So, here I sit after having called to move the delivery date of our new bed for the fourth time. Originally, we were going to be home by Thanksgiving. Then, a few slow days turned it into "DEFINITELY before Christmas!" Oh, wait, the granite guys took over 2 weeks to get back to finish their work - which held up the plumber and trim guys. Looks like, it will be after Christmas - but BY NEW YEAR! Opps...plumbers and trim guys are taking longer than expected. And, the floor guy is behind on another job. At this rate, it could be Valentine's Day - but let's not get too excited.
To say the last 4 1/2 months have been stressful is a complete understatement.
My life has been turned upside down. My boys don't want to sleep at night - partly because of shuffling through different beds and environments. Air mattress some nights, opportunity for a real bed another night or two, shift over to another house and bed for a night.... It's no wonder they are wound up and cranky at times. They can't play the way they were accustomed to pre-flood - they don't have their toy room or big yard with their trampoline. There are more rules, more "don't touch that", more "sit down", more being quiet... My work days consist of roughly 2.5-3 hours round-trip commutes, 9-10 hours at work, a couple of hours spent with the boys/doing laundry/straightening up our space/etc. and approximately 1-2 hours fighting them to go to sleep. That leaves less than 7 hours to combine sleep and getting ready for work in the mornings - and that's if there is nothing else to add in the mix. If a stop at any store needs to be made, go ahead and take that out of the "sleep" allotment.
I feel more unhealthy than ever right now (I've gained at least 20lbs back). I can't store food and cook the way I did before - there are just too many of us sharing space. We do the best we can, and thankfully my dad has been cooking hearty meals (although not so great for my waistline). My regular gym is still renovating from the flood. I've tried to visit other locations, but it's just another thing to add to the list that is completely out of the way. I even tried to go to 5:30am Spin on Perkins, but even that didn't work. Class doesn't start on time, and then I have a very small window to get showered and dressed for work to be there on time. Ended up being super stressful... AND, I was ready for a nap by 10am. No bueno.
I have never felt so frustrated with my situation. And, so helpless... Which is not fair of me to allow for my family or myself. I keep saying that once we get home and have a chance to breathe, that things will start to fall back into place. I am such a planner, and this has been WAY out of my comfort zone. I am so ready for the next couple of weeks to pass. SO READY.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
#FloodLyfe
So, yesterday marked a month since water came rushing into my home...a month since it covered my floors, my babies' toys, seeped into my furniture and cabinetry...
It has been a month since my family became homeless.
At 6am on Saturday, August 13th, I was woken up by a call from my dad. The boys had slept in my bed with me, and I tried to speak quietly as to not wake them up. My dad was concerned that I needed to leave since I was home alone with my boys. Michael had been forced in to work the day before, and knew that he would not be released until Monday morning at the earliest due to road closures. However, I was prepared to be stuck high and dry on an island in my neighborhood with two stir-crazy little boys. I assured him we would be fine, but that they needed to leave as soon as possible. At 9:30am, I received another text from my cousin next door to my parents...they were already ankle deep in their houses. They were trying to get off of their street, but the water was too high for vehicles. They had to wait for a boat.
I felt absolutely helpless. Around 10:30am, my father-in-law called to tell me they were coming to get me and the boys to bring us to higher ground. I did not want to leave - I thought it was overkill. I was perfectly content to just stay home and wait it out with my boys. However, I pushed my stubborn feelings aside, and agreed to leave with them. At approximately 2pm, I grabbed my boys and we left our home with a few changes of clothes, three books and a few favorite toys. I knew we would be back soon, so I didn't worry with much else. I never imagined that the next time I saw my home, it would be completely devastated.
We went up the road to Michael's grandmother's house. She was busy cooking beans for supper. There was some water in the front yard, but was not moving at that moment. Michael's older brother and girlfriend arrived. The house they were living in had taken on water that was now about waist deep. By 3pm, it was quite obvious that MawMaw's house would be taking on water very soon. I was watching it creep across the lawn. Spiders were all over the patio trying to outrun the water. We moved my car and hers up to the road, and then packed up what we could to leave. I realized as we drove down the driveway that in the 15 minutes it took for us to get collected to leave, the water came up high enough that my car would not have made it out at that point. I buckled Liam into his car seat and let Ethan ride shotgun in his uncle's truck - we had to get out of that area. Our caravan made it over to Michael's parents' house. They were still dry and had power.
I was texting with my neighbors that had stayed behind. Water was rushing into the streets, and there was no way out. It was happening quickly, and all were certain that our homes would be flooding soon...
By 8:30pm, I received a solid confirmation that our neighbors had water in their home. There was no doubt now.
It was all very surreal, to be honest. You kind of hold out a little hope until you finally see it yourself. Sunday morning, I received a picture of my house from across the street. Our neighbors, Brittney and Todd were still waiting to be rescued after spending the night with seven people huddled on top of their kitchen island. Their youngest son strapped into the only life jacket they could find. I broke down. That would have been me, but alone with my two babies. Stop for a second, and think about that. I wanted to stay behind. I almost fought for it. I would have been in the dark with a 5 year old and a 2 year old...nowhere to go for safety. Our only option being the highest place inside the house for us to all fit - my kitchen island. Thank God that for once I was not stubborn.
Sunday morning, we woke up to the realization that Michael's parents would be getting some water as well. The boys and I moved up the road to a family friend's house. They were still doing well with no water and power, and had a room for us to stay in until the water went down. Thankful does not even begin to describe the feeling. The Fennels gave us shelter, hot showers and meals, and WINE! :) During the next couple of days, communication was limited and it was difficult to tell exactly when we would be able to get out to see the damage we would be facing. Michael was forced to leave work Sunday morning after being "on" for 60 straight hours. He was able to get to Baton Rouge, and stayed with friends until the interstate was finally opened early Tuesday morning. At about 6am, the door to the bedroom the boys and I were sleeping in opened. Liam was the first to pop up, "Is that Daddy?!" Bring on all the tears.
Since the roads were clear enough, we decided to go see our house. Nothing can quite prepare you to see your entire life mucked up from a flood. Or, for the smell...
It almost makes you wish it had just been a fire. Then you wouldn't have to go through the painful process of pulling everything you ever owned out and hauling it to the road. Or, have to rip your soggy walls out and dig insulation until you get to something dry. Or...have to pull out every cabinet and built-in that was touched by water. When someone says, "Oh, it doesn't look that bad!" or "It could have been worse!" it makes me want to punch them in the throat. Please, PLEASE tell me how you think it's not that bad. I would LOVE to hear it. Please tell me how I shouldn't cry as my wedding dress is pulled from the mud, or how my son's foot and hand prints from over the years going in the trash "isn't that bad". Not everyone is completely insensitive, and I do recognize that some people just do not know what to say (and, as a result, may say the wrong thing). I've been pretty proud of myself for not completely snapping off at anyone for their not-very-well-thought-out commentary.
What I can say through this process is that we have had some absolutely amazing family, friends and co-workers that have come to our rescue. From demo-ing our dream home...being a listening ear...a meal and some time away...it has all been extremely humbling, and we are forever grateful. There are so many people I still need to personally thank... It's overwhelming the love and compassion we have been shown over the last month. My company actually gave our site the week off, and rallied groups together to send to affected employees' houses to help demo and gut. We were blown away.
The kids have handled it better than I could have anticipated. Naturally, they've been wound up and a little stir-crazy at times - to be expected. Ethan has taught me so much through this ordeal. He talks about the "mean flood water" messing up his house, but he has never been angry or overtly upset. He is happy to be alive and with us - that is all he wants. Smart, loving kid. My brother and sister-in-law have been absolute angels sent from heaven. They welcomed us into their home and have tried to make us comfortable, help where and when they could/can. It has been amazing...
I guess this is a sort of condensed version of my little family's experience in the "Great Flood". There were so many more emotions, high tensions, and side stories... Pretty much everyone around here has a flood story - whether it includes their house being flooded, a parent or other immediate family member, or even close friends. No one in this area is completely unscathed from this piece of shit disaster. Literally, 90% of homes in my hometown had water damage as a direct result of the "Great Flood of 2016". My mind still can't process it.
There is still so much to do, but we are getting it done one day at a time. I have had to learn to have more patience than ever before.
It has been a month since my family became homeless.
At 6am on Saturday, August 13th, I was woken up by a call from my dad. The boys had slept in my bed with me, and I tried to speak quietly as to not wake them up. My dad was concerned that I needed to leave since I was home alone with my boys. Michael had been forced in to work the day before, and knew that he would not be released until Monday morning at the earliest due to road closures. However, I was prepared to be stuck high and dry on an island in my neighborhood with two stir-crazy little boys. I assured him we would be fine, but that they needed to leave as soon as possible. At 9:30am, I received another text from my cousin next door to my parents...they were already ankle deep in their houses. They were trying to get off of their street, but the water was too high for vehicles. They had to wait for a boat.
I felt absolutely helpless. Around 10:30am, my father-in-law called to tell me they were coming to get me and the boys to bring us to higher ground. I did not want to leave - I thought it was overkill. I was perfectly content to just stay home and wait it out with my boys. However, I pushed my stubborn feelings aside, and agreed to leave with them. At approximately 2pm, I grabbed my boys and we left our home with a few changes of clothes, three books and a few favorite toys. I knew we would be back soon, so I didn't worry with much else. I never imagined that the next time I saw my home, it would be completely devastated.
We went up the road to Michael's grandmother's house. She was busy cooking beans for supper. There was some water in the front yard, but was not moving at that moment. Michael's older brother and girlfriend arrived. The house they were living in had taken on water that was now about waist deep. By 3pm, it was quite obvious that MawMaw's house would be taking on water very soon. I was watching it creep across the lawn. Spiders were all over the patio trying to outrun the water. We moved my car and hers up to the road, and then packed up what we could to leave. I realized as we drove down the driveway that in the 15 minutes it took for us to get collected to leave, the water came up high enough that my car would not have made it out at that point. I buckled Liam into his car seat and let Ethan ride shotgun in his uncle's truck - we had to get out of that area. Our caravan made it over to Michael's parents' house. They were still dry and had power.
 |
| About to leave MawMaw's house... |
By 8:30pm, I received a solid confirmation that our neighbors had water in their home. There was no doubt now.
 |
| My street |
 |
| My home... |
Sunday morning, we woke up to the realization that Michael's parents would be getting some water as well. The boys and I moved up the road to a family friend's house. They were still doing well with no water and power, and had a room for us to stay in until the water went down. Thankful does not even begin to describe the feeling. The Fennels gave us shelter, hot showers and meals, and WINE! :) During the next couple of days, communication was limited and it was difficult to tell exactly when we would be able to get out to see the damage we would be facing. Michael was forced to leave work Sunday morning after being "on" for 60 straight hours. He was able to get to Baton Rouge, and stayed with friends until the interstate was finally opened early Tuesday morning. At about 6am, the door to the bedroom the boys and I were sleeping in opened. Liam was the first to pop up, "Is that Daddy?!" Bring on all the tears.
Since the roads were clear enough, we decided to go see our house. Nothing can quite prepare you to see your entire life mucked up from a flood. Or, for the smell...
 |
| Back yard |
 |
| Bed completely ruined as the water absorbed up into the mattress. |
 |
| My "dream" kitchen |
 |
| My master bathroom |
 |
| The growing trash pile... |
What I can say through this process is that we have had some absolutely amazing family, friends and co-workers that have come to our rescue. From demo-ing our dream home...being a listening ear...a meal and some time away...it has all been extremely humbling, and we are forever grateful. There are so many people I still need to personally thank... It's overwhelming the love and compassion we have been shown over the last month. My company actually gave our site the week off, and rallied groups together to send to affected employees' houses to help demo and gut. We were blown away.
The kids have handled it better than I could have anticipated. Naturally, they've been wound up and a little stir-crazy at times - to be expected. Ethan has taught me so much through this ordeal. He talks about the "mean flood water" messing up his house, but he has never been angry or overtly upset. He is happy to be alive and with us - that is all he wants. Smart, loving kid. My brother and sister-in-law have been absolute angels sent from heaven. They welcomed us into their home and have tried to make us comfortable, help where and when they could/can. It has been amazing...
I guess this is a sort of condensed version of my little family's experience in the "Great Flood". There were so many more emotions, high tensions, and side stories... Pretty much everyone around here has a flood story - whether it includes their house being flooded, a parent or other immediate family member, or even close friends. No one in this area is completely unscathed from this piece of shit disaster. Literally, 90% of homes in my hometown had water damage as a direct result of the "Great Flood of 2016". My mind still can't process it.
There is still so much to do, but we are getting it done one day at a time. I have had to learn to have more patience than ever before.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
New Year's Goals
Everywhere you look, you see New Year's Resolutions popping up in all shapes and sizes. I started to give some thought to whether or not I really wanted to join the cliche, but realized I had already started what I would have considered as one of them. So, what the hell? Just to be different, I labeled them as my "Goals". Resolution is defined as "a firm decision to do or not to do something". I wouldn't say these are "firm decisions" - they are truly goals. So, with that in mind, here are my goals for 2016:
1.) Continue on my weight loss journey, and get back down into the 130s. Oh, this is a fun one. First of all, I have to admit to the world that my Driver's License is a dirty liar. Second, it just reminds me that these first 10 pounds I've lost are just the beginning. I'm building muscle, and my clothes are fitting in a drastically different and better way. So, if I get into the low 140s and I feel/look amazing, then I'm good with that! Looking back at myself at 130-135, I was skinny for me - but I was also mostly a cardio bunny with a little bit of muscle. So, I think 135-140 is a favorable goal, but I could easily live with something higher if my body is slammin'!
2.) Complete at least one sprint triathlon. This is obviously in the same spirit of the first goal. Before I had Ethan, I did 5ks, 10k, a half marathon and a few sprint triathlons. I have ZERO desire to do anymore running races, but I LOVED the triathlons. I have a competitive spirit, and the mix of swimming, biking and running was perfect. Rocketchix was awesome because it's all ladies and smallish compared to other competitions. However, these types of races have grown in popularity so there are definitely a few more options than there were several years ago.
3.) Earn my PHR certification. So, this is a goal that keeps getting put on the back burner. I've taken classes, and even attempted the test (that bitch is no joke) at the worst times of my life - being pregnant, living with my parents and building a house (no stress, right?!). So, my goal is to carve out some time to truly dedicate to getting this done. The test is give twice a year, and planning to take the Winter 2016 test would probably be in my best interest when you start including the above goals. Once I get to the summer and gear down into body maintenance mode, I can dedicate more energy to this certification.
4.) Pay off my car & eliminate any remaining CC debt. They says it's good to carry a little bit of debt when it comes to building your credit score. Honestly, I don't really give a shit about that for this goal. We made sure everything was perfect for building and acquiring our house - followed the rules even if we didn't like them. But, now... The house is done and there will not be any large purchases any time soon. In that spirit, it's time to knock that shit out. That means strapping down and making budget cuts. I've already made some cuts by looking at what can be eliminated on a monthly basis. It's not fun, but the end result will be a lot more financial freedom.
Again, these are my "goals" for the year. I realize that I may not hit one or two (or any for that matter!), but I'm a planner and enjoy a challenge. Here's to a better year and an awesome 2016!
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