After weeks of bad news I finally got a breath of fresh air yesterday. Lafayette College called. I have an interview there on the 29th and 30th of this month. I guess it's going to be a busy couple of weeks.
I leave Sunday for Flint. We have our faculty development day next Wednesday. I'm trying to ignore the fact that I have four presentations to make that day. It is exciting to see everyone and meet a few of the faculty I've been working with but haven't met.
For the second time in two weeks I got a wicked migraine Monday night. Though not as bad it's been lingering on. I feel like my eyes might explode. I think it's going to be a long day...
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
storm work
Mom sent me a few photos of dad's new portable office and the mamoth truck they used to move it to Metarie this weekend. It's really good to know that dad still has a place to prop his feet up on a desk. I wonder if he's still able to get his after lunch nap in? Actually she said he was probably sleeping in there last night... Luckily they have a fouton.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
guilt
i've discussed this with several people whose judgement and opinions i trust. with them i've come to the conclusion that these feelings we're having all boil down to guilt.
guilt for having left my former home for yankee country.
guilt that i care now but probably didn't before.
guilt that even though i care, i still do very little.
i've given some money to the red cross, and i bought a Walmart gift card to send to a friend to help her and her family. it doesn't feel like enough, but it's all i have to give for now.
guilt for having left my former home for yankee country.
guilt that i care now but probably didn't before.
guilt that even though i care, i still do very little.
i've given some money to the red cross, and i bought a Walmart gift card to send to a friend to help her and her family. it doesn't feel like enough, but it's all i have to give for now.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
the email i sent out this morning
I don't usually send out email like this, but the past week and a half has been nothing usual.
As most of you know, I am from Louisiana and my family still lives there. My parents who live in Baton Rouge had just a few trees down but no real damage from the storm. My brother who lives on the Northshore of Lake Ponchartrain also fared okay. Most of the siding is gone off their brand new home, but they're all safe.
My dad works for the electric utility company there and has been working 18-20 hour days making sure restoration crews have meals and at least a cot to get a little sleep. While schools and universities have been closed my sister has gone up to their church to play with children and help the 80-90 people who are staying there for the week.
While my family's lives are okay, many of my friends and former students are living with friends and family in other cities throughout the state as they can not return to their homes in New Orleans.
This morning I've been online getting information for my dad who is trying to help arrange a way to get a 13 year-old boy to San Antonio. He was separated from his mom during the evacuation, and they located her at a shelter in San Antonio. I can't even imaging how frightening it would be for anyone, much less a child.
I say all this to encourage you to help in any way you can. I know on campus there is a collection going on today for the Red Cross, and if you feel compelled, please give. There are many other organizations accepting donations so I encourage you to find the way that feels right to you, and give what you can no matter how great or small.
We think of tragedy like this striking people who are very far away, but this feels very personal to me.
As most of you know, I am from Louisiana and my family still lives there. My parents who live in Baton Rouge had just a few trees down but no real damage from the storm. My brother who lives on the Northshore of Lake Ponchartrain also fared okay. Most of the siding is gone off their brand new home, but they're all safe.
My dad works for the electric utility company there and has been working 18-20 hour days making sure restoration crews have meals and at least a cot to get a little sleep. While schools and universities have been closed my sister has gone up to their church to play with children and help the 80-90 people who are staying there for the week.
While my family's lives are okay, many of my friends and former students are living with friends and family in other cities throughout the state as they can not return to their homes in New Orleans.
This morning I've been online getting information for my dad who is trying to help arrange a way to get a 13 year-old boy to San Antonio. He was separated from his mom during the evacuation, and they located her at a shelter in San Antonio. I can't even imaging how frightening it would be for anyone, much less a child.
I say all this to encourage you to help in any way you can. I know on campus there is a collection going on today for the Red Cross, and if you feel compelled, please give. There are many other organizations accepting donations so I encourage you to find the way that feels right to you, and give what you can no matter how great or small.
We think of tragedy like this striking people who are very far away, but this feels very personal to me.
a long, tearful week
i realize i haven't posted in several days. mostly becuase i couldn't find words. i've gone through the whole gambut of emotions: fear as the storm went through, relief when i talked to cara who was lounging in bed watching the rain, panic as we didn't hear from my brother for several days, sadness to watch my fellow statesmen with nothing but their life, anger listening to the blame game from ivory towers when people are still hurting and lost. i don't think i've ever cried so much watching the news. i can't decide if i would be better off if i were closer. it's been tempting to load up the car and hit the road headed south.
but instead of heading south i just wait on instant messanger for any of my family to get online and talk to me. i can't tell you how many times i've listened to the operator tell me 'due to the hurricane in the area you are calling your call can not be completed'.
i've also tried to contact several of my friends and former students who i believe may have been effected. i've also scoured several message boards and websites just checking up on people. i'm so glad to hear from them or about them.
but instead of heading south i just wait on instant messanger for any of my family to get online and talk to me. i can't tell you how many times i've listened to the operator tell me 'due to the hurricane in the area you are calling your call can not be completed'.
i've also tried to contact several of my friends and former students who i believe may have been effected. i've also scoured several message boards and websites just checking up on people. i'm so glad to hear from them or about them.
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