Monday, June 2, 2008

Hmmmmmm

Let me tell you that I have a whole new respect for the Red Cross. Through out this whole ordeal they have been right there...they were on the scene lickety split. I was surprised and impressed. I'm not sure how they heard of the fire especially so quickly but they were there and really stepped up to the plate. They gave us food vouchers and a hotel for a few nights. They have even called me several times just to check on me. They've been fabulous.

After the initial few days I stayed another few days at my mothers house. My brother and his daughters are staying there for the time being. He asked me to come out there and stay for a while and begrudgingly I accepted his invitation. Why begrudgingly you ask? Well, although my brother went through great pains to clean the house and get my room in order for me the house was still grimy and I did not feel comfortable staying there. I was so pleased when the temporary housing folks called and said they can put me up in a hotel for a while I was ecstatic. I moved there lickety split. The Hyatt Place is a really beautiful place. Now let me say this, I was only scheduled to stay there for a few days until more "permanent" temporary housing could be located.

Well today I had to move out of paradise and move into an Extended Stay America hotel. For those of you not familiar they are hotels geared for people who need to be away from home for an extended period of time. I checked in today and was less then impressed. It's surely not a Hyatt Place I tell you that. But I'll make it home for the next month or so. Oh well.

So all in all everything is coming along.

I almost forgot to tell you, on Thursday I had to meet the folks that were removing all my furniture and contents to have them cleaned and stored and the people that were going to take my clothes to also have them cleaned and stored. It was way overwhelming to have all these people running in and out of my house. Not to mention the disaster recovery people were there also to continue with the reconstruction process. I just stood in the parking lot out of the way so I wouldn't get trampled on.

26 People saying stuff:

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

i bet it was and i bet u kept your eye on each one in and out the house lol

Jeni said...

Yeah - the "temporary" housing we had when my son caught his bedroom ablaze, was to stay at the local motel about 4 miles from here. Not too bad, all things considered except I still would not recommend an adult and two teenagers sharing one room in a motel for 3 1/2 months! Especially not if the kids are still in school and the adult is carrying a full course load of classes in college and working full-time for 45-50 hours a week as well. Gets cramped quickly, ya know! Hope they do a good job on the furniture and clothing cleaning and that the house gets repaired quickly and a great job done on that as well! Just hang in there, kiddo!

Karen said...

I have thought about you often in the past few weeks. I am glad that things are progressing and there are people to help.

I always a bit of a fantasy about living in a hotel for a while. I hope you enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is so thrilling to have so many people helping you out when you are in such a bad situation. Makes you realise there really are some good people in the world!

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how much energy the aftermath takes.

So, where's The Analyst been staying through all this? Surely not tagging along after you?

Diva's Thoughts said...

Not - The Analyst has been back and forth between NJ and the hotel. lol

shorty said...

Hey Diva,

Sorry I didn't comment earlier. I wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear all the crap you have to deal with, but it could have been much worse, right.

Sounds like the major stuff you have to take care of is underway.

Good luck putting things back together.

P.S. I'm glad to hear the Hyatt Place is nice, I'm staying at one in Boston this summer.

lisa q. said...

Oh girl! I have so been thinking about you! I had some dealings with the Red Cross several years ago when my home flooded. You're right, they are completely fabulous! Sorry the new accommodations are not so fabulous. I can't even imagine how overwhelmed you must be. You're in my thoughts. Let me know if I can help in any way at all.

ME said...

I can only imagine how weird it must be to see so many people in and out of YOUR home, touching your things. I'm glad you found suitable housing. You've been in my thoughts.

Chari said...

God is good. :)

Anonymous said...

Ugh, what a pain to deal with all this stuff. My thoughts are with you Diva!!

Sandi McBride said...

We suffered a fire in 1978...don't know where the red cross was or Navy Relief...they weren't at my house tho lol...glad things are getting slowing back to rights...keep us posted!
Sandi

Joe said...

I'm going to go ahead and guess that they read your blog and, being fans, wanted to make sure you got the kind and caring treatment that you deserve.

Glad to hear that things are progressing and that you seem to be making the most of a bad situation.

Grim Reality Girl said...

Holy Cats! What a scene -- you would have had to sedate me. I get heebee jeebees staying in hotels. Bleach wipes are nice. I'm so sorry you are going through this -- at the same time so glad nobody was hurt. Prayers are going up for you -- may your home be restored quickly!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you've gotten some since of "normalcy" but can I really say that? Probably not but I'm happy to see that you've adjusted to all of the riggamarow *new word* of the clean-up/reconstruction process. You are definitely in my prayers. Hang in there chile!

TravelDiva said...

That's really great that Red Cross was on the scene. I'm surprised and impressed.

imbeingheldhostage said...

Wow. I agree with the red cross-- they came through amazingly when we lost our house to a fire. We were asleep when the fire started and it burned to the ground, so I am feeling your displacement. I hope you didn't lose any memories-- you know, photos, etc. That's the hardest to get over, I think. Do you need anything?

soumynona said...

WOW! I just saw your house in those pics from the other post and Im like damn!! Its a blessing you were at Church. I kinda like extended stays, at least those that are kept together nicely. It won't be the Hyatt but it could be cool! Do they still clean up for you though?

CarmenSinCity said...

WOW - That's awesome about the Red Cross. I never knew exactly what they do, but now I know. Very cool! I love the Hyatt too.

magnoliapeach said...

I'm glad to know you are being taking care of and also happy that they didn't end up putting you up in a place just called "hotel". You know the ones truckers stay in and prostitutes work out of! Enjoy your extended stay!

Boutique Mix Fashion said...

its good to see folks stepping up to help you out right now. hope the hotel stay is going smoothly!!!!

MP said...

It is so nice to hear about all the support you are getting. I guess that's why you seem so composed. I am dramatic and there is not way that I wouldn't have lost my mind in the midst of all of this. You go girl!

KIKI said...

Damn Diva! Where have I been? I didn't know you were going thru this. Glad you are ok.

It's great that the Red Cross has come thru for you, but I have two words for you for future referrance...homeowners (renter's) insurance (and no I'm not just saying that because I'm an agent LOL). In addition to covering repairs & replacing belongings, a general policy would give you anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 to stay somwhere else while your house is being repaired. You coulda lounged at the Hyatt for as long as you needed to.

Diva's aint got no damn business staying in extended stay hotels...you suposed to be chillin in style (smile)

Just something to think about...

Anonymous said...

I can't even imagine going through an ordeal like that. I'm glad that you were not harmed in the fire. That would have been worse then any bad hotel accomodations. I hope all continues to go well for you.

Ann(ie) said...

The Hyatt is a lovely place! I am so glad you're doing okay. I've been thinking about you. xo.

Dr. Pepper said...

I didn't realize that people did this stuff or that services like this were available to anyone other than natural disaster victims! This is awesome!!!!

Does insurance cover all this or is it all government aid and volunteer stuff? I am just curious. I am really glad to hear how well you are being taken care of!!