EARTHQUAKES! HURRICANES! ZOMBIES! Okay, there haven’t been any reports of zombies. Although I have been playing a lot of Plants vs. Zombies lately but I think it’s completely unrelated to the earthquakes and hurricanes.
Mother Nature has been playing a few tricks on us lately and I actually kind of like it. I’m not saying that because of any harm to person or property. But I do like the way that people band together in a time of crisis.
I’m spending this Sunday in Baltimore at my sister’s house. She’s fully stocked with food and has a generator if necessary. As long as the internet doesn’t go out, I’ll be okay.
Hope everyone is staying safe!
***
Here’s something you need to know about me. And it’s probably not a surprise. I deal with a crisis by using humor. Often inappropriate humor. It’s kind of like a nervous tic.
So yes, I made fun of the earthquake. Yes, I made fun of the hurricane. Yes, I make fun of myself. There’s a lot going on at one time. With an unexpected earthquake felt up and down the entire east coast (which is kind of freaky) and now a hurricane threatening the entire east coast, it’s easy to start getting sucked into the OMG-it-must-be-the-end-of-the-world mentality.
You know what? It might be. But I don’t feel like it is. I feel like it’s a series of natural events and they’re pretty darn fascinating. I don’t think it’s punishment for anything. I don’t think the earth is angry with us. It’s nature.
If you want to talk about air quality, we definitely reap what we sow. And I know there are climatologists that tie a lot of thes events together. But it’s nature.
You know what the best part of it all is for me? It’s not making fun of the ridiculous television reporting (although they make it so easy). It’s knowing that people care. People that I’ve never met in person. People that I’ve never met except online. They know me. They know where I live (not in a specific house, that would be a little stalkerish). And they asked how I was after the earthquake. And today, I’ve had lots of messages from people just checking in to see how I’m weathering the storm.
So if it is the end of the world, I couldn’t have picked a finer crowd to be with.
13 comments
I think that is an awesome Outlook, Fadra, and I’m glad you fared the storm well.
I’m in Upstate SC and had several online friends check on me. They didn’t know what part of the state I live in, only that I lived in SC and that state was being effected. It touched my heart that these people I’ve never laid eyes on cared enough to ask if we would be in the path.
This just goes to show that although it may not be in the conventional sense of the word, bloggers are very much a community, and Twitter has been lit up with people checking on each other, offering courage, comfort, support, and yes, even humor.
I feel that people that respond with humor, like you, are just as important as the ones that respond in other ways. Sometimes, we all just need a good giggle to relieve the stress.
A bit of humour can be comforting! Mother Nature sure has a good one.
Glad you are all ok.
I am so glad you are safe, Fadra! Humor is not a bad thing; it helps comfort us in hard times!
I agree that it is part of nature, but I most definitely believe that mother nature is pissed at us. I believe it is all tied together. When was the last time a hurricane and an earthquake hit the East Coast-especially within week of each other? I think we need to take this seriously and start doing our part more!
Be safe, Fadra! And laugh away-it really is the best medicine! 🙂
We all need a bit of humor to make it through this thing we call life. I could not survive without it. I am glad you are safe. I am from SC and lived through Hugo many years ago so I know hurricanes are no joke. Now earthquakes is another story. I don’t get down with them. Stay safe.
I’m glad you made it through the storm!! We expect it to hit here in RI by around noon I guess. I have to check the forecasts to see if the track has changed. It’s getting windy outside and it is raining. Not too bad, but it seems the furthest outer bands are starting to brush us already.
Isn’t it amazing how online friends are so supportive? I have 3 incredible friends that were first online friends that now, I don’t know how I would live without them in my life. They are awesome, and sometimes better friends to me that IRL friends. Some people don’t understand it, how people can meet and become friends online, but I think it is awesome, to be able to meet and become friends with people from all over.
And I for one, enjoy your humor. 🙂
What a great attitude to have! And, I feel the same way! I was amazed after Tuesday’s earthquake, just how many people texted, called, emailed me to see if I was okay. It really meant a lot and made me realize how potentially horrible events can bring out the best in us and reveal the best in us.
this is why i adore you. happy sunday!
I’m almost scared to comment, since last time my potty mouth got me sent to time out. 🙂 But seriously, I use humor in EVERY situation. Inappropriate as it may be. I think that’s why I gravitate to Twitter during times of trouble. Let’s me know I’m not alone. Because according to my Facebook friends, we all better be on the lookout for the Horsemen, because they’re coming.
I love your outlook on life. Glad you guys fared well. At least I’m assuming you did. 🙂
Hype, hype, hype. Don’t any of these people remember the Boy Who Cried Wolf or Chicken Little?! Sheesh…. Enjoyed your take on it this morning, Fadra. And about Cinquain poetry – it is a very simple poetry form created by an American Woman named Adelaide Crapsey. Five lines of structure, simple and beautiful. Haiku like. I’ll hit you up with some links this week. My mind is scrambled eggs right now.
So thankful you survived Irene’s wrath and destruction.
It amazes me, too, how our online life can be so appreciative and sweet/caring. I love the outpour I get when I open my computer and see words of wisdom on my screen. Friends just rock!
I totally think that there has to be a balance between the hysteria and the folks weren’t stressing at all. Humor could totally be that balance we all need in stressful situations!
Great outlook! Glad you are OK. Isn’t the blogging/twitter community a great one?
So glad you are well, appreciate your outlook. This community is great.