So life lately...
Trying to get things back to normal but also trying to start anew. When you go through any type of trauma it's important to learn, grow, and change afterward. The last thing you want to do is pretend that nothing happened. Being in denial is the breeding ground for PTSD. So instead, embrace the mess, clean up, and try to improve. Even if your improvements are small, trivial...something like redecorating can be amazingly therapeutic.
For us, we used the flood downstairs as our opportunity for finally moving to our permanent upstairs bedroom. Our downstairs tiny bedroom was flooded and we had to rip up the soaked carpet tiles and prepare to move our bed and everything upstairs. The upstairs room was pretty much a square box used for storage. And since the floors were linoleum we needed to lay down some carpet. We normally would go with hardwood floors but after the storm and the cold and the constant wet muddy socks...carpeting seemed like such a cozy idea for the bedroom. So we first ordered some carpet tiles from Lowes...and when they arrived a week later we were absolutely horrified by the quality. So so thin and coarse and gross...worse than astro turf. But I can't denounce carpet tiles outright. The last ones that we got from Home Depot were much nicer. But these ones from Lowes...we couldn't return them quick enough!
So then we went to our local carpet mill after seeing their endearing local commercials with the owner's young sons holding rolls of carpet and saying things like "Reliable". Well we went in, found some good carpet, got a great price, and we really liked the people there...and what sealed the deal is that they said they could install within the next 48 hours. Perfect. The installers showed up the other day and were completely done in under 45 minutes. The first thing we did was carry the dogs upstairs and show them their new bedroom. We knew they'd love it. Every time they visit grandma and grandpa's house they run around on the carpet like maniacs. Our little chubby pumpkin Jack flips out, runs circles around his big brother Carlos. Normally, Jack spends the entire day under blankies...but put him on some carpet and you've got a Whirling Dervish. He'll be a skinny pumpkin in no time!
So, the new bedroom is a big departure for us decor wise. We usually go with lighter colors, pastels, lots of white. But we went with a gray on gray on gray color palette for the new bedroom. We were trying to channel the feeling of a dimly lit, cozy hotel room. A place to shut out the world and just sleep. And so far it feels amazing. We have yet to actually decorate...it's just the bones right now...but it'll all come together eventually. Maybe not right away though. We've got way too much on our plate to worry about the little details.
Even though the news channels have moved on from the story of Hurricane Sandy, the reality is still bleak and tragic for a whole lot of our neighbors. There are many people who are still without power. Just a block over we can still hear a generator going. So many families are without homes. We walked around our small town and entire neighborhoods are empty...every house gutted...the contents, the walls and floors are in piles out on the streets in front. We've been bringing goods to our American Legion. They are still in need of cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products...also underwear and socks. And now with the holidays approaching the focus is on food and utensils. Plastic forks, spoons, and knives...paper plates, cups...these are in demand right now. And
The Food Bank of Monmouth County will be in desperate need of donations as well. They do great work. So if you'd like to help out, give them a visit and see how you can.
My friend Amanda from
The Fancy Lady Gourmet , who is also a Jersey girl...well, she is just amazing and my heart goes out to her and her family. She lost her uncle in the storm and through this heartbreak she still found it in her heart to take the time and energy to bake and send us a BIG box of her famous cookies...and donations for our community. I've blogged about Amanda and her amazing beautiful and delicious cookies before. I was floored when her package arrived.
These photos are just so so heartbreaking. I feel dizzy, and my heart pounds when I look at them. This is an aerial shot of Ortley Beach. And below is the exact same view after the storm.
Devastated. All of those families are displaced...those memories, collections, living rooms, and kitchens, and holidays...All gone.
Today we took another walk around our little town and surveyed the gigantic clean up effort. So much of the town was under water and the muddy residue remains. We're lucky that it isn't summertime because in the heat I'm sure the place would be so so stinky. In any empty lots there are piles of the debris from all over town. The objects that once were the heart and souls of so many family's homes are now not even recognizable.
But it was a beautiful day weather wise and you really do get a sense of people making the best of things. Trying to rebuild and move on and make life better a day at a time. I know we are. Big hugs to all of you who have helped us along the way. You could never understand just how much your help means to us.
xo, Jenny
