Earthquake

I was in bed last night and remembered I had to something in the kitchen before I went to sleep.

For some reason my brain took that to mean, turn on the TV quickly and see what's happening.

Earthquake.

In Japan.

I immediately got the computer out and sent messages to some of my friends there. I've heard from two of them, not from the other two. One of the women I haven't heard from lives in Tokyo. The other one lives south.

I've had chills all day.

After I sent my messages, I did a quick glance around the internet for information. The earthquake was still new. There wasn't much. And then the images of the tsunami devouring the countryside showed up. And I think I started to cry. Because my cheeks were wet when I finally went to bed. But I hadn't noticed it before then.

About that time I realized that Hawai'i was on tsunami alert. Hawai'i. Where I went to school. Where I still have friends. Where parents of some of my friends still live. Where my aunt and cousins are living.

So, back on the social networking and the email, shooting off messages of "I hope you're okay" and "I hope everyone's safe" and "I hope the tsunami is little when it hits...better if it doesn't hit"

The tsunami hit. It wasn't as big as it could have been, but I've seen some pictures of some of the destruction of Kona. And you've probably already seen this video of the idiotic tourist who stood on the sea wall and filmed the tsunami. Mr. Death Wish is so lucky. And so stupid.

Oh, and my aunt and cousins? They're okay. It's spring break so they landed, safe and sound, in Vancouver this morning.

This earthquake, following the Christchurch earthquake so quickly has really opened our eyes to our lack of earthquake preparedness. We have water and some food stashed. There's some extra fuel for the bbq. We have some other emergency supplies. But we need to get a good first aid kit. And a plan.

This weekend we're working on our earthquake plan. And thinking about all of the people facing loss and uncertainty in Japan. And the people facing a big clean up in Hawai'i. And my two friends. Who I hope we'll hear from before the day is over. I keep telling myself that things are unpredictable there, that they probably don't have power, and that they have more important things to do than tell us they're okay. Because in my mind they're okay.

Lots of organizations are collecting money to help Japan, including the Canadian Red Cross. If you're able to help, even just a bit, those small bits all add together and go towards making a bit difference.