I don't get in any while I'm gone. If I do it will not be the first time.
The Agency is allowing me to go alone since I am not scared of the sort of thing, and I am so glad. I heard I will be working in the schools. That's all I know. I'm taking my child and adolescent PTSD assessments (well, duh, I know, but it's nice to have measures that have empirical back-up).
I do not have adequate luggage. I do not go on trips that involve work so I've never had to take work fashions. Fortunately I am not required to dress up, jeans are recommended and are very heavy. So I am borrowing luggage from my dear friend and Travel Queen Missy. She is moving soon to a beachfront home! Yay! Anyway, I am reshuffling all clothing items.
I spoke with my hostess, Miss Joyce. She told me that everything is available down there so I don't have to lug stuff I might not need. I looked it up-there is a Michael's in case I need needles etc. I'm taking my Denise's on the plane. I hope it's all copacetic.
I located my Mardi Gras beads. I do not want to try to acquire them when I get there. I will wear them on the plane in a show of soladarity to all my Brothers and Sisters affected by Hurricane Katrina and all the brouhaha that has ensued. I love that word brouhaha. I just hope I don't get in any while I'm gone. If I do it will not be the first time.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
My Lovely Sister,Uh Oh, and Ask Susie
My Lovely Sister
For those of you reading comments, the Anonymous Blogger Libba is my lovely sister, the mother of my nephew Chad. He is serving you in Iraq. I will tell him you said thank you. Hey you. Other sister. You know who you are.If you want me to call you lovely you have to comment. I do not care where in Texas you are.
Uh Oh
I got a call from the Agency today, from my New Friend Dr. Chu Chu, I love that combo in name and I am not kidding. She told me that the other person meant to form my team (which I am to Lead) backed out. Well, all I can say is bummer for you, Other Person. You just missed it. Dr. said she may have to send me somewhere else because, since she is a conscientious person, doesn't like to send people out alone. " N-to-the O" I said. "Please believe me when I tell you I am fine by myself. I used to work in the Homeless Shelter at 11th and M!" She remembered that I might be ok in a small town alone. I reassured her of that fact. I really want to meet Frank and Joyce! She wants to find me a team toLead, I think, but I will not waiver if I can help it. I don't want to make trouble for Dr. Chu Chu. Stand by everybody.
Ask Susie
Okay, a faithful friend asked why I have identified "Fashion" as my business field. Well. I had to pick from their choices on blogspot. And, like everyone else in the entire world, or maybe just this country, Social Work is not a Field of Business. I'd like to know what Social Work IS then, but anyway, I pick from their choices and change it up depending on my mood.
Yall have asked how much I love being from the Carolinas. I have to say a lot. And I will miss
being home a lot while I am away. This, however, I will not miss.
Hallelujah.
For those of you reading comments, the Anonymous Blogger Libba is my lovely sister, the mother of my nephew Chad. He is serving you in Iraq. I will tell him you said thank you. Hey you. Other sister. You know who you are.If you want me to call you lovely you have to comment. I do not care where in Texas you are.
Uh Oh
I got a call from the Agency today, from my New Friend Dr. Chu Chu, I love that combo in name and I am not kidding. She told me that the other person meant to form my team (which I am to Lead) backed out. Well, all I can say is bummer for you, Other Person. You just missed it. Dr. said she may have to send me somewhere else because, since she is a conscientious person, doesn't like to send people out alone. " N-to-the O" I said. "Please believe me when I tell you I am fine by myself. I used to work in the Homeless Shelter at 11th and M!" She remembered that I might be ok in a small town alone. I reassured her of that fact. I really want to meet Frank and Joyce! She wants to find me a team toLead, I think, but I will not waiver if I can help it. I don't want to make trouble for Dr. Chu Chu. Stand by everybody.
Ask Susie
Okay, a faithful friend asked why I have identified "Fashion" as my business field. Well. I had to pick from their choices on blogspot. And, like everyone else in the entire world, or maybe just this country, Social Work is not a Field of Business. I'd like to know what Social Work IS then, but anyway, I pick from their choices and change it up depending on my mood.
Yall have asked how much I love being from the Carolinas. I have to say a lot. And I will miss
being home a lot while I am away. This, however, I will not miss.Hallelujah.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Oh Goody
The Call
Last fall I sent a request to serve as a mental health disaster response team member. One of my colleagues, Lucille, went to New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina had beat them all up so bad. She had many tales to tell and I kept hoping the agency would need me. I got an email from them last night. I am going to Thibodaux, Louisiana and I am thrilled. Even though I will be volunteering for 12 hours a day, 14 days in a row, I am thrilled. I have always wanted to travel to that area, ALWAYS, and now here I go.
I have now done a little research. It appears that I will be staying in the home of some real honest-to-God Cajun people and that fact by itself is awesome. They have a fish camp! I do NOT know what that is! But this is what it looks like. It seems to be hollerin' my name.
The Plan
All my plans are being made for me by a travel agency. I'll fly from Charleston to New Orleans and rent a car. Then I'll drive to Thibodaux, which is not far. Like all good Southern citizens I will stop in Atlanta. You know what they say- when we die we'll have to stop in Atlanta on the way to the Great Reward. I believe it, yes I do.
I am now going to Tarjay (appropriate, since I will be staying with people whose first language is Francais)to provision for the trip: Airborne, new socks (because I can't find mates to the ones I have, I've tried, I promise), tiny little cute bottles of stuff. Dog food so the neighbors can care for my loved ones in the appropriate and fabulous way they always do. It is such a relief to me not to have to board them while I go away. They can do what they always do: sleep and bark at other dogs who dare walk by.
The Agency has sent me the name of the person I report to on the ground. She has to license us in the State of Louisiana before we can do anything else. I have to take my Social Work License to show, so I'm ordering a new one from the Board just in case I lose it ( "What?" you say.)
I have been appointed Team Leader which is an honor. Lucille was one too and she gave me the rundown. Apparently her team was big:14, 15 people. After researching I found out my team is two. Yes one other poor person and me. I will Lead this other person. We'll see how it goes.
Wish me luck y'all. It's a big Life Experience.
Last fall I sent a request to serve as a mental health disaster response team member. One of my colleagues, Lucille, went to New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina had beat them all up so bad. She had many tales to tell and I kept hoping the agency would need me. I got an email from them last night. I am going to Thibodaux, Louisiana and I am thrilled. Even though I will be volunteering for 12 hours a day, 14 days in a row, I am thrilled. I have always wanted to travel to that area, ALWAYS, and now here I go.
I have now done a little research. It appears that I will be staying in the home of some real honest-to-God Cajun people and that fact by itself is awesome. They have a fish camp! I do NOT know what that is! But this is what it looks like. It seems to be hollerin' my name.
The Plan
All my plans are being made for me by a travel agency. I'll fly from Charleston to New Orleans and rent a car. Then I'll drive to Thibodaux, which is not far. Like all good Southern citizens I will stop in Atlanta. You know what they say- when we die we'll have to stop in Atlanta on the way to the Great Reward. I believe it, yes I do.
I am now going to Tarjay (appropriate, since I will be staying with people whose first language is Francais)to provision for the trip: Airborne, new socks (because I can't find mates to the ones I have, I've tried, I promise), tiny little cute bottles of stuff. Dog food so the neighbors can care for my loved ones in the appropriate and fabulous way they always do. It is such a relief to me not to have to board them while I go away. They can do what they always do: sleep and bark at other dogs who dare walk by.
The Agency has sent me the name of the person I report to on the ground. She has to license us in the State of Louisiana before we can do anything else. I have to take my Social Work License to show, so I'm ordering a new one from the Board just in case I lose it ( "What?" you say.)
I have been appointed Team Leader which is an honor. Lucille was one too and she gave me the rundown. Apparently her team was big:14, 15 people. After researching I found out my team is two. Yes one other poor person and me. I will Lead this other person. We'll see how it goes.
Wish me luck y'all. It's a big Life Experience.
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