Hurricane Rita: Journal Entries of a Hurricane Rookie

19 September - 25 September

You do what you can do to prepare, and then you journal for prosperity.

Luck was on my side this time, though. As I made preparations to leave, traffic was at a stand-still, in a universal effort to evacuate the city. In the end, I chose not to risk Miss C's life in the heat and traffic, as it might take 30+ hours in an un-air conditioined card to reach our place of escape, and to brace ourselves for the storm. And I was not alone. My neighbors were phenomenal.

And as it turned out, my destination... Nacogdoches... received far worse damage than did my neighborhood.

Check out my hurricane journal. I intend to keep it updated with survival and preparedness information, as well as to-do and stock lists.

Hilarious Question of the Day

Care to guess how old I am today?

If you think the question is funny, read the first comment!

46 Hopes

1. Dogs go to Heaven.
2. There's a big family reunion in Heaven.
3. Good health and a long life.
4. Miss C lives as long as I do.
5. Continued blessings.
6. Eternal forgiveness.
7. My brother has a change of heart.
8. Mom and Daddy are still looking over me.
9. That I'll always make them proud.
10. Houston and the entire nation are free from terrorism and natural disaster.
11. Someday we'll all get along.
12. I'll adopt, either formally or informally.
13. MJ will have a change of heart.
14. Or I will find the right S/O.
15. All the people I love will live in close proximity.
16. Pay house off at least 10 years early.
17. Total, unconditional equality.
18. Total, unconditional love.
19. God wraps His arms around my loved ones who have entered His Kingdom.
20. Lose weight and get in shape... to stay.
21. Spend more time with friends.
22. Prosperity and well-being for all my loved ones.
23. Pets and children never suffer from the neglect, abuse or poor decisions of others.
24. A more joyful way to earn a living.
25. Windfalls come my way.
26. Investments and savings increase.
27. Own land in the country, as well as a beach house.
28. Own a "sweet" Honda Trail 90.
29. To be valued and appreciated more, by others.
30. I'll know when opportunity knocks.
31. I'll publish my books.
32. An increase in everyday energy.
33. Better vision.
34. Professional advancement.
35. White bread will be discovered to cure cancer, heart disease and strokes.
36. Compete, athletically, again.
37. Security (emotional, financial and personal safety) and much, much less worry.
38. Many more hellos and no more goodbyes.
39. My voice is heard, and I'm careful when I use it.
40. Natalee Holloway is found alive in Paulus Van Der Sloot's house.
41. Reunion with those with whom I'm estranged.
42. Increasing strength and strong will.
43. Never have another accident.
44. Those I've lost know how much I love and miss them.
45. I'll not always be the one... who if something bad is going to happen to, it will happen to me.
46. Rats, snakes, poisonous spiders reach extinction. Mice exist only in laboratories.

46 Things I Don't Like Very Much

1. telephone
2. interruptions
3. helplessness
4. being sucked in by bpd's. (my beef is not with them, but with myself)
5. prejudice, bigotry and inequality
6. people who fear the unknown... cultures, ethnicities, orientations
7. patronization
8. lack of respect for military
9. lack of gratitude for what this country has to offer
10. stinginess
11. lack of empathy
12. weakness
13. narcissism
14. property taxes I pay for benefits I don't receive
15. income taxes I pay for things I don't agree with
16. the rising cost of living v. the stagnant (but stable!) paycheck
17. corruption
18. when the people you love more than anything... don't remember
19. constant pressure
20. the one time in a thousand that I don't read the signals correctly
21. people who don't feel guilt
22. bs
23. "Holier than Thou" crap.
24. inferiority
25. terrorism
26. close mindedness
27. cliques
28. hell threats and accusations
29. being ignored
30. bothering people
31. jealousy, when there is absolutely no reason
32. not doing a good job
33. errors, mistakes, bobos, misdemeanors... (even though we all make them)
34. people who don't admit mistakes
35. balancing time between billable, actual, and the budget
36. having a high billable wage and a low fee, which means having MANY less hours to work with! i would do ANYthing to increase profits, as i realize i work with great guys who share... but sometimes it's SO hard and i hold my feet to the fire.
37. winters that aren't cold enough
38. unpredictability
39. security concerns
40. lawn services that mow when the grass hasn't grown
41. ski trips without snow
42. not being heard
43. risking vulnerability and receiving no response... none
44. the other shoe dropping
45. demeaning response to honor, character and morality
46. excrutiating traffic

46 Tasty Delicacies

1. Veauve Cliquot
2. Pepi Sauvignon Blanc
3. DDFL's breads, et al
4. Patrick's flan
5. Dude's peas and mashed potatos
6. Dude's beef and mac casserole
7. KBJ's king ranch casserole
8. YMSP's tuna
9. MRT's chili
10. Sonic's cherry limeade
11. Hooter's wings
12. Wings n More (n Things) wings and beer
13. Tecate and lime
14. Chang's spicy chicken
15. Dude's filet mignon
16. KBJ's rocky road pie
17. DDFL's fried chicken recipe
18. RPG's chicken fried steak
19. Dude's corn log.
20. Cookie Bouquet's cookies
21. Anything at KL&W's.
22. Daddy O's Fifth Avenue Pizza
23. Margaritas
24. BarBQ Inn's fried shrimp
25. Flying Saucer Pie Company pies
26. Dessert Gallery's almost anything
27. Steph's Asian cole slaw
28. 59 Cafe's vanilla coke.
29. DDFL's corn casserole
30. Benj's fried turkey and anything else.
31. Pappasito's chicken fajitas.
32. Chang's lettuce wraps.
33. Marie Callender's key lime pie.
34. Pasta Lomante's shrimp scampi
35. Pasta Lomante's garlic cheese bread
36. Bellaire BroilerBurger burger
37. Myti Burger's you name it
38. Flying Dutchman's anything
39. Luby's fried fish combo with mashed potatos and fresh green beans.
40. Qing Dynasty's general tso's chicken
41. In order, the BBQ House (Nacogdoches) , Tom's BBQ (College Station / Bryan) and Pappas BBQ (Houston) chopped pork sandwich.
42. Taste of Texas filet mignon
43. Taste of Texas salad and and bread with apple butter
44. Kim Son's pan fried chicken
45. Catfish and fixings at Catfish King and the little place in Appleby
46. Fresh yeast rolls made by darn near anybody

46 Off the Wall Things About Me

1. I have a vivid imagination and propensity to exaggerate for humor.
2. I hold myself much more accountable than anyone else.
3. I'm not afraid to pony up and admit error and say I'm sorry.
4. I make many mistakes, but repeat VERY few.
5. I'm a closet psychologist. No... really!
6. I prefer Miss C's company to almost everyone else's.
7. I have an almost infinite willingness to forgive, if asked.
8. My preference is to listen more than I speak, but if I speak, I expect to be heard.
9. I have a tendency to test people.
10. I've fallen in unconditional love four times in my life.
11. I love the taste of milk chocolate and popcorn, at the same time.
12. I read the book, The Introvert Advantage, for the first time last year. And I finally understand myself.
13. Recognition is far less important to me than gratitude.
14. I've survived and overcome the worst things in life that are required. If I have no other consolation, it is that those things are behind me.
15. I pretended to be someone I'm not until 1995, at which time I gave up and became exactly who I am.
16. I accommodate pretense with reality in a 15/85 percent relationship. I do this to make others more comfortable, but also allow them the opportunity to grow, stretch and accept.
17. I try to live my life as an example.
18. I only have six regrets. I know what they are, and I don't have the guts to put them in public writing. I will say that I wish that I had cared for and loved beyond reason and situation, and that my timing had been much better . It's enough that I agonize over them regularly; I won't say more.
19. In spite of my rolling eyes in childhood, manners, ettiquette and life rules are very important.
20. My Daddy introduced me to two people, that in retrospect, tells me that he understood me far deeper than I understood myself. Further, he loved and respected me more than I love(d)and respect(ed) myself.
21. Of all the modern inventions, I like the telephone the least.
22. I always thought I would be "famous" among my peers.
23. I once had a dog who was JUST like me, very intuitive, and introverted. He gave me just what I needed, and I hope I did the same for him. He lived 17 1/2 years. We went through the highlights and lowlights of life together. I almost died when he did.
24. Miss C saved my life. And she changed it, too.
25. I connect easily.
26. I would make a wonderful mother.
27. I AM my Daddy and Mother combined.
28. I don't have a political party.
29. I find Frank Lloyd Wright to be equal parts genious and ass. For those reasons, I find him particularly endearing.
30. Up until 1992, I thought I could "fix" anything by hard work and prayer.
31. Up until 1999, I blamed myself for everything that went wrong in my world.
32. Up until January 2, 2005, I believed that I was less in the eyes of the Lord.
33. I could "fix" the world, if given the power and opportunity.
34. I feel for my friends as if they were myself.
35. My comfort, security and authentic self grow closer and closer with every passing day. (Refer to 16 above, and the shrinking 15/85 rule).
36. I am Virgo and Libra combined, (I was born Virgo, but premature by a month, thus intended a Libra).
37. I have distinct memories back to before pre-kindergarten.
38. I, once, re-arranged gifts from Santa under the Christmas tree, so that I received the things that I wanted.
39. I always took a bath, albeit a short one, when told.
40. I find Gertrude Stein, and her writings, personally inspiring and directly applicable.
41. I am kin to the Wright Brothers.
42. My relatives founded Moorhead City, North Carolina.
43. I'm a rule follower, to the extreme. When annoyed and provoked, however, I will tilt the scales to attempt to prove indescrepancies. (But I'll feel overwhelming guilt).
44. If I could change anything in life, I'd change certain people's hearts.
45. I used to view poverty as a disadvantage, but now I feel it's a badge of honor, courage and invention.
46. My pessimism is concealed optismism. I would much rather be pleasantly surprised, than bitterly disappointed.

46 Other Things I Love

1. Old fashioned hand written letters.
2. Spending time with Miss C.
3. Being told "I love you" by someone who really does.
4. Soft clean sheets.
5. Puppy kisses, and of course, breath.
6. Capturing the right person's attention and interest.
7. Gardening.
8. Jigsaw puzzles.
9. Throwing a successful party.
10. Comets games.
11. Bird watching.
12. Petting zoos.
13. Basketball.
14. Having friends remember.
15. Organization.
16. EBay.
17. New clothes.
18. Home improvement stores.
19. Common courtesy.
20. Handmade crafts.
21. Chicago.
22. Good company.
23. Fairness and equality.
24. Decorating for Christmas.
25. Buying gifts.
26. Ellen.
27. Figuring people out.
28. Playstation 2.
29. NTN trivia.
30. Sports bars, ice houses and brew pubs.
31. Design.
32. Vacation days.
33. Snagging a collectible at a good price.
34. Completing a project.
35. Crafting paper boxes.
36. Making jewelry.
37. Investments of ALL kinds, including time in friendships.
38. Friendliness of strangers.
39. Giddiness.
40. Finding an efficient solution to a difficult problem.
41. Comedy.
42. A good surprise!
43. Synchronized green lights.
44. Reality television.
45. Casual, spontaneous get-togethers.
46. Beach houses.

46 Treasures

1. Miss C, and everything about her
2. Family Connections
3. Friendships
4. Memories
5. My Wellington Box
6. Other treasure & memory boxes
7. Daddy’s worn silver coin
8. Mom’s embroidery
9. Home
10. Childhood Toybox
11. Photos, old and new
12. Mom’s manners, passed on
13. Daddy’s sense of humor, passed on
14. MaMa’s paintings
15. Cards, letters and notes
16. Jewelry given to me by my Daddy
17. My gavel and nameplate from my Senate days
18. Architectural License
19. Daddy’s many awards, plaques and trophies
20. My family’s pie safe, restored by my uncle
21. Book collections
22. Writings: books, research and journals
23. Mom’s utensils and cutting board
24. Daddy’s baby pillow & pillowcase
25. Architectural models
26. Frank Lloyd Wright collection
27. Patrick’s art & drift wood
28. Family quilts and afghans
29. Bob’s Tulia wheat
30. Diplomas and Awards
31. Gold Medal for Excellence in Architecture
32. Old scrapbooks
33. Adversities I’ve suffered, because they’ve made me stronger
34. Gana’s china
35. Daddy’s book, Daily Strength for Daily Needs, given to him by MaMa
36. Plants given to me by people I treasure
37. MaMa’s pallette and paint mixing knife
38. Gifts from MJ (will I ever get over it?)
39. Family antiques
40. Bob Holloway prints
41. MaMa’s glass collection
42. Professional drawings
43. Garden and trees
44. Daddy’s collections
45. Mom’s sewing box
46. Childhood phonograph

In Memory of Dan MacGilvray

September 13 is the birthday of one of my favorite professors, Dan MacGilvray.

Dan's specialty in the classroom was History of Design Technology. I took the class as an undergraduate, and served as his graduate teaching assistant for two years.

Dan and I shared an interest in and a love for architectural history and preservation. He took me under his wing, and guided me in my research efforts. He presented one of my works at a national symposium.

Dan had a quick and dry wit. He was fair and principled. He taught because he loved the subject. His enthusiasm was contagious.

He was one of the most important, of a hand full professors at Texas A&M, that really moulded me into who I am today.

He believed in me, and because of that, I learned to believe in myself. He was eloquent in his praise, but he was quick to follow with the comment, "Don't get a big head". I keep a post-it note with that phrase, written by him, just inches from where I sit right now. And it makes me feel close to him.

Dan passed away a few years ago, of a rather sudden and critical illness... pancreatic cancer.

Dan was many things to me. He was a little of a father figure in the way he guided and promoted me and just generally looked out after my best interests. He was a tremendous mentor, who took the time to encourage and challenge me, push me past my self doubting limitations, and then prove to me that I could far exceed the grandiose expectations that he had helped to define. He believed that I had what it took to accomplish everything... and more... that he had, which I found, unfathomable.

He did those things so well and nurtured my ego so much... that we eventually butted heads. And I am amazed, to this day, at his reaction. He did not put me in my rightful place, as mere student to the tenured professor. No. He acknowledged my defense and withdrew his stance.

As the days passed, having received my Masters Degree and left Texas A&M, Dan and I became friends, based on equal amounts of shared experience, love of subject and academia and personal respect.

He always called me when he was coming to Houston. The last time he called, we made tentative plans to meet for lunch. But he didn't call me that day. I assumed that his plans had changed. And indeed, they had.

A week or two after our planned lunch, another professor called to tell me that Dan had died. It happened so quickly, that he never had the opportunity to tell me that he was ill.

On shakey ground in most every aspect of my life when I walked into his class the first time, Dan eventually recognized, stabilized and then elevated me. I was noone special... just some kid in his class. If anthing set our relationship apart, it was my enthusiasm for the subject matter, as well as my desire and persistance to excell, because Dan was always Dan. He made himself available to all who were interested and always gave in equal measure to what was sought from him. (More later... on the term project that linked us).

I count Dan's death as a personal loss, and I will never forget him. And I find, as time passes... bittersweet joy in my memories. I am a different person for having known him... and I have no doubt that I would be in a different place, if he was still here to encourage and challenge me.

9/11: We Must Remember

September 11, post 2001 and no matter the year, is a day of solemn remembrance.

Random Memo 091105

1. Woke up to sounds of squirrels playing on the roof.
2. Negotiated with Miss C about whether it was time to get up. First she put her head on top of mine which was very sweet. Then she put her chin over my nose, which was also sweet, but smothering. I folded and she won. We got up.
3. Let C outside, then made breakfast for both of us. We ate and went back to bed.
4. Watched the commemmoration and memorial of 9/11 on Fox News. Teared up as I empathisized with the family members of the victims.
5. Said a prayer.
6. Made the best french press coffee ever. (I broke my coffee pot carafe several months ago and have been making french press coffee ever since. I've had strong coffee, bitter coffee, and weak coffee...). Made a note of the perfect formula for next time.
7. Miss C and I watched "Monkey Business" with Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe. It just made Sunday... Sunday.
8. Washed clothes and sheets and towels. At least part of yesterday's list has been addressed.
9. Checked the mailbox from yesterday. Received my FIRST birthday card! :-)
10. Left for the grocery store and called my aunt to thank her for the card and "gifty inside".
11. Passed by an anti-war protest. They had signs saying honk if you're against the war. I'm not, and the only response I could think of was a gesture that wasn't appropriate when I'm on the phone with my aunt.
12. Went to an HEB grocery store where I knew I would save money. It was my first time to that exact location, and it lived up to my previous experiences elsewhere. I saved money, but I hated it. (Example: NightHawk Steak & Tots dinner, Kroger $2.50 to $2.59... HEB $1.94). With the price of gas these days, you gotta save money somewhere.
13. Finished my conversation with my aunt on the way home.
14. Reminiscent of the old "Miracle Whip" commercial... I bought bread and bologna, and began to make a sandwich when I got home.... there wasn't enough "Miracle Whip" left in the jar to make a sandwich. I whimpered like the guy in that old commercial.
15. Watched the end of "Bird Cage". That probably makes well into the 200 times that I've watched it on tv, with commercials... when I own the DVD.
16. Opened a box of Elbert Hubbard books that I collect, and put the first lot into the freezer. (Note: place old books in a ziploc bag and seal. Place the book into the freezer for a minimum of 12-18 hours. This kills the mold in the book. Gently brush the dust from the pages and it is ready for display!).
17. Watched Miss C chase squirrels.

Random Memo 091005

1. Woke up early.
2. Made a list of everything I need to do this weekend.
3. Fed Miss C her breakfast and went back to bed.
4. Caught up with the kids of Laguna Beach. I'm mad at Steven, by the way.
5. Surfed a while. No, not Laguna style.
6. Showered and suited up for the Comets game.
7. Stopped by the grocery store for Tecate and limes.
8. Drove to my friends' house in Suburbia, USA for a helluva game watching party.
9. Watched an all-in-all crappy game.
10. Visited with old friends and met some great new friends.
11. Loved on two sweet and precious doggies.
12. Ate great food: cheese cubes, crackers and cheese spread, hot wings, veggies and dip.
13. Found that there are at least two doggies in the world who LOVE carrots!
14. Learned that a road had been extended from Suburbia to the U.S. Hwy that I live near.
15. Left the party before it was my turn to play pool. Excellent timing!
16. Took the newly extended road home. It was great!
17. Played with Miss C, who split her attention between me... and my clothes.

Ray Nagin

is a putz! And I'm being nice!

Celebrities

They should that their place is on television, in the movies, on the red carpet, in the entertainment blogs and in the gossip magazines... NOT floating in the flood waters of New Orleans with a camera crew, or perpetrating a political agenda.

Charity is one thing, and I believe it is our divinely ordained charge, to help others in all the ways we are able.

Too often, though, celebrity charity is doled out with overwhelming measure of self aggrandizement and underlying manipulation of the populace.

And I'm really getting sick of it.

In the Midst of a Mild, Sunny Day...

There is the gloom and doom of 24 hour news networks. And today, I had to get away.

MMSP's Rado

The first news I received this morning... was that MMSP had to put his most trusted and loyal and beloved Rado... to sleep last night.

MMSP loved Rado, so much. He loved him more than he would ever admit (he's a guy after all). I know their history. I know how much life, ups and downs, happiness and sadness they shared.

One of the best things about visiting MMSP, was having the opportunity to snuggle with, love and pet Rado. I have been known to disappear at dinner parties, found on the floor curled up with Mr. R. To know him is to adore him. He is such a Sweetheart!

Miss C and I had the absolute pleasure of spending Thanksgiving with Rado last year. I think she had a hefty crush on him, and I enjoyed seeing them together. There was no competition between them. They genuinely shared toys, chewys, food and attention. He became her shadow and she loved it.

I last saw him a few months ago. I went over to accompany him outside. I took him two bites of a hamburger, and maybe it was just the burger... but he was so happy to see me. We went outside, and he stayed right by my side. I sat in a lawn chair, and petted him as he leaned on my leg. He, eventually, trotted off to do his business, but he came running back for more love and attention.

I hated leaving him that day. And I miss him now.

I know how much MMSP misses him, too. MMSP is a very special friend. When his heart breaks, mine does too.

Can it get any worse?

It's been a stressful day:

1. Visual images broadcast from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama worsen by the day. There are folks who are looting for sustenance. There is a wild contingent who is firing on police officers and other search, rescue and recovery officers.
2. I saw many Kristina refugees in the restaurant at lunch, the grocery store and on the freeway as I travelled home today.
3. My MMSP left work early today, distraught. I know his doggy (Miss C's boyfriend) went to the vet today. He also has four missing family members. I'm so worried... I can't say any more. I feel just horrible, in anticipation of the confirmation of bad news.
4. I heard on the way home that Joran was released from custody and is no longer under suspicion of the murder of Natalee Holloway.
5. Having lost the first game of the first round playoff series last night, the Comets must now win two games in Seattle.

The answer to the question is that it CAN get so much worse. Today was just one of those days for me, that felt like the bad things were "piling on". I'm grateful for all I have. After all, my worst worries concern people far less fortunate, and wishing I could do more to help.