Laura's Thoughts

I am reconsidering my desire to one day live in a beach house overlooking the ocean. Hurricanes are not fun. Hurricane Rita is projected to hit the Galveston area this weekend, and it's affecting people all across the state. And all those people can do is board up their houses and hit the road. We've been told the effects will extend all the way to us in the Fort Worth area. Certainly not the devastating winds and water damage, but heavy rains and wind will not make for a fun weekend. We even got an email from TCU today saying that as of now they don't expect to have to cancel classes next week, but they'll keep us informed. How far from the gulf are we? Over 300 miles? Of course we won't have to cancel classes! I guess it's better to take unnecessary precautions than to be unprepared.

So a bunch of people from the Houston area are coming up to Fort Worth this weekend. I'm supposed to do the Heart Walk this Saturday benefiting the American Heart Association. I hope it's not pouring on us - as long as it's not lightning, they said we'd still walk. That just wouldn't be a whole lot of fun. Anyway, one of the people walking with me said his apartment is turning into a hotel room this weekend with all his family and friends from Houston coming up to stay at his place. I'm glad I don't know anyone down there!

I feel especially bad for the Katrina evacuees in the Houston area who have to move again. How unsettling would that be? They're like nomads. They have no home. They won't have a home for another several months if they plan to return to New Orleans. It's difficult to imagine what their lives must be like now. I know I would be totally lost if I, as a college student preparing to graduate, were displaced during my last semester. I would have to find somewhere else that would let me finish my degree, then decide if I go back to New Orleans to work or just completely rearrange my life plans. Wow. It's just not a good situation for anyone.

Hopefully the effects of Hurricane Rita won't be as devastating Katrina. We'll soon find out. I think everyone is taking more precautions and authorities are better prepared than they were for Katrina - even though this storm should be less threatening.

So, pray I don't drown on the Heart Walk this weekend. I guess this means I can't lay by the pool as I've grown accustomed to doing every weekend lately. Maybe I'll get some homework done this way. Wishful thinking.