*I am grateful that the basement "mildly flooded" four weeks ago because I went out and bought the rest of the shelves we needed to get everything off the floor.
*I am grateful that it flooded a second time three weeks ago because it necessitated a trip to the dump to dispose of all the boxes and garbage that has been piled in the corner from organizing after the first flood.
*I am grateful that first thing this morning I smelled something burning that caused me to discover both the water in the basement and a major fire hazard.
*I am grateful for a father in law that is my "handy man on call"...he is always awake when I need him when I call in that panicked voice. "What do I do?"
*I am grateful that it is not freezing cold outside and that we still have power even though we had to turn off the heat.
*I am actually grateful that we have not made it to the top of the water clean up co. list yet...with more rain tomorrow, I would rather it be done in one, foul (and I mean foul) swoop.
*I am grateful that nothing has been seriously damaged (not that we know of yet...the washer and dryer is yet to be determined...but who wouldn't like a valid excuse to not do laundry?)
*I am grateful that I don't own this house.
This morning when I found the water there was only 3 inches. I had called my father in law in hopes that he could tell me how to avoid my house catching fire because of the plethora of things plugged in to a power strip totally submerged in water...one of which was currently running (that poor dehumidifier was totally freaking out.) He assured me that if I just put a toe in the water to test it's shockability, it would probably only be a little jolt. I quickly excused myself off the phone with him so that I could complete this little "test" before my most capable 911 callers left for school. So armed with my rubber boots and a broken broom handle I headed downstairs, perched myself atop a plastic bin and leaned precariously over the metal washer and dryer and used my broom handle to unplug the running electrical appliances. I also had to shut off the heat which was causing the burning smell...apparently it's temperamental about water "all up in it's kitchen".
I was pleasantly surprised to NOT suffer from any degree of electric shock today.
I then called my property manager, who is on vacation, conveniently enough. You'd better believe I pressed the "0" for an emergency. He was just here last week telling me that a little piece of plastic under the gutter would fix all my problems and make my wildest dreams come true.
I braved the nonstop rain today and got out long enough to surf in my friend's basement and get milk from Target so my baby will keep growing.
I couldn't help take a bunch of pictures because I just cannot believe the water everywhere. I think they said that the amount of rain we have gotten in the last 36 hours is more than was expected for the entire year. It just doesn't rain like this Connecticut. The raging water through the woods is amazing and beautiful, the swollen ponds and rivers a tad scary and the water on the roads downright disconcerting...it has it's own current.
By the time I returned home, we had 4 more inches of water.
The grand total before bed tonight was 9.5 inches. It covers the bottom step and our empty 55 gallon drum water barrels are floatin' around like a couple of bloated carcasses.
But the girls had fun playing in it today...I tried to embrace how fun it is for kids to suddenly have an indoor swimming pool, even if the water is a frigid 50 degrees. I'm so glad they thought that the swimsuits and swim caps were necessary...it made the experience that much more fun. I let them play until hypothermia set in or someone got hurt. I think it was a tie.
It has been a lesson and practice of patience today...I haven't lost it once (I thought about it, but didn't give in...I ate a chocolate egg instead.) I have just had to let it go and concede that there really is simply nothing I can do but wait, and watch the water rise (slowly I hope) and cross my fingers that the water clean up company will call me back soon to tell me that I have moved from #35 on their list, to #1. If not I might just be placing a call to the Fire Department..."What? Oh, no, I am sorry, no emergency. My daughter must have called by accident...but while you are here, you wanna do something about all this water? You are a lamb. Here, have a chocolate egg."
For your dry, viewing pleasure.
Please take special note that "the silent one" says a distinguishable word. I love that it sounds just like Jerry Seinfeld's girlfriend's belly button.
18 comments:
wow i can't believe all that water. i would be freaking out! you are so great to just deal with it and have fun at the same time. i hope it stops rising soon!
Holy Canoli, bless your heart! Of course something like that would happen when Clark isn't around. I love how you looked on the bright side and just had fun with it. Right now, I am glad I don't have a basement. Thanks for the link to the Seinfeld clip. Gave me a little chuckle before bed.
Wow Emily, you are such a trooper. That is so much water. It looks like the girls had a blast though. I cant believe Hazel said "Hello" It sounded so stinking cute. I hope the rain stops and that your basement stops flooding :(
Holy Geez. That's all I can say besides good job for not losing it. Oh and HEEEELLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO. Love it. She is a DOLL.
Dad and I just keep saying, "Oh my word!" Again and again! We want to know who is helping you take care of this "little problem". So glad you weren't electrocuted! How do you do it?
Oh emily. I can't imagine. YOu must be the most patient and amazing mom/woman ever!! I think of you all the time, and all that you do. I hope it gets taken care of soon!
How ironic that your "ocean engineer" and your "electrical engineer" are both MIA. Hang in-what else can you do? Love you lots and lots-does that help?
I watched the news last night and thought of my relatives back east and also thought "Man! Can't they get a break from this weather-- and send some of that rain this way!!"
You amaze me with your patience and good humor, Cuz.
You are great. I can't believe how frustrating that would all be. I am glad that you are all safe and un-electrocuted.
Wow! That's incredible and you are amazingly calm! Your positive outlook is inspirational. Seriously, I need to be more like you. I hope this comes to a satisfying end soon!
You are such a trooper and an inspiration on the power of a positive attitude! What else can you do but shake your head in wonder and let your kids show you how kids handle it. You are an amazing mother and one that I wish I could live a little closer to.
Love you!
I am having one of those days where I can't stand my children...and then I find my sister here in chaos and positivity. Thanks for reminding me what a LOSER I am.
You truly are quite amazing.
Stella chanted Mia during the whole video and then when Hazel said hello she answered in kind. I think they need to play. Should we meet at your flooded place or my scorpion-infested one?
Is is wrong that I want to come play in it with all the girls? I am so glad you do not own that house.
First of all to Hazel: "Hellooooooo!" It is so good to hear your voice, beautiful girl!
To Emily. You. Are. Freaking. Amazing. You are a mom superhero. Your attitude is ... is ... I don't even have words for it. But I'm pretty sure it is the kind of thing that gets one into the celestial kingdom.
It really is kind of cool that you have an indoor pool. (How sure are we that it doesn't have dangerous stuff in it? I mean, I'm sure its safe.)
Aren't you glad I took that car seat and stroller off you hands so you wouldn't have to worry about it being flooded in your basement? Glad to help.
You are awesome! I love you. GOod luck.
I love their sweet little voices and how you said, "No screaming please." I find myself saying those same words..ALOT!
I would be freaking out, but you are handling the situation with perfect grace.
"Come what may, and love it..."
I cannot believe that! You poor lamb! There aren't enough chocolate eggs in the world. Risk of fire and electric shock? The pictures of outside are beautiful, where water should be! I too am grateful you do not own that home but I hope it stops raining already and that they clean it up before everything molds. Kids are fighting. Ciao.
Ok I'm back. The bathing beauties need their own comment! Too cute and you are a saint to let them play there and try to enjoy it. I love the "Helloooo!"
WOW!!!!! That is a lot of water! Way to make a grateful list:)
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