Saturday, December 20, 2008

a river runs through it

i don't think you fully appreciate our disaster. this was not a little water from a broken pipe. remember the flood in 2008? it was a muddy river running through the house. every inch of floor space was wet. although truly, as it was happening, i was thinking, we'll pull out the carpets, sure, mop the floors and move back in until we get around to redoing the floors. right. everything even a little bit damp had to be forcibly removed--i.e. dry wall (the lower third, see mariko's post, "give me some cheese" (with my whine)). because, don't forget, hawaii is the mold and mildew capital of the universe. of course, not everything wet has been taken out--like behind the cupboards, etc. but we've done our level best and are now living in the coziest little disaster zone you've ever seen. the good news is, everyone has helped/is helping. what would i have done if so many people hadn't been here. of course we all had different ideas of what should be done and in what order. move all the furniture to the living room so we can get the bedrooms ready to be carpeted. oops, can't do that until the insurance guy comes in two weeks. also, the living room is starting to mildew. move furniture back so we can live here since we majorly wore out our welcome at becky's/demartini's. picture being invaded by sixteen. (if you are reading this, thank you so so much. we didn't even ask. kaity offered and we forget it wasn't hers to offer.) anyway, take multiple loads to the dump, books and albums to my classroom, etc. last week i'd leave crazy wish lists on the counter and when i'd get home from school everything on the list would be done. wow. talk about christmas elves. meanwhile, they've spent serious money to get here for this vacation. and we've had some fun. jake's brother brian got two rooms at turtle bay for five days. different people stayed but we all used the water slide and pool. also enoch found the sunset beach skate park. and now that school's out it will be even more fun. we might even celebrate christmas. heaven knows we have a lot to be thankful for. this nice house. this beautiful warm green place. each other and you.  

6 comments:

ali said...

wow! can't believe it Pam....I've been following this flood news by you and mariko for the last few days when i'm not going crazy myself here with lehi (he has had anaphylactic shock twice now...still no conclusion or fix)...anyway, he is alive for now and we are so glad you are all well and that everyone was there to help you. sending christmas wishes to all and hoping for a much less stressful and more liveable 2009.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure this Christmas will be much more memorable than if you guys were just hanging out at the beach and eating Sea Sider cinnamon rolls all day.

Karen said...

Pammy...thank you. made me cry when I got to the part about the elves. Remember, "You're good!"

Liz said...

We can really empathize with you guys. When we needed help after the fire, Tricia immediately stepped in and had everything organized since we were all in shock. Thank goodness that you have so many visitors who can help since the rest of us live so far away! We love you guys and we'll keep you in our prayers. -The Hunts and the Bells

Anonymous said...

Pammy,
Oh Pammy, I have been so sad since Karen told me about the flooding. Wish I could help you. I am so sorry that you guys are going through it. I am sure it is such a pain in so many ways. How could water been so yucky! When it is is the wrong place at the wrong time I guess. I hope your elves stay on for Christmas and continue to help you in every way. It blesses your life and theirs also. We are thinking of you and hope all turns out okay in the end. Today our ward recieved sweet letters from the YW and sisters in the Kailua (sp?) ward. It was so sweet as they expressed their love and support to us as we had dealt with the opposition and slight persecution over the gay marriage ballot. I let our ward sisters know of the flooding as they would be sending letters back to these sweet sisters in Hawaii. Lots of love in Hawaii and I hope you feel it in large doses this Christmas season.

Much love, Tricia

mariah said...

andy wants to say that if there's anything an engineer can do, send a call his way.