Hey guys – we are very focused and working diligently to be completely prepared in the event of this hurricane paying a visit to Hampton Roads.  We are on alert here at the station and will be fully prepard to provide complete, consistent and accurate coverage of (and during) the impending weather.  Putting the broadcast microphone aside, the mom in me is compelled to share with you the same list I use for Hurricane Preparedness in my home for Charlie, Theresa and myself.  I’m hoping you can cut & paste this to a word doc and print it. 

Here is a list of items to have on hand (pack them up tonight, in fact ), emergency shelter locations in each of the 7 cities, and a list of emergency websites.  Remember to buy extra batteries and keep them all charged for your portable radio so you are “in the loop” with us at 2WD at all times, okay?

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs/Antibacterial cream/ bandages/

Special Items – nebulizer/pull-ups/teddy bears

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

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EMERGENCY SHELTERS

Chesapeake Shelters 757-382-6464

Great Bridge High School, Hickory High School, Hugo Owens Middle School, Oscar Smith High School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School,

Western Branch High School.

Norfolk Shelters 757-441-5600

Blair Middle School, Booker T. Washington High School, Granby High School, Lake Taylor Middle School, Lake Taylor High School,

Norview Middle School.

Portsmouth Shelters 757-393-5000

Churchland Middle School, Wilson High School, Waters Middle School.

Hampton Shelters 757-727-6414

Bethel High School, Kraft elementary School, Tucker-Capps Elementary School, Davis Middle School, Forrest Middle School.

Newport News Shelters 757-269-2900

Warwick High School, Denbigh High School, Huntington Middle School, Menchville High School, Dozier Intermediate School, Palmer Elementary School,

Jenkins Elementary School, McIntosh Elementary School.

Gloucester County Shelter 757-693-1100

Peasley Middle School

Suffolk Shelters

Lakeland High School, Nansemond River High School, Southwestern Elementary School, Elephants’ Fork Elementary School, Forrest Glen Middle School,

John F. Kennedy Middle School, John Yeates Middle School, Kilby Shores Middle School, Nansemond Parkway Elementary School, Birdsong Recreation Center,

National Guard Armory.

Virginia Beach Shelters

Birdneck Elementary School, Corporate Landing Middle School, Cox High School, Green Run High School, Landstown High School, Landstown Middle School,

Larkspur Middle School, Salem High School, Salem Middle School, Tallwood High School,

Williamsburg Shelter 757-220-6220

James City / Williamsburg Recreation Center

York County/Poquoson Shelter 757-890-3600

Grafton High School

Franklin Shelters 757-562-8581

Isle of White Shelters 757-365-6308

James City County Shelters 757-566-4315

South Hampton County Shelters 757-653-2100

Surry Shelters 757-294-5271

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WEBSITES

Red Cross www.redcross.com

Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/akq/

Virginia Department of Transportation www.virginiadot.org

Hampton Roads Emergency Management Committee www.hremc.org

Birthdays, in my opinion, are a bit over-rated.  I have no age issues and I don’t dislike birthdays, I’m just not so sure they deserve the over-the-top celebrations we’ve all witnessed.  Acknowledgement?  Absolutely.  Expensive, elaborate gifts???  Mmmm, not so much.  Winning the marathon… getting an A+… achieving specific goals…now THEY warrant great celebrations!

Even before earning the title myself, I felt an annual party to celebrate the anniversary of the day the mother delivered the human she made seemed far more appropriate to me.  We’ve ALL been born…and really…we didn’t have much to do with any of it!  But I digress…

Yesterday was the 39th anniversary of the day my mother delivered me.  To my utter shock, the beautiful, fun, warm, loving people I am fortunate enough to surround myself with celebrated my mother’s special day – with me in mind!  And it was ridiculously AWESOME!  So awesome, in fact, it has changed my entire outlook on birthday celebrations!

The celebrating began Saturday night at Tina & Paul’s house.  They made an insanely delicious rack of lamb with mango chutney accompanied by a butternut squash and mango risotto.  Who cooks like that?  Paul & Tina…that’s who!  After deciding I was too tired to drive home in the rain, I slept soundly on their new Crate & Barrel chaise lounge.  It wasn’t until the gentle aroma of a warm, wholesome breakfast took to the air and the light strum of an accousic guitar tickled my ears that I lightly stirred.  The sun was just interrupting the now calm, but dark skies as Tina began to play “Here Comes The Sun” … one of my all time favorite Beatles songs.  I laid still with my eyes shut but couldn’t help but giggle inside…”this is going to be quite a day – I can just tell.”…

Topping the delicious breakfast off with what was possibly the greatest cup of coffee I have ever had only supported my ‘quite a day’ theory.  On my ride home, an annoying chirp alerted me to the arrival of a text message…it was from Don London (host of your Stress Free Drive Home, weekdays 3-7 pm on 101.3 2WD)…wishing me a Happy Birthday…at 7:55 am!!!   Who remebers a co-workers birthday (when it’s on a Sunday, no less) – and wishes them well before 8am?  My friend, Don London!  That’s who!

Shortly after arriving home and video Skyping with Brian in Bahrain, my friends (who are also my neighbors) Jennifer & Heather showed up for a girls day out – sans our 6 children!   Women with children know that you DON’T spend 5 hours of your Sunday getting pampered with girlfriends while your kids are home (unless it’s pretty important – because the guilt itself would typically ruin any relaxation you thought you might enjoy).  Who does that?  Jennifer & Heather, that’s who!  By this point, I’m definitely drinking my own Kool-Aid about my whole ‘quite a day’ suspicion.

Mani’s & Pedi’s PLUS mimosas for 3…crazy, delicious brunch outside at Rudee’s … fantastic!  At no point did we receive a bill for any of it because it had all been pre-arranged & prepaid…from 7,000 miles away in Bahrain.  Really?  Who does that??  Brian, that’s who!

When I finally made it home about 3pm, with a full belly and great looking nails, it occured to me that birthdays, in fact, kinda do rock.  A lot.  Although the tangible gifts were a bit extravagant and far more than I’m comfortable accepting (but I accepted them, alright!)…I realized the greatest gift was the time and thoughtfulness the people I love were so quick to offer up.  Time is clearly harder to come by than anything else these days, and I am so incredibly grateful for their willingness to spend time on me and with me on the 39th anniversary of my mother’s 5th and final delivery.  It was in fact, quite a day.

So…here’s a public bathroom in Bahrain…Hmmmm.  Sooo…why would ladies need any toilet paper when there’s a kitchen sprayer & soap available.  WUH?

Tias I saw this POSITIVE pregnancy test in our back parking lot…here is a pic of Tias taking a pic of it…this is either REALLY good news or REALLY bad news for one of our coworkers!!!

I live in the greatest neighborhood EVER!  Between the couples here & myself, we have 9 children between 4-8 years old.  We all live next door to eachother on the same side of the street.  At any given moment any/all of our children are walking into & out of each house…it totally ROCKS! 

These pics are from a dinner party we had 2 weeks ago at Tautog’s…Since Brian is still in Bahrain, I had to borrow my neighbor Scott for the ”couples pic”!

Kinda weird….just 3 days ago he had to wear his life vest in the deep end…then BOOM! It all clicks, he swims confidently and then THIS?????!!!        

Considering I am somewhat emotionless when it comes to the Clinton’s (neither love nor hate them) … I do love this picture and this quote because at the end of the day – it’s all about family, right?

Here is Chelsea with her mom, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Mrs. Clinton’s mother.  I read an article about Chelsea’s wedding, and part of it said:

When the three of them are together, Hillary is no longer Secretary of State.  She is her mother’s daughter and her daughter’s mother.  I love that!  I even felt a little weepy…