28-36 mph winds only ....

[siobhan222]

Oh my .. these are only 28-36 mph winds. According to WFOR's live streaming video feed. And I'm *this* scared? I think I need to start drinking. I'll be a mess if this gets any worse. I know you must all think I'm stupid. Sorry. I've just never been through anything like this.

Siobhan

[Agua]

No one thinks you're stupid, at all. You'll be fine. Just take care. Any questions you have, folks will be happy to give you their take on it.

[siobhan222]

Thank you Aqua. I feel like an idiot. I'm sure some of the hurricane veterans here have been through much worse. But I'm just so scared as this is beginning to affect us. I don't know what to expect. I keep wondering if we've forgotten to get something or if we've boarded up enough or what. I'm a hurricane virgin and I'm pretty darn scared. I really really appreciate all the wonderful support you have all given me. I'm so blessed I found this board. Thank you again.

Siobhan

[Cookiely]

I'm sorry that you are so afraid, and I wish I had words to take away your fear. I'm a Florida girl, born and bred, my ancestors came to Florida in 1870. About a week ago, we had a thunderstorm with cloud to ground lightning. I've never seen a storm that intense, I was very frightened. If I could have crawled under the bed, I would have. Doggone beds are not made like they used to! Theres no room under their. A drinks not a bad idea as long as you can function in case of an emergency. Just to take the edge off. My prayers are with you.

[HurricaneQueen]

Siobhan:

I PM'd you but forgot to mention something. Why not try to lie down for a while? It's going to be a long weekend and you'll need your rest. You may find you are so tired that you'll doze off for a little while and be more relaxed. I wake up every two or three hours, check the board and then go back to bed. Usually, I time it better for the new advisories but didn't make it that long this time. Be safe and know you have a whole new family here.
Lynn

PS. I'm trying to type in the dark and don't do very well even when I can see what I'm doing so please forgive any mistakes.

[siobhan222]

Oh thank you both. You're so kind. I have tried to lay down and sleep, but I can't seem to manage more than about 20-30 minutes at a time. My stomach is a mess and I just feel sick so I wake up from that. Or, I hear the rain and wake up. Or the power going out wakes me up. Or, my 18 year old cat gets sick and wakes me. Or, one of the other cats gets sick. I've never seen them so freaked and scared. They're all just petrified. They're clinging to me looking for guidance. I'm not sure if they're picking up on the pressure or picking up on my stress level .. or both.

Anyway, I'm just glad you are all here and willing to listen to my craziness and relate to me. That makes it better. Thank you thank you thank you.

Siobhan

[Agua]

Hey, if this makes you feel better, MILLIONS of people have lived through these things before you and come out fine, okay?

You'll be fine. It will probably be scarey to you, but unless you're in a mandatory evacuation zone (in which case, you wouldn't be here typing and reading), or live in a trailer, you'll come through with likely nothing worse than power outage. You mentioned that you boarded up; you're ahead of the game already. If you've got some cash, water, canned food, batteries, etc., you'll be fine.

[hurricane_lover]

Dang, I feel sorry for you. Where is the hubby for support?

[KWT]

Don't worry siobhan222 I have often got worried when a large depression comes over the U.K and heck winds usually never get above 60Mph(1987 was a large exception and will be the closest I'll ever come to feeling a hurricane)

[inotherwords]

Siabhan, if you have a MP3 player with a headset this might help you. I am also terrified of the sound myself so I make sure I have plenty of diversion on hand to muffle the noise.

[Suzy]

Oh thank you both. You're so kind. I have tried to lay down and sleep, but I can't seem to manage more than about 20-30 minutes at a time. My stomach is a mess and I just feel sick so I wake up from that. Or, I hear the rain and wake up. Or the power going out wakes me up. Or, my 18 year old cat gets sick and wakes me. Or, one of the other cats gets sick. I've never seen them so freaked and scared. They're all just petrified. They're clinging to me looking for guidance. I'm not sure if they're picking up on the pressure or picking up on my stress level .. or both.

Anyway, I'm just glad you are all here and willing to listen to my craziness and relate to me. That makes it better. Thank you thank you thank you.

Siobhan

If you have a large cat or dog crate, put the kitties in there and cover it with a towel or something, it will help sooth them. I did it the hard way too, during my first cane that is. After that experience, my vet introduced me to this tranquilizer for my labs and kitties, it does work and they are find afterwards.

[jlauderdal]

hangover + no a/c = bad buzz

[foofer]

Siobhan, I feel the same as you. This is my first cane too and this wind is really scary, really not looking forward to the stronger stuff. 7:30 am suddenly doesn't seem to early to have a beer lol. Hang in there, we're in the same boat and we'll get through this!

[decgirl66]

Siobhan,

Charley was my first experience with a cane, and I slept thru the whole thing!! It just hit us so late at night, and I wanted to stay awake, but just couldn't.

It is a good idea to try and catch a cat nap every now and then, that will keep you alert. Everyone that stayed up for Charley said the worst part was the sound of the wind. So those suggestions to have headphones are good! If you like to dance, blast the stereo and dance a while!!

My prayers are with you, I am in Central Fla and don't expect to get it as hard as you....be safe and take care of kitties!!
ps...I have 8 kittens, 6wks old! If it gets to bad, I am going to put them and mommy kittie in the spare bathroom so they are at least in a small area.