Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Premature Evacuation




I would love to say that I haven't been posting because I'm on my family vacation.




The first family vacation, um, ever.




The one we scheduled over 6 months ago.


But then the fires happened. Not only could we not go to San Diego, but some of my good friends had to leave their home in Topanga Canyon. Someone else I know had a brother who lost his house in Canyon Country.

Does it suck to lose out on a vacation? Sure. But more suckage than staying home is the suckage of those who don't have homes anymore.

We're making the best of the situation. The first couple of days Rex and I got to argue over how best to clean floors, how best to do laundry, and how best to get the kids to sleep without death threats. (Such head bumping occurs when two worlds don't normally collide. It's also what happens when a war is being lead by two generals. Who do you listen to? Fun for all!)

The bright side of this togetherness is that now we're used to each other. Butts have been sniffed, compromises made and peace offerings laid on the table. (He bought me a newspaper out of the blue. I watched a DVD of Erasure with him.) We have had quite a few laughs, and quite a few glasses of beer.
We might leave tomorrow if the fires are subdued. Wish us luck! And to all of you who have relatives or friends displaced by fire, my heart goes out to them. And as soon as I get my first Babycenter check, a donation will go to these people.

PS: Do I regret my Disneyland passes? No. But I had to laugh. I think they had as much fun playing in our neighbor's leaves yesterday as they did riding on Peter Pan.
* More of my writing can be found on Babycenter.com. I write under the name Andrea Frazer and can be found in the Momformation Section. You can find me daily by scrolling or choose by author. Share the love and leave a comment! Or avoid me. It’s all good.

11 comments:

Pam said...

I have been watching the fires on television and sending prayers out to my blogging friends in California, and to all who are threatened by such hellish devastation. I cannot imagine looking out my window and seeing a 30 foot wall of flame coming at my home.

I'm glad you and yours are safe, so very glad. And the pictures of your children are a testament to what is really important.

Liv said...

It is truly awful. Fire is such a scary thing. Can you go somewhere else? After all, a week off is hard to come by!

Elaine Cougler Author said...

Great leaf/kids pics! How cute is that? Yes, sometimes the kids like natural stuff the best. I remember my oldest son's first birthday where he played with the box for hours and totally ignored the cute outfit we bought him. (Of course we got gifting down a little better, too!)
Sorry that California is burning--I love that place. I'm hoping for a good long rain for the area.

Elaine Cougler Author said...

Great leaf/kids pics! How cute is that? Yes, sometimes the kids like natural stuff the best. I remember my oldest son's first birthday where he played with the box for hours and totally ignored the cute outfit we bought him. (Of course we got gifting down a little better, too!)
Sorry that California is burning--I love that place. I'm hoping for a good long rain for the area.

Debbie said...

Hay, can you breathe over there (coughing)? We can breathe here kind of, through the ash boogers we are all dealing with. Have you ever heard the song goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks? Ya, it would be goodbye Sarge if we were stuck in the house together for more than 2 days.

Susie Q said...

It has been just awful...and you will go to Disneyland. If not now, later.
Ooh..the Peter Pan ride is my favorite but you are so right about the kids...a pile of leaves and some sticks put smiles on their faces. Kids are resilient and just want to be with their folks.
I do hope you can go...

We know a few people who have had to evacuate. One family we know from our Navy days thinks their house is gone. They will be able to know for sure this afternoon.

I have been snowed in with Bill and Dan for 4 days...with Bill, Dan and Grace for 3 on another occasion. The first days are bliss. That last one gets testy occasionally!!

Sanctuary now!!!!

Loved the pictures of the kids!

Hugs,
Sue

meno said...

The day before these fires started, we booked a trip to San Diego for New Years.

I just hope there is a San Diego to go to, not so much for my sake, as all those people. I also hope FEMA has learned something in the past few years.

Jenster said...

I gaffawed when I saw the title. Seriously. Gaffawed. Never really knew what a gaffaw was until I did it whilst reading the title to this post.

All you SoCalians are in my constant thoughts and prayers. I have a lot of family and even more friends from San Diego to San Francisco and then some.

Em said...

Oops! Oh wait...that said "evacuation". Whew.

Anyway, the first out your way just seem horrible. I'm sorry they have interrupted your plans but very happy they were not closer to your home.

Unknown said...

Yep. Glad to know yer safe.

Didn't know what the fires would do to your neck of the way.

Hooray for family togetherness.

tinymatters said...

Your twins are beautiful. How old are they?