Hurricane Katrina

Excerpts from my livejournal. I'm not proud of all my reactions, but I had them. It helps to share.

 

August 27, 2005, 9:42 AM
F***
Feeling: bitchy
I AM SO SICK OF EVACUTATING FOR HURRICANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am moving away from New Orleans next year. *nods* It's fun to visit but between shootings outside work and hurricane evacuations...GRRRRRRRRRR! I can't even have a weekend to CLEAN MY BLOODY APARTMENT! I'm so pissed. I have to pack up my belongings AGAIN and go to Texas. I just want a fricking weekend by myself to clean the apartment. Now I have to go get gas. End tantrum.

Just New Orleans is screwed if one hits here...we're a bowl.

 

August 27, 2005, 10:10 PM
Made it safely to Texas...
Feeling: exhausted
The traffic was bad going from my apartment to the interstate, over the swamp just outside NO, and in Baton Rouge, but other than that, the drive was smooth with lots of traffic but traffic that actually moved! :o) And because I had lots of cell phone minutes on Saturday, I got to chat with a few friends that I hadn't talked with in a while!

There was a train in Port Neches...Meagan got scared of the train and put her head between my legs with her butt in the air...like a little ostrich...poor kitty. Other than that, she was very good and sat in my lap the entire drive.

And I made it! It's thundering and storming here now...so I'm gonna get off the computer. Will respond to comments tomorrow when I'm less tired. *nods*

Hope whoever else is in the line of Katrina remains safe and gets out of its path without too much hassle. *HUGS you all*

 

August 28, 2005, 9:19 AM
So...
Feeling: worried and terrified
Looks like Katrina will hit New Orleans head on, which means it'll be under 30 feet of water, and I'll (and a few million others will) lose everything. It's up to a category 5 hurricane now. There are so many people who live in New Orleans that have no means to leave the city...no car. I can't imagine the death toll. And the nutrea rats and snakes that'll come out of the water. And I'm babbling cause I'm really scared and can't watch the TV anymore...

I just hope everyone I know got out in time.

P.S. Sorry I'm not commenting on you guys' posts...I'm too terrified to focus.

 

August 29, 2005, 5:44 AM
Can't sleep, can't sleep, can't sleep...
Feeling: scared
Just was on the www.nola.com and was poking around Jefferson County forum where I live in River Ridge and found this:

1734.1. 5:30AM RIVER RIDGE
by COUNCILLMAN, 8/29/05 6:30 ET
Re: Worrying in upstate New York by Lellenkin, 8/29/05
ITS A DEFINATE HURRICANE HERE LOTS OF DAMAGE AND DEBRIS,HOWLING WINDS STINGING RAIN .SOME FLOODING ON STREETS.LOOKS LIKE ALL THE LOCAL STATIONS BAILED OUT ON US HERE WE'RE WATCHING MOBILE ALA AND JACKSON MISS NEWS THANK GOD NOLA.COM'S STILL HERE

 

August 29, 2005, 6:06 AM
OMG...it moved slightly East...and it's only a FOUR now!
Feeling: pensive
Hurricane Katrina bears down on Gulf Coast
By ADAM NOSSITER
The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Hurricane Katrina edged slightly to the east early Monday as it bore down on the Gulf Coast, providing some hope that the worst of the storm's 150 mph winds might not directly strike this low-lying city.

Katrina, which weakened slightly overnight to a strong Category 4 storm, turned slightly eastward as it closed in on land, which would put the western eyewall — the weaker side of the strongest winds — over New Orleans.

The National Hurricane Center said Katrina had made landfall just east of Grand Isle.

"It's not as bad as the eastern side. It'll be plenty bad enough," said Eric Blake of the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Mayor Ray Nagin said he believed 80 percent of the city's 480,000 residents had heeded an unprecedented mandatory evacuation as Katrina threatened to become the most powerful storm ever to slam the city.

"It's capable of causing catastrophic damage," said National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield. "Even well-built structures will have tremendous damage. Of course, what we're really worried about is the loss of lives.

"New Orleans may never be the same."


Will try to stop spamming now...

 

August 29, 2005, 11:45 AM
More tidbits from www.nola.com
Feeling: nauseated
In downtown New Orleans, buildings have collapsed, windows are blowing out of high-rises--including 5 floors of Charity hospital--and hotel guests are huddling in dark hallways.
I worked at Charity Hospital from January til June. And the hospital is connected to the medical school via a walkway. I work at the med school.

Power outages are widespread--even Entergy's command center next to the Superdome.
This does not surprise me at all. We had a dinky tropical storm earlier this year and power was out all over the city.

Flood waters are rising throughout the city, and the worst is not over yet. Lower Ninth Ward residents are reporting 6 to 8 feet of water and some are on rooftops. Arabi in St. Bernard Parish, Kenner in Jefferson Parish, and most of St. Charles Parish also report severe flooding. Uptown New Orleans has been hit with extensive wind damage in the Napoleon Avenue area.
This is what I'm scared about...the flooding.

In suburban Jefferson Parish, Sheriff Harry Lee said residents of a building on the west bank of the Mississippi River called 911 to say the building had collapsed and people might be trapped. He said deputies were not immediately able to check out the building because their vehicles were unable to reach the scene.
I just wonder how many buildings collapsed. This is the opposite bank from me.

On historic Jackson Square, two massive oak trees outside the 278-year-old St. Louis Cathedral came out by the roots, ripping out a 30-foot section of ornamental iron fence and straddling a marble statue of Jesus Christ, snapping off only the thumb and forefinger of his outstretched hand.
The giant oak trees are gorgeous...*sobs*

Calling it a once-in-a-lifetime storm, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin had ordred a mandatory evacuation for the 480,000 residents of the vulnerable city, and he estimated about 80 percent heeded the call.
I just hope everyone I care about got out.

New Orleans has not taken a direct hit from a hurricane since Betsy in 1965, when an 8- to 10-foot storm surge submerged parts of the city in seven feet of water. Betsy, a Category 3 storm, was blamed for 74 deaths in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
This is true...I'm so glad this one was downgraded to a four.

In the uptown area of New Orleans on the south shore of Lake Ponchartrain, floodwaters by 8 a.m. had already intruded on the first stories of some houses and some roads were impassable.
This is what was feared...that the lake would flood everything. I'm glad I don't live by the lake.

The National Weather Service reported that a levee broke on the Industrial Canal near the St. Bernard-Orleans parish line, and 3 to 8 feet of flooding was possible. The Industrial Canal is a 5.5-mile waterway that connects the Mississippi River to the Intracoastal Waterway.
OH NO...it broke...that's not good news

From the forum: there are ppl trapped in an attic in NO east, haynes blvd. and trout
This is awful.


ETA: From Paula Drive near Sauve Road in River Ridge, Shawn Gwin reported no major problems. "This part of River Ridge has never flooded. It looks dry out comparatively. There's just lots of debris -- tree debris."

I hope this is close to me. I really have no clue. I live in River Ridge...is it crazy that this gives me some hope about my own house?

ETA2: “You look out there, and all this stuff is toppled. You know what’s still standing? The statue of Jesus with the outstretched arms. No matter what you believe, it’s pretty amazing, ” said Wagner-Bolger’s sister, Doris Bastiansen.

 

August 30, 2005, 1:20 PM
More thoughts on the storm...
Feeling: sick, sad, scared, helpless...
First of all thank you to all my dear friends who are praying and sending good thoughts NO's way. They're much needed.

I cried for the first time today.

I think I realized that the city I'm going to be going back to is not the same city where I've been working for the last year...where I learned a lot about people I cared about and substance abuse...where I went for summer vacation with my family...where I learned so much from the clients who crossed my path about courage and hope even in the face of their own mental health darkness...

I'm scared because part of the levee system broke further. Apparently, my dad said the levee system is a bunch of different systems...and a breach in one place doesn't mean the whole thing's collapsed.

My friend, Casey's, rental house where she lived last year is now completely underwater. Hard to imagine that the place I used to go hang out and help her cook and visit is awash with sludge and debris and lake water.

The mall where I love to shop is flooded and I'm sure Barnes and Nobles is too.

And water is pouring down Canal Street toward the businesses and the Quarter.

I can't get ahold of anyone with a 504 area code phone number. I've tried so many times. I did hear from my outpatient client supervisor. He's in Arkansas...he has a 504 number but it's a Cingular phone like mine...so that might have something to do with it.

My friend, Mindy, who shares an outpatient case with me went to Atlanta for a friend's wedding and had to leave her cats behind in New Orleans. She couldn't come back to get them. Hopefully, her house didn't flood. *looks around for my kitty*

I've been giving my kitty lots of hugs. *nods*

I cried for the first time when Casey said that she saw on CNN that Target where I shop is underwater...so is the airport.

Dead bodies are apparently floating in the flood.

My mom's good friend's parents are stuck in a New Orleans hospital because they are too feeble to travel. Apparently, the hospital has no electricity or water. And the city is calling for an evacuation of all remaining people in the NO area.

People are looting.

I'm scared that the water will keep rising and flood my so far unflooded apartment. River Ridge is up higher than most places...on a ridge. And I've heard that the Creeks weren't flooded. But it's so hard to know when they last heard that info, you know? Was it yesterday? Right after the hurricane passed?

And there are so many rumors floating around. And the TV sensationalizes things. I don't know what to believe.

Am I going back to a place that looks like a war zone? I just feel so helpless.

Just please keep the people who are still there in your prayers. Send courage to them and the people going in to rescue/help them. And thank you so much for the support you guys are showing. It means a lot.


ETA: Thanks also for posting about normal stuff...about you...I'm reading about you guys, and it helps to read everyday stuff even if I don't feel like commenting. *nods*

 

August 31, 2005, 9:37 PM
Feeling: better but still a little numb
Wow...this is amazing:

[info]fandom_charity and [info]the_fund...the lj community is simply amazing. *nods*

And all you guys' prayers and comments and hugs are truly wonderful and helpful. I feel lucky that I have a place to go...a computer with internet access and some contact with friends.

Feeling a bit better today...alternating between being very upset (had small breakdown at the mall after my mom suggested I start looking for a new job) and being okay (mostly when I avoid the sensationalizing on TV). I'm sticking to www.nola.com for my info.

And so far, my area is still dry with wind and tree damage...likely damage to the buildings. No power and water. And now we have to worry about looting.

My work area...I work next door to Charity Hospital (downtown a few blocks west of the French Quarter), which you've probably heard about on the news as just having lost generator power. Not sure what that means as far as my office...it's probably flooded. Don't know what I'm going to do about work. I suppose that not many medical students will be worried about disability testing when we get back. Maybe we'll have a re-focus on trauma/disaster counseling. My brother asked me a very good question today...who will give the therapists counseling? And will I even have a job??? :p In the mean time, we were supposed to get paid today. And we did, but we're not going to be working for the next few months...how are we supposed to pay bills? And I guess we don't pay rent, right? *is clueless*

 

September 1, 2005, 2:55 PM
OMG...
Feeling: shocked, angry
Just heard on the news...there are snipers outside of Charity Hospital and Tulane University Hospital shooting at staff and patients trying to evacuate. This is the exact area where I work and where the shooting occurred last week while I was at work. And they didn't evacuate the psych patients from the third floor where I used to work...dunno which psychiatrists and nurses are there, but I hope so much that they are safe. I also hope the social workers aren't there...I've worked with all of them, and they are wonderful people who do so much for the patients. Please keep them in your prayers.

And they aren't letting people, including rescue workers, into the city because of shooting by looters. Apparently, looting is going on in River Ridge where I live. And people are bathing in the pools. This is not good news.

ETA: On a happy note...cause my posts are becoming decidedly too negative...looks like I most likely was not flooded. If I was, it was probably only a few inches. :o) I can replace everything in my house...except the drawer of pictures I forgot cause I was hurrying. If they loot my house, let them steal the TV, CDs and DVDs...I just want my pics.

 

September 2, 2005, 11:19 PM
Feeling scared...
Feeling: indescribable
I have these random moments of fear.

I'm sleeping terrible. Tossing and turning as if maybe I'll wake up and it'll be a dream.

I'm slowly starting to realize...sorta...that the city won't be there when I go back...that my work will be gone. Charity Hospital is supposedly so bad off that they don't even know if it will open again. And LSU med school? It's right next door. I don't even know if I'll get to go to my office again.

I'm worried about my clients and their families. I think they may have lost their homes...everything. I know where they live and it doesn't sound good. I'll probably never see them again. Even though therapists are technically neutral guides, they still develop strong ties to their clients. And my little ones...I worry so much about them. I miss the regularity of seeing them once a week. All of them, I've seen over a year.

Maybe I'll have to move to a new city? I dunno. I need to get 2000 hours of supervised experience before I can get licensed, and now I'm not getting any. What do I do? I've heard NOTHING from my boss. What am I supposed to do? I don't have any way to contact him cause the phones are down.

I keep vacillating between thinking that yes...my home is probably dry but what if the looters destroy it? Or the windows are broken? What if it's raining in my house?

There's this rumor that we can go back on Monday to Jefferson Parish and check out our house with an ID...we'd have to walk to our homes. But then, we have to go away and not come back for a month or more.

And so many people on my flist are SO angry. They're blaming everyone...the government in New Orleans, the federal government for what's happened. It makes me so angry. WTH?!?!?! A crisis is happening...it's supposed to BRING US TOGETHER...not make us fight more! There are looters in NO...snipers in NO. Now there is so much blistering anger on LJ. I do understand it, but it's not helping. We're supposed to be working together here. So, troops weren't sent in right away, so it was disorganized, so not everyone evacuated. IT HAPPENED THAT WAY. IT CAN'T BE CHANGED NOW. We only have the future to change. Now...all we can do is do the best we can with a bad situation...and try to work together to resolve the mess...a mess that will take months/years to resolve.

You guys will probably be angry at me for stating this, but

I'm just tired.

ETA: There are also so many examples of others working together. Did I say I'm tired yet?

My work is gone, my friends...I can't get in touch with them...I'm scared.

I went to a football game at my old high school today with my dad. It was very surreal but a great distraction for a time...

 

September 3, 2005, 8:26 PM
Good news...
Feeling: awake
Spoke to the head of psychology at LSUHSC tonight. He's been unable to get ahold of my boss. He gave me my boss's phone number, and I told him my plan was to try and contact him. If I can't get ahold of my boss tomorrow, I'm going to contact a lady at APPIC who's in charge of helping place interns and postdocs who are displaced in NO. I think the internship is finished for this year in NO. And next years class will likely be impacted as well. That kind of makes me sad. I really liked everyone in this years group and don't know if I'll ever see them again now.

Other news...psychiatry and psychology are going to try and be up and running by September 26th. The heads of the trauma program are putting together one program (likely one of many) to provide mental health services to individuals impacted by the hurricane. They're going to try and base it in Baton Rouge for the moment.

Things are still up in the air but I feel a little better.

Am avoiding the news at the moment. I just need a break. Still not sleeping well. The bed sheets were all twisted this morning.

 

September 3, 2005, 11:31 PM
We can supposedly return on Monday to assess the damage.
Feeling: cold
Despite criticism, Broussard holds to Monday return plan
story from Times-Picayune
Saturday, 6:10 p.m.

By Matthew Brown
West Bank bureau

Even though streets are strewn with storm debris, some neighborhoods remain flooded and almost homes all lack electricity and drinking water, Jefferson Parish residents will be allowed to return Monday at 6 a.m., Parish President Aaron Broussard reiterated Saturday, despite widespread skepticism from state and other parish officials.

Parish officials will begin letting residents enter providing that the driver of the car has identification showing a Jefferson address. Residents will be able to access their homes only via Airline Drive or Jefferson Highway in East Jefferson and U.S. 90 on the West Bank, Emergency Management Director Walter Maestri said.

Anyone not in the car queue by 6 p.m. will be denied entry on that day but may try again the next day. The 12-hour window of entry will be the policy on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

All residents are urged to leave the parish after taking care of their homes, parish officials said.

Residents are advised to bring a full tank of gasoline, food and
drinking water, as well as a claw hammer and pliers to pull out carpet,
disinfectant to prevent mold and materials to secure damaged windows and doors.

An estimated 350,000 of Jefferson’s almost half-million residents fled before or immediately after Hurricane Katrina struck Monday, and thousands more are thought to have left as the week wore on.

With a massive influx of return traffic expected Monday, parish officials recommended that residents carpool and be prepared to walk several blocks to their homes, as only major streets are being cleared of debris. Many side streets remain choked with downed tree limbs and power lines. Emergency management officials also warned women not to come alone for safety.

On Thursday, the parish will reopen to anyone, regardless of residency, Broussard said.

Despite the open doors, Jefferson remains a site of destruction. Floodwater still stands in the southwest portion of the University City subdivision of Kenner, at Transcontinental Drive and Kawanee Avenue in Metairie and in two parts of Old Metairie. Broussard said he has received criticism of his plan from other parish officials, law enforcement agencies and the state, but he has not wavered.

“We’re under martial law. And there’s only one marshal: Me,” Broussard said.

He said the Louisiana Emergency Assistance and
Disaster Act of 1993 gives him full authority to override any objections from the Parish Council, and he said state officials have reluctantly agreed to the plan.

Asked about that during a news briefing Saturday, Gov. Kathleen Blanco said she wanted “to work with Parish President Broussard. We want to make sure it doesn’t hurt recovery efforts.”

She strongly urged residents to have patience. “I know everyone wants to go clean their yards, check on their homes and get back to their normal lives.”

While the state may work with Broussard, some parish officials have openly disagreed with him. They contend Jefferson is not ready for its residents. There are few businesses open to sell such basics as food, water, ice or gasoline, and the only two aid distribution centers in operation have had hours-long lines. And with hospitals full to capacity or shut down all together, those who are sick or injured have few options.

“I realize people’s houses are important to them, but personal safety comes first,” Parish Councilman Chris Roberts said. “Yes, the parish president has made a decision to let people back (but) I am recommending folks to reconsider coming back.”

Roberts said that even if residents come back with full tanks of gasoline, they could use up much of that fuel during a 10- to 15-hour wait in traffic.

Broussard said he is working with the Sheriff’s Office to set up traffic control at key intersections. But he acknowledged that many intersections would remain unstaffed and urged drivers to be cautious. With electricity service down in most of the parish, there will be few traffic lights operating.

Kenner Police Chief Nick Congemi said he is concentrating on how to manage Monday’s traffic. “We have major concerns, but it’s his (Broussard’s) decision to make,” Congemi said.

The Kenner Police Department is already stretched thin. “EMS and fire-EMS have refused to come out after dark. Police officers are the catch- all for everything,” he said.

On the West Bank, though, Westwego Mayor Robert Billiot said he was ready for residents to return.

Mark Smith, a spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Homeland
Security, said he didn’t think it was safe for residents to go back, as “the floodwaters haven’t subsided yet in parts of Jefferson.”

Asked if he thought it might slow the recovery effort, Smith said he thought it could hamper routes needed by emergency workers. “It’s not a decision I agree with, but Broussard has the right to make that decision.”

Charles Parker, 61, who rode out the storm at his Marrero home, agreed that people needed to be allowed to return to check on their houses. With afternoon thunderstorms that “you could set your clock by” in south Louisiana, he said houses with holes in their roofs must be patched quickly so any rain damage doesn’t get worse.

Yet after spending an hour in line waiting to get water from a relief center on Saturday, Parker said having tens of thousands of additional people in a parish with limited municipal services, the waits will be far worse.

“It’s going to be murder,” Parker said. “You know what’s going to happen when people are standing in that line, three, four hours, they’re going to be pissed.”

(Steve Ritea contributed to this story.)

xxxxx

Jefferson Parish residents may return Monday
WDSU.com reports

Strict Rules Will Be Enforced
POSTED: 11:01 am CDT September 3, 2005
UPDATED: 12:01 pm CDT September 3, 2005

Jefferson Parish emergency management leaders announced a plan to allow residents to go back to their homes on Monday.

People will be allowed back starting at 6 a.m. Monday and continuing indefinitely. However there are strict conditions:

Nobody will be allowed to use Interstate 10 east of Laplace on the East Bank. In addition, nobody will be allowed to use the elevated West Bank Expressway routes. Those highways are reserved for the Louisiana State Police and the National Guard for emergency evacuations.
The driver of any car entering Jefferson Parish must show identification proving residence. Drivers without proper identification will not be allowed in and will be turned away.
Parish President Aaron Broussard suggests people plan on staying outside the parish until at least Sept. 11.
Parish leaders recommend that people carpool into the parish to save gas and time.
Parish leaders suggest appointing one person from your household to go to your home to secure valuables and assess the damage.
Parish leaders advise that women should not travel alone into the parish.
Bring bottled water. Do not attempt to drink the water from the faucet.
If you need to flush a toilet, the first flush will work, but the second flush will require more water.
No stores are open in Jefferson Parish. If you need anything, you must bring it in with you, including fuel for your vehicle.
People can stay for a night or two, but conditions are primitive because of a lack of electricity, water and sanitation services.
Drive carefully since many traffic signals and traffic signs have been destroyed.
A full curfew remains in effect from dusk to dawn.
Some items that you might want to bring include:
Cameras for insurance documentation
Prescription drugs
Non-perishable foods
Sanitation supplies
Plastic bags
Disinfectant
Batteries
Baby supplies
Manual can opener
Paper plates, cups, napkins, etc.

 

September 4, 2005, 5:05 PM
Wow...
Feeling: calm
Police Shoot 8 on New Orleans Bridge

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Police shot eight people carrying guns on a New Orleans bridge Sunday, killing five or six of them, a deputy chief said. Deputy Police Chief W.J. Riley said the shootings took place on the Danziger Bridge, which connects Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River.

John Hall, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, said there were 14 contractors on their way to repair a canal. They were traveling across a bridge under police escort when they were fired upon.

They were on their way to launch barges into Lake Pontchartrain to fix the 17th Street Canal, Hall said.

The shootings took place on the Danziger Bridge, which spans a canal connecting Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River.

No other details were immediately available.

***
And in River Ridge...where I live...we have power and phones! Entergy workers are working their little tails off! *is shocked*

And my mom and I desperately needed a laugh so we went to see "40 Year Old Virgin"...it was hilarious in places! And my dad, mom, and I exercised today. Maybe I'll sleep better tonight? :o) ETA3: Saw the "Serenity" trailer...that was totally worth going to see the movie for!!!!

Two of my friends are going to brave Metairie tomorrow.

I'm a little sad because I really wanted to see my brother this weekend cause I've been awfully scared, but he refused to change his plans with his girlfriend. I even asked if he could reschedule them...that it was really important to me. He hasn't even come to see my grandma since he found out she has cancer, and he only lives an hour and twenty minutes away. Should I tell him it hurts my feelings? Or let it go? Maybe when life gets more settled in.

Still haven't gotten ahold of my boss.


ETA: Thank you again for all the amazing support you guys have shown me. I know I haven't felt like responding to everything, and I don't know if I will, but do know that every thought and comment and email that you've sent has really touched me and comforted me. And I was so floored by the offers of a place to stay for a while. I never in my wildest dreams would have expected such above and beyond support. *HUGS you all to pieces* *sniffs* Thank you.

ETA2: Does anyone know where I can get buttons to put on my sites for supporting Katrina aid? I have til this evening to post something...then, I have to remove my computer from my parents' monitor. (I couldn't bring my monitor...it was too heavy.)

 

September 4, 2005, 11:46 PM
Interesting...
Feeling: curious
Dear APA Members and Friends:

On behalf of APA President Dr. Ronald Levant, I want to update you on the APA
response to Hurricane Katrina. Our hearts go out to all of those affected by
this unprecedented disaster, and to those with loved ones in the region. APA is
strongly committed to providing significant assistance to the survivors in both
the short and long term.

Since the onset of the disaster, APA has been working closing with the American
Red Cross and its Disaster Response Network (DRN) to offer mental health
assistance to those in need. This effort will continue for some time. A link,
which appears on the APA web site, is provided below for psychologists
interested in volunteering.

The APA Education Directorate has also been working with education organizations
to provide information for psychology departments, graduate students, and
interns. See attachment.

The APA Council of Representatives and the Board of Directors have been working
to create a number of options for additional measures the APA can take. The
Board of Directors will hold a conference call this week to discuss these
options and to develop a longer term plan of action. Among the many options to
be considered are mechanisms to assist psychologists whose homes and livelihoods
have been destroyed by the hurricane, and ways to augment our assistance to the
DRN to ensure culturally competent mental health services to those in need.
These are just two of many options to be reviewed.

As many of you know, the APA annual convention is scheduled for next summer in
New Orleans. In making a decision about whether go forward with our meeting in
this location, the Board of Directors will take into account a number of
variables, including what is best for our members, the city of New Orleans, and
the quality of our convention. APA staff members are gathering information now
on the timetable the city is projecting for recovery efforts, our contractual
relationship with New Orleans, and potential alternative sites for the meeting
next year if needed. Rest assured that there will be an APA convention in 2006,
and the location will be determined as soon as is feasible.

Best wishes,

Norman

Norman B. Anderson, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
American Psychological Association
www.apa.org

 

September 5, 2005, 7:55 PM
Check this out!
Feeling: relieved
This a satellite photo of River Ridge taken after Katrina hit. Casey's boyfriend found this on one of his searches...they're both so sweet to me. The top link is a link to the original sized photo. If you look close, you can see lots of fallen limbs and trees...but overall not too bad. There are apparently a lot of down power lines, too, but you can't really see those. But the best thing...NO WATER!!!!!!!! They said so on the forums, but you know...it's hard to know what's true and what's not.

http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/storms/katr ina/24427885.jpg

The second link is the same pic...I made it smaller in Photoshop and labelled my apartment and various landmarks around them.

http://www.sand-in-my-shoes.com/8-31-05 afterkatrinasm.jpg

Pretty neat, huh?

I think my dad and I may try to go in on Wednesday...sounds like the lines will be long. I'll just be glad to see it. Interesting...they asked us to bury our spoiled food because they don't know when the garbage trucks will be coming around. And it sounds like we won't be allowed to stay overnight...didn't want to stay anyway, but they're making us leave before 6 PM. We won't be allowed to return for a month or so.

Still no word on the job. Sounds like it might be months before anything is going again.
Updated my fic site with a banner by [info]spikeskat and a link!

 

September 6, 2005, 4:11 PM
Soooo...
Feeling: sad
...I don't have a job now. At least, my boss (finally called...yay!) said it would be best if I move on. By the time they get everything up and running again, there may not be funding available. I called the lady at APPIC...they're going to try and place me. Spoke to a lady at Baylor in Houston. She was really sweet, but looks like she is scrounging around for funding, too. I know things will work out...just I'm finally realizing that I'm never going to go home...at least not the home I remember. So many people aren't going to go back to NO. It feels so foreign. Like a bad dream.

 

September 7, 2005, 9:53 PM
When will I feel normal again?
Feeling: selfish
I'm normally such a happy person. Why do I let things get me down? I hate being negative, but I feel so pessimistic and grumpy and sad today.

I saw my place. And I want to go home. I just want to go home and for none of it to have happened. I didn't realize that I had so many friends and connections there...and now they're all gone, and I'll never see them again. Cause I'll have to leave before anyone goes back.

I might have a possible job in Houston. But I know nothing about it and know none of the people...have never met them. That place is foreign. I don't even know if it's what I want to do. I feel so petty.

And part of me wants to help...to see it grow again, and now I won't get to.

I got up at 3 AM this morning...and it was a long day. Maybe that's why I'm emotional.

Thank you for allowing me to indulge in this bit of emotional release. I promise...I was in a good mood most of the day...until right now. I'll be better tomorrow. *nods*

I'll tell you more about it tomorrow.

 

September 7, 2005, 10:22 PM
Just to let you know...
Feeling: blah
[info]inxsomniax has posted up a site about donations for Hurricane Katrina and how you can gain access to some of her goodies if you donate! Sweetie, I don't know if you know it, but as I consider you one of my best friends, this means a lot to me. *HUGS*

And on September 11th, Johnny Carino's will donate 15% of its sales to the relief effort! Find the Carino's near you and go out to eat some excellent Italian food this Sunday!

 

September 9, 2005, 7:10 PM
My trip into New Orleans on Wednesday...
Feeling: reflective, sad, grateful
I needed a small break from LJ before I posted how things went on Wednesday. One of my best friends, [info]jencaro, was very supportive and listened to me rattle on about this for forever last night. Thank you, hun! *HUGS*

My dad and I got up at 3 AM, and we left the house at 3:30. He made me coffee as I was so tired, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I slept terrible the night before...I was more nervous than I realized, I think. Cried myself to sleep...talked with Brian. Told him I was scared. My dad didn't sleep well either.

Grabbed my purse, my ID, two bills to show that yes, I do live in Jefferson Parish, and brought a book and CD of music that I've downloaded from LJ and you guys. The world was so quiet. It's weird to drive out of town so early past all the refineries lit up like little cities. It felt like it did when we used to go to Disney World as a family. We'd leave at 4 AM and drive to Florida. It felt like we were running away in the middle of the night.

Once we got to I-10 in Orange, I so wanted to sleep as I'd only gotten about two hours of sleep. But I was determined to stay awake with my dad. He always insists on driving...is this a guy thing? So, I made small talk, reminisced about family stuff, and talked about happy things. Took limited sips of coffee as I wasn't sure if there would be a chance for many bathroom breaks.

We stopped for gas on the east side of Lafayette. It was a mini-truck stop, 24-hour Chevron. It was interesting. There were all these people who drove trucks or were going to work, and then, there was this family with a couple of women and men. They went to the bathroom with me. They couldn't get their toilet to stop flushing. I think we talked about that briefly.

Then, I went out the car, but there were all these men around staring at me. I went back into the shop and waited for my dad. I noticed the women in the bathroom get into the van beside us...they had extra gas canisters on top of the van in case the wait in line burned up all their fuel.

We didn't really run across any traffic until the east side of Baton Rouge. We weren't sure if the lines were related to rush hour traffic or due to the people going to and from NO. We saw about seven or eight ambulances with sirens blaring going toward Baton Rouge from New Orleans. There were signs...all along interstate 10 from the Louisiana/Texas border telling us what route to take into NO. But now there were a few more signs. One said that the left hand lane was for emergency vehicles only. Did anyone drive in the left hand lane? OMG...yes. The emergency vehicles had to drive on the shoulder.

We stopped for a bathroom break at the Cracker Barrel at Gonzales...exit 177...the place I always stop for Starbucks (i.e., caffeine) on the way to my parents' house. I guess I won't be doing that again. My dad said that I couldn't get any cause we didn't know about toilet facilities from there into NO and then in my apartment. I kinda agreed. :p

Then, once we got past Gonzales...the traffic picked up big time. We were backed up for miles. It was stop and go, stop and go. There were quite a few U-Hauls and other moving trucks. The relief vehicles...were of all sorts. Police cars, a couple of military vehicles, ambulances, four Sprint vehicles, dump trucks, regular cars and trucks with their emergency lights on, Entergy vehicles, the giant buses, water trucks, trucks with storage units for spilled fluids...

When we got to a certain point, a police officer appeared on the left hand side of the road and said to get into the right lane. Everyone did. The relief vehicles continued to use the shoulder...and once we got past the police officer, many people got back into the left hand lane. Just a little while later, we made it to the turn off for highway 61 (Airline) through Laplace. The police had I-10 blocked off and questioned everyone in the left hand lane (hee!).

We got down to Airline and drove about 60 mph for a while until we hit more traffic...several miles from NO. We could drive in any lane. Then, it was stop and go again for ages. The traffic lights were working in most places and the little gas stations were operational. My dad, the guy who never likes to stop, actually turned to me and said he had to stop to use the restroom. We pulled onto the shoulder and drove the remaining few yards to the Race Trac gas station. There was a line for the bathroom...a bunch of anxious people asking each other where they were headed and if they knew anything about their homes. One girl said she had two feet in her home but was grateful because a few blocks over, the homes were flooded to the rooftops. The bathroom smelled horrible...could tell tons of people had been using it. The store was really jammed with people.

We got back on the road. And ended up right next to the cars we'd been alongside before we'd gone up the shoulder. LOL...the cars hadn't moved much all that time we'd been in the bathroom!

I started noticing minimal damage to the trees around this time. Tree branches were piled along the roadsides. But overall, it seemed to be life as normal for them. It was a hopeful sign. School was even in session.

Then, it was stop and go after that again...until we reached Laplace. Finally! There were cops there directing traffic. We went much faster after that. Military with guns and vehicles were posted outside the refineries to make sure no one entered them.

We turned on the AM radio after that. Found a great NO station. It was nice to hear from the local people after all the sensationalizing from CNN and Fox News. (May I just say that those people exaggerate everything?) So...we heard a press conference from the police chief and a talk by Mr. Broussard from Jefferson Parish. He said people were driving too fast around Metairie and told us not to look up...but down...they'd apparently placed stop signs on several corners because traffic lights were out. Someone had run a light and broadsided a police officer earlier that day. Overall, though, he commended us for doing such a good job, and other news reporters praised Broussard for letting us come in and leave again...

We heard different people say that Wednesday was the last day for going into the parish and some say that Thursday was the last day. My signal on my cell was off and on...I apparently heard from three people while I was there and didn't know until I saw my inbox.

I heard stories from people who got separated from their children because there was no room on the bus for them. A Saints ball player started blasting the government...he got limited air time...they cut him off. Overall, there was a lot of what seemed like more objective reporting and concern about saving people and working together to form a plan to help people. It was reassuring.

Every once and a while, they had TV stations do little news reports...I think CBS or something...it didn't seem like a local thing but might have been. One of the reporters kept asking this man...is it true that the Canadians showed up first before the federal government? And the man said...yes. But you know what...their help was great. And did you know who else came and helped us? Our neighbors from Alabama and Mississippi...they had lost everything and they came to help us. Then, the reporter said...tell me about how the Canadians came in first...walk me through what happened. And the man said well, that did happen but you know...we just really appreciate all the help we've received. LOL...they went round and round like that...it was so amusing.

There were commercial breaks. These all consisted of different companies searching for their employees and offering support. That was really nice...these brought tears to my eyes. I didn't let my dad know...it would have made things harder.

Apparently, there's a green kind of mold growing over the flood waters.

We finally made it to Kenner! It took us FOUR hours to get there from Laplace. I recognized the 310 highway that I always took off of I-10 to get to Airline and drive home. They didn't check ids...just waved us in. There were police everywhere directing traffic and military too. I counted at least three helicopters in the air at any time given my limited view from the car.

The damage to Kenner wasn't bad. They obviously had power, and the highway was cleared of debris. There were trees snapped in half like twigs and ripped up by the roots. Sides of buildings had been stripped away. Many places were missing rooves. One really old building had collapsed. There were some old billboards that had twisted around and fallen on buildings. Some gas station overhangs were torn down. Many people had already patched their roof with plastic. Some businesses were starting to re-build. There were signs of life everywhere. I didn't see any broken windows. We drove by the airport...I craned my neck to see anything...nothing new. No flooding anywhere. We were on the west side of the storm and so very lucky.

We got to River Ridge. The sign I always look for to know to turn right was torn up. Lots of limbs and broken trees and torn away billboards, but the streets were clear. The street lights were working...flashing yellow. I could easily see the apartments where my friend lives/d. I couldn't used to see them at all from the road... they were blocked by trees. Now the trees aren't there.

We drove into my apartment complex area past Earhart. There were limbs everywhere. The gathering place for the complexes was completely flooded by tree limbs. We pulled into the parking lot. Many cars were abandoned. The SUV next to us had a flat tire as if something flew at it and popped it. Almost all the cars didn't have license plates. Not sure why. There were roof shingles EVERYWHERE...they literally carpeted the parking lot.

I opened the car door, and the stench was immediately overwhelming. I'm not sure what it smelled like exactly. Not feed lots/cow smell, not chemicals...just like something rotting or like the smell on Bourbon Street the morning after everyone's been partying...magnified 100 times. I live about a ten minute drive from the flooding and it smelled that bad? I was shocked.

The place was eeriely deserted. We saw maybe two people. No one said hello. It was like a bomb had hit, and there were no more people. Leaves and shingles were piled up around my door. We went into my apartment...I had electricity!!! Even my alarm was set. The apartment smelled like the terrible stench from outside...only the air had helped dampen it a little.

My apartment was secure...no broken windows...I live kinda on the side...the wind doesn't hardly blow down there. So I was lucky. No flooding, no looting. The apartments around me looked incredibly intact.

My dad set to work emptying the fridge. Apparently, because I had electricity, some of the food had refrozen in the freezer so that wasn't bad. The bottom was worse. All the food was rotted and moldy.

I got a huge suitcase full of clothing that I can wear to work if I find a job, two Target/Walmart bags full of shoes, a suitbag with suits for job interviews, and the rest of my pics and jewelry. I grabbed a blanket from the bed and my Texas Tech baseball cap that I just bought in Lubbock at graduation. Hard to believe that I graduated a month ago...it seems like lifetimes ago. I got a few work things that I'd left. I'll have to return them when the offices reopen...not for several months. I also got my computer monitor and my stereo and some of my DVDs and CDs. I retrieved all of my bathroom products...for future use. And I got a few more of Meagan's toys. The rest we left. [info]beccak1961 said she's going to grab kitchen stuff. I didn't even *think* to do that. It's going to be strange to set up a new apartment in a new city with no furniture.

I'll go back for the rest at a later date. We did all that in an hour and a half. A couple of helicopters flew really low over my apartment while we were there. I had a terrible headache...it felt kind of like the day I evacuated...working so fast that I couldn't think. I was shaking.

I had water too but we didn't wash our hands or drink it...we did use the restroom.

I was ready to leave again. We left. I felt so nauseated on the way out...from exhaustion and lack of food. I couldn't even really pay attention to the people around us...other than there were a lot of people leaving. We had a picnic in the car as my dad drove. After I ate and took some Tylenol, I felt better.

Then, we turned on the radio again. Apparently, the Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemine parish schools will be closed for the year. Jefferson Parish will start back in December. I think given that my work is downtown and in Orleans Parish, it's safe to say that LSU won't be running again until a year from now. It's kind of sad.

They clarified that Thursday is the last day people can go in. Then, they can stay at their own risk. I wouldn't want to stay...even with power. There are no grocery stores and you have to boil all your water even for a bath. *thinks of poor [info]myfeetshowit and her city's e-coli in the water supply* And don't forget the horrible stench. Saw people in line for supplies as we drove out. People were wheeling shopping carts full of boxes back to their homes. FEMA will seize all gas stations Thursday, and they will continue to do the clean up and search for bodies.

Apparently, they're going around and asking people to leave. Some people were told to get out...but their orders were clarified and they're asking people to leave voluntarily. After all the voluntary evacuees leave, then, they will force people to leave. I really honestly believe it is for their own safety. I only saw a limited part of the better hit part of the city...and I didn't want to stay. I can't imagine what it's like in the worst hit parts of town.

Then, they will start kicking down doors and searching for bodies. The man who reported about this kept emphasizing the importance of the swiftness of the search for bodies and explained about the temporary morgue. They said they will move rapidly but will treat each person they find with utmost respect. He kept re-emphasizing that as if he expected someone to protest and say they were doing it wrong.

Anyway, on the way out, it was more of the same. We weren't backed up as far, but the people where we had been...backed up (according to the radio) 15 miles. FIFTEEN! We wondered if they'd make it in before 6 PM.

Spoke to Betsy...the woman I was starting to work with on the phone. Told her about Thursday definitely being the last day. They drove in from Atlanta and were staying in Baton Rouge for the night. She said they brought a bunch of supplies to deal with any damage to their home. They live in Harahan...that was hit about as badly as mine...meaning relatively minimal damage...other than roof and tree problems.

Then, we made it to I-10...and drove home with smooth sailing. My dad let me drive...finally! We stopped in Sulphur, LA at the Cracker Barrel. Ate dinner and felt refreshed. Made it home at 7:30 PM.

Overall, I think it affected me quite a bit more than I realized. Even though I was exhausted, I stayed up late playing a mindless computer game. When I went to bed, I couldn't sleep. I think it affected my dad too...he didn't sleep well either.

I still have sad ups and downs. I figure it will be this way for a while. I miss my home...even though I didn't want to live in NO forever. I had ties there. It's weird.

 

September 14, 2005, 9:19 AM
Wish me luck...
Feeling: awake
I have a job interview from 8:30 AM to 2 or 3 PM tomorrow for a post-doc position at the *** in Houston! (They used to be in Topeka, KS.) I'm very nervous as this is a big name place. I'll be doing inpatient psychology work (which I love) if I get the job...with adults. Sadly, no kid stuff. But I can't be too picky. I just want a job. Hopefully, I'll be pretty qualified with four years of inpatient experience...

My mom and I are going shopping today for fun...maybe I'll find an outfit or a nice work bag.

Oh...my old boss from internship called me at 7 AM. It's the only time he can get through on his NO area code phone. He's in Baton Rouge. LSU is trying to set up some stuff there. He agreed to be a reference for me! Thank goodness. I was wondering if I'd even get anyone from NO as a reference.

Points to icon by [info]vampkiss...Have you ever noticed the baking in BtVS? Buffy gets cookies from Giles; Willow shoves a cookie in Spike's mouth to shut him up; Buffy gives her cookie dough speech. It all seems to center around Buffy and Spike...and sometimes Angel. I know it's a stretch, but sometimes when I'm tired or not quite awake yet, it amuses me.

Did I say thank you yet for all the support you guys have shown me through all this hurricane stuff? *squishes you all* I can't imagine what I'd do without you all. You're amazing! *loves flist*

 

September 14, 2005, 7:57 PM
OMG...
Feeling: shocked, ecstatic
I just checked my online FEMA application to see if anything had changed. OMG OMG OMG.

They put $2000 in my bank account! I have money to pay rent in my old apartment and the new one when I move and to break my lease at the old place and to rent a U-Haul to move my things once we can return to New Orleans! (That about uses all the money up.)

OMG. OMG. I didn't think I'd qualify for anything. I can't believe it. I really really can't.

[info]isabellecs, you were right.

 

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