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Earthquake
Nature is not human hearted.
-- Lao-Tzu
Wednesday, February 28, 2001
One year ago: Wrong Place
Two years ago: 5000 Fingers
Three years ago: Sketches
Note: I added an entry for the 16th of this month.
I linked to the Feb 29 entry from last year, since that date won't exist again until 2004. I tried to get started on a series of dance classes, but went to the wrong place!
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I drove home from Bellingham this morning, after Jack and I watched the rest of the Portland Santacon 96 video tape. It's really a nice production! I think viewing the tape would encourage people to participate in future Santa Rampages in Seattle or Vancouver, so we should schedule some screenings next fall.
I remembered that I needed some soda at home, so I stopped at my local Safeway and bought some needed supplies. I put the groceries in the back of the Volvo, then was putting my cart away like a good citizen, when I felt a strange swaying sensation. Whoa! At first, I looked up and saw my car rocking -- I wondered if my brakes had given way somehow! But then I saw the men who had been working on the loading dock, dashing away from the building. I realized it was an earthquake, and got away from the building very quickly!
It was like being on the deck of a boat, with a rocking feeling from side to side. The sensation lasted for at least a minute! The other people and I stood around talking for a while, but then I decided to brave the drive home.
I was a bit concerned while it was all happening, but remained mostly calm, I think. I did wonder as I was driving -- what would I do if I found my building all collapsed? I live on the first floor! It could just pancake in a bad quake!
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I parked on my block, and carried the groceries in along with my overnight bag. Luckily, there didn't seem to be much disturbed in my apartment. The only effects I could find: some walnut boards I had stored behind my bedroom door had fallen down. But no dishes fell out of the cabinets, no bookshelves collapsed -- I got off very lightly.
I spent the afternoon online, trying to get caught up with email and web reading. I've been away from home so much recently that I've fallen behind, and I don't like it! I talked to my sister M---- on the phone (briefly -- don't tie up the lines in an emergency), and sent email to Jack. I should have copied his work address, though -- he didn't check his personal mail, and he was worried for a while until I replied to his enquiry.
I want to go to the Century Ballroom tonight, but I wonder who will show up? Some folks are still panicked about the quake and don't want to be on the roads, but I can walk there.
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