Out-processed from homeland security

Whelp, I finished up my time in New Orleans and was SOOO sad to take off. Just when I was getting fully in the swing of things I have to head back to 'real-world' responsibilities. I have met some wonderful people here and had the chance to get an upclose look at a historically devastating event. The things I will remember are the 'thank yous,' the little kids, Red Cross acronyms, the horrible smell and awkward silence brought on by the hurricanes, and the feelings of hope for the future of the Gulf coast region.

I had to say G'bye to all my new friends down here and that was sad, too. One of my new Southern old guy friends (who calls me 'Urn') tells me that I 'will make someone a good wife someday.' Haha- I think that is a southernism for 'You're swell.' Because, honestly that wife thing seems major (hit me on my pager, haha).

I cannot believe how much of an impact such a short time can have on your outlook. But it has been an intense dose of shocking images, destruction and a glimpse at enormous loss. Things like this really help put everything in perspective and I am fortunate to have experienced it. I have learned more about what I should value and how everyone needs a hug or a smile sometimes to make the day look brighter. I find this type of work truly rewarding so I am going to try and stay heavily involved. Maybe I should start petitioning for more hours in the day or days in the week...

2 cents on Tuesday...

My observation for today has to do with the overall impression of the Red Cross. In general, they have the heart of Mother Theresa, but the organizational skills of Homer Simpson.

• Example A: Each day they print out about 14 copies of a one-sheeter stating today's date and hang them all over the office at Headquarters. Now seriously, this is a waste of time, paper, tape, and more. Get a digitally dated clock or I don't know... how 'bout a flippin annual calendar!!

It is so frustrating to witness the antiquated ways that they go about completing a task. Aaaargh. I am so fortunate to work at a place where there is no paperwork and EVERYTHING is done online.

But on a brighter note, the people that I have met here are amazing. Even when their personal situation is not completely in order or they working through their own problems, they are here helping out and I feel really lucky to have met them. This whole situation has helped me put some things in perspective and realize what is truly important in my life. I don't know what it is about New Orleans, but each time I come here I am at some sort of a life cross-road.

The first time I came was sophomore yr of college for Mardi Gras. Flynn, Sully, KB and I loaded up the Sunfire and paid $.99/ gallon all the way through the night. It was my first out of state road trip and man did that ever ignite the travel bug within. I had a blast (and behaved) and was left with so many memories.

The second time I made it to New Orleans was for the AIDS marathon in February of 2005. Now I never thought my stumpy legs would carry me 26.2 miles, but the flat terrain of New Orleans helped show me that slow and steady got the race done and I could do it if I just believed in myself.

This time down, I came because all the signs were pointing me this way. I am SO glad that I did because I was stressin' pretty hard about what would happen if I left work for two weeks or if I could afford to take unpaid leave so near the holidays and a bunch of other dumb stress. But after a few days of being here, I knew it was the right call. No one is going to starve if I do not call them back that day or send them an over-detailed email on a program that is set up to be self-managed. But this work is truly rewarding and I learn something new each day from the strength of the people in this area.

Man, I am not sure what it is about New Orleans and me... but I am glad that I stumbled upon this place and want to pay it back by doing all I can to try and put it back together.

Biloxi Blues

I had the chance to get up to Biloxi, MS for the day with a crew. The drive is about 2hrs from New Orleans and if it is possible it seems that the destruction out that way is even more intense. The entire way there those huge light posts in the center of the highway were knocked over, debris was everywhere and roofs were MIA. One of the people in my crew had been first deployed to Biloxi and knew the areas that were the hardest hit and in need of the most assistance. it was even more of a ghost town around there than I had become accustomed to in NOLA. We stopped for gas and the cashier was chatting with a resident trying to figure out how they would locate their old neighbors; I can't imagine having that conversation- so scary!

In Biloxi, there is a long strip of casinos along the Gulf coast. Each one is wrecked and you can see casino chips blowing around the area. One casino was floating out on a barge pre-hurricane and thanks to Katrina and Rita the entire barge was lifted over a four lane highway and landed ON TOP of another hotel. So when you look at the hotel you'll notice that the lobby has been occupied by the front of this barge casino. Bizarre. I have not been taking photos of the residential areas since I feel it is disrespectful;, but it felt acceptable to take some shots of the commercial casino area.

After that long day in Biloxi, we wound our way back through the 9th Ward in NOLA and then stopped for a much needed Bloody mary near the French Quarter. I had been dreaming about this Bloody Mary forever- and the bartender did not let me down. It was spicy enough to give all my new friends over 50 indigestion issues. Just the way I like 'em!

AND tonight... I finally bellied up to 'Bawww-ayy=beeee's' bar for the acclaimed Crawfish Etouffee. Just as the menu states, it surely is a 'Cajun favorite.' Super spicy sauce over rice with crawfish and with the owner's encouragement, I added their special hot sauce to it. Oh yeah, I got my fill o' fire for this trip.

Goooooood Mornin' New Orleans!!

Today was pretty interesting as I got to be the 'voice' of the R.C. The dispatch lady lost her voice so I filled in for the operation. The role is to be the communication center for ~30 ERV's (ambulances full of volunteers and food). I got to ride in the lead truck out of the yard and took a look back down the line. It was very moving to see a train of stocked vehicles full of enthusiastic volunteer. Traffic stops as all the rigs exit and they lay on their horns cheering.

I was nervous to be dispatcher since I am not big on hearing my voice or talking over the radio. It is sort of like constantly mass emailing the entire company without a spell check option- zoiks. But it worked out and was actually pretty fun to be navigating a map and helping to route the drivers to various areas in need of meals. I got the radio lingo down and was taking creative liberty with radio nicknames- I crack myself up if no one else.

There are so many different sides of this operation and I have had the chance to catch a glimpse from a number of angles. The operation as all volunteer managed by some of the most gicing people I have ever encountered. Their days start at 6am and I am not sure they ever end. I would have loved to have the chance to help the organization that actually cooks the 20,000+ meals a day. There day starts at 3am and goes to 3pm.

I hope that I will have the chance to come back as I am already getting sad to leave. However, I am really looking forward to a freshly made salad- I am missing my daily dates with the newly engaged (YAY!!) C. McAwesome at the No Name Cafe..... oh man oh man that place is heaven on earth. I am always grateful for the lunches that I get at work; now more than EVER!!! I am truly a lucky lady.