Blogging from Katrina Ground Zero: Waveland, MS – Day 3

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(written at 11pm CST on Saturday 10/15/2005)

And today was even better.  It’s starting to become more bearable the destruction.

Today we went to Slidell to get supplies.  It’s amazing how much alive cities like Gulfport and Slidell are, just 30 minutes away.  What’s also amazing is that Popeyes is giving people a 5,000 dollar signing bonus to work.  (okay, note this is just what the town is saying.  I haven’t’ confirmed this, but it’s amazing to hear).  What’s happened is that all these people left the area when the hurricane hit and haven’t come back.  So now these places like fast food restaurants and retail stores need employees.  It’s interesting how the economy changes.

When we got back, we started working on the house.  We tore out drywall, flooring, molding, etc.  Unfortunately, Kyle got an eye injury, although he was wearing safety goggles.  So we had to take him to the MASH unit.  We had to actually state our business to the National Guard who had taken over the hospital.  Also, unfortunately, I decided to wear Kyle’s old BDU (military green pants) and a black t-shirt (and a hat).  I looked like I was in the military as a poser, so I was getting some serious stares.

Kyle’s eye is fine.  Just a small cut, so he’s got good drugs that he’s going to need to share with the group =)  While we were waiting for the doctor to write the prescription, we were offered cookies and apples.  Everyone was totally awesome at the hospital.  It was the best ER experience of my life.  I think the eye doctor on call was excited to get a patient at the ER, since he immediately started treating kyle in the waiting area

I tore down the entire side of my parents’ old bedroom once we got back.  Okay, I needed a little help with some parts.  It is very therapeutic to rip out drywall.  My mom got an awesome picture of me taking a sledge hammer to the wall.  Never in all my life did I think I would be doing this.

I’m taking as many pictures as I can.  I’m talking to as many people as I can.  If there’s something I can do, rest assured that I’m going to do it.  That’s all for tonight.  Need sleep.  Another day of “surviving Katrina” begins at sunrise.