After the Storm

Earlier this summer I was thinking about moving to some of the neighborhoods in Brooklyn that were flooded and without power after the storm. Ultimately I decided to give Harlem at least one more year and I am so happy that I did.I am blessed to say that I have survived hurricane Sandy without missing a beat. Part of me feels a bit guilty for celebrating my birthday this past weekend while others who aren't too far from me were without power, hot water and heat. The images I've seen on my news screen and stories I've been hearing about those killed during the storm strongly resonate with me. I keep thinking, "it could have been me."

Besides being a little stir crazy, I was resourceful and spent a lot of time with friends and family. I did my best to show my sister the good parts of New York but made sure to include those parts affected by the storm. We witnessed police doing their best to keep peace at a gas station in Queens. We saw tape at some train stations in Manhattan. She was even robbed in Brooklyn while we were at a cafe. Don't be alarmed. She forgot her purse in the restroom and luckily the assailant only took the little bit of cash she had.

As I attempt to resume a normal life, I could easily go on without thinking about those still suffering. The social worker in me will not let this happen. I've been looking for volunteer opportunities and funds I can donate to now that I am able to devote more time. I won't forget what Sandy has done to my city, event hough the storm has passed.

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Information about Volunteer Opportunities

http://www.nyu.edu/life/student-life/nyu-service/hurricane-sandy-relief.html

http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=news_room_detail&news_id=606&jid=63321

http://www.nycservice.org/index.html

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/hurricane-recovery-and-volunteer-resources/

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/own-this-city-blog/how-to-help-in-new-york-city-after-hurricane-sandy?promoAllowOnce=1

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE (“FEMA”):

Individuals may have suffered losses that make them eligible for FEMA assistance. 

Individuals can:

Apply online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 800-462-7585. These are toll-free numbers operating from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Through smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov/. If an Android system is being used, a FEMA App can be downloaded at market.android.com/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android

Once you apply, a nine-digit registration number will be utilized for future communications with FEMA.

Applicants should have the following info when applying:

• current telephone number
• address at time of disaster and current address
• social security number
• general list of damages and losses
• If insured -- company name, agent and policy number
• Bank routing number for any direct deposit

Individuals can also go to www.governor.ny.gov and find out more about the Hurricane Sandy application procedures and information.

Real Talk

>> "stop listening to what everybody else is saying IF you are confident in your choices. A good way to know if you are doing the right thing: you'll stop asking everybody else and venting to them, which only encourages them to give advice you thought you didn't need/want."<<

13 year old boy, who looks 8, becomes dad

BOY dad Alfie Patten yesterday admitted he does not know how much nappies cost — but said: “I think it’s a lot.”
Baby-faced Alfie, who is 13 but looks more like eight, became a father four days ago when his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman gave birth to 7lb 3oz Maisie Roxanne.

He told how he and Chantelle, 15, decided against an abortion after discovering she was pregnant.


Click here for the full story

Welcome

Hello,

I just wanted to introduce this blog. Since I have gotten in the habit of posting and sharing my thoughts on dating, I feel the need to continue to share. Although I have strong feelings about dating, it does not consume my entire life and I feel this blog will help me arrange my thoughts a little better. Once I figure out the exact direction I want it to go, I will be back with postings.