Friday night, we were just about to go to sleep, I was in bed and Brandon was in the bathroom, when the first of 3 back to back quakes started... the second being the largest.
Thankfully, no damage was done at our place. We did loose a few pictures that were on the wall but that was the extent of our damage. Most of the damage that took place around town was stuff falling off shelves.
The Safeway by my house, where we shop. Picture from rgj.com
from rgj.com
A flume broke.. but let's all be honest, those things are supported by rickety wood posts.. were we we really expecting anything less? (It is similar to this this and this ditch trail we usually take)
from rgj.com
Not a few minutes after the quakes, my phone chimed and I knew it was Crystal texting me.... the only other person who has the tendency to over react when these things strike.
We then exchanged the following text messages:
*Some words may have been changed or deleted to try and keep this site a little pg-13... we were really in the moment folks.
eff those things.
That one took the pictures off the wall.How in the world am I supposed to sleep?!
And these after
shocks... not helping.
More!
Shhhhit.We should all have a sleep over....in New York.
Damn. Now I can't tell if I am shaking....
or the earth.... paranoia!
For the rest of the night, I didn't get much sleep. I stared at my iPhone until the battery died, and being too afraid to roam through the house to find the charger, I just drifted off. Several more three point somethings through out the night and then as a, “Get up and at em people” wake-up call .... a 3.6.
Of course, I couldn't stay away from the news sites or the university's seismology site. I even saved this link to my iPhone so I could constantly check to see what new earthquakes were happening while we were gone.
I was/am consumed. I could only think about earthquakes... more specifically, The Big One coming. Some people think that 4.7 was our Big One.... but that is just a gut instinct. Except for Crystal's Dad... he's a geologist and does lots of smart, rock-type things all around the world .... so I like to think of him as an authority figure. He said that was it.
While that is calming, the pessimist in me can't help but think the off-the-charts quake and (thanks to Ashley) volcanic eruption is just around the corner.
I live in constant fear now. My nerves our shot. I can't relax. Every little vibration, creek, or rattle.... I freeze, locate the nearest safe place and brace for the temblors.
Thankfully, despite the 4.2 this morning... all of the others have been well below 3. Again, that isn't so soothing. They are still happening. Have you ever had to live through dozens of earthquakes in only a few days time? With the news and local seismologists telling you to prepare for the worst? It could happen... though, it might not. How the hell am I supposed to live a normal life like this?
The weird thing... not all of the city is effected by these quakes. The quakes are shallow, jerky ones that don't travel far. Only the north west part of town... and when there are bigger ones 3.5+... our friends in the north valley and downtown can feel them... but east of downtown? There are all, “What earthquakes?” They think we are crazy.
“I'm from So. Cal. And a 4.7 is nothing .. get over yourself.”
Well you know what? I am NOT from southern California. And that 4.7? It may not have done much damage, but it is what the scientists are saying could come later because they are saying the quakes are building (which is unusual). The fear of the unknown - That is what has gripped its icy cold fingers around my body... forcing me to metabolize all my food like a crazy person because I'm so tense it is like I am constantly jittering. And my bowels? Oh don't even get me started on my bowels.
Thor was sick as of last Thursday (when the first 4.2 hit)...though the vet said he was fine, but put him on sensitive stomach food and meds for the time being. Brandon and I have decided to blame the earthquakes on his weird nervous behavior he's been exhibiting lately. I'm also sure my freaking out shouting, crying, curling up into a ball and rocking back and forth while humming Mary had a little lamb, isn't helping soothe his nerves either.
So if I'm a little distant this week, with posts and comments it is because
Mother Nature, this is my plea to you... if you can promise me that these quakes wont get any bigger... you can keep this up. I don't mind. No one is getting hurt and most are too small to cause much damage. If hundreds of these little quakes help you release whatever steam you feel the need to release... then be my guest. However, if you are working yourself up to shake us off the charts, flatten houses and do some serious damage... I'm asking you to please, reconsider.
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19 comments:
You poor thing!! I can't imagine experiencing so many earthquakes and not knowing how strong the next one might be. I'd be right there with you, freaking the heck out.
We're pretty lucky here in Michigan. We get a few scary natural wonders, but for the most part it's pretty calm. If you want to come vacation in metro Detroit just let me know :)
I say it again...eff those things!! I was awake, just about to feed Squidge when that 4.2 struck this morning and then my heart was in my throat again for hours! I don't think we are OVER reacting, I think we are the only ones REASONABLY reacting...not like all those crazies who keep saying "more, more!" and "THAT was fun!"
I will sign your petition to Mother Nature. And let me add the following addenda: Mother Nature, it would be really great if you could spare us, because if Reno suffers any major damage those crazies who think that "God hates Reno" are really going to have a heyday, and they are so nutty and self-righteous and blind that I just can't stand for them to think they are right. And come on, Mother Nature, I know you feel the same! So let's let Reno stand and really cheese those suckers off.
I have stooped low enough to comment on my own blog to boost the comment numbers..
and after Crystal's comment, I feel the need to include a link of a "God Hates Reno" google search, for you to sift through if you get the urge.
Oh come on, you are getting used to them. You even slept through the 4.2 this morning. See, you're becoming a pro and don't even notice it. And, since I know you are feeling left out in the comment world I thought I would do my monthly comment.
Want to come stay at my house until the earthquakes stop? We only have hurricanes and you can see them coming.
I don't think I could hang with that shit. I wouldn't be censoring myself for PG-13ness either (then again, I don't do that now, I can't IMAGINE how little I would do it in your case).
My dogs are the biggest weenies on the planet, I think they would totally lose their little minds if the ground started to move.
Earthquakes don't bother me (I've been in many) but how you described your feelings is exactly how I feel about tornadoes. I really do feel like the only time I've ever had an anxiety attack was tornado-related. They TERRIFY me. I shake. I scream. I cannot function. It's horrible. I'm an effing joy to be around, let me tell you. And last spring we had THIRTY-FOUR TORNADO WARNINGS. Not watches. WARNINGS.
argh I'm sorry if my comment on the 6.9 earthquake made you feel like I was discounting your experience. I was actually trying to make you feel less worried. I apologize. And I agree the earthquakes are getting a little out of hand-I can't even tell you how paranoid I would be!!
DUDE!! what is going on!?! We just had earthquakes last week in CHICAGO!!! She's right Mother Nature, please, Please, PLEASE go easy on us! We're all working hard on this "going green thing" we just need more time!
PS my mom says there has been 150 earthquakes just since Friday night! You know, I would think we should be losing weight, being jiggled around like this all the time, we must be burning extra calories. Ha ha, just kidding.
I don't remember who told me when I was little that earthquakes are like farts...you have to have them or you'll explode (which I don't actually think is true). So maybe thinking of them as earth's farts will help ease the tension?
I hope so.
hang in there emily!
When I was in school we used to have Earthquake drills that consisted of all the kids getting under their desks like this. And since all the pictures I could find are in black and white I'm guessing that my school was a little out of date in their earthquake safety methods. lol! But anyways yeah we would have to practice that but I've never been through earthquakes like you are going through. I hope it is all over soon.
I love B's comment! Ha. But in all seriousness, I would be completely freaked out and stressed out too. And oh lord, my dog would have probably lost all control of her bowels by now.
Hang in there, hon. I hope they stop soon!
alright, you have way more reason to be crankier than I. I can't even imagine what's that like. I'm sure after the first time, it's more annoying then scary!
Earthquakes are horrible. Its such a weird feeling to be standing in/on/around something that just seconds before was a safe and sound structure... but now could come tumbling down at any time (or at least thats how it feels). Seriously makes me reconsidering hanging anything above our headboard.
Hang in there and we'll all keep hoping Mother Nature has had her fun and moves on soon.
You are so brave!!! I can't even imagine-- I feel like I'd ask my job to give us a paid vacation so I could get the heck outta there!
OH, and btw-- was that your hubby who said he was leaving his monthly comment? HA! Too funny.
Maybe people are busy??? Or something? Cuz it seems like people are not commenting on my bloggy today either. WTH. I'm going to go beg my hubby to comment. ha.
I hope those dang earthquakes leave you alone now!!! Enough is totally enough.
oh my god. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out! I never thought they would STILL be going on when I said that a few days ago. I actually think they say it is good to have a much of little ones because it releases some of the pressure slowly that way there isn't a huge one.
That just sounds scary. Sorry!
Native to the Golden State and veteran of some fairly large quakes, but I've never experienced a swarm like this! I've done the jumpiness and sleepless nights (I totally agree that having a second floor bedroom makes them worse) but I'm reassured by the fact that they are on a very little fault. Now I wait to see how long they shake and then I go back to sleep! I never thought that would happen.
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