(I don't know if you heard. We had an earthquake around these parts on Friday, March 28th. Nothing like the one in Chile, of course.)
By Monday, I had just about forgotten about it. (Don't get me wrong. It was a good sized one. And it went on for a long time. But by Monday other things were on my mind.) So much so that it took me a good two minutes to realize that the shattered picture on the floor of the science classroom was earthquake damage.
And then I put it out of my mind again.
"We had three earthquakes in the last twenty minutes."
Said a girl as she walked in for third period. (Sure, we have earthquakes all the time. Just not ones that anyone feels.) Another girl followed this first girl in the room, and they compared earthquake apps on their phones.
The first girl was skittish. She said she didn't like earthquakes and the one Friday night made her cry. Her father found the app for her. Although, I don't know how that was supposed to make her feel better.
Students were everywhere when the quake hit. One said he and his girlfriend were on his computer watching a movie (and he let her exit the room first). One girl was already in bed (which her classmates called boring, but they seemed to have expected it of her). One boy admitted to being on the toilet (which apparently his mother found hilarious).
Then there was the conversation about "The Big One". And they reviewed what they had learned about earthquakes in their Earth Science class (two to three years ago for them as they were all juniors and seniors).
With all the earthquake talk, someone had to make a silly comment.
"What's an earthquake?"
A girl turned towards the boy and offered this reply: "It's when a woman is born with an extra eye."
That got laughter. The girl explained that when someone asks a stupid question, she gives the most ridiculous response she can think of. I think that qualifies.
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter...
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Have you ever been in an earthquake? What's your best earthquake story? Or, which danger would you prefer: earthquakes or tornadoes?
I love it. That's what we do in our house too. Actually, we challenge the kids to search their own memories and creative avenues for solutions or conclusions, then correct them as they're wrong. Asking a question in this household is the equivalent of asking for a home work assignment.
ReplyDeleteI experienced very small earthquake in CA in the 1970s. My cat just slept right through it on the waterbed... so much for their intuition!
ReplyDeleteEarthquakes on a waterbed are interesting. A little bit of shaking. A little bit of shock absorption.
DeleteBeing from California, I've been through many earthquakes. Mostly tiny ones but a couple of some magnitude. After I moved to Seattle, there was a largish quake in the Puget Sound. I was on an upper floor at work and immediately climbed under my desk. Everyone else ran for the fire escape. I watched their lower legs and feet pass me by, and I was left all alone in the building. Apparently, Seattleites don't have earthquake drills in their schools.
ReplyDeleteVR Barkowski
That girl's reply was hilarious. I think she has the right way to answer people.
ReplyDeleteI lived in California for a short (Whittier) while but don't remember any earthquakes. However, I do recall returning to the east coast with a fear the earth would open up and swallow me (I was 10) so maybe I did experience an experience but blocked it out...hmm, I'll have to ask my mom.
ReplyDeleteWe had a couple of earthquakes here about a month ago. I've lived here (on and off) for 30+ years and never felt one but I felt these. Kinda cool actually (not so cool when they get bigger and there is damage and danger!)
ReplyDeleteEarthquakes are frightening, big or small, because you don't know what's going to follow. I was in a big one once as a girl in the Pacific NW. Our teacher yelled, "Get under your desk!" I though later, after it was all over, 'but what if the floor had given way?' I'm a worrier by nature.
ReplyDeleteShells–Tales–Sails
Were you on an upper floor? I don't worry too much about things opening up. Although, now that you mention it...
DeleteI'm glad you're all okay. I've never been in more than a mild quake and that was unsettling enough!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by at Poetry of the Netherworld.
It was bigger than what we usually get, but it wasn't too bad. Closer to the epicenter, however...
DeleteI love that girl's answer. What a cool verbal 'weapon' to put in my arsenal.
ReplyDeleteI've never experienced an earthquake. Tornadoes are quite common in the Midwest. Survived one last summer. I enjoy writing about both in my fiction writing. Kids say the funniest things!
ReplyDeleteYes, kids do say some pretty funny things. And if my Twitter happens to be open, I love to quote them.
DeleteTornadoes...*shudder*
Visiting from A/Z; I'm down closer to the San Diego area; we didn't feel this particular earthquake, but I remember all the news stations featuring it and then the usual reminders to be prepared for the next one in case it is the big one! I can imagine why the earthquake would still be on everyone's mind a few days later.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rest of the challenge!
betty
I am going to write about the biggest earthquakes I have experienced in my A to Z post on Monday. (April 21.)
ReplyDeleteSee you then.
http://romisdg.blogspot.jp/
That should be interesting. I can't wait to see it.
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