drive home

as I drive back to our extended stay hotel from work (well, I personally am not driving because I'm writing this blog entry via my iphone app and I don't think it'd be advised to drive a government 15-passenger van while blogging...) we happen to pass through the most beautiful residential long island communities that I would have never known were here. and while we're driving past these beautiful homes with their blossoming cherry trees, all I can keep my eyes on are whether or not the homes have taken measures to mitigate against future storms. every day (or practically every day) I go out into the field with my team and FEMA team lead to look at properties that have flooded and whether or not they have basements, one or two stories, their machinery (HVAC) at grade or above the first floor, and so on (you know, typical work for a post undergrad student with a BA in psychology and a minor in theatre arts). and now, no matter what neighborhood I'm in or home and garden show I'm watching (because HGTV has become one of the two channels I watch regularly...the other being the weather channel...) all I take notice to is whether or not their air conditioning is outside at grade (essentially on the floor, not below first floor and not above it) or elevated higher up.


(FYI: because I gave up on having a written journal...it turned out to be too much of a commitment for me...not that the nine month disaster relief and recovery program is any less of a commitment...I've chosen to turn to blogging my thoughts. so, sorry family and friends, but you may end up getting more than you bargained for with the whole "yeah, of course michelle, I'd love to follow your blog!" thing...for example...this post about my slight preoccupation with the motivations techniques of the residents of long island). and on that note, I would like to not only thank you for reading my blog (or at least being considerate enough to pretend to read it and ask my family members the details of my life instead) but to also include some photos that have nothing to do with this post but are just for your viewing pleasure.

:)