Day 4 of no power

Things are really looking better today. The estimates for restored power are crazy (2 - 4 weeks), but I'm starting to hear of people in different areas of Baton Rouge having their power back on. Sean (Walter's son) called last night and has power, Walter's niece on the other side of Baton Rouge has power, and so on and so on. Now, I'm not in Baton Rouge, but we are only about 30 minutes away and I feel like ours will be back on before the weekend. However, ZERO percent of our parish currently has power. Walter and I have a bet about when the electricity will come back on; I say before 2 weeks and he says not until 3 weeks, so wish me luck because I have a dinner of my choice riding on this one!! Plus I would like having the electricity back on. I'm still waiting to hear from Elizabeth, but they don't have a "land line" and cell service isn't great right now. I am guessing she is at her mom's with the boys and I will try again to get through to someone over there today.

I don't usually vent on my blog, but today I need to just a little. Before I do, let me just say that I don't mind caring for other people's children, especially ones who otherwise might go without. I have had 2 extra teenagers here since Sunday and I'm glad they were able to stay here, be safe during the storm, and enjoy the electricity afterwards. It isn't costing us any money to provide the extra propane/electricity for them here or space in the house. They both stay in Cameron's room with him, so we still have plenty of room if anyone else needs a place to stay. They also don't cause any trouble and sometimes we don't even know they are here. But...have you ever fed three 15 & 16 year old boys? Good lawd! And if your 15 or 16 year old child stayed with someone for a week, wouldn't you send some snacks or something? And if your teenage son was staying with people during a time when stores are closed and food can't be found, wouldn't you at least ask if you could bring them something or do something? But no. Nothing. I am not surprised because one of them, Bryce, has lived with me off and on for over a year and his mother has never offered a dime for food or anything. And currently she lives about 7 houses down from us, but no. Bradley's grandparents probably don't have much to offer, but I'm just talking about a couple of bags of chips or a 12 pack of Coke. Part of the problem lies with me and I have learned one important lesson during the course of my life (well, i've learned more than one, but here is one i've learned) and that is nobody can take advantage of you unless you let them. I'm not going to demand anything or call and request food, but the next time a parent calls to check if the kid can stay longer, i'll just say, "sure, but we could really use some drinks and snacks for them." Now, lets pretend someone will call and ask!! I really hate to fuss or sound cheap, but we are supplying five people with food and drinks for at least a week and it would be nice to offer some help for them. I'm just sayin....

I sat out on our porch tonight and was really struck by how lucky we are. It might be hard in this situation to think of being lucky, but sometimes just having quiet time to reflect can help put things in perspective. I am such a lucky girl and I really have to say that I have everything I need and everything I want and I am very thankful. The only exception that I could think of is JP, but in all honesty, while he is in jail and could be for the rest of his life, I still have him in my life and can see him, talk to him, write to him, but I can't make his decisions for him and I have let go of that.

What I came up with for my own life:
*I have a relationship with God
*I have a wonderful husband who treats me like a princess
*I have 2 healthy sons who mean the world to me
*I have Elizabeth and her boys in my life and words can't explain how great that is
*Walter & I have our dream home that managed to keep us safe and comfortable during a terrible storm
*It took almost 20 years, but I met my goal and earned a Master's Degree
*My Master's Degree landed me the best job in the world working with kids I love more than I could tell you
*I have some of the best friends imaginable
*I have my dream car
*I have a pool (so it's a $300 Walmart pool - I love it!)
*We live on the river and have a boat (being on the water is my favorite thing ever!)
*My parents, brother, & sister are great from a distance!
*I have the best in-laws imaginable

What do you have to be thankful for in your life?

Speaking of JP, he called this week to check on us before the storm and said he is doing ok. He is biding his time until the trial in December and seems to have a positive attitude about everything. He and Walter's oldest sister have really bonded through writing to each other. She is 70ish and it's amazing to me how much they enjoy each other's friendship. I pray that he will be released soon and I can take him to visit with her sometimes. I would also love for him to see his Maw Maw & Paw Paw who live near me before it's too late. Neither of them are doing well and I don't think they will be here a year from now. It's very sad. But JP is doing ok and that is what is most important right now.

Questions & Comments:

BlogStalker asked if there is police presence to stop people from looting and honestly, in my area, we have never had problems with that. I saw the National Guard at the place that was supposed to be giving out supplies near our house yesterday, but that was just to protect the area and people handing out supplies (which weren't really being given out at that location). But, I will say, I have not ventured more than 5 miles from our house since before the storm on Sunday, so i'm really not sure what it looks like "in town" and at the stores, etc.