Wednesday

lyndausvi

@holyguacamole79
Glad to here you and @jen are okay.

I use to live in Cypresswood.  Saddens me they are under water.   Last night i pulled up the old house on Zillow.  Its pretty much the same as when we lived there.  We were right by the creek, so np doubt it flooded.

MissKittyDanger

Side topic - ladies who had sore boobs during pregnancy {reminder: nothing 100% with me yet}
What works best to combat pain? I'm only wearing one bra {bralette] because it's like a sports bra.

Helps but I often still get pain. Help
{for reference - I'd like to treat it as if I were pregnant, just in case}

mrsconn23

I feel like today's check-in could use this article:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/delaneystrunk/just-a-friendly-not-passive-reminder-to-do-your-job-right?utm_term=.bvE4dPjxDy#.mo8BxL5naZ

southernbelle0915

MissKittyDanger said:

Side topic - ladies who had sore boobs during pregnancy {reminder: nothing 100% with me yet}
What works best to combat pain? I'm only wearing one bra {bralette] because it's like a sports bra.

Helps but I often still get pain. Help
{for reference - I'd like to treat it as if I were pregnant, just in case}

I just deal with it, honestly. It's uncomfortable, but breast tenderness is basically the least painful part (for me anyway) of pregnancy. Let's not even touch delivery. 

MissKittyDanger

southernbelle0915 said:

MissKittyDanger said:

Side topic - ladies who had sore boobs during pregnancy {reminder: nothing 100% with me yet}
What works best to combat pain? I'm only wearing one bra {bralette] because it's like a sports bra.

Helps but I often still get pain. Help
{for reference - I'd like to treat it as if I were pregnant, just in case}

I just deal with it, honestly. It's uncomfortable, but breast tenderness is basically the least painful part (for me anyway) of pregnancy. Let's not even touch delivery. 

This is true.
I'd be content if I could figure out how to adjust with the discomfort

OliveOilsMom

MrsConn - I use "Please advise" frequently!  And its not supposed to be a clap back  

MKD - I just dealt with it as well.  I had changed to no underwire in my bras long before I got pg.  I've heard that helps.  What was most hurtful to me would be cold.  For example, anytime I stepped out of the shower - that initial burst of cool air on my skin enraged my already sensitive boobs.  So instead of grabbing my hair towel first, I changed it up to my body towel and immediately wrapped it around my chest and used the sides (I use only bath sheets, not towels) to dry off my arms and legs and kept my boobs covered at all times.  I then put my hair towel on my head.  It didn't always work, but it helped a lot.

Jen4948

lyndausvi said:

@holyguacamole79
Glad to here you and @jen are okay.

I use to live in Cypresswood.  Saddens me they are under water.   Last night i pulled up the old house on Zillow.  Its pretty much the same as when we lived there.  We were right by the creek, so np doubt it flooded.

Sorry to hear that. Things will get better, slowly, but what's really scary is the overdevelopment of the greater Houston area. There's been flooding every year for the last three years but it's really hard to protect all the developments from flood damage because there's no place for the water to go.

sparklepants41

MissKittyDanger said:

Side topic - ladies who had sore boobs during pregnancy {reminder: nothing 100% with me yet}
What works best to combat pain? I'm only wearing one bra {bralette] because it's like a sports bra.

Helps but I often still get pain. Help
{for reference - I'd like to treat it as if I were pregnant, just in case}

So, good news: the pain goes away. Or at least for me it did. But it got worse for me first - for the first month it hurt to take a shower, put on a bra, adjust said bra, look at my boobs, think about my boobs.

What worked for me was cool (not cold) compresses alternated with a warm heating pad. And chocolate.  

lyndausvi

Mom's BP dropped to 77/42  



So she is still in ICU.  It has risen and they are doing a bunch of tests to see why it's so low.

sparklepants41

lyndausvi said:

Mom's BP dropped to 77/42  



So she is still in ICU.  It has risen and they are doing a bunch of tests to see why it's so low.

I'm so sorry to hear this, @lyndausvi!!

Hugs for you and positive healing vibes for your mom. I'll be thinking of you. 

OurWildKingdom

Sending healing vibes for your mom, @lyndausvi!

GBCK

OliveOilsMom said:

*snip*.  I've heard that helps.  What was most hurtful to me would be cold.  For example, anytime I stepped out of the shower - that initial burst of cool air on my skin enraged my already sensitive boobs.  So instead of grabbing my hair towel first, I changed it up to my body towel and immediately wrapped it around my chest and used the sides (I use only bath sheets, not towels) to dry off my arms and legs and kept my boobs covered at all times.  I then put my hair towel on my head.  It didn't always work, but it helped a lot.

I wore tank tops into the shower.  THat way the water hitting them didn't hurt, and the temp changes were slower.

I still do on occasion, because my boobs do weir dpain things post baby.

Lots of vibes lyndausvi


In my corner of the world, Buffy's birthday is this weekend (really?  how the hell did that happen?) and you know my mom around CHristmas?  we're heading back that direction again.  I'd give more info if I knew WTF was going on...but stomach flu has turned into confusion and...I don'tk know.  
That would be the root of today's migraine.

CMGragain

My favorite old lady bra that is COMFORTABLE!  https://www.herbergers.com/sc1/women/apparel-bras-panties-shapewear/apparel-bras-panties-shapewear-bras/apparel-bras-panties-shapewear-bras-wire-free/bali-comfort-revolution-smart-size-convertible-wire-free-bra-611038.html

I remember when DH used to grab them, and if I said "ouch!". he smiled and said "You're pregnant!"  Grrr.

MissKittyDanger

lyndausvi said:

Mom's BP dropped to 77/42  



So she is still in ICU.  It has risen and they are doing a bunch of tests to see why it's so low.

Scary hopefully they find out the reason and she's okay!

holyguacamole79

@lyndausvi, prayers for your mom.  I was out helping with the cleanup efforts off Cypresswood just west of I45.  I'm headed out there shortly to help more.  If you want, you can PM me that address and I can see what it looks like. 

@kimmiinthemitten, JJ Watt is doing INCREDIBLE things down here.   He's posting video diaries of where the $ is going.  This is a good group to donate to: https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053

I don't think it's tax - deductible, though.   Another good group is Catholic Charities . https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1845665842116468&substory_index=0&id=111496022200134

If you want more ideas,  let me know. 

short+sassy

I'm catching up today on all the WW news I missed.  I had been worried about the TX Knotties during my vacation, but couldn't pull this site up on my phone.

I'm so glad you all have been okay, overall.  I wish I could offer profound wisdom on how to deal with the aftermath, but there isn't much that makes it any easier.  You're sad for friends, neighbors, and coworkers.  So many need help and it is overwhelming.  You're sad to see the landscape of your city change.  Places that close and will never reopen.  Or take months to reopen.

But the human spirit and determination persevere.  Don't go on "news overload".  Limit your exposure to the pictures and the stories.

Hurricane Harvey is going to be most of what everyone will talk about in Houston and affected areas for months.  So prepare yourself for that.  It's like there will be a "line" in your life and everyone affected by this tragedy.  The "Before" and "After" Hurricane Harvey line.

@lyndausvi, I'm sorry to hear your mom's surgery did not go as well as expected.  I hope she starts recovering soon.

Thanks for asking about me.  We flew back on Tuesday.  Originally, we were taking a late evening flight.  But Southwest had seats available on their morning flight and allowed us to switch them.  We were really worried about getting stuck at the airport because there could be flooding on the streets to get to our house.  But everything was fine.  In fact, Tues. and Wed. were a few rain bands here and there of intense rain.  But each one didn't last long and it was sunny the rest of the time.  Big phew. 

holyguacamole79

@short+sassy ... thank you so much for checking in.  Remind me where you live, again?

I've been pacing myself as far as the news & limiting myself to local news that has more practical information instead of the hype from national news.  During the actual storm, my husband & I would watch some news to see what was going on where and then turn on Harry Potter after just a bit.  

I saw my therapist yesterday & talked through my survivor's guilt.  What has helped me, though (and I'm not trying to toot my horn) has been getting out and volunteering.  I saw a request for help in a neighborhood that was hit hard and I went there Wednesday and yesterday for several hours.  I am SO SORE but my heart is so full.  Several women cried in my arms and the bewilderment on their faces was sobering.  The local high school football team was there helping, too.  There were piles of sheetrock, carpet pieces, and other remnants in piles that were as tall as me (5'7").  I started bawling as soon as I left.

Here's a bright spot, though.  Yesterday I went back to the neighborhood where I helped on Wednesday. I was "assigned" a house and got to work. There were 5 or so additional volunteers. As we worked, we chatted and got to know each other. As I was about to leave, I said goodbye. One of the volunteers shouted, "Wait! We need to get a family picture!". I paused and commented that the family living in that home was likely not in a picture taking mood. She said, "No! A picture of us! We're family now!" We huddled together for a group selfie and the homeowners joined us.

I'm about to go to Mass at the church where I grew up & is now destroyed by the storm.  They're going to have Mass on the outside front steps of the church and are telling people to bring lawn chairs.  I'll also bring tissues bc I'm sure to cry.

This is the inside of the church once it was safe to wade through the waters to see what happened.  It was taken by the pastor.


Then, I'm getting outta here for the weekend to recharge my batteries.  My parents live outside of Austin & we'll go there to get away.  I'm so ready.

MissKittyDanger

@holyguacamole79  Glad you're okay. I'm sure a lot of people are feeling some survivor's guilt, but it's good that you went to talk to someone and I'm sure it helped.

I hear the water is receding, is everyone okay?

charlotte989875

So good to hear you're taking care of yourself @holyguacamole79 and your community. How are your school and your students? A weekend away sounds exactly what you need. 

short+sassy

holyguacamole79 said:

@short+sassy ... thank you so much for checking in.  Remind me where you live, again?

I've been pacing myself as far as the news & limiting myself to local news that has more practical information instead of the hype from national news.  During the actual storm, my husband & I would watch some news to see what was going on where and then turn on Harry Potter after just a bit.  

I saw my therapist yesterday & talked through my survivor's guilt.  What has helped me, though (and I'm not trying to toot my horn) has been getting out and volunteering.  I saw a request for help in a neighborhood that was hit hard and I went there Wednesday and yesterday for several hours.  I am SO SORE but my heart is so full.  Several women cried in my arms and the bewilderment on their faces was sobering.  The local high school football team was there helping, too.  There were piles of sheetrock, carpet pieces, and other remnants in piles that were as tall as me (5'7").  I started bawling as soon as I left.

Here's a bright spot, though.  Yesterday I went back to the neighborhood where I helped on Wednesday. I was "assigned" a house and got to work. There were 5 or so additional volunteers. As we worked, we chatted and got to know each other. As I was about to leave, I said goodbye. One of the volunteers shouted, "Wait! We need to get a family picture!". I paused and commented that the family living in that home was likely not in a picture taking mood. She said, "No! A picture of us! We're family now!" We huddled together for a group selfie and the homeowners joined us.

I'm about to go to Mass at the church where I grew up & is now destroyed by the storm.  They're going to have Mass on the outside front steps of the church and are telling people to bring lawn chairs.  I'll also bring tissues bc I'm sure to cry.

This is the inside of the church once it was safe to wade through the waters to see what happened.  It was taken by the pastor.


Then, I'm getting outta here for the weekend to recharge my batteries.  My parents live outside of Austin & we'll go there to get away.  I'm so ready.

I live in New Orleans and was also living here during Hurricane Katrina...though I had initially evacuated a day before it hit to Hattiesburg, MS.  Not a great choice, in retrospect, but it was the best we could do at the time.  After the storm hit, we continued on to Miami and didn't come back to NOLA for three months.  There was no electricity in our area until about then!

I know what you mean about survivor's guilt.  Although being displaced for 3 months is not a walk in the park, the house we were living in at the time did not flood.  We only lost our items that were in a shed and in the refrigerator.  We at least had a place to go back to and were safe.  But so many people didn't.  There were families who had lived here for generations that never came back. 

Everyone's story was sad.  Whether it was losing a home, a good job, a pet, or a family member.  And Katrina was all anybody talked about for a good year afterward.  Not to mention, just living amongst the devastation.  The city was just shell of its former self for a long time.

So I worry about Houston and Houstonians, like yourself.  Because, although right now it feels like a sprint as everyone is focusing on the immediate needs.  It's actually going to be a long marathon and nothing is ever quite the same.

I'm so glad you saw a therapist and I'm so sorry about your church.  I didn't and probably should have seen a therapist.  I can definitely understand how helping others also helps, even when it is bittersweet.  You feel so powerless against the forces of nature, but at least can DO something in the aftermath.  I know I also got comfort and more faith in humanity, seeing ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help others.  It was like everyone banded together for the good of the community.

holyguacamole79

MissKittyDanger said:

@holyguacamole79  Glad you're okay. I'm sure a lot of people are feeling some survivor's guilt, but it's good that you went to talk to someone and I'm sure it helped.

I hear the water is receding, is everyone okay?

@MissKittyDanger, from what I've heard, there have been ~20 deaths in Houston (and the surrounding areas), and most (if not all) of the deaths were of people who drove into high water that rose suddenly. 

Talking to my therapist helped a lot.  And, volunteering helped, too.  The hardest thing on Sunday - Tuesday was sitting in my house knowing that I was okay and others weren't.  Once we were given a green light to get on the roads, it helped to help others  (if that makes sense. )

charlotte989875 said:

So good to hear you're taking care of yourself @holyguacamole79 and your community. How are your school and your students? A weekend away sounds exactly what you need. 

@charlotte989875, the school building is fine.  There were a few minor leaks, but nothing serious.   I know our librarian had to be evacuated and has not been able to return home yet.  I heard that 2 of my students (sisters) had flooding in their house.  Last I heard on Monday, they had power restored and had help taking care of things.  The principal sent out a survey to the parents to assess the needs.  A school in Northern VA has "adopted" us and said they'll send us necessities.  It's been amazing to see the generosity. 

@short+sassy, thanks for the insight from a fellow survivor.  I know what you mean about evacuating to the wrong place.  My parents wanted us to come to their house near Austin, but that was in the "cone of uncertainty" for a while.  I'm amazed by people who are meteorologists.  It's crazy how things can change so quickly.  I agree it's gling to be a long time to recover.  I know quite a few people who have not been able to return home and don't know when they'll be able to do so.  The piles of debris on the street where I volunteered was sobering and unbelievable.  

The church amazes me.  I no longer attend there (long story), but I still think of it as home.  This morning they held Mass outside on the steps of the church.   There were 1000 estimated people there.   It was advertised as BYOC (bring your own chair).  They had sign ups to help volunteer ... not for the church building, but for the people in the area affected.  It was amazing.  

I may reach out to you later for consideration considering you've been through this.   

For now, here's a cool pic from this morning. 

short+sassy

@holyguacamole79, definitely feel free to reach out to me for any help/emotional support you need.