All hope is not lost.. I still have plenty to say.

So my last post was a mere 4 years ago, I lost track of time. It happens.
I was a bit busy, but not that much is new. I got promoted, moved cross country, and had a baby.
I also joined myspace and facebook. I think that's the real reason the blog whitered on the brink of a lonely death. I have decided that I need the vent. Somewhere to collect my thoughts..even if they are sentenced to a void of uncertain cyberspace. Who knows if and when the words are read,  and whether or not the context lost and the reader left only to confusion and a desire to reclaim the lost minutes wasted on this page?
Regardless, I will write. It is good for me.
Well, as soon as I locate the laptop's power cord.
It's always something.
Y'all Take Care,
Charissa

The Movie Ends and Reality Begins

I am back in New Orleans. I had to move out of my apartment. The complex is condemning the building due to structural damage. Aside from my bathroom cabinet all of my things in the apartment were undamaged. The day I drove into the city I was a midst of shock. Parts of the city seem okay, but nothing remained quite the same. Many places in the city and the surrounding areas look like bombs had gone off. Some businesses are re-opening and some I don't think ever will. I am very disappointed in the News Coverage of New Orleans. The Coast Air Station where I work, put together a very moving and comprehensive compelation photographs. It is a rather large download, but well worth the time. When you get to the website, click on the Katrina Presentation Link at the top and save the file to your computer:
http://www.uscg.mil/d8/airsta/nola/index.shtm
My Jetta was a casualty. I had moved my car to Slidell to my Dad's house because my apartment was right next to levy. That particular levy held and my Dad's house flooded. A huge pine tree smashed down on the back end of my car. The good news is my insurance company was generous with claim. I have a new baby. I bought a 2006 BMW 325i complete with the sport package and the cold weather package. She's awesome. One of my friends insist that the Lexus IS would have been a better buy. When it comes to cars I am German girl and my beemer is sweeet! It's a bright spot in my life. I am living in a hotel, but looking for a house to rent. My son is in school and doing well. My sister is okay and is looking to maybe move in with me when I find house. My Dad is working on rebuilding his house. It's a long road for him, but I think he will make it through just find. I'm sorry I haven't blogged in so long, but I have been busy. It's good to be back. I am greatful and proud of my fellow coasties. They rescued over 20,000 people. Check out that link above.
Y'all Take Care and Come Back Soon,
Charissa

Exploring My Mid-Western Host City

I am safe in Saint Louis & I am very fortunate. My apartment has floor to ceiling windows that house an impressive view of the Arch and ironically the Mississippi River. St. Louie is very unlike New Orleans. You can live downtown safely, the streets are clean, and after 9pm there doesn't seem to be a soul out on a week night. I will admit that this is only the initial report. Deliberations are still in progress regarding St Louis' coolness. As you might have expected, I have found a great mall. The Galleria Mall in Brentwood was very fashionable with a great many of my favorite stores and pleasant salespersons. It isn't Aventura, but it is close in the race for mall perfection. There are many cute and yummy places for lunch all with in walking distance of my high rise apartment. Walking distance is crucial considering my car is still filled with water and pinned down by a large pine tree in my home town. Starbucks is two blocks up and one block down. I am enjoying the Mansion House Apartments.
Chandler is in school and he is enjoying Saint Woo-is. He is so cute. He insisted on going go up in the Arch. I didn't know you could go inside of it. Well, you can and he loved it. He wants to go on a helicopter tour. I have no desire to take him, maybe because I spent three years handling in-flight emergencies for ship based helo's in Coast Guard. He will probably talk me into it.
I am going home next week to see my sister. I know she is okay and I have talked to her a few times, but all will not be right with me until I hug her and tell her I love her. I want to see my horribly cute nephew and try an hug him too. I am nervous about seeing New Orleans in person. Until next week, I have only seen television images that don't seem real. My Dad's house had quite a bit of water and my sister's house is gone. I know one of my good friends' house was flooded too. I don't know how well I will be able to stomach the reality. We will see I guess. Well I am off to lunch. I have computer access in the apartment complexes business center. I will keep my blog updated and keep my creativity alive. Thank you again for all of your concern.
Y'all Take Care,
Charissa

St. Louis

I have offically been called to duty. I have been staying at my Aunt & Uncle home in Paris, TN.
My Aunt and Uncle have been most gracious. I have enjoyed being in Paris and found the time with family very soothing in such uncertainty. However, I needed to get back into my Coast Guard life. I couldn't go back to the Air Station because there is not the means to properly take care of my son. (no power, no water, no security) So, I am temporarily being sent to work with the District Command Center. I'll probably be there for 3-6 months. Chandler can go to school and I can work. I am very fortunate. We have an apartment in downtown St. Louis waiting for us. I am excited about it. I love my family and Paris, TN is very beautiful, but a little too country for this city girl. I must mention the curvy, hilly, roads here would be so much fun to drive if my car hadn't been smashed by my Dad's dumb tree. Poor Jetta.
It's probably apparent that I am in better spirits. My friends have been calling and checking in on me. I do appreciate it very much. I don't know what I would do with out you guys. Thank you very very much for your care and concern. It means a lot to me.
I will try to come up with something more light hearted to blog about. I'm sure discovering St. Louie will be rather intresting. I don't like dwelling on things that I can't fix or control.
My sister is doing well. She's found FEMA and the Red Cross is helping her. She is in good spirits and laughing at the little things as only Courtney can. I miss her. I'm taking leave later this month see her and to collect what's left of my things. I'll probably feel the need to blog that too.
Y'all Take Care,
Charissa