Author: Luanne Shernisky

Anticipate | The Good, The Bad & Hurricane Irma

/ Luanne Shernisky / 5 Comments

IMG_0300NOTE: This post was written in response to the September 6th prompt from The Daily Post: Anticipate. 

I realize I’m late but wasn’t able to finish and publish the post before Hurricane Irma arrived.

Once the storm was over and the dust cleared we were without electricity and Wi-Fi for five days. I think that’s the longest I’ve gone without my computer! 

When I first read the prompt my immediate thought was of all things positive. Like a special event that we’ve been looking forward to or that cherished entrée at our favorite restaurant. 

According to dictionary.com when we anticipate something, we realize it beforehand; we foretaste or foresee it.

Speaking of taste, the noun anticipation always reminds me of the Carly Simon song and this classic Heinz Ketchup commercial from 1979. I graduated from high school that year and don’t remember much, but the fact that this commercial stayed with me makes it a prime example of effective brand marketing.

I’m not sure why the word anticipation evokes pleasant things in my mind, but it does.

However, anticipate/anticipation works both ways. It’s possible to anticipate something in a negative way like the results from a diagnostic test, or the sudden appearance of flashing lights in the rearview mirror. There are circumstances that arouse fear from the mere anticipation of them.

This is currently the case for many people regarding Hurricane Irma. Seeing the recent destruction in Texas was a grim reminder of the damage these storms can do. While the passage of time allows our memories to fade it hasn’t been two weeks since the last storm. To witness the video and images from the Caribbean this soon after Harvey has stirred feelings of panic for many.

I have family in Florida and am currently house sitting in the central part of the state… on a barrier island, no less. Watching this tropical storm develop into a monster Category 5 hurricane has created some major negative feelings of anticipation. 

Interestingly, my unease isn’t nearly as bad as it was last year when Hurricane Matthew came through. I was far away from storm surges and damaging winds.         

But, when you’re worried about loved ones there’s a certain level of comfort in being with them, even if that means being in potential danger yourself.    

With Matthew, I felt helpless to do anything. Being here now gives me the opportunity to do something.  And there’s always comfort in action.

I’m pretty sure this has to do with control. We always want and need to be in control. 

So, I’m preparing for one of two scenarios: to stay or evacuate. Each plan involves a separate list and there is some overlap. There are many details in securing the house, as well as making sure I have the necessary supplies for myself, my daughter, and four cats!   

I’ll be busy over the next couple of days exercising what little control I can. Once the storm arrives the anticipation phase is over. Hopefully, we’ll manage the actual events without the fear escalating too high!

It’s impossible to predict how things will go. I do anticipate that proper preparations and security measures will increase our chances for riding out the storm safely.  

Wish us luck!

The Daily Post: Anticipate

 

Hurricane Irma | A Teaching Moment

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

Many of us affected by Hurricane Irma are still waiting for water and electricity, but grateful to be alive.

    The temperature forecast for today is 88 degrees. Right now I’m sitting outside in the shade enjoying a pleasant breeze.

    Being without running water is a new experience for me. I’m not enjoying it so far. 

    Thankfully there’s a pool that provides us water to flush the toilets and an opportunity to cool down from the day’s heat. 

    I know there are tens of thousands of people across Florida waiting for their lives to be restored. Schools and businesses remain closed.

    All we can do is wait. But, it’s important to reflect on the citizens living in poverty on the Caribbean Islands. Or people who lack clean water in other parts of the world. Those who live their entire lives without electricity. 

    All these things we take for granted, without a second thought.

    Be aware today when you turn on the faucet or adjust the thermostat, that many people never know those luxuries. 

    We here in Florida will eventually get ours back. But so many live in extreme poverty in a world where there is so much excess. 

    While we can’t solve all these issues for all the people, it’s important to be aware that inequality on all levels exists. And then do what we can to change that.

    It’s also important to count our blessings and be grateful for the resources to overcome our hardships. Resources that aren’t available to everyone.

    I know Florida Power & Light is working diligently to restore service, as well as the water company.

    In the meantime, I’ll conserve my battery by utilizing pen and paper…and daylight!

    Labor Day Trivia | Did You Know?

    / Luanne Shernisky / 4 Comments

    Labor DayA mind always employed is always happy.  This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity.  ~Thomas Jefferson

    • In 1893 workers for the Pullman Railroad Car Company went on strike to protest having their wages lowered while their rents remained the same amount. President Grover Cleveland called in the military and violence erupted resulting in 30 deaths, 57 injuries, and 80M dollars in property damage. To appease the workers, President Cleveland hurried members of Congress to make Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. Twenty-three years later the Adamson Act would establish the eight-hour workday and forty hour work week that became the standard here in the United States.

     

    • As of May 2015 retail salespeople and cashiers account for the largest segment of the labor force. Despite low wages, these workers are required to put in long hours as big sales are now tied to national holidays such as Labor Day and Black Friday. So much for having the day off.

     

    • Wearing white after Labor Day has long been a fashion faux pas, but historians believe it has more to do with status. In the early 20th century white was the chosen color for wealthy people who could afford to travel to warmer climates. Photos from the 1930s show working people in dark, drab clothing, while the more affluent wore white linen suits and Panama hats.