So remember when I said this was the hardest thing I had ever done? Yeah, scratch that. Here's the low-down of how to become a real tough pioneer woman {minus the bonnet, petticoat, oxen, pushing a handcart thing. Ok, so I was nothing like a pioneer woman, but I definitely blazed new trails for myself this weekend}.
Jared left for Argentina on Friday afternoon for two weeks. I thought that was going to be hard. That night I got my lonely self into bed when seriously in 0.00025 seconds hurricane winds started beating at the window. Like, massive hurling winds. Then the downpour started, followed by horrendous claps of thunder and huge lightning bolts that only Hercules could have thrown down. IT. WAS. SO. SCARY. Looking out the windows I could hear branches cracking, breaking off and tumbling, but I couldn't see where. I just prayed that they stayed off our roof and out of our car. It lasted for maybe an hr and then the power went out. And then I lost cell reception. And I got more terrified. I hardly slept that night and in the morning the damage was unbelievable.
I think I saw 6 cars total that had branches smashing them to the ground, thousands of trees that had been severed and some uprooted. Power was out in our whole surrounding area and gas stations were out, too. I kicked into survivor mode. Our lovely neighbors brought us over some ice so I could keep some perishables from perishing. I drove out of our town a bit to a place where I was able to get reception and call my parents and in-laws. My battery was on its last leg. I had less than a quarter tank of gas. The heat index was over 100 with humidity. It was literally h - e - double hockey sticks.
I busted out our emergency preparedness stuff and realized that I was really unprepared after all. I got out our bunsen stove to try and cook some pancakes and eggs, but realized we must be missing a part and couldn't get that thing going. Our appt reached a high of 89. I was sweating and full of tears. However, Evelyn was FANTASTIC! I couldn't have asked for a better companion. I was so impressed with how she dealt with it all. My body just quickly reached its max exertion level after carrying a toddler around all day in the heat with a growing belly and aching back. Physically, it was grueling. This lasted for two long days.
BUT, the wonderful part was the love we felt from friends. So many people stopped by to check on us, offered meals and a place to stay for the night. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. If there are take away points from all of this it is a) never let your husband leave the country in case there is a freak storm b) be better prepared and c) great friends are lifesavers. Cherish them!
This morning our power was restored after 48hrs + of no electricity and things have quickly gone back to normal. Except for the whole pregnant thing. I think baby boy has turned and keeps kicking my ribs. I have never felt so sore or pregnant. 11 more weeks! Gah!
**I feel almost naked posting a post with no photos. Photos are like clothing that keep your words looking pretty and not so barren, but I was honestly in such a different state of mind the past 3 days that taking pics hardly seemed pertinent.
