Day 17

Today is my birthday.

Day 15

I can't believe it's been two weeks since the storm. In some ways it seems like an eternity. Hard to remember what life was like before the storm. Work has slowed down somewhat. I've gone from frantic to something a little less than that. At least now I've got the presence of mind to remember what I've left undone.

Hubby had the night off last night. First one since the storm. He's so tired and feels lousy. He's working more and more all the time. I don't think he can do this much longer.

I don't get to see the kids much at all these days. When I do see them, they are either needing help with homework or asking what's for dinner (even before lunchtime). I worked 14 hour days on Saturday and Sunday. When I came home, no one had eaten since breakfast and the house was a total wreck. No homework had been done. The dog had crapped all over the house. They all wanted to go somewhere, but you know, I'm not going to do it. If they want something, they've got to give me something. I've got to remember to get $120 for R & H school fees. I've already paid about $200. How do poor families do it?

When I get to work in the morning, about 400 people will be lined up outside of the front door. The grapevine is alive and well. We've done no publicity on our services, but somehow people have found out. A caseworker quit today. After one day. She said she didn't like how we were giving assistance so she was quitting. Screw her. I understand her frustration; but how dare she make that assumption that we have all the answers. She certain doesn't. We've been in this disaster since day one. Sure our system is not perfect. No one claims it to be.

Just a little secret--everyone giving aid is making up the rules as we go along. Our previous experience is of little help with the tremendous need out there.

Talking with lots of national and international press. That's really kinda cool, but they are driving me crazy. I'm giving most of my attention to local press. They are going to be in Baton Rouge much longer. Channel 9 has been great.

The news of the St. Bernard nursing home find hit the AP. I had heard there were 100 bodies there.

I've made a lot of good friends. I've got a couple in Pennsylvania coming down for Mardi Gras. Can't wait. I love to take a couple of weeks off next summer and go see them and friends I've made from Boston. What fun!

Gotta go. Much more to write but I'm tired.

Oh, by the way, Bush is a fool.

Day 9

Got a lot done today. Caseworkers won't give clients money. They have placed to go and we'll only give them $30 of gas. Not even a full tank. Ubsurd. No one wanted to give them $$$ or gas cards because someone might buy beer with it. Heaven forbid if a few out of the hundreds who have called bought a 6 pack.

I got on the internet at 4:30 and found the company that makes the cards for all of the major oil companies. Got a call back at 5:30--yes, he can make us a bazillion cards that won't buy liquor orrrrr lottery tickets. I hadn't even thought of that. We're going to order $30,000 in $50 cards. That's only 600.

I have a wonderful husband. He's so amazing. We were talking about the shelter. He's now working the night shift. He said at night, it's really peaceful. People snoring. Big, rough men sleeping while holding their tiny baby on their chest. He said he feels like he's an angel in "Wings of Desire." (artsy German film--almost "film noir"--with Peter Falk--beautiful movie)Last night a toddler started fussing. He pulled the blanket up to the child's chin to quiet the baby--like he did to our so many times.

The news keeps reporting about the toxicity of the water. Why is this such a big surprise to everyone. Even on a normal summer day, the French Quarter reeks of sewerage.

Hillary is taking dance lessons. I thought I needed to do that for her. It's way too far out but she's such a great kid. I can't do much for her, but this I can try to do.

I've got lots of media set up for Thursday and Friday. Have to set up a press conference on Monday. Lots and lots going on. Gotta go. No one has any clean clothes.

One more thing--My mom's best friend has been running a small shelter east of here. About 60 evacuees. She's been having folks cook for them everyday. Red Cross is coming in to organize them. He said they've been to easy on them. From now on, it's MRE's for everyone. Man must have ice water running through his veins. Will he eat MRS's too? These people have had it so good. Free transportation, free housing, free food--they planned it so well. Except for that part about thousands of deaths, horrible rescue conditions, losing all of their possessions, neighborhoods destroyed, not being able to get in touch with friends and family. Yeah--we've been waaaaay to easy on them. Free loaders. The red cross guy needs to live in the Super Dome for a week. A vacation!

Oh--by the way--Bush is a fool.

Day 8

8 days. Eight long, long days. In some ways seems like BK (before Katrina) was only 8 days ago. In others, it's still 8 days. Eight long, long days. Kids went back to school today. We found all of the book sacks, beaten and battered by the wind--how else would everything get strewn from one end of the house to the other.

I asked Elizabeth's teacher not to give too much homework. She didn't seem to get it, I'm just too fried to do homework. She's too stressed. She thought w had too much to do. Whatever.

Skippy barks all the time now. Too many sirens and strange dogs. Barking feels good. So does licking your own ass--but I can't do that either.

Airplanes, big whoppa-whoppa helicopters all day long, hummers, rv's, semis, news trucks. the streets are packed. Traffic has more than doubled. Hillary is so frustrated that I won't let her drive. People are so crazy though. New Orleans people drive like maniacs. Coupled with the stress and our stupid roads, and their unfamiliarity. Accident waiting to happen. I'll try to let her drive more

Norwegian cruise lines is sending a cruise ship for evacuees. Wonder if they will keep the dress code for the captain's dinner. I'm homeless but by golly I look good in a tux. Now where is that all you can eat buffet.

Heard they were going to bulldoze the superdome. I would before I cleaned those toilets. That would be sad, but there are too many horrible memories. My high school band was the one to perform at a half time show for the Saints. 1977 I think. They showed my picture on the overhead screen and even said my name over the loud speaker. Bet there are still people talking about that tall, skinny girl, with the big hair and the bowed legs.

I left work today at 4:30. Hit a wall about 3:00. Got a lot done today though. Got a TV interview tomorrow. TV shows to shoot on Friday. The president of my organization will probably be a guest. Seems like I haven't shot a show in years.

I do think we have some momentum going now. We have so many good stories. A hospital called about a women and a 2 day old baby that needed to be discharged. She may have given birth in a shelter for all I know. We found her a home with a couple in Baton rouge. They set her up with everything she and the baby need. She found her family in Shreveport. Her host family drove her there about 5 hours one way.

I've got another landmark. ABD, i.e., After Bob Denver. Life will never be the same.

Day 7

I find it hard to believe that only a week has passed since the storm. Seems like an eternity ago that we were hunkered down in the Centroplex--camping out like the Clampetts on their way to Beverleeee. Crock pot cooking on the banquet table. Peanut butter & bread. Cereal and milk. Movies. Dawg. Wish I could have found those little boxes of cereal that you open up to make your own bowl. When my family moved when I was a kid, Momma would sometimes breakdown and buy those for us. What a treat. I remember coveting the Rice Krispies and the Frosted Flakes. Even though I'd stake my claim early, I didn't always get my hand on the box in time before someone else snatched up my prize. Something about the smell of milk mixed with cardboard makes be feel nostalgic. I always thought this was indeed the perfect food--cereal and bowl all in one--no clean up. I think all food should come like that. Come to think of it, it does.

Maybe it's the dairy and cardboard combo I find so intriguing. Like Velvetta Cheese. That's food (actually "cheese food"), container and make-believe shoes all in one.

I was just too beat down to write yesterday. Today was better. I handed off one of my hats today. Volunteer coordinator. whew. one less thing to feel guity about. Elizebeth says I'm too hard on myself. Her teacher said that if you talk bad about yourself then other people are going to start believing it too. Smarty pants. She said I should be proud of myself--particularly for raising a kid as great as she is. She's so amazing. of course, this little self-assured prepubescent (who won't brush her teeth and informed me this morning she had lice) cried herself to sleep last night. She saw a girl have a seizure at church yesterday. Well she didn't actually see it but she heard the story recounted over and over again. She misses her daddy. He's working all the time. and she's scared. Just plain scared. Me too.

President came to Baton Rouge today. Really wish he'd just stay home. Governor's office didn't know about it until 6:30 this morning. they wanted Kathleen to sign over control of the National Guard. She refused. Bet he called her a bitch. Someone needs to bitchslap him. Staying on the ranch while people died. Must have been reading that book about the goat again. Those big words are tough.

John Travolta came today in his jet. Didn't get to see him though. Would have liked to. Oprah was here (she never returned my call--I may never email her again). Jesse Jackson, Sean Penn, who knows who else. New Orleans has been drowning for years and year--did they ever pay any attention then? They were too busy partying--like Mr. W himself. I can just see him in some nudie bar on Bourbon--maybe the one where the legs swing out. or puking up a few Hurricane's next to the Lucky Dog cart. Yeah, he's a wild man alright.

Lots going on at office. I felt like there was real movement today. We needed a dose of Exlax. Some folks need a few more squares. About 1/4 of our staff worked today. I'm going to go off on some folks if I seem them playing solitare or reading novels. I'm going under. Deborah too. We've got planes ready to take folks all over the coutry, but have no folkSr. I asked Sr. yesterday for something important--she was too busy trying to locate a priest to say mass. She knew Sunday was coming last Monday. Sunday morning is not the time to arrange mass. With any luck, we'll be fully staffed by the end of the week.

I've made a few friends with the New Orleans staff. They seem like great people. I like the way they operate. No BS. No micromanaging. Very New Orleans.

Kids go back to school tomorrow. They just got their homework finished. Except elizabeth's Inca brochure. Not sure if she's supposed to be "selling" the Inca culture. Inca---the Gold Standard. They were communists. Didn't know that. They probably didn't know that either.

Speaking of Nazi's (close enough)--We've got this secret society of guys coming this week from Germany. Read on the internet they have ties to Nazi Germany. Like I care. Just bring us some $$$, help us get through this mess, and don't make me decide what you're going to eat. I'm liable to get some flak about the lesbian couple donating their rv to us next week. I don't care. PK--I would have. AK--no worries. Fire me--please. Maybe the secret society guys can smuggle me away. I'm dying to learn their secret handshake.

I'm going to start a morning ritual. Cry before I get started with me day. I know that's a typo but it makes me feel like a pirate. Arrrrr. Night. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Or the water raise so fast you drown.

Day 5

My 16 year old discovered my blog. She was shocked ( and a little horrified) I was doing this. When she saw the title she asked, "What about after Katrina is over, what are you going to call it?" I realized we'll always refer to life in Baton Rouge as "After Katrina" and "Before Katrina". It's hard to realize what life is going to be like. Will traffic always be this bad? How long will the sound of helicopters compete with the buzzing the mosquitos? When will people stop telling horror stories? We'll definately have access to alot more services that we've never had. More flights out of Baton Rouge. Maybe we'll get our 504 area code and UAL back! Could a Commander's Palace, Lucky Dogs or Emeril be in Baton Rouge's future? Hoping for our own Central Grocery.

There just are not enough gas stations, restaurants, apartments, you name it, Baton Rouge does not have enough "stuff" for this overnight influx of people. Businesses are just now relocating. there are no apartments left. Houses are selling as fast as they go on the market. Gov. is snatching up warehouse space. I almost wish I was in real estate again. But I'm not that desparate.

I wrote yesterday about the supplies I collected for the hospital evac site at the NO Airport. I got fussed at for doing it, but oh well. The caseworker who brought them down said the doctors and nurses practically cried when he walked in with them. They said all of it had been ordered but hadn't made it down yet. These items eased the suffering somewhat. He told me what he really could have used was those bendy straws. You know--those straws that make that zip sound when you stretch them out. Those were such a treat when I was a kid. The sick people had a hard time drinking the Ensure with a regular straw.

The caseworker said they were asked to move about 10 people into a side room. They were told that's where they put people to die. I can't imagine having to make that kind of decision. I thought of Sophie's Choice, when she has to decide which of her children to send to the gas chamber and which to send to be raised by the Germans. How do you make that kind of decision? How do you live with that memory? I can understand that in times like this people have to make horrible decisions. I don't know. I shudder at the thought of being left alone in a room to die. Wish someone could at least be with them as they take their last breath.

I heard today (2nd hand) a morgue is being built south of here which can handle up to 50,000 bodies. No one knows how many are dead. Or at least they are not releasing their guestamate News just announced 161 people died in Mississippi. They told also of shrimpers dying on their boats in the Intercoastal canel. God--Cajuns are soooo hardheaded.

My husband's cell phone keeps ringing--he's asleep. It's probably the folks at the arena. I'm not going to wake him up. Screw them. He's hardly slept since Monday. He's snoring is so sweet. I haven't heard that for a while.

I'm frustrated at the lack of coordination at my office. I've been assured that tomorrow will be better and we'll start actually doing more. I can't get people off center. I'm not being very efficent at anything these days. I haven't been a good mom; not doing a great job at work; and my house looks like the eye of Katrina when right down the middle. I'm sinking deeper into the fog of depression. I cry over everything and have a headache. Just want to go to sleep. Or go see my momma and daddy in Denham Springs but I don't want to use the gas. I'm sad and scared.

Day 4

You know how sometimes you're so tired but wired and can't go to sleep. Too much going through my head right now. I don't want to do this anymore. It's kinda like childbirth--you want to stop but until that baby comes out, you can't. Hopefully, like the pain of childbirth, you forget the bad stuff and only remember the good memories.

Got much accomplished today. Lots of stuff started. Talked with a lot of donors. Including a couple who are going to donate a mobile home. Got donations for the hospital evacuation site at the New Orleans airport. They had water but no clean clothes, pillows, etc. Hopefully these items will provide some type of comfort to those poor people.

I heard today that lots of locals are being evicted from their homes so their landlords can get triple the rents or sell to aid workers, government folks and refugees. Baton Rouge is now the largest city in the State. That's so incredible to me. How overnight we at least tripled in size. What is going to happen when school starts on Tuesday? How is an already strapped school system going to handle all these new children?

Just saw a story on the news about a family who was walking to Baton Rouge from New Orleans. They finally hitched a ride in the back of a pickup truck. I've been wondering what we would do given the same circumstances. I really think we would have walked to safety by now. That's what refugees did in Bosnia, Dafar, Rwanda, Vietnam, etc. You do what it takes to survive and protect your family. I don't know. Maybe I'd just roll up in a ball on the floor and never get up. Who am I to guess?

Three Days After Katrina

I just realized that I'm living in one of the most historical events in history. Never before have we seen an event--good or bad--of this magnitude. I'm in the middle of it. I need to chronicle my experiences before I forget everything and it gets sugar coated--like childbirth.

I work for a nonprofit in Baton Rouge. My husband, children and I were so relieved to make it through the storm unscathed. We actually had a good time. My husband works at the arena. We packed up the kids and the dog and spent the night there. We have a lot of trees and I just knew one was going to land on the house. We played games, I cooked dinner in the crock pot. Even brought movies to watch. The children and I watched Ellen Degeneres' video about procrastination. We laughed and laughed. The next morning we waved at the news crews standing on the levee practically being blown into the whitecaps on the Mississippi River. We chased the dog, ran, laughed, loving every minute of it.

Monday afternoon I went home only to find trees all intact. I secretly wanted one to nick the side so I could get a new paint job we so desperately need. A few limbs down was all. Didn't even lose electricity. My neighbors did though.

I'll add more later. But the Cliff Notes version is this:

My husband hasn't been home for more than 8 hours since Monday night. He's working practically around the clock at the arena with 5000 refugees.

My children are home, watching movies all day. They are banned from the news.

I've been working nonstop answering donation inquiries, offers for volunteers, offers of spare bedrooms from all over the country (just haven't decided which one I'll take yet). This is a logistical nightmare.

Heard today the police were evacuating downtown Baton Rouge due to home invasions, looting, car jackings. Panic CITY! I live downtown. My children are home with the dog. My husband works at the arena down there. Well, the news turned out to be false. I should have known better than to listen but I'm already a nervous wreck.

One parish told me about 300 parishioners trapped in a church in New Orleans. Water is rising. Sent word to the television station. Might as well use them to get the word out. (See above.)

Heard of a nursing home in St. Bernard with 100 residents. All drowned.

13 children are in Baton Rouge who have been separated from their families. Can't even imagine the horror.

The horror stories go on and on. Don't know if any are true. I have to keep telling myself--We'll get through this. Life won't be the same . . . Might not be as good . . . But we'll get through it.