On Shakey Ground
Written November 2007
Here I sit on a Saturday night … and why do I feel the need to email my friends and tell them that I think the earthquake that happened about an hour ago is so hilarious? (yes, I know I need to get out more)
Well, here’s why …
I was typing on my computer and felt the shake — my whole studio shook and it lasted maybe 2-3 seconds. I thought about it for half a second and continued typing my thoughts for an article. For that half second I just thought, “Oh my neighbor must be moving furniture and just dropped a bed or something.” 15 seconds later my landlord Mehdi called me “Did you feel that?! Was that an earthquake??” He was on his way to dance lessons … and apparently was hesitant to go now. I said, “I don’t know if it was an earthquake, I think the neighbors are moving something” and he said, “No, my couch was swaaying back and forth.” Anway, so I watched the news and sure enough happy, obviously born and raised California newswoman said with a smile on her face, as if it were a light gust of wind, “Well, if you’re wondering what that shock was, it was indeed an earthquake. Now moving on to local news; the weather looks warm and sunny all weekend.” What the f**ck? Hello??? Okay, so I’m not
from Cali, but shouldn’t we be a little more concerned here…are these things tremors and don’t they lead to bigger tremors??
Well, apparently no one is really worried … this is where it gets comical to me. Everyone had their own idea of what it was …
I called Monica (born and raised Santa Barbara) and said in a panic, “Did you feel the earthquake?” She said, “Oh, is that what that was; I thought my fat neighbor was walking up the stairs.” I thought, “Wow, her neighbor must really be big.” And then we talked about boys …
I emailed my friend Sherry (also born and raised here) and said, “Did you feel the earthquake.” She said, “Oh, is that what it was; I thought it was my neighbor who drinks too much and has anger issues. Have a great Thanksgiving!”
okay…
So I skyped my friend Chip in LA, looking for reassurance from someone not from California who might be a little more intrigued by all of this. Skype typing: “Did you just feel that earthquake?” His answer: “Oh, is that what that was? Cool. So what are you doing this weekend?” I thought, “Well, I’m going to get my earthquake survival kit together, that’s what I’m doing.”
Okay, now I was laughing hysterically. Well, I’m still alive and the pictures are still on the wall…I am able to call, email and skype, so all is well. I am going to the Brewhouse now with gal pals for a beer and to listen to good jazz music. So if anything happens, look for me beneath the rubble at the Brewhouse, corner of Castillo and Bath Streets.
Shakey,
Melissa;
