Such a great day! We went to early Mass with our Easter bonnets and white shoes, then headed out to Crystal Beach!
Sure it was chilly, but remember when you were 4? It doesn't matter, it's the Beach!!
I want to write something, I just don't know what or how much.
The OCD part of me wants to write a perfect little story, but that perfection has me stifled. I think I will just enter my observations. Like how this is all so surreal. This place is HUGE. And everyone has a story. Like when you tell your Hurricane story - Where were you when the storm came in? Did you evacuate? Did you have any storm damage? We're all the same. No one really is unique, we all are trying to figure out if we have cancer and what are we going to do about it. But then again we are unique - different cancers different stages.
I'm drinking Barium again.
Now this is weird. I am here in the Imaging waiting room, and there are all these people sitting around sipping on their little bottles of Barium through a straw.
Telling their story - I'm from Ft Worth... We drove in from Cinncinnati... This is our third visit... I've been coming for 18 months... Breast... Kidney... Lungs... We love to travel, last month we went to Italy, I think it will be our last time.
A casualty of Hurricane Ike.
I don't know which is harder - finding ice after a Hurricane or finding a new pair of flip flops after Summer.
This song keeps going through my head.
Got a taste of the Gulf while I was brushing my teeth this morning! Can't boil that away.
We had been notified to boil water before consumption. More people coming back to the area has put increased burden on the lift stations, most of which are operating on generator power.
I suppose this would be the reason to stock up on bottled water.
Surfing the internet!
I found a very funny political skit from SNL. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler is Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama was suppose to host Saturday Night Live this past Weekend. He cancelled because of all of the devastation from Hurricane Ike.
I was able to find a good deal on a hotel room in San Antonio. Just 5 blocks from the Alamo! WiFi and laundry facilities!
I think that tomorrow I will see if there is something that I can do that is more constructive. My Little Distraction has kept alot of my attention, but I should be able to find something that she can come along on - handing out ice, cooking up and serving hot meals, something.
I still haven't cleared and organized the closets. Perhaps lack of time is not the reason that it has not been done. D'ya think?
We decided to stay in Beaumont after all. We live in a safe location and we were pretty sure that the TV station would be up on generator and we could go there if we needed.
Hurricane Ike came in Friday night and about 1AM Saturday our power went out. We were very fortunate. Others not so much.
We spent the weekend grilling up the meat in our freezers and standing around looking at all the downed trees. Sunday, we picked up branches and swept off the porch and moved the plants back. A grocery store was open so we were able to buy charcoal and snacks. It's funny, I wanted to stock up on junk that I never buy at any other time - chips and Little Debbie snack cakes!
Sunday afternoon the generator was running and power was on at the station. So we have been hanging around here. But we are getting a bit antsy. Laying around watching DVD's and playing video games is fun for about a day - tomorrow we need to find some activity. My daughter's little friends all have scattered to other cities and we cannot escape to Chik Fil A or the park, or even meander through HEB or the Mall.
This weekend I am booked to work in San Antonio. My favorite Newsman and Wiggles will be coming along too. I haven't booked a hotel yet, I had planned to priceline.com this week and get a good price. I found a great site to check hotel availability during disasters. I hear that alot of people evacuated West. I am hoping they are not all booked this weekend.
I am taking some pictures, to post about how we are doing.
Driving around feels kinda like a Sunday afternoon. I am surprised how many people are in town. No traffic lights, though. You have to really pay attention. I think they are finally putting huge Stop signs up at the intersections - you can't miss 'em.
My favorite Newsman is working long days. He is doing the morning show and gathering News and reporting during the day. He was in Orange and Bridge City today. One of the photographers went up in a Helicopter this afternoon and got aerial footage. So I would say that the best place to get information and really good pictures is at KBMT12.com. You also can find useful links like Entergy's site for outage information. I am hearing that power already is coming on around the area.
I am sitting here now in the newsroom. It's quiet and I can get on line here. Earlier it was all very busy getting the late newscasts together. Soon the morning crew will be in. These guys really take the news and weather seriously. They work hard to stay on top of things to get the latest info and keep everyone up to date. It is so exciting when new info comes in that is helpful - FEMA and Entergy spokepeople, Carmen Apple, Judge Thibodeaux, lots of people taking time to come in and go on the air to answer questions.
Fortunately a cool front blew in. A good thing since we have no air conditioning. It's a bit chilly out tonight. I opened my windows earlier to let the cool breeze through; my bath towels and sneakers finally are dry.
I keep thinking about all the times that I have said "If only I could have a couple of days with nothing to do - I could finally clean out these closets and organize these scrapbooks!"
The not knowing is difficult. How long til things get back to normal? Postal Service? Bank open? School? Laundry? And it's hard to create and adjust to a new schedule.
I'm not complaining, just wondering - we're safe, and that is everything. And now my little girl has another adventure to add to her little lifetime.
very cool Hurricane tracker
We have been getting several phone calls from Friends & Family asking how we are doing. I see that some have been checking here for an update so I guess I should post something.
It's just quiet busy activity around here. Most of us have got our Hurricane evacuation routine down. I'm not worried. My daughter is kind of excited about it all. No big drama. In her little world she knows there's a storm coming. Everyone is acting a bit different. Eventually we'll be packing up the car to go visiting.
I have a theory about rainy weather and how it affects me. When the low pressure moves in I get an incredible headache and get really sleepy. I don't have time for either, so first thing I do is mix up a double Spark and grab MNS Max Energy and an extra Probiotic Restore. Catalyst is helpful, too. The amino acids give me an energy boost, and I think the L-arginine helps with my headache. I'll mix up a Rehydrate and some Arginine Extreme and put it the fridge for later. I have a Meal Replacement Shake for breakfast.
I filled up at the gas station this morning then went to HEB to get a few things. That was probably the most stressful part of the day. I only needed milk and eggs, and my Sidekick wanted sushi for lunch. So we picked up what we needed then got in an incredibly long check-out line.
Can't they tead? It says EXPRESS CHECK-OUT 20 Items or fewer. OK, now we are getting into naptime, and Wiggles & I both are getting fussy.
It's amazing all the people at the grocery store. I wonder what they're stocking up for? Really - if you think it's going to be that bad, leave town. And if you are leaving town, buy stuff when you get there. I suppose travel snacks and some drinks for the road trip are a good idea, and I guess I could have waited on the milk & eggs.
My favorite Newsman will be staying in Beaumont as long as it is safe. My daughter & I probably will be visiting some friends in Louisiana. I had thought Lake Charles, but now I think we may be going on to Lafayrtte or even Baton Rouge. Our only real concerns are losing electricity, and the horrible traffic along I-10.
I need to throw the laundry in the dryer, take a couple of Nightime Recovery and a Zzz's and get some sleep. I'll get up early with the News and Weather, mix up a Spark and check DOTD traffic cams for my trip to Louisiana.
I know it was a HUGE storm, but fortunately for me, Hurricane Gustav was just an inconvenience. I had planned to be working in Houston anyway. A mandatory evacuation was called for Beaumont to begin at 6AM Sunday. So Saturday night after my event I drove home to pack some things and pick up my daughter Traffic on Westbound Interstate 10 could have been fine, just a bit heavy, except for the car wreck and that had things backed up for miles! Fortunately I was travelling East.
At home, I moved stuff away from the windows and lifted some things off the floor. But our place is really pretty safe. Our big concern is the power going out.
Sunday morning I packed a few things, put my daughter in the car with the DVD player and some coloring books, and headed back to Houston.
In Houston it was still pretty much business as usual. My daughter spent the day in the pool with my cousin & her kids. I was working a booth at the Texas Music Festival.
The weather did affect the AdvoBus schedule. I am sorry that they will not be stopping in Beaumont, but excited to see that they will be in my old stomping ground Lake Charles and continuing on across Louisiana.
I talked with the driver of the AdvoBus, and here is the new schedule:
I have been half heartedly preparing for a possible Hurricane evacuation. I looked through the pantry to see what we should eat now in case we lose power and refrigeration; and what kind of snacks we would need for a road trip. I suppose if we absolutely have to, we could survive on Meal Replacement Shakes, Spark, Muscle Gain, ReHydrate - Just add water. Throw in some Snack Bars and Fruit & Vegetable Formula and we're good to go! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Some healthy choices to start the day off on the right foot are low-sugar cereal with 1% low-fat milk and fruit, or whole grain waffles with low-sugar syrup and a small glass of orange juice, or one slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and jelly and a glass of 1% low-fat milk. Create a healthy shopping list with your children at home before going to the market. Before you leave, help children understand that, “If it’s not on the list, we’re not buying it.” Remember that it is okay to take control and say no to your children, especially when it comes to junk food and sweets. You are the boss. “Children and teenagers are experiencing medical complications, such as high blood sugar levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure at alarming rates due to sedentary lifestyles and consuming too many calories,” says Hark. “By setting a good example, providing healthy foods in as many settings as possible and being active with their children, parents can play a huge role in improving their children’s health now and in the future. Follow the ABC’s for a wonderful 2007-2008 school year. Dr. Hark, PhD, RD, is Director of the Nutrition Education Program at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, hosted TLC’s show “Honey, We’re Killing the Kids”. PENN Medicine consists of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation’s first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
This also got me thinking about having to pack lunches for school again. Of course, my daughter only has school a couple of times a week, but still, I want to be sure she gets the good stuff - and LIKES it!
Maybe I am overthinking it, but I remember when I was in school and sometimes my tummy would get all rumbly, or I would get sleepy or cranky and just not be able to pay attention.
Sure, I have a few ideas, but I also want variety. A couple of my listed Blog favorites have some great recipes.
Recently, our friends at Advocare have written some great articles relevant to Kids and Back-to-School. They can be found on SupplementalScience.com. Here is one that offers some guidelines for helping Kids make healthy choices.
As our long, hot summer draws to a close; it’s time to start making those plans for back to school. Today, we would like to make available Dr. Lisa Hark’s advice on the ABC’s of back-to-school nutrition for parents and children. “Learning to enjoy nutritious foods and be physically active in fun ways are life lessons that parents can teach their children to help them develop healthy habits they will carry through their school years and on into adulthood,” Lisa advises.
Limit TV and video game time to less than 2 hours a day. Studies show that the more children are exposed to TV ads for junk food and sweetened drinks, the more likely they are to consume large amounts of unhealthy food.
Work in at least one hour of activity every day. Children spend most of the school day sitting, so get them outside for some play time after school. To get moving, choose activities like baseball, frisbee, jump rope, dancing, hula-hoop, and tag.
Use weekends for active family bonding outings. Hiking, biking, walking, and sports all count, so get out, get moving, and have some fun!
Don’t rely on school lunch options. Pack a healthy lunch at least 3 times a week. Healthy choices include whole wheat bread or a small whole grain wrap with turkey, ham or tuna salad, low-fat yogurt, fruit, and a water bottle.
After school is a great time to get children to eat their vegetables because they are so hungry. Try baby carrots, cut up cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, or celery with low-fat ranch or French dressing. You will be surprised at what they eat!
Everyone is busy at the end of the day, but it is important to plan ahead and prepare a healthy dinner at least 3 times a week. Include fresh vegetables and salads, lean meats such as poultry or seafood, and whole grains such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Skip the soda and juice and serve either water or 1% low-fat milk every night.
A healthy meal and time with the family is a great way to end the day, teach children about socialization, and catch up on the day’s activities!
Make shopping a fun and educational outing. Use the produce section to teach young children about colors, shapes, and expand their vocabulary of fruits and vegetables. They will be more likely to try new fruits and vegetables when you get home.
Get children involved in safely preparing healthy foods such as vegetables for salads, scrambled eggs, turkey burgers, and smoothies. Children will be excited to eat what they’ve made and proud to share with others, as well!
Do you know about the AdvoBus?
It's a HUGE Rock Star bus filled with sample products and ice cold, free flowing Spark! Great Marketing and just alot of FUN.
Well, this rolling Advocare sign and on board party is in Houston this weekend and will be travelling east down Interstate 10.
Look for the AdvoBus in Humble, Clear Lake, Houston Memorial, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Orleans, Spanish Fort AL, and Pensacola. Then back along Interstate 20 to Monroe LA and Shreveport before heading to Dallas.
Oh yeah, Hurricane Gustov also is heading toward Interstate 10. I will keep you posted if any of the events are cancelled.
Never a dull moment around here!
A nice little Hurricane is always good to clean things up. Blow out the dead leaves and junk and then wash it all away.
I have straightened up my patio and swept the porch and all of the bicycles and plants are secured. Other than that, there really isn't much else to do except watch the Weather Channel for major changes.
Brian is in Galveston covering the story. Of course he has his Spark and Rehydrate, some ThermoPlus and a few Snack Bars.
I kinda envy him. It's an exciting News story. You get the facts with the weather and tracking coordinates. And then there is the personal aspect, how are people feeling and reacting?
Since my days living in the Pacific Islands, I always have thought these big storms are pretty awesome. On Guam we would meet in an old WW2 quanset hut with Civil Defense, First Responders, Government PIO's and other Media outlets. Thinking about it again, it's difficult to describe the buzz and intense calm of so many capable people coming together to make sure that everyone is safe and informed.
I have been in Super Typhoons with winds 180 to 200 mph. I actually have seen pane glass windows bend with the wind. The day before is just so exciting and you can feel it when the barometer drops. Everyone getting things in order, and then just waiting and watching for the storm to come in. Most would watch from the beach, with a big BBQ. I mean, you know the power is going to go out so you have to cook up everything in the fridge and drink all the beer before it gets warm. Then you stand at the shore and watch the surf and try to fall into the wind and take crazy pictures of your clothes and your hair blowing all over the place.
It's a bit different for me now, I have another little person that I'm responsible for. She knows that the storm is coming into Galveston and that is where her Daddy is, but he's OK and he won't get blown away because he takes his vitamins everyday and it makes him strong. And we can see him when he updates tonight and during Good Morning SE Texas.
By the way, I am aware that storms are not all fun and games. I have seen and been affected by some incredible devastation. Be prepared, be safe and then be Wow'd by the power of Mother Nature.
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