0039: "Shock" does not accurately describe my feelings..

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9161198/

Okay, I'm willing to acknowledge that some things can't be helped. Passing bodies while looking for survivors, as distasteful and disrespectful as it sounds, is very pragmatic. Get to those you can help, and help them. Taking time? Yeah, I think the relief effort could move faster, but that things that we're not told might be holding it up (and I don't mean bereaucratic red tape).

Still, when two dozen countries offer aid, my heart swells. Not because we've helped them, and "deserve" it, but because that's the right thing to do. Yet, our president said, of the offers of aid: "I’m not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn’t asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country’s going to rise up and take care of it.”

I didn't vote for this guy, and now I'm really, REALLY glad I didn't. Throw away your pride, and acknowledge that you need help. Plain and simple, WE NEED HELP. New Orleans needs that help right NOW, not later. It angers me that he can be so dismissive of the offers. Why? It is not weak to accept help when you sorely need it. Not at all.

Of what is he afraid? Is he that blind? With all due respect to the Bush voters in my friends list, what kind of reaction is that? I mean, even the Dominican Republic has offered aid, and they aren't exactly a wealthy nation. (Please, if any of you can clarify why he'd react this way to news of offers from around the globe, please enlighten me. I will listen.)

I can only pray for those still stuck in New Orleans, and thank God that his secretary of state, Condoleeza Rice, isn't as thick: With offers from the four corners of the globe pouring in, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has decided “no offer that can help alleviate the suffering of the people in the afflicted area will be refused,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday. (Way to go, ma'am!)

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I just wish that I could afford to drive down there with a truckload of water and supplies. Sadly, with gas prices rising, I'm going to be pushing it on gas as it is. Still, I think that a trip to a food collection center (that is going straight to the affected areas) is in order, as well as a donation to Red Cross. Does anyone know where they are collecting supplies in Memphis?

In closing, now that I'm a little calmer, let me just say that I am counting every single, solitary blessing I can now. I have it really damn good, no matter how "poor" I think I am, or how rough things are. My attitude at work today was phenomenally good, despite having something of a rough day. I just can't stay angry or upset, knowing that people have far worse to deal with than a late checker, or having to wait in line.

0040: Rising gas prices..

This may be a "duh" for most of you, but with the rising gas prices, there are two simple things that you can do to help your gas go further.

1) Roll down your windows, cook a bit, and turn off the AC. The wind is fun anyway.

2) Drive the speed limit. If gas is scarce, getting where you are going quickly is less important that holding on to what gas you have for as long as you can (and you'll still get there).

I found a small independent service station by andric's old apartment, and while the gas was $3.199 a gallon, there were no lines, and no bad attitudes. I feel I had divine guidance finding that place. I'd already decided that I had enough gas for my trips to work tomorrow and Sunday, so I was prepared to just do as little driving as possible if it came to that. (Working in a grocery store makes getting food and necessities rather easy.) However, something told me not to turn onto the highway at Covington Pike, and something told me I needed to make that left.

To all those worried about gas, remember that worrying gets you nothing, except maybe ulcers. I, for one, have faith that things will work out, and to some it may be simplistic, but I really feel like this is the proper way to handle it. It may not be the popular choice, but it's the one that *I* know is right.

Good luck and safe journey, to those who are out and about, whether voluntarily or involuntarily..

0041: Evening update..

I became thoroughly frustrated earlier, because I couldn't even begin to solidify random thoughts into a coherent setting for my story. In fact, I got nowhere tonight. Oh well, I suppose my mind wasn't really into it. I'll not force it, for that way lies shattered dreams and one unhappy camper.

Still, it's hard to get truly annoyed about anything that could be considered trivial, and some things that are not so trivial, in light of Katrina's damage. *sigh* In case you you'd like to help, consider going here. I did, and feel a little better. Tomorrow, it's bottled water, bleach, and canned food, to be turned in at one of the places listed here.

Remember, go the speed limit when driving. It can help on your gas consumption. And it's the law, too. :)

Love you guys. Take care of yourselves.