The School Conundrum

Where's Falkor when you need him?

Mayor Bloomberg just announced that New York Public Schools are going to be closed for students tomorrow and Friday; however, for teachers, we are expected to return to work on Friday to prepare for the opening of school on Monday.

...would someone like to tell me how I'm supposed to get to school? Here are the obstacles:

1. There are no subways running under the east river, so I have no access to Manhattan via trains.
2. Do you really think getting on a train that goes UNDER a river and THROUGH flooded stations is a smart decision? You're just asking to get trapped. No thank you.
3. I have no access to bus service into Manhattan, and if I did, how long do you think it would take me to get from Crown Heights to Riverdale in the Bronx? I better leave today to get there by Friday morning.
4. How would I get home, even if I made it to school?
5. Seriously, what are we supposed to do at work with half a staff (if we're lucky) and no students?
6. If I get hurt, I'm suing the city.

Possible modes of transportation: Falkor (duh), rowboat, catapult, Pegasus, piggyback ride, steal a bicycle and leave in one hour, get Will Smith or Denzel Washington to lead me through destroyed areas, join a zombie squad to guide me through danger, or teleportation (preferred method...although Falkor would be sweet).

I hope that Walcott is smart and won't dock us pay if we physically can't get to school. There are lots of dumb school officials, so I won't hold my breath. Unless I have to swim to school. Then that'd be necessary. No one wants to drown.

Bizarre Halloween

Who would have thought on a day like today people are still operating without power?

People in Seaside Heights is demolished, along with four other boardwalks that look exactly like this. Rides are scattered, wood is piled everywhere, and houses are flooded.

Long Beach Island in New Jersey won't be open for another 9 days. It is uninhabitable.

Breezy Point in Far Rockaway here in Queens had a widespread fire and the entire neighborhood was totally and completely burned. 100 homes gone. The community already suffered greatly during 9/11 when it lost 29 fire fighters, more than most fire houses. Who knows if the memorial for those men still exists. Read more about Breezy Point.

Halloween parades are canceled, and no one is sure whether or not the city can "cancel" Halloween. Sounds like a nightmare for all of the mothers that slaved for hours creating a cute costume for their kids. What about all of the high school students ready to traipse the hallways in their cool costumes, and the college students that are looking forward to the bar parties? I bet the bar parties still go on.

Now we will have no trash service until...we don't know. We stil don't have to move our cars. Bridges are reopened, as well as the Lincoln Tunnel, but the rest of the tunnels are still closed. There is limited bus service here, and Bloomberg says the subways won't be up and running until the weekend, if not longer. 

How the H are we supposed to get to school? It doesn't seem like such a blessing anymore. People are suffering. I don't think I can celebrate while 4 million people are still without power. So here we sit. In our apartment. Waiting to be able to go outside.

Returning to life

It sounds like our neighbor upstairs is vacuuming over bodies. The neighbors are yelling about who cheated on whom. "You TOLD ME you were HOME LAST NIGHT. (Expletive, expletive) mother (expletive), so on and so forth. Keisha Cole is being bumped on the corner. All appears to be back to normal.

New episodes of New Girl and The Mindy Project are on (thank GOD) and the cable channels have stopped live coverage of the aftermath of the storm. Who doesn't love a good shot of Shmidt dancing around in a red speedo? I think I'm going to continue posting on here until school starts back up again. Just want to make sure my family and friends know that things are calming down here and returning back to normal.

I'm returning to my life and realizing I have a lot of decisions to make soon. I'm deciding if I want to teach abroad or stay in the city. The American School of Madrid is looking for an English teacher. So, so tempting. I'm also thinking of going to grad school (AGAIN, dammit) to be an administrator. Maybe I'd like it more than teaching, who knows. I'm also seriously considering moving back upstate to Mechanicville.

But now, as this state of emergency that has taken over the east coast, I have to admit something. As corny as this sounds, when my home and city goes through something so devastating, I feel like I can't leave. I don't want to leave. I'm proud to be here, I'm proud of the citizens here. I hate the city sometimes, but I am filled with a profound love and pride being a part of this amazing city.

Pictures of NY tunnel

70 million gallons of water

Witch reporting for Halloween?

No, she's for real. NYC MTA representative needs help with her image...

Upper West Side

Thanks Kim Cooney for a look at your street at 109th

More Storm Information

• Most of the bridgers here in the city are opened, but the Holland Tunnel and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel are still closed. Lincoln Tunnel has parts open. 
• The subway stations are crippled, no clue when everything will be running. Bloomberg estimates the subways will be out for another 4-5 days. Buses should be up and running tomorrow.
• LIRR, Metronorth, and Amtrak are suspended. Lots of damage to all three. No idea when they'll be back running.
• NJ Path? Forget about it.
• 90% of Long Island is without power. Could take a week to turn power back on, including areas in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Staten Island.
• Cities in New Jersey, like Little Ferry, that never experience flooding are now in water evacuating citizens. A levee broke at the river in Little Ferry. People moved into attics and sat on their roofs waiting for help today.
• People in New Jersey and Long Island have extremely limited cell service. Includes upstate New York as well.
• Boardwalk in Atlantic City is significantly damaged.

Good to know alternate side of the street parking is suspended. Thanks police department, but be warned, the SECOND it is lifted, tickets galore will be thrown on cars. Mo fos...

Obama Press Conference

From Obama: This storm is not yet over. It is still moving north. Communities could still be affected, there are still risks of high winds, flooding, and power outages. This is an extraordinary hardship we've experienced, and our hearts go out to those that have suffered. Families lives have been upended and will be going through hardship for the coming months. We will do everything we can to help people get back on their feet.

I've had conversations with governors, including Christie, Cuomo, and Mayor Bloomberg. I want to commend them on the outstanding work they've done and will continue to do. (Showing pictures of New Jersey flooded and destroyed, Connecticut flooded, New York City flooded without power). We've been able to help people because they prepared. We'll continue to push to get power up. It's obviously a local problem, and we're giving additional resources.

(NYC is facing its worst disaster in history) We need to make sure resources are getting to the regions that need it. Federal government: no red tape, no bureaucracy, get help to those that need it as quickly as possible. The military may help move equipment and contain flooding in subways systems. We will look into nontraditional resources to help aide the region. My message to governors and mayors, and as well as the communities, is we will do everything we can to get resources to you. If your'e getting no from the federal government at any point, call me personally and I will make sure you get the resources you need.

To the public, here's what you can do. Everyone needs to be out there looking out for their neighbors because law enforcement and local responders are not able to respond as normal. The Red Cross knows what it's doing, so people across the country that haven't been affected, please show generosity by contributing to the Red Cross by going on their website. Click here for a link to the donation page at The American Red Cross

During the darkness of the storm, we've saw the brightest of our people. Nurses carrying fragile newborns to safety, incredible brave firefighters battling infernos and rescuing people in boats. In North Carolina, the Coast Guard went out to rescue a sinking boat. Our strength and ability to look out for one another is the reason we always bounce back from these disasters. America is tough and we're tougher because we pull together and leave no one behind. We remind ourselves that whenever an American is in need, we stand together to provide the help that's necessary. This is going to take some time, it's not going to easy for communities to recover swiftly. Continue to be good neighbors for the duration.

...Now what?

Holy Toledo what a storm! Here we are, my roommate and I contacting our loved ones and letting everyone know what the state of affairs is down here in Brooklyn. Megan has to organize photographers, and I am doing my best to update all of you as to what's happening here in the area. Please forgive the numerous Facebook status updates if you're following there, I don't mean to inundate everyone's feeds. I can't imagine how many of my friends have unsubscribed from me :) You can subscribe to get emails when I post instead if you'd like by typing your address into the bar at the top.

What's going on at home: Gracie has been snuggling on the couch with us since last night, and she is currently sitting in my lap as I type. I imagine she's overseeing my writing and silently affirming what I'm saying. Always present, this cat. There's a chilly breeze coming through our window, and my plants are looking wilted. I've been looking at them guiltily and think it's time to get my affairs in order around here. It's time to enter into the abyss that is my room...

I can't help but think that this whole ordeal would have been easier if there was a male present during this time of disaster.  I know my mother would have felt better. I promise mom, despite my best efforts to rope someone in, I have been thus far unsuccessful. But then again, if I were to have a guy around, I run the risk of finding out he's a pansy, and now have a liability on my hands should we have to evacuate. Maybe I'm better off.

There's no curfew here. People are driving around, the people across the street are back out. We're contemplating cruising the bars tonight. I bet everyone is out and Crown Inn is filled with hotties. If I decide to shower today (which is highly unlikely), we'll meander down there. I'll post some pictures too.

I knew I'd be fine staying here. It's been scary, even though we never lost power. It's frightening to see so much devastation, and we have no control over how bad things get. Just goes to show that Mother Nature means business, and next time we need to take things more seriously. I must say though, the media really did a great job of scaring the bejesus out of everyone and I'm glad the tone of this blog has generally stayed even-keeled (did I use that phrase properly? I don't know, who cares).

So here's my list of what I'm going to do today:
1. Clean my room.
2. Procrastinate cleaning my room by frequent checks on the internet and television.
3. Procrastinate cleaning my room even more by eating a late lunch.
4. Researching resources for Animal Farm & 1984 (a teacher's job never ends)
5. Reading 1984
6. Hopefully watching Jeopardy
7. Scary movie time (hopefully The Shining)
*Drinking interspersed throughout the day and evening, of course.

Time to get to it.

PHENOMENAL view of Manhattan

Thanks to Mike Lawrie for this amazing reminder that New York City will always prevail.

Adventure to get coffee

On Franklin Ave it appears to be clear...

But the side of an apartment got hit...

Multiple trees are down along Lincoln Place & Franklin Ave

A car was hit and three trees were downed

Doesn't stop us from getting fresh OJ & coffee from Pulp & Bean!

Huge tree fell on a building on Bergen St & Franklin Ave

Little leaves on my block Pacific St, but by no means is this a representation of the destruction elsewhere in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.

Outside in the aftermath

Bloomberg Press Conference

From Bloomberg: This is the worst storm we have ever experienced. 23 serious fires all over the city. Lost more than 80 houses in Breezy Point. 76 shelters opened continuing into today. At least 10 people died in the city and we expect that number to go up. Damage is extensive and won't be repaired over night. Biggest challenge is restoring power and fixing transit system. Stay off the roads. Bridges are being reopened. MTA says it's the worst disaster the agency has seen in the 108 years the subway has been running, and Coned says the destruction is beyond anything they've ever seen before.

Overall, 3.5 million without power in New York City. Public transportation is closed until further notice, and no timeline to open anything. Hoping to open roads tomorrow and run buses. Major airports are closed. No flights leaving or arriving. Cab drivers can pick up multiple passengers and livery cabs can operate freely.

NYU & Veteran Hospitals were closed, another as well (I can't spell it). Bellvue has lost power but it operating on a generator. Coney Island Hospital was evacuated. As of now, no storm related fatalities in those hospitals. 6,100 in shelters. Many lost power but backup generators were provided.

The crane never fell, it's currently stable, but it can't be secured until the wind dies down. (Someone said it was left 70 stories above the ground because they thought "It would be fine." Note that it is above a major gas line that, if it fell, would crash through the pavement, hit the line, and cause a massive explosion.

Schools closed tomorrow too (!!!!!!!! I bet the schools are closed until the subway is up and running, saying that possibly might last up to 7-10 days)

We expected an unprecedented storm here, and that's what we got. Conditions are still dangerous. Flooding still in effect until 3 pm. All parks are closed.

Pictures of New York City

Streets by the Intrepid on the lower west side

14th Street and Avenue C

14th St

FDR on the east side

Another picture of the lights out last night in the southern half of Manhattan

Check out more pictures of the storm across New Jersey and other places that have experienced devastating damage: Weather Channel Photos

Riverside & 80th St

In Manhattan the river has come all the way up to Riverside Park. Farther south, reports have the river going all the way up to 9th Avenue in some places.

New Jersey Press Release

Governor Christie's Press Release: Water supply wells experienced moderate to significant damage and they're working to make sure water supplies aren't contaminated. Many facilities have lost power, 29 hospitals for now, more being called in. Most are doing alright and using generators. They need help from FEMA and are getting assistance. Beaches and houses all along New Jersey shoreline are completely under water. Streets are completely flooded.

There is no power all over the place, and they're assessing the situation with natural gas pipe lines. Atlantic City being evacuated by search and rescue teams. There are houses in the middle of the street that have washed away, floating in the middle of Route 35, it is unfathomable. I didn't expect things to be this bad. The hurricane doubled in speed, giving us a break. If it had stayed traveling at 14 mph, we would have seen the worse of the storm at high tide.

"Devastation that has happened to New Jersey is beyond anywhere else. The devastation is unprecedented, unlike anything we've ever seen before."

This is absolutely the case. Please check in with friends and family that live in and around New Jersey to make sure everyone is okay.

Street View

As you can see it's blustery and raining here at my apartment.

Tuesday, October 30th

After finally getting to bed at 2 am, I am now up and ready to go take a look around my neighborhood. I'll be posting pictures here soon and I'll take a video of my street. Right where I live, you could barely tell anything besides a thunderstorm happened. But other places in the city, it is really bad. Even with everything that has gone on, people here in the city are fine! We are survivors, damnit (cue Destiny's Child)...

Brooklyn Tunnel Flooded

My friend was working here tonight (he who shall not be named because he would never forgive me). He helped to keep people safe from a flooding car and rushing waters, saving lives. This is the Brooklyn Battery tunnel gushing water. Unprecedented in our city.

Goodnight

Gracie and I are heading to bed. We made it through the storm! Ill update in the morning around 10 when I roll myself out of bed.

NYU Hospital Evacuated

50-75 ambulances are evacuating people from NYU Medical Center, babies first. Their backup generator failed. Many patients are now forced to flee, it's going to take them at least another hour to get everyone out. There aren't F-ing elevators so people have to be CARRIED down. Are you kidding me?!? Some may say New Yorkers are rude, but when it comes to an emergency, we have each other's backs...literally.

Hospital Evacuating

Dissipation

We are at the tail end of the storm surge now. The wind is still whipping around out here, and we're not out of the clear yet. They say we'll need to be alert until 8 am at least before we go out. People are doing just fine here, but it is awfully, awfully eerie to see the southern part of Manhattan completely dark. Very scary stuff. Where's the bat light when you need it?!?

Bloomberg addresses the city

Storm flooding is higher than predicted. Don't call 9-1-1 unless you have a life threatening emergency. The storm surge will be over by midnight.

Blogger not posting videos

The city is flooding. There is no power below 42nd st. I'm fine here in Crown Heights, and we still have power. The rest of the city is not as fortunate. I have a video on Facebook of my street but it doesn't even come close to showing the destruction of this storm that is currently underway.

Should I have stayed or left?

As we sit here on our couch and eat crap food waiting for the surge of this storm to hit, my roommate and I are wondering how bad this storm is really going to get. It's difficult to think that it's going to be potentially devastating, even to mainland Brooklyn. But the night has just begun, and we are not in the thick of it yet.

Looking back, I've asked myself how I feel about my decision to stay in the city. It's hard to say right now since I'm sitting here, frequently updating this blog with a nice cool breeze coming in from the cracked window. I love me a good storm, and I've definitely experienced worse. Some say this storm is a bust and we're not going to see anything more than gusty winds. I think they're being too optimistic.

I didn't even know there was a hurricane coming until I opened my email at work to see that I had been signed up to volunteer at flood shelters without my permission. I wondered, how the hell did that happen unbeknownst to me? Isn't that illegal? Oh no, dear readers. Apparently as a civil servant to the youth of today, I am automatically entered into the system as an emergency response volunteer that will man shelters in the event of an emergency...excuse me, what? Call me selfish, but I sacrifice my well being every damn day I teach. Pardon me for not wanting to really put my life on the line this time and help the people of Crown Heights get to shelters. I'm guess I'm going to hell.

I was hoping for no school, and as the weekend got on, I kept thinking, this kind of stuff happened with Hurricane Irene and that was a joke. It was downgraded to a tropical storm, and I think the "devastation" in the city amounted to an overturned trash can. I'll be fiiiiine.

My Sunday afternoon double feature with Meghan S. was cut short by my roommate informing me the subways were shutting down and that school was cancelled. That's when I knew I should go home. Meghan hopped in her car right away and went upstate to Mechanicville. She asked if I wanted to come. Nooo, I'll be fiiiiiine.

Then the barrage of phone calls started coming in. I had to break the news to my family I wasn't going anywhere. My mom threatened to drive down to the city and get me, whether I liked it or not. Genevieve told me it was fine with her as long as I was sure my safety wasn't at risk then, whatever, you can do what you want. It would just be a REALLY good idea to leave before the storm of the century. Tom told me the navy was worried the missile destroyers were going to be...well, destroyed. "Dude, if the navy is worried that DESTROYERS are going down in the havoc that is about to be wreaked on the city, you should PROBABLY leave, D. I mean, this would be the perfect time for terrorists to attack." Collectively, I was informed that the city would be anarchy, lawless bands of people may run around attacking each other, I might be stranded and starving, and I was an idiot to stay. I assured my family: Dude, I'll be fiiiiine.

But the news reports continued to worsen, and Sunday night I learned the following information:
1. This is the largest hurricane we've ever, ever, ever seen on the east coast. It is quite literally the storm of the century, Stephen King styles (minus the devil roaming around in a trench coat...maybe...)
2. The millibars measuring the pressure in the middle of this storm is the lowest we've ever seen at 940.
3. Power outages could last days, even a week.
4. Worst of all, people really had no clue what to expect because we have never seen anything of this magnitude hit the coast.

And that was the moment I thought I had made a mistake potentially stranding myself on this island. I thought in the end would be fine, but the reality was that I didn't have any idea. My entire family was madder than hell at me for staying, and to be honest, I would be too if anyone in my family didn't immediately evacuate a disaster zone. But here I am, and for better or worse, I'm here to stay. Do I think there will be raping and pillaging going on? Doubt it. Will there be mass chaos with fires breaking out and general anarchy? Highly unlikely. I'd say I'm 99% sure that I'm going to be just fine. It's that 1% that's scary.

Now the power is about to go out, so I will end by saying: I am here, I am fine, everything is gravy, and I hope it stays that way. I am not scared, I'm loving the weather for now, and I hope and pray it doesn't get any worse than this. I will post pictures as the night goes on. Everyone, stay safe.

How am I spending my evening?

Researching the Patriot Act for my 1984 & Animal Farm unit while watching The Goonies and drinking my hurricane sandy.

Current conditions

The apartment internet is going in and out, so here's a video of what it's like outside right now. The surge for the city will be the hours of 8-12 tonight. As for right now? Nothing impressive, as you can see. Shooting from the doorway of my apartment building. 

My interpretation of the news...

Crossing my fingers...

South Jersey will now see landfall by 6. Storm surge around 8 or 9 o'clock. Parts of New York City are having voluntary power shut downs. This is going to be the strongest storm we've ever seen in this area. I wonder if the saplings on my block will get swallowed up and spit out on the top of our building.

By the way, who the F leaves a CRANE on a PLATFORM 70 STORIES above the ground during the LARGEST HURRICANE we have EVER SEEN in the MIDDLE of 57TH ST?!?  Please, people. "It's going to split through the ground like a knife through butter." Ya think?

Nails Ready!

Prepared to point to trees with freshly painted nails. Wind picking up a bit, eye scheduled to hit between 5:15-6

Apartment Preparation Begins

Messy kitchen needs organization

Food? Check

Refrigerator clean out: egg salad, carrots, hummus, cauliflower, and apples. Extra provisions we braved the wind to purchase: ruffles, power straws, apple & peach rings, microwaveable popcorn, coke & grape soda. 

Lunch? Check

Egg salad sandwich, potato chips & an adult cherry coke.

Alcohol? Check. 

Cherry whipped vodka, grape vodka, sour mix, triple sec, captain morgan, jose cuervo, and jack daniels, all of which are leftovers from our housewarming party.

Clean bathroom with a tub filled with water? Check.

Clean room? Absolutely not, I don't even want to go in there...

Who wants a mani-pedi?

If it wasn't for the risk of a staff infection we might get for going, Megan & I would be going to the nail salon to get pampered.

My Venture Outside

Are those snow flakes?

It just may be...

USPS delivers mail, hurricane or shine

Forgive the screen on my window, the video had problems focusing. Here's where I live in the evacuation zones. Look to the south east of Manhattan where it says Bed-Stuy. I'm right by there in the middle of a no-evacuation zone. That's where my apartment is. Technically I'm in Crown Heights, but it's right next door.

Mayor Bloomberg speaking terrible Spanish

"For those of you that need a summation," listen to Bloomberg's horrendous efforts to communicate in Spanish. Thanks to twitter, we can see some amazing examples of his competency in Spanish. No they are not direct quotes, but they are based on real phrases he says with his ridiculous New York accent.

Miguel Bloombito
"Los bridges y los tunnelos esta closedo, pero if tu esta late para el trabajo yo soy will docko tu pay."
"Por favor to no que stando under los trees. El wiñdo fasto que knocko them overo. Que splat!"

Pictures & video of my working television & street

Wind Sneezing

It's Monday, 10 am, and as I look out my window, I see a healthy windy breeze going on out there. It appears that the wind picks up in short gusts, and it makes me think of the universe hiccuping. In the middle of Brooklyn here, we are not in an evacuation zone (at least where I am) so I'm planning on staying right here to ride this one out. Let me take this opportunity to make some predictions for the future.

First, I bet New York City will go back to business as usual by Wednesday. Pennsylvania and New Jersey will get pummeled and no one will be able to get out until next week.

Next, power is going to be out here in the city for no more than three days. Upstate, however, with trees and such blowing over, Lord knows that the roads will be blocked, train tracks under water, and power out for a possibility of weeks.

Lastly, the Brooklyn Crown Heights block party will be up and running Wednesday when the power is out. Get ready for some curry goat by my Jamaican neighbors

New Jersey? You're toast. Pennsylvania? Get thyself west. New York State? Well, hunker down because the only way you can go is north to Canada, and I'm pretty sure that would be a worse fate getting stuck up there. My city dwellers, just stay inside and try not to lock yourself out of your apartment if you drink too much tequila. Don't jump down the garbage shoot to get in like this brilliant young woman.

Lord, do not smite me for my sarcastic tone. I know this hurricane is larger than Hurricane Irene. Everyone please be safe and get your swimmies out.

Shopping List

If a hurricane happens to be coming your way, here is a list of handy items you should pic up (obviously not in order of importance):

• Water
• Flashlight, preferably one that takes double As because D batteries are more expensive and difficult to come by.
• Big candles, unscented.
• Three books of your choosing. Something Wicked This Way Comes seems appropriate.
• 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies
• Some fruit, but not too much in case it rots early and then you'll have little fruit flies everywhere, and then you'd be stuck with them. 
• Board games. Cranium is my favorite.

This list is obviously comprehensive, seeing as I have impecable planning skills. Don't worry Genevieve, Caity's birthday present is in the mail, I promise. Oh yes, you're supposed to fill your bathtub with water for some reason, so make sure it's clean. I personally plan on taking a shower at the crack of noon when I get up and doing a thorough cleaning of the apartment with my roommate. My money is on the power being out by 2 p.m. tomorrow. Any takers?

Sandy's A-Coming!

Hello My Dearest Family & Friends! Apparently, there is a hurricane coming to New York City, and I know you are worried I am going to parish in this Apocalyptic Storm that is headed our way. 

The Weather Channel seems to think this storm is a pretty big deal, seeing as the center of this hurricane  has the lowest pressure the east coast has ever seen. Buildings may sway, water may rush the streets of Manhattan, and power may be out for days, possibly a week. 

It occurs to me, thanks to my loving sister Genevieve, that it might be a good idea to start this blog to catalogue what it's like down here in Crown Heights. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to promise to do the following:

1. Post plenty of pictures and videos of what it's like down here (power providing).

2. Provide a description of my activities.

3. Give general updates of my well being.

4. Share my entertaining take on these events as they unfold.

So to begin, here is a video of what it looks like in my hood just before midnight on Sunday night. 

Let's see how this goes! I'm sure I will have some pretty intense pictures and videos to post later, so it'll be good to have this as a frame of reference, even if it is at night. And who knows, maybe the jet stream won't pull in the hurricane and it will float out to sea like they normally do. I doubt it though. I'm ready, Sandy, bring it on!

DISCLAIMER: Let's be clear, people: I appreciate the danger and severity of this approaching Monster Storm we call Sandy. Mother Nature does NOT play around with death and destruction, and I know I'm putting myself in harm's way by staying down here in the city; however, dear readers, I do find it necessary to not only catalogue my survival through this storm, but add a certain amount of my special, sarcastic, dry humor that I have carefully honed over the last five years of my teaching career. Please do not misunderstand the tone of my posts. Just read and enjoy as much as you can.