Earthquake

'Let's get ready to rumble...' was the theme of this last day before school. I didn't know it would be physically.

It was a beautiful day. Just like the weather on 9/11.

As I sat in a faculty meeting in the library at 1:30, I joked in the back as we sat on a stage next to 5 million glass windows about how cool it'd be to get out of school on Monday for the hurricane. This was as we went over Crisis Management for the county and were handed a stack of papers an inch thick on the procedures.

And then it happened. It was felt in 25 states and another country and by 12 million people. The epicenter just happened to be 30 miles from where we live. Nothing this big has occurred since WWII.

It was loud and started with a simple rumble. Within 3 seconds, my principal was yelling that it was an earthquake and to get under the tables.

Well back-stage-Anni didn't have that option. I dove between 2 low setting bookcases with my friend Dan. I can even remember him telling jokes as the building really shook and we were squatted with our heads covered.

As soon as it stopped, my principal was yelling to get out of the building and into the back parking lot before we were ushered to the front of the school to escape electricity lines and joined the evacuations from the hospital.

I'll give my school props. Everyone remained calm externally, while all heck broke out internally. The principal immediately was on the blow horn relaying to us that a 5.8 earthquake had occurred. Before we knew it, we were sent home.  My binder and strewn Crisis Management Plan still lay on the floor. But, less than an hour after the quake school was cancelled.

Phone service was down. But, texting worked. So, I actually heard from T before my own family. Dad didn't really enjoy it. Momma had students. Worth even felt it in PA.

It was nice to all be together at dinner.

While the family and friends fared well, downtown did not. A state of emergency has been declared.  Here are some snapshots.

Moral of the Story: Today is one of those days that you just thank God.