Monday, October 22, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
Wise Man, Foolish Man
The Wise man built his house upon a rock. The Foolish man built his house upon the sand. Californians build their houses on hills - the higher the hill - the greater the mansion. They also build their houses on sand - or close to the sand. They also build their houses on fault lines. What I’ve learned from my time in Southern California is that when a disaster happens - be it an Earthquake, Mudslide, Landslide, Fire …. no Californian is actually surprised. No one actually feels like a victim here. Most of the time they build another house on the same plot of land that “betrayed” them earlier. Sometimes the news shows an old man hosing down his home with a look of almost peaceful determination on his face. If he is interviewed he will tell you that he has been through this how ever many times and that it passes over and will be okay. He may even say that this is the “price” he has paid by having a great winter - or living in such a beautiful state near the ocean or whatever other bonus Southern California has to offer.
Many people know the dangers of building their houses on “sand” around here. They love the view that the hillside has to offer them. And those of us not wealthy enough to build ontop of a hill, stay in the “valley” coveting thy neighbor’s house who can afford to be up high away from it all. Californians view beach-side property, not as some risk, but as a sign of wealth. Surviving fires, earthquakes, mudslides, etc. becomes this badge of honor; a badge you wear to show how tough you are, like shoveling your way out of your driveway after a blizzard in Minnesota.
I’d like to be wise. So I’ve started looking around for states with no disasters. I’ve come up with Nevada (sand?). I’m open to suggestions. 
School has been canceled for tomorrow again and I’m not that upset about it. Actually, I’m ready to be doing something other than watching the news that has taken over network television around here. Our TiVo has been taping all our “shows” but when we actually watch “The Bachelor” it’s just the same news they have been showing around here for over 24 hours now. I’ve been napping all day - I’m not really depressed as I am just exhausted. The air is heavy and the atmosphere is filled with such heaviness - I’m not sure at this point if it’s more emotional weight or pollution. Maybe it’s a combination of both. Our backyard is a graveyard of palm tree branches, leaves, ash, and lawn furniture. There is a mighty wind for a bit that then changes into this eerie silence. And the sky… the sky is ugly. Another day absorbing all these things doesn’t appeal to me much. If there is still no threat tomorrow I may take in a movie, log in for some calls, take Jackson for a drive, or run some errands now that some of the stores are reopening. I have to do something other than watch the news and listen to the sad tales from people who have lost their homes.
I have received such a great outpouring of support, prayers, and well wishes from many of my callers. I so appreciate that! It is so helpful to just hear that people are thinking about you. I took a few calls today and even though many of my callers had their “needs” - and hearing about the fires really didn’t fit into the fantasy much (though firemen fantasies with their big hoses could fit into practically any fantasy, don’t you think?), they still took the time to ask me how I was doing. That is actually very sweet of you guys. Thanks so much!
I better run. I’m staying in the main house for the past few nights due to the air quality out here in the guest house. Also the guesthouse is under the palm tree that seems to be ridding itself of its extra branches quite often… they aren’t too heavy but the sound they make when they fall is a bit daunting. Thanks again for all the kind thoughts, emails, prayers, and phone calls. xoxo.
Comment by Tiffy
October 23, 2007 @ 4:29 am
“So I’ve started looking around for states with no disasters.”
How about ‘The State of the Sublime Orgasm’ known as Tiffy’s bed? It’s quite safe here! ::Tiffy bats her eyes at CeCe, takes a stab at looking wanton::
“If there is still no threat tomorrow I may take in a movie”
Might I suggest Costner’s crappy ‘Waterworld’ as a change of pace?
Lay low CeCe, try not to smoke or you could get hosed down by some over zealous fireman drenching you and that tight T-shirt … and the wind would cause your … uh … nipples … ummm
SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM!
Things sound a little better, I hope the wind dies down today and I’ll keep you and yours in my prayers!