I know, I know. Most of you are probably thinking I'm absolutely crazy right now. And it's ok. But, when you grow up here...tornado season is a big deal. Spotting a funnel on a night full of tornado warnings, rough storms, thunder, lightning and hail is kind of a big deal - it's a sport.
This is where I grew up. My spring and summer nights were filled with thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes. I spent many a school night in the storm cellar waiting out a tornado. I didn't grow up in the heart of Oklahoma, so I didn't experience the fated May 3, 1999 tornado. I did, however, experience one a day or two later. Well, it came close. The funnel was literally right over our house. I can vividly remember hearing my mom say "It's over my house, it's over my house" while she and Dad were standing near the entrance of the cellar that was protecting us. I'm not sure how long we stayed in the cellar with my dad at the door "checking things out", my mom panicking, and listening to the tornado sirens blare on and on. Lucky for us, the funnel traveled about 15 miles before finally dropping up-river in Van Buren, AR. Those families were hard hit.
Last night, 40 tornadoes touched down in and around my homestate. {Note: 5 people lost their lives to these storms...my prayers are with them.} Meanwhile, I'm in beautiful Hawaii wishing for a thunderstorm!!! What?! It's so crazy the things you miss!!! Even when I had that freakout in Georgia I wanted it to storm. I haven't been through a decent storm since I got married! For someone who grew up with storms every spring and summer, this is a big deal. And I'm so glad that one person in my blogging realm understands. JG was super nice and posted a video of hail for me on her blog!!! (Ok, maybe it wasn't just for me.) I was totally joking when I asked her to video it, but she did anyway! It was hilarious, and totally awesome! I seriously could have hugged her for that. =) Don't get me wrong, I'm lovin' living here, but a thunderclap or two might make me feel a little more at home! Or maybe a REAL dream catcher. Ugh, there are so many total fakes. Sorry, that's what happens when you grow up in "Indian Territory."
Also, today is my Mom's birthday. =) I'm totally jealous because when I called to wish her a happy birthday, she informed me that she got a cookie cake!!! Totally not fair, Mom! I want some! But, it sounds like she had a good day and got some awesome stuff. Props to my dad for getting her new pots and pans. After 20 something years of marriage, I'd say they were well deserved! I wish I could have been there to give her a big hug, but the "Aloha" coffee mug will have to suffice for now. {Btw, my mom is a serious coffee drinker. Seriously, the woman can't start her day without the first 2 cups of coffee. =) Thus, the mug.
So, Happy Birthday to my Mom and Happy Tuesday to all the rest of you!
haha wow, I am not sure I could ever feel that way about tornadoes! I have never seen one and I am glad! I hope you get your storm though I am sure you will have some storms in Hawaii you are on the water! :)
ReplyDeleteOh no, that was for you :) Actually, I had already toyed with the idea of posting it, but then you mentioned it and I was like, I have to do this! I have to admit, though, I don't know the difference between real and fake dream catchers. I'd be a prime target for a rip-off!
ReplyDeleteBeing in the City, I lived through May 3, but it only came within eyesight of our house. Same situation as last night, only WAY bigger. Many of my friends lost their houses. My dad was on the porch and literally watched the F5 pass by a mile away.
Meanwhile, there is supposed to be more of the same weather the rest of the week. Maybe I can get some actual GOOD footage for you!
Good blog! We lived in GA for about 7-8 months, and the tornado warnings and storms were enough for me for a lifetime! I'm sure it would be different if I grew up down there! I could see how you can miss those things though - I really missed the Northwest when I was living down south!
ReplyDeleteSo I am from LA and every year it seems half the city catches on fire. You see and smell the fires from everywhere. From Schofield Barracks if you look north at night there is a orange glow at the top of the mountain. ( My husband says it is some sort of communication tower) Sometimes, just sometimes I see it out of the corner of my eye and I think it is just another California wildfire starting in the hills. Sadly this makes me homesick. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great blog subject-what is the strangest thing that makes you homesick? tornados? wildfires? hurricanes? lol. We are an odd bunch us Army wives.
I had no idea you were from Oklahoma too! I grew up there but left almost 3 years ago. We should be moving back in about 7-9 months though and we can't wait!!! And I enjoyed watching JG's hail video. It has been a long time since I have seen hail (or even snow). We are living on a tropical-ish island in Japan so now I consider 60 cold. I am going to be in for a rude awakening when we move back! lol
ReplyDeleteGah! Its been forever since I've commented. Ha I think like 3 days but that's a long time! I miss AZ'z crazy dust/lightning/thunderstorms. GA has rain but I don't think that's the best part of the storms. It is crazy what you miss when you're not "home" anymore.
ReplyDeleteDid you say 40????? That is INSANE!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous of a cookie cake too!!!!! I haven't had one of those in FOREVER now!
I totally understand what you mean about tornadoes...I'm an Okie too...just northwest of OKC and love when the sky turns a yellow green and the clouds start to turn. We lived in TN for a couple of years and we missed tornado season and good meteorologists more than anything else...leaving Oklahoma makes you realize what all the weatherman jokes are about
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