"One look at you, and I can't disguise..."

The past couple of days have been very much like I always pictured the end of the world. Heh. Brief periods of sunshine were followed by thirty-second bursts of wind and torrential rain. Clouds couldn't decide whether they were coming or going, and hot breezes made if feel as if something crucial were hanging in the balance. People have been going mad. I saw a student get thrown out of PawPrints bookstore for unruly behavior, was late to class because of it, and then had to deal with mass hysteria concerning gas prices. According to the rumor mill, Georgia's gas supply had been cut, meaning that gasoline would be virtually unobtainable state-wide. Wow. Naturally, most students were freaking out and unable to access the latest news reports (ah the desolation that is Porter). I filled up as soon as I left class, encountering more crazed (and extremely rude) individuals. There are a few shortages here and there, but nothing that comparable to what was predicted. Everything seems to have been blown out of proportion, and we're hoping prices will level off again next week. They're over $3.00 a gallon at this point.

Most of the trouble has been caused by the devastation that was Hurricane Katrina. She hit New Orleans, causing massive flooding. They showed footage of the French Quarter, which was invaded by looters. The city has been closed for at least two months: no one in, no one out. I can't even begin to imagine what cleanup efforts will entail. Right now people are just trying to survive rising waters, lack of supplies, and the threat of disease. It will take years for the city to get back to normal, and as terrible as it sounds, I'm glad I have pictures of New Orlean's former glory. I didn't plan on staying up this late, but I was basking in the glow of no class until 2:00. This is a wonderfully active period, but I will be glad for some down time with the people I love this weekend. Things are going well. Some areas couldn't be better, but other areas need a check up...my physical health, spiritual well-being...heck, even my car needs to be checked over. Hehe. I've said it before, but this year is all about balance and organization. I'm incredibly thankful for the many blessings in my life. Things are hectic, but it spurs me to lift my eyes to someone higher. Thank you to every individual who makes up the pieces of this gigantic puzzle. Some pieces are Iarger than others...some add vibrancy...some are foundational corner pieces, but each piece is necessary to the overall picture. I love you more than you will ever know.