An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 shook Parkfield yesterday - a long way away from where I work. Still, we felt the shake because our building is on rollers. I was on conference call, and as soon as I felt the building shaking, I dropped off from the call to get a better feel if I need to hide under my desk. At first I thought I was getting dizzy, but I had gotten used to the shakes (have actually experienced it on this building more than a couple of times already) to know that it's an earthquake. My next-cube neighbor is actually panicking - she wanted to get out of the building as if she's safer there. I was praying silently and deep inside, I'm truly scared. Some folks are actually laughing it off (as if earthquakes are an everyday occurrence in California).
This incident reminded me of the 1990 quake that destroyed lots of homes and buildings, and claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines. I was a freshman then and I could vividly recall how two gentlemen carried me out of the cashier's office into the open. I was closed to getting squashed in there when people panicked and were trying to beat each other out of the building. Funny how, after I came out of that cramped space, I thought about the shoe I dropped. The guy came back inside to get my shoe telling me "miss, mamamatay ka na lang, sapatos mo pa ang naisip mo". I was in a daze at that time that I failed to thank these good samaritans, let alone, look at their faces. Well, whereever you are, your act of chivalry is deeply appreciated.
On a lighter note, good thing I got my shoe back because I had to walk home that night. Can you imagine me walking with just one shoe on? :)
2 comments:
Mickee - I didn't even feel the earthquake until Nelson emailed me around 10am if I felt it. Felt what?!? I didn't realize it was that strong. As you said, we seem to take these earthquakes for granted since it seems to happen more often than not. I'm just glad things are ok - could be worse, you know? We were up at AC to attend church with the IL's. Nelson and I ended up reading the Prayer of the Faithful...that was weird ;<. Anyways, we only stayed for lunch and then headed home. Next time, when we stay longer, we'll drop by. What street are you on again?
Hi Jo, we're on Bettona Way - the cross street is Hummingbird Way. We're opposite The Preserve. If you take a slight left at Bettona (from Hummingbird Way, you either turn left or right or you'll hit the house), ours is the second house to your right.
I was thinking of attending mass at Holy Family on Sunday, but decided it was too early for me.... Sayang, I could've seen you there pala.
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