New Yorkers and DCers

[snoopy]

Thanks, Caity, it does help knowing there are people on the DIS that can commiserate from a geographical standpoint. We had some reprieve in early 2002, after the horrific events at the Pentagon, then we had the sniper madness in late 2002, now we are back to that feeling of being terrorized whether we like it or not. It so sucks to live here these days, which is a shame, because it really is a great city.

When I moved my office from Baltimore to Arlington, I was relieved only in that Arlington is so close to home. It was kind of nice working in Baltimore, even though its only a mere 40 miles or so away from D.C., it offered me some reprieve from the constant state of stress that exists in D.C. Now back in Arlington, I'm lookng out my window at the Capitol, and wondering if I am going to see something horrific today or tomorrow or some time in the near future.

Blech. Hate to be so maudlin, but its really horrid to have to live like this day after day.

 

[suzannen]

Snoopy, like you, we just had a staff meeting to go over our disaster plans. They asked us to keep our personal emergency kits (given out right after 9/11) right by our desks, with fresh flashlight batteries, masks and water and sneakers (in case we have to evacuate down 46 flights of stairs. There are bomb dogs all over my building. And Snoopy, like you, I really don't want to live this way either.

I also heard they've closed Gatewick Airport in London. We're not alone with our fears.

 

[caitycaity]

It so sucks to live here these days, which is a shame, because it really is a great city.

this morning i was thinking back to 9/11. we were listening to our usual morning radio show and they were doing a schpiel on "what it means to be a washingtonian." it was a beautiful day and i was so proud to live and work here. i felt proud to walk past the white house every day on my way to work. i LOVED working downtown.

sad to say, i don't feel the same way about living/working in this area as i once did.

 

[crazyme5kids]

Sad thing is that it is all over the world right now. There was a bomb threat the other night at a building my husband was working in down in Mexico. They had to have the police do a sweep with bomb sniffing dogs. He flies home on Sun. and heads into the office in NYC on Mon. We just try to keep things in perspective these days.

 

[disney1990]

Yes, I definitely know how everybody from the DC area feels these days. I think part of the problem is just too many things going on in a very short period of time. First we had 9/11. Next the DC area had the DC Snipers. The middle school where the student was shot is only 5 minutes for my home. Then we had the Columbia disaster. And now a day-to-day disaster plan for terrorists. But, I don't think that plastic sheeting and duc tape is going to help. I can't even bring myself to watch the news. I don't know about other parts of the country, but in the DC area it is all you see on the television.

I'm suppose to be leaving on Saturday to take my granddaughters (3 and 4-1/2) on their very first trip ever to Disney World (we won't ask how many times I've been). I want it to be so special, but with everything going on, I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to relax. My husband is staying here, it's just my daughter, my two granddaughters and me going. I asked him if I should cancel the trip and he said no. "Then you let them win." So I'm going and I'm going to try and make the best of it for the children. After all, you only get your first trip to Disney World once.

My hearts and prayers go out to everybody out there, but especially to those people living in the DC and NYC areas who have already been through so much.

Bowie, MD

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

I am suppossed to be leaving for DC March 15th for a week long government program and I don't really know what is going to happen with it. I am getting a little nervous about it.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I live very close to Boston.. today I was driving in to pick up my eldest daughter and take her food shopping.... I was driving over this bridge that I take for granted when it popped in my head, what a target this bridge is and what damage could be done to Boston...

But then I thought...what control do I have....Being barraged 24/7 by the media only feeds this fear frenzy... I almost went out and bought plastic today but came to the realization that I refuse to live in fear.. I will live my life, I will be vigilant about my surroundings but I will not let anyone box me in....I think how much BinLaden and his followers hate us.... I do not hate them..... but lately, I am ashamed to admit that I have been thinking.. close the borders, send those home on temporary visas, working here or students... especially the ones getting incredible educations at Harvard University or MIT...if you do not like it here.. go home.. Not very Christian.. I must admit..

Hugs to Snoops and CaityCaity and all those living and working in our nation's capital........and to all New Yorkers... hugs to you as well.. Be safe...I am praying for all of us..

 

[Swamp_Fox]

Although I cannot speak for Washington D.C I can speak for my hometown of NYC. I do not feel creeped out or affraid. I'am a little concerned over the possibility of another attack. I saw the horror of 9-11 first hand and it is engraved in my memory I do not wish to see it again. It comforts me to see the F-16's/F-18's fly overhead. I feel better seeing the police out and about armed to the teeth to protect us. I don't mind being searched at airports or stopped to have my car inspected at a bridge or tunnel. I feel these are not intrusions of my civil rights I'd rather sacrifice a little of my freedom rather than give these terrorist S.O.B's the satisfaction of turning people into sissy-mary's over their warped fanatical beliefs.

I'm still angry over the attacks and I refuse to "get over it"

Larry

 

[Goofball]

My gosh, you guys. I thought I was getting apprehensive from hearing planes from the Air Force base going overhead the last couple of days - sounds of them heading out, I guess - but I can't imagine dealing with evacuation plans and the like everyday. {{{{Hugs}}}} and prayers for you.

 

[Swamp_Fox]

Bump

 

[suzannen]

My subway was practically empty during this morning's commute and half of my office took the day off. A combination of President's Day Weekend and the stress of all of these terrorist alert news reports caused alot of my co-workers to simply start the weekend early and stay home with their families. (Wish I could but my DD is off school next week, so I'll be home with her then).

Swampfox, I'm with you on both the sounds of the jets being a comfort to me and that I, too refuse to "get over it."

Meanwhile, hoping everyone here has a wonderful and safe Valentine's Day and President's Weekend!

 

[caitycaity]

traffic was light here this morning too, suzannen.

my parents are driving to nyc and back today (from CT). hopefully they won't hit too much traffic.

i also hope everyone has a very relaxing and safe holiday weekend.

 

[snoopy]

I was amazed at how light traffic was this morning as well. I guess like you said, its a combination of people just not wanting to come into town and deal with all the threats, and making a long weekend of President's Day.

 

[CookieGVB]

I came through Port Authority and saw all kinds of barriers up and a big sign for "Florida locations" - I guess they're figuring most people are going there this weekend.

Our office has updated our evacuation procedures...considering the fact that many of my officemates were in the World Trade Center on 9/11, there are plenty of them whose fear level has increased almost back to the way it was then.

I try not to read and watch all the gloom and doom - I'm taking the Scarlett O'Hara approach, otherwise I think I'd go crazy.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I think I'll call my sister tonight and see how she's doing.