Entries this day: Dream Katrina Morning New_departure_music zzzzzz

Dream

8:26am JST Saturday 03 September 2005

After having finished a two year contract in New York City, I was talking to some of my P.B. friends about the experience. Greg relayed an exaggerated account of how I had carried a thousand pound box of printing plates over without incident. I was like, "of course; it was part of my job," and "that was not 1000 pounds; more like 50."

Katrina

9:48am JST Saturday 03 September 2005

Oops... I forgot my dear step sister's name and for a few days wondered how she felt about the hurricane named after her. But her name (I remembered suddenly) is Karina.

I attribute this mixup to 1) being out of touch for so long; 2) being so close to Katt for so long. (3 P.B. months last like 3 dog months.)

From the mayor of Slidell, where my aunt's family lives:

Hurricane Katrina Update 9-1-05

To the Citizens of Slidell,

I am urging you not to return to the City of Slidell at this time.
There was extensive flooding in the city, and the work crews, police,
and utility companies are working around the clock to restore
electricity, gas and water to our City.  The presence of more people
will only hinder their efforts.

Cleco has brought over 1,000 workers to the area, and they have
already begun the tedious process of cutting trees that have fallen
and/or been tangled up in power lines.  Their crews are working
throughout Slidell.  They expect the city's power to be fully restored
in 6 - 8 weeks.

City crews have begun cleaning the streets of debris and are working
to restore water to the area.  They are repairing many broken pipes in
the process.

The City of Slidell has not had the widespread looting problem as seen
in New Orleans and other areas.  We have had isolated incidents and
have arrested 8 people.  I have a zero tolerance policy for looters
and have instructed the police department to use deadly force if
necessary.

Police Chief Freddy Drennan is receiving assistance from 15 police
officers from other states to ensure the safety and security of our
City.  In addition, I have requested additional armed National Guard
troops to protect the City of Slidell.  We have issued a 9:00
p.m. curfew, but that is subject to change on my order.

Some schools did take on water, and we don't expect the schools to
reopen until October 1, at a minimum.

Again, I am telling residents to please stay out of the area.  The
work crews, utility companies, and police officers are making
significant progress to restore the city's water, gas, and
electricity.  If people begin to come back and traffic the streets,
they will only slow down the process.

Stay safe where you are.  There is no water, no electricity, no gas,
no food.  You cannot survive in Slidell as it is now.  I know this is
frustrating, but please give us the opportunity to fix this City.
Your homes and property are secure.  The Slidell Police and National
Guard troops will make sure of that.

Finally, all non-essential City of Slidell personnel are now on
administrative leave until called upon.  As soon as it is safe to come
home to Slidell, you are expected to report back to work.

Thank you and stay safe,
Mayor Ben Morris

Morning

8:42am JST Saturday 03 September 2005

The basic plan for today includes: waving happy goodbyes among an excited, tearful crowd at P.B.'s 51st Voyage departure ceremony; stopping by Millenium House to scoop up a box I left there (most of the contents of which I have forgotten, so I hope I can release most of it...) and seeing some of my peeps there; and attending a Japanese shrine carrying festival in Jiyugaoka.

But first I'd like to get these few journal entries uploaded.

9:01am

And by uploaded I mean uploaded to the right locations...

New departure music

8:30am JST Saturday 03 September 2005

Today Kellie ane I are going to the 51st Voyage departure ceremony. It leaves the port at noon today.

3:59pm

The departure ceremony brought memories to my tired brain and good energy for everyone involved. I saw most of the new GET teachers waving from the mid section of the ship. Also waved to Matt and Eric. Saw Mariko on the port; there must be more work for her at the main office or elsewhere.

I felt なつかし seeing Sabrina in the crew area and Costas up by the bridge. They both waved to me and Costas yelled something cheerful that I didn't actually understand.

The time came for the boat to go; it shoved away from the dock with much fanfare, cheering and tearful eyed loved ones on both sides of the gap.

zzzzzz

12:39am JST Sunday 04 September 2005

Egad. So tired. Carried a heavy ass thing around 自由ヶ丘 today. It wasn't so bad in itself, but did we have to *bounce* it??

This is Kellie and I at one of the rest stops during the evening. The mikoshi consists of some sort of shrine (that's the best word I have) mounted on a rather sturday framework of boards. The shrine is the red draped stuff, the gold thing on top, and white lanterns on each corner, plus a car battery underneath to power the lights in the lantern. It was a couple hundred pounds, I'm guessing. (not the battery; the whole thing).

We got the dark T-shirts beforehand, and drinks along the way. I don't know that I'd ever want to do it again; it killed my back and shoulders.

I met 伊津美 (いづみ) and 靖子 (やすこ) after the last stop, where we chowed やきそば (fried noodles) and watermelon and some grilled beef. They were super "interested" in me and all complimenting everything. I enjoyed the attention, but imagine it won't come to anything.

- - - -

Afterward, we went to a byebye party of a girl named Julie from Gaba in Jiyugaoka. She has been there two whole months, which apparently is about the average for people lately. I sat next to Jesse and his friend Michael. Jesse and I played hackey sack in the hall for a bit, but quit before we got too hot. Jesse didn't seem to be his normal jovial crazy chatty self, but we didn't get a chance to talk. I will hang out with him sometime before I leave.

I set up a movie screening for Shawshank Redemption with Louise at noon on Wednesday.