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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Surviving Hurricane Sandy and New Election Packet

I don't think I have mentioned where I live in any previous posts.  Well, I live approximately 15 minutes away from here...

Image Source Page: http://notietuesday.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy
 This is the Jersey shore by Seaside Heights.


My family and I are fine.  Our roof lost a lot of shingles and we were without power from Monday until Thursday.  It was cold, so we left and headed to our parents' house 2 hours away.  I haven't been to school since it happened, and I'm waiting to find out when it will be open again.  It will be Wednesday at the earliest.  As of right now there is still no power at my school, which is about 7 minutes from my house.  There are tons of trees down, but most roads are open and down wires are still getting repaired.  The gas lines aren't as bad either.  There is a mandatory gas rule in place... license plates ending with even numbers can get gas only on even numbered days, odd plates on odd numbered days.  My grocery store opened today, which is good since everyone lost every bit of food in their freezers and refrigerators.  But we certainly aren't complaining.  We are blessed to be safe with little damage while just 10-15 miles down the road is devastated.  The beaches, homes, piers, boardwalks, stores, restaurants, roads and bridges aren't just damaged, they are decimated or simply washed into the Atlantic Ocean.  As a jersey girl, the beach and boardwalk are a central part of lives in the summer.  I am saddened that it will never be the same, but even more sad for the women, men and children who just lost everything they have.  I saw a women on TV say, "I just want to go home."  But her home was washed away and she clung to a wedding picture of her mother.  We all know what it is like to be away for awhile and want "to just go home."  I felt that way after 4 days away from my home this week.  But this lady had no where to go.  Her home was among the reeds and she was fishing through them to find any treasures that she could.  So very sad.  I'm sure the stories will just be even worse once I return to work and hear how others were affected.  Please pray for the families that Sandy affected in both Jersey and our neighbors in Staten Island and New York City.  It is much worse than you can imagine.  And you can always text RED CROSS to 90999 to donate $10 that will go directly to the Hurricane Sandy relief fund.  We are Jersey Strong and will pray, rebuild and help our community.


On another note, I posted second item on TeachersPayTeachers, and I have sold a few copies!  Of course I am super excited to make my first sale, even though it isn't much since it only costs $1.00.  It a super cute 3 page packet that includes:
1) Fill in the blank close paragraph (all about the president's job and what happens on Election Day)
2) Graphic Organizer- The President is....can....can't...
3) Opinion Writing-  The law requires citizens to be 18 years old to vote?  Do you agree with this law or do you think children should be allowed to vote for the President of the United States?

Click the picture to check it out!


I have an awesome guided reading surprise coming, so stay tuned for that!  I'm aligning it to the common core standards, so it's taking me awhile.  Not to mention the hurricane and 3 little guys running around making me crazy because they are crazy from the craziness of the last week.  Crazy huh?  Looking forward to returning to a normal schedule hopefully sometime next week.  I'll be giving away the guided reading surprise to a few followers, so stay tuned for a giveaway. Thank you to my awesome 11 followers. You are awesome. 

Stay safe and don't take anything for granted. Anything and everything can change overnight.
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5 comments:

  1. I am happy to be your number 12 follower! :)
    Thinking of you all as you recover from Sandy. So very sorry for all the you went through.
    Growing Firsties is having a Pete the Cat Giveaway soon!

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  2. Very well said, Monica! Indeed, that one should not take anything for granted for it can be surprising. I am sorry to hear that you're actually one of the people who were affected by the tragedy. Many people lost their homes, have their roofs torn off, and some even lost their loved ones. Always keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. Don't lose hope as long as you're living.

    Danielle Bailey

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  4. I wouldn’t forget what Hurricane Sandy did to a number of our local communities. A devastating tragedy which made me brood about our home having roof leaks and water flood, and worry about the safety of my family all at the same time. I hope that life is better for you now!

    Richard Boles

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  5. I'm very pleased to meet you, Monica. At the same time, I'm saddened by the tragic turn of events. We can't do anything about the forces of nature. They just come and go whenever they want to. All we can do is just be thankful that we are still alive and kicking. Anyway, how are you doing now? How's the current? As a friendly advice, I would suggest you to create a better foundation for your place. Always inspect the stability of your house structures like the roof, walls, and gutters. Make sure that everything is intact. All the best!
    Mariam Freame

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