Southern California Shakeout

I hate earthquakes! Since we have been here there have been quite a few earthquakes (thankfully not for a while). When we have had them I become a crazy freak. Really. The first one we had I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. I didn't even know what to do! When the second one hit that same night I ran in and woke up James and then promptly ran to the window. (you all didn't know I was that smart, did you?) Well, after the next 10 or so I finally got so that I was not scaring my kids to death and became somewhat of a pro....at not running around terrified. The biggest earthquake that we have had while I have been here is a 5.5. So, yesterday all of Southern California and other places up north had one big earthquake drill. It was supposed to be for a 7.8 magnitude earthquake (that just makes my stomach hurt!). I happened to be in Parker's class at the time of the drill. The principle came over the speaker and announced that it was starting. All people had to stop, drop and cover. The kids were all under their desks holding on to the legs for dear life. After 2 minutes the earthquake was over, we had to line up and march out to the designated areas. The teachers were then supposed to count their kids and report them in. I have to say several things about this. 1. We better not have an earthquake while Parker is in the present class that he is in! His teacher was so unorganized and ditsy that who knows what would happen if it were a real earthquake! 2. It terrified me to death seeing the kids under the tables and then all lined up. I had goosebumps thinking about a real one. I had to force myself not to cry watching all of those little rugrats! 3. If it does happen while we are here I am so glad that Kylee has the teacher that she does. I could see her class and they were so organized and calm....sigh.... 4. WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF CALIFORNIA!!!!!!! I know it is irrational. There could be an earthquake in Salt Lake too, but I have not felt one there before and I have here...too many times!

I watched the news last night, and saw all of the work that people put in to this drill. It was amazing. They had people acting out different scenarios so that the police, fire dept.s etc could run through how prepared they were. It was supposed to be the worlds largest earthquake drill. It was neat to be a part of it and to see it happen, but I think I would like to just be part of the drill and not the real thing.