Stay Strong, Boston

I have been at a loss of words for the past week.  The tragic events that have been occurring in Boston this week has left me with a heavy heart and not sure how to express what is going on.

I'm heartbroken for every person who has been affected by this awful tragedy, not only the victims, but those who have been locked down throughout today.

I love Boston.  I've gone several different times throughout the years, and I have always had an amazing time there.  On Monday, I had countless friends watching the marathon.  I had people I know who were running in the marathon.  When I first heard of this tragedy, tears ran into my eyes, worrying about each one of my friends who was in the city for such a magical event.  Because the Boston marathon, from what I hear, is a magical event.  

I was supposed to be there on Monday. A few months back, my friend asked if I wanted to go cheer on her brother.  While I never followed up with her, I had told her I wanted to go because I have always heard such great things about the race.  A whole day where the city is basically shut down to celebrate this marathon?  Who wouldn't want to go to such a celebration.

The city of Boston is once again shut down, but today, it's shut down to hunt for a teenage who has left such fear in not only the people of Boston, but also for the whole nation.  I have been sitting in front of my television all day, trying to understand it all.  

To my friends who are in Boston, you are amazing.  To the people of Boston, you are strong.  Keep your heads held high and know that you have an entire nation praying that this terror ends soon.  I can not even begin to imagine how terrifying it is to hear the sirens constantly outside of my window, and being told not to leave my house.  Boston is such a great city, filled with strength and beauty.  I think we have seen both from the people of Boston this week and it shows the nation the some of the reasons why I love this city.

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning....

Yesterday was an important day in America's history, but also for some of my dearest people in my life. September 11th 2001 changed the world that we live in completely.  It showed Americans that even in during one of the biggest tragedies that ever happened to our country, we can come together as a group of people, and help each other mourn and grow and stand tall and heal with one another.

Thousands of lives were lost on that day, caused by an act of hate.  Millions of people were affected, from those who lost family or friends in those towers, or on those planes.  To the men and women who went to defend our nation during a time of crisis in our military.  To those military families who have supported our troops every day that they are away.

There is a man from Milford who had the biggest smile in the world.  His name is Michael and he is cherished by some of the people that I love the most in my life.  Michael worked in one of the towers on that fateful day and it's my understanding that our world lost such a bright star.

Yesterday, when I was at the memorial service in West Haven, I couldn't help but think of my friends who lost Michael 11 years ago.  Michael is a man whose legacy lives on every time a story is told by Kate or Emily or Brad.  Every time we see a lady bug outside.  I got emotional yesterday listening to the speeches and remembering how my friends hurt every day because they miss Michael so much.

And I grew extremely proud of my country.  For a country that pulled together in the darkest time and built itself back up.  For a country that showed that we were stronger then even we expected.  I cried watching that flag go up, and hearing songs for America. Because we are America. Home of the brave.

Happy July 4th Everyone!

I love America.  I love this movie.  

What better way to say Happy Birthday America (Yes, I'm early, so sue me) then sharing this wonderful 4th of July scene from the classic movie The Sandlot.

And yes, it's a classic that EVERYONE, coughShannoncough, should see.

Diaries from a Power-less Girl Part 1

I had written the following while power was out during the hurricane.  I'm finally getting around to posting these here....

 Generators.


They are a life saver for hospitals and homes that take care of the elderly.  Of government buildings (at least I assume this) so our officials can make informed decisions. And for homes that are destroyed by storms, say like Hurricane Irene.


But my goodness, they are so effin loud.


And sometimes a method of showing off.


Does a generator need to be on all day for you?  Absolutely not.  Should it be on until ten o'clock to light your driveway on a pitch black street?  Probably not.


So this post is basically based off jealousy.  But this storm has brought an early civilization feel that is completely killed when a generator is heard though out the whole neighborhood.


Would it be nice for you to offer the neighbors anything if needed?  Yes.  My boyfriend's family has basically opened their house to me, and my family, even if I'm the only one to take the offer.  But if all I had to do was walk a small distance to a noisy house for a shower, or even a community meal, I wouldn't complain.


More ramblings from a power-less girl to follow....

Come on Irene

I had written the following while power was out during the hurricane.  I'm finally getting around to posting these here....

8/30/11
Boy there is something to be said for 2011.  Everyone always said 2012 was the year the world would end, but I gotta question if this is really the case.  2011 has had some crazy storms, never ending days of rain, an earthquake which I'm still not sure happened (okay okay I know it did) and now a hurricane which has left a wave of destruction on the East coast.  And my family has been without power and water for 48+ hours and counting.

I am currently writing this is the depth of the power outage on my back porch, enjoying a cocktail before it spoils.  Yes, that's right, without power a butt load of beer is going to be tossed because of Irene.  I feel as if that's tragedy enough.

I must count my blessings though, family and friends are all safe and apart from a tree destroying Nana's deck, there is no real bad damage.  Heather and I are still roughing it....no power since Sunday morning.  I had my first shower since before power went off earlier today.  Can I just tell you how amazing that is?  Just imagine having no running water to even flush a toilet and you will know how I have been living.  Well water means we need electricity for water to get into out house.

I volunteer to go into work for the plumbing and to charge my phone.  I wish I was joking.

I don't know when we will get power back or why it's been down.  Tom said a tree is down across the road, but I haven't been that way yet. 

Coming home in pitch black is terrifying, let me tell you.  The stars are beautiful, don't get me wrong, but the sound of generators are sort of a buzz kill.

More on that topic later....

But like I said, I'm glad there is no significant damage to my loved ones.  I'm just crossing my fingers for power to be restored.  And I do not need internet and cable at the moment, just running water would be nice. 

I Could Make Your Bed Rock

An earthquake hit Washington DC and it was felt all the way in Connecticut.

I did not feel such rumblings.

I'm PISSED!