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

Courtney has been found

I am happy to report that we have found my sister and my nephew. They are both in good health. However, my sister has lost all of her things. Courtney was a full time student at Delgado. She also held a full time job. She has no school, no job, and nothing left of her house. She is so happy to be alive and so happy to know the rest of her family is safe. Courtney considers herself blessed. I wish I had her outlook. I'm so worried about her. If anyone comes across links for programs to help her out, please post them. I know there are many things available for her. We are just having trouble finding them.
I'll be okay. I am in the military and the paychecks keep coming regardless. (Salary has it's benefits!) I have renter's insurance on my things and full coverage on my car. Speaking of my car, it got mushed by the biggest tree I have ever seen. Poor Jetta. (tear) My biggest problem is I don't know how long the Coast Guard will allow me to stay here; taking care of my son and not working. I have no stability. I don't know where I'll be in a week. These feelings are minor compared to what others are facing. I know. I think that I am in denial. New Orleans is my home. I refuse to say, "was my home." As much as I complained about the crescent city, I still loved it. It's great to have wings, but you never want to lose your roots. I don't know how to feel or think. ~Anyway~~
Please keep Courtney in your prayers.
Ya'll Take Care,
Charissa

Courtney vs Katrina the unknown saga..

Hello,
I am doing well after Hurricane Katrina. I have relocated to my Aunt & Uncle's beautiful new house in Paris, TN. We still have not found my sister or my two year old nephew The desperation from not knowing how they are grows each day. My Dad has left to try and find them. I am not much of a religious person, but please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted.
Y'all Take Care,
Charissa