End Of week Update

As of this morning, my notes read "No messages from insurance."
Had enough of this waiting, I retrieved the number to National Catastrophic Team, called and asked for an update.
For some reason they are unable to explain why I have been left behind. Fantastically the trash I have left on the curbside has been picked up, while the heap of contaiminated belongings continue to sit on the driveway.

By 4 Pm this evening, I suddenly received a barage of phonecalls from the insurance company, ah-huh the consumer complaint is effective. Apologies will not alleviate my disappointment, however they eagerness to show up tomorrow at 8:30AM seem reasonable.

Thus we can only they have some sense of compassion tomorrow. We'll see.

Just in ...

For those who are out of town, this is an indication of the severity of the situation.

Findlay school year delayed
The start of the school year for Findlay City Schools is being delayed until Sept. 10, because of flood damage to schools.
The Findlay school board approved the delay at its regular meeting Monday night. The delay was recommended to the board by Findlay Superintendent Dean Wittwer.

Great news to the kids, but I have second thoughts.

Unbeknownst to the kids, the cost of repair to the schools stretch beyond the million dollar mark. Education just increased in value here.

I wonder if Big Ben will return to help the kids??

Getting the Run Around

From the local newspaper:

"Flood victims needing Red Cross assistance can visit a "service center" which has opened at Owens Community College in Findlay.
Red Cross case workers will be available there from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
The center will stay open "until we start to see we're not getting a lot of people coming in," national Red Cross spokesperson Lynn Cook said Sunday."
Everybody is eligible for assistance and we encourage people to come in as soon as they can if they need it," Cook said.
Red Cross assistance "helps people get clothing, food, medications filled and things like that to help get them through the next several days" after a disaster strikes, aid Cook.
According to individual needs, the organization "may give debit cards" to people as financial assistance until personal monetary issues like insurance compensation can be ironed out."

.....

So we took a drive out there. The lady took a look at me and my daughter,

"You have clean clothes, you don't look like you need food or water. We cannot help you."
*blink *blink.

Slowly her words registered through the stressed neurons. Err, what in the world? I should have showed up barefeet and in torn clothes, even to have a sentence heard. This is the Red Cross?

*****************************************************************************
Monday, August 27, 2007, still no signs of interests from the insurance company.

Took a break

You may have notice the lack of post yesterday, August 25, 2007.



We had enough from the week, cleaning, cleaning, and breaking tiles.

That is correct, breaking floor tiles. Havent quite figured out how to remove them. By the way my dear insurance dude hasnt made contact yet.

Instead we took a trip north east to the Sandusky Fair, to pay our annual homage to fair foods, games and old pal Buffo. That was a much needed change of scenery from the flood ravage town to some normalcy.

Guess who is sillier?

Let's moove it!

Fortunately none of these are my kids.

Taking a bow.

At 10PM, we came home to the smelly basement.

My article in the local newspaper

This is my contribution to the local newspaper. I am sorry for those who have lost all of their homes, but I had to voice out here too.

3 am Tuesday, a few inches of water appeared on the basement floor.
Apparently both the sump pumps cannot keep up with the rate of discharge from
the drainage tiles. By 4am, there is a foot of water in the basement and there
was a louder splashing of water, almost like a fountain. Brown and black water
was spurting from the washer discharge and basement sink. The stench of sewer
reminds me of my past visits to Hong Kong or Thailand, ewww. By 5am, the water
has passed the first step, my laundry basket was floating around me. What else
can I do, but start bringing what I can to the garage. By 7am, fatigue took
over, just as the rain stopped and the sun rose to the dawn. At 9am, the
basement floor emerged, leaving a muddy gunk on everything.

Damages from this water range from Christmas collectibles generations
long, all major appliances (we still have no central air or washer use), to doll
houses.

By Friday, my basement smells and still damp. upon closer observation,
there is water under the floor tiles that have loosen. The insurance adjuster
has not showed up, the garage is stinking like old socks, and I am tired. For
hours, the floor tiles were removed and piled to a wall. Fans blast from all
corners,the stench finally alleviates. Previous tenants that lined the garage
were moved to the driveway. Guess what appeared within hours but RAIN. The quick
cover with tarps and silent prayers, and pleading.

I know I am somewhat fortunate,nevertheless I have losses. Having lived
through Hurricane Bob in 1991, I chose not to live by the coast. Learning about
the Michael Chertoff's visit cemented that I am once again in a disaster area.
Some time from now, we will tell stories. The week when Findlay Ohio ruled the
global news world (my mother saw Findlay Ohio featured on CNN International
while on vacation in China). Stories will be of the Flood of 2007 at
Sunday lunches without tears welling in our eye, only then we have healed and
moved on and dried out.

Kia Su in Ohio

Kia Su = translated from Hokkien as "afriad of losing".

I made the sobering trip to the Red Cross today, I am running out mops.

These are 2 gallons size bleach, I just hope I have enough.

***************************************************

The sight at the Red Cross was disheartening, there were cots and clothes on tables for those who need clean clothes. I took the last "Flood Bucket" and mop. The volunteers mentionened the scene this morning where supplies were unloaded by the trailers directly to the victims, all gone with the hour.

I am still waiting on the insurance adjustor, so I can begin on the final stretch of cleanup, discarding all the soaked to the curb for trash pick-up.

Any other Singaporeans with the same experience or am I the first?

State of Emergency Cleanup

The wind has picked up outside, from the rustling of the tree, sounds like it is going to rain, again.



The mayor finally lifted the state of emergency from this town, but the minds and hearts here have sunk a few notches beyond resuscitation. Pleading with the weather to show mercy to an already ravaged situation. I am preparing to fight tooth and nail with the insurance adjustor. Even making a powerpoint on the pictures of the damages.





Damages.



We may be fortunate with the "limited" damages, as compared to those who were evacuated. What I see on my garage floor are our belongings damaged, ruined, destroyed by the elements. We may be fortunate that nothing "important" compared to others was in the pile, but they are still my personal belongings. Can it be devalued? They be be replaceable, but our grieve is still as painful as anyone else. Cleaning up from this state of emergency will take a while, a long while.


The water level was above the first step.

Prayers for all, wet or dry.

Still drying out

2 days later, we are still drying out.
There is a stench in the air outside, mixed of damp grass and sewer. Unfortunately that reminds me of visits to Hong Kong and Thailand.

According to the press release late this afternoon,
National Guard troops should be responding to Findlay in the next couple of days, according to Mayor Tony Iriti. He intends to request troops to help clean up the mess left in the wake of the flooding and military police to patrol damaged neighborhoods."In case anybody is even thinking about causing problems like looting and what not, it will be deterred," Iriti said during an emergency City Council meeting Thursday afternoon.

Looks like we turned into a min-New Orleans. This move is necessary, in my opinion, because the hard hit part of the city is Main Street, filled with banks, appliance, jewelry, electronic and clothing stores. School is not in session yet, and the kids may be restless and have itchy fingers.

This afternoon there was an unmarked black chopper hovering above the city. Yesterday, there was another navy blue chopper across the city with FEMA on the side. What does this mean? FEMA is coming to town. In addition, the head of Homeland Security was in town too. Yes, Secretary Michael Chertoff was in town to see the flood of the century. The impact of this visit hopefully will yield some good.

In the meantime, I have 3 gallons of bleach ready to tackle the basement. There is a funny must smell. There are fans and heaters running, mops and buckets standy on duty all the time.

Right now I am waiting on the insurance adjustor to show up. Let's see what kind of battle I have to fight. The attention will be on the major appliances that I have no heart to explore. Somehow, dismantling the washer seems like a really task, I know it is just psychological, sometime the mountain of laundry will conquer the mental anguish.

What is the economic damage? I do not know.

Singapore is too crowded for me, I survived Hurricane Bob in 1991, thus I decided against living by the coast. But this is not supposed to happen in the middle of Ohio. How can a city smacked in the middle of farmland bury in flood waters mirroring those of a coastal town?

As the FEMA chopper flew overhead, I muttered,
"This is not suppose to happen in Findlay Ohio."

Back to Normal after disaster

At about 10am this morning, the Level 3 Road Emergency has been lifted. The message reads "you can resume your normal activity."

Normal activity for some families here means cleaning up the gunky mud left from the waters of devastation.

On our list of things to accomplish today:
* purchase fans - required for keeping everyone cool and drying the basement
* need more bottles of bleach
* new filter for the furnace
*take the long route to the othe walmart that is not flooded
*more clean up

This will keep us busy for now.

At least the National Guard are not here, yet.

Another lock down

I am here checking the websites for all the latest development around our tiny city.

My latest reports:

1. The walmart nearby is closed due to flooding.
2. A camero may have an engine, but it is still susceptible to elements of mother nature. I saw one floating peacefully.
3. We are still on a Level 3 Road Emergency, meaning lock down, no cars on the road.
4. It is really miserable with this heat, humidity and no central air.
5. The Red Cross is handing out cleanup kits, but we are at level 3road emergency.
6. The Red Cross is handing out water, you can walk to pick it up, but there is a heat advisory at the moment. D'oh!
7. Findlay Ohio is on all the news channels, we are almost famous.
8.So far, my kids are still unfazed at the latest events. Phew!
9. I really miss my washer.
10. Stupid solicitors still call.
11. If I really wonder about our friends, it really doesnt hurt to call.
12.I think I need to take the 3rd shower for the day.


Okay, I am stinking up this chair. More to come. Stay cool and dry.

Drying up

Finally this little town recieves global coverage, even on CNN international!

Unfortunately the levels of damage rose during the day, there are homes submerged under feet of water. The region is holding our breaths that the weather will hold off anymore rain and humidity falls to a more bearable level.

All the past christmas collection are ruin.

This was swimming in the water mixed with sewer back up.

*******************************************

We are sweltering at home, the motor to the air-conditioner/ central air was buried in the water. Currently the electrical core is drying out so the damage can be accessed.

******************************************

Notice the colour of the water. No clean laundry for a while.

*************************************

See the water line?

**********************************************

At least we are still home and dry. Some of the families have more to clean up.

Cleaning from a Flood

"It can be replaced," someone tried to comfort me as I sobbed over the destruction. Beautiful Christmas reminders, Christmas trees, things that have been put aside for special reasons. All wet and sloppy. This has been a long night, the sun will shine soon, but that is not a comfort when wading in knee high water in your own house.

Within 2 hours, enough rain had fallen to saturate this basement, exceeding the operation tolerance of 2 sump pumps. The rate of water filling the sump well is faster than the rate of water pumped out, thus overflowing the well. A quickie here, a sump well is the containment for the water that flows around the house. Adding to the liquid fury, there was sewer backup from the basement sink and the washer discharge, meaning the public sewer transportation system hit a overload.

At 4:30 am, the water has risen above the first step of the stairs, approximately 8 inches, while the rain continues to pound ferociously. "I am going to Walmart for another sump pump," I declared. The normal 5 minute drive became a 30 minute obstacle course, filled with flooded junctions with 2 feet high water, water shooting vertically from man hole covers. A scene taken from Die Hard perhaps, cars were drifting in the murky waters, I saw a camero floating between 2 gas stations. I splashed through the puddles in 4 wheel drive, in my dear Jeep with the higher clearance. Walmart was out of sump pumps or shop vacs, surprised. Adopting the flight paths of airlines, I went north to head south, go east to reach west, painstakingly I was home empty handed.

So the recovery process begins, anything that is floating receives priority lift to higher ground. Yes, FLOAT. Laundry baskets, toys, basketball, Christmas decorations, etc. All the fatigue masked the anger. Everything in the basement is wet, if not destroyed. Appliances are not meant for submersion, washer, dryer, furnace, water heater, freezer, treadmill. You just have to hope the electricity continues to run the sump-pumps, for the next hours to come.

Hours of recovery later, the floor emerged and the rain also stopped. Efforts turn to cleanup, backup of the sewer system means contamination and the use of a lot of bleach. The floors, walls and anything standing did not escape the cleaning power of chlorine. We have run out of drying room, anything that can be salvage was spread out to dry. Appliances have been unplugged and opened up.

What else can be done now, besides wait, drying and healing time.

As I begin to post this, the authorities are mulling shutting off the main water supply due to rising waters in the proximity of the water plant.

The reality in the new century, sometimes the disasters on the tv can really happen to you too.

Doctorate

What should follow a degree in Mechanical Engineering??

How about a Doctorate in Domestic Engineering.

Oh yeah, we have experimented with toooo many recipes and homemade seems the only way of cooking. List of latest homemade collection:

* cream puffs
* pineapple tart filling (that was many hours of cooking 4 whole pineapples)
* pies - lemon, chocolate, etc etc
* spaghetti sauce
* soups galour
* ice cream
* tooo many more.

Take a close look at the list, this will not have happened in Singapore!!

In the meantime, this is on the dinner menu.

Kevin, see what grilling is all about!! The real deal to the GRILL is MEAT!!

PS: All the cooking compliments to High School Musical 2 blasting in the background.
"Hey Batter batter batter Swing!" .... "I don't dance".

Almost time for BUFFO

In less than a week, we make the hour long trip to see our clown, BUFFO.

Buffo the World's Strongest Clown, supposedly can rip a phonebook in half. Make sure we have our cameras handy, I am already plotting ways to embarrass my family in public. Muahahaha!

377 pounds of beef

A silly thing here, I buy a lot of beef. This year, I purchased half a beef (half a cow to be precise, divide the beast down the middle).
To those who a shuddering, yes you and you, this is a good and price efficient method to feed a family.
-First you contact a farmer, place your order for half or quarter side.
-When the steer is ready for slaughter, the farmer will transport the beast to the butcher.
-Each beef is inspected by watchful eyes, this is not mass production.
-Then let the butcher know your preference for the cuts of beef, how thick for your steaks or how many pounds of ground beef per pack.
-In about 3 days, you can fetch the many many packages of beef from the butcher.
-somehow the gigantic freezer seem too small now.

The total costs for the operation averaged $1.97 per pound, inclusive of steaks.

Now the challenge is to keep it fresh, different receipes for the days of the week.

Yes, I am running out of ideas. Taking suggestions.

BEEF ... that's what for dinner, again.

Elvis lives on.

Flip, flip, flip...."STOP the Channel! That is Elvis!"

The loud 10 year old screams at the person who suppose to be in control. Larry King is interviewing Priscilla Presley at Graceland. Here we are 30 years later, the next generation of Elvis fans singing to Jailhouse Rock and Viva LasVegas.

30 years later,
- Elvis still lives, in the memories of a 5 year old all the back way in Singapore.
- Elvis' songs still blasts on my speakers, this time a 10 year old and a 36 year old sings along.
- Elvis is adored by another generation of screaming girls.
- What will the music landscape look like if Elvis continued to sing?
- Will he still sing at the age of 72? (Tony Bennet is still crooning at 80!)
- Would I have caught one of his towels?

The King still lives.

Splendor of Summer

Splendid beauty in all forms, only during the lazy days of summer.

PS: I have a pair of washer and dryer for sale, suitable for a college apartment. Especially for those who are returning to SCHOOL!!

FOOTBALL

In the path to alleviate my insanity of parenthood fever, FOOTBALL returns to the tele. At this point of time, I dont care which kind of football, just give me something to cheer for.

Ouch, Dallas whipped Indianapolis. But this is just the warm-up. Still a good warm-up.

Aaahhhh..... almost human again.

By the way, I was lost in the morning new magazines last week when I spotted Janet Evans. Yes the fantastic American Olympic Swim team of Matt Biondi, Janet Evans, Greg Louganis, remember? Well, Singapore's Ang Peng Siong did his appearance in the pool too. Anyway, Evans set the world record in the Women's 1500m Freestyle, which was finally broken this year by a newcomer who was born the same year Evans set the record. *scratch head.... 1988. Has it been that long ago?

It has been a long time

I have been here in the States for a long time. 1996 marked my last visit home to Singapore.

Yes indeed that was a long time ago. There have been many suggestions that I take up the citizenship of my country of residence, so far I have not heed any. Regardless of how I may sound now, I was born and educated in Singapore. A country of distinct and praise, who stands out amongst the Muslims neighbours to be a colourblind.

Indeed it was a long time ago. Imagine being away from home for such a prolonged period. In the meantime, my children are fascinated with the Merlion and the amazing spread of food available only on the microscopic representation on the world map.

Indeed someday I shall return home, with the next generation in tow.

Indeed someday Singapore will have a bigger stand on the international scene. Little is known, because of the lack of media coverage, Singapore's contribution to the tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, the support in Iraqi Freedom, Desert Storm, and many more. How can a tiny Nation smaller than DisneyWorld sardined with 3.5 million afford such strength?

Indeed I was well-educated by the system, that encompass heart, empathy, ethics, loyalty, self-sacrifice and most of all honour. Honour thyself with ethical performance for the greater good with heart and loyalty. That is my doctrine which I cannot attest for the next generation. That was what I was taught and grew-up with. We survived the awful horrific occupation by the Japanese in World War II. Singapore also made a stand against racial and religious inequality, only to gain independence. The youth are indoctrinated with how things went bad in history, lessons written in time and blood. Most of all to always help others, and be COURTEOUS.

Indeed I miss Singapore. Home, is here where my children are. In time I will be home to Singapore.

Indeed it has been a long ride.

Indeed I will have stories to tell.

Indeed time has past.

Indeed it has been a long time.

Cheers! Happy Birthday Singapore.

Time Flies

Months ago I was delighted at the prospect that I will be a full time parent. Months later, I was caught sobbing while I was folding laundry. BORED TO TEARS.

The novelty of stay at home priviledge began to wear off when

• the list of "things to fix" neared completion, well, it is complete,
• the garden is over packed with little room for plants, to be precise there is no more room left,
• the garage is overflowing with a garage sale that never seem to happen, namely junk I cleared out from the house,
• there is no more grass to mow, the only grass are brown,
• the biggest excitment of the day came when the last piece of 5 loads of laundry is folded,
• errr ... everyone's shirts (including the 4 year old) are ironed,
• the kids still nick pick at dinner despite the gourmet spread,
• everyone just pranced with muddy (pooppy) shoes over the freshly scrubbed carpet,
• the dogs just rubbed their mud covered bellies on the freshly bleached walls,
• no one cares if the bread is fresh made or store bought,
• you want more??

So the trade-off, battled between parenthood and career. This is a difficult dilemma for most parents, especially single parents. We have an increased personal need to bond and protect the children, yet the sacrifice to provide the needs. A fine line divides the 2 parties, almost like slicing a person into 2, one for career and one for family. Depending on the career, well, any jobs now, the tolerance for single parenthood is at drought stage.

Firstly, the cost of childcare is staggering, 2 full-time children in day-care totals $250.00 per week. Approximately, $6.25 per hour (before tax) contributes to childcare expenses. Please note that minimum wage is only $5.25 per hour, in addition, 25% of the paycheck is immediately deducted for FICA and other taxes applicable by state and federal regulations. The mathematics on this is just mind-bloggling, the justification to work is to pay for the childcare? *scratching head.

Nextly, the workplace demands entirety. Entirety? All or nothing. The full attention to the employer is all that matters, no apologies if your baby-sitter is unavailable or the school has called you 3 times to retrieve your sick child. The little voice bellows in the background, "Wish I don't have to work, so I can just stay home with my children." Be careful what you wish for.

"Weekend and evenings included." That is not for the mobile service, that is your work schedule, thus the dilemma continues for the single parent, what about the children?

Months later, I have savoured both menus presented in its entirety. With winter approaching, the potential for cabin fever developing into insanity is extremely high. The volatility of the mental hyperactivity may result in mental insanity. Words of a mentor, "It is dangerous when an engineer gets bored, because that was how the atomic bomb came around." How true.

My lungs prepares for the large breath before taking the plunge, HOT (101F) summer splendour in my backyard oasis down to the pipes. Exhale, (with the faint scent of the fabulous homemade ravioli lunch), the layer of accumulated dust is blown into the wind. Revealed under a cloud of allergens, my resume. Painfully, I pened the corrections and updates, reaching mental hinderances due to mental inactiveness. Here I thought I was just getting old, I am getting old and forgetful!

How time flies, not only did I lose my body to another pant size, my mental capabilites slipped another notch. Beware, I may be seen walking down the street with pocket protectors, clutching a spiral notebook, rocking and chanting... "KMART Sucks". Uh-Oh.

Helpless here

As the tele continues the overnight coverage of the unfortunate events from Minneapolis, I feel helpless just staring at the screen. But I also know that extre bodies there may hinder the recovery process. All we can hope is more lives will be saved and more miracles.

*my 9 year old asked how the bridge collapse. My observation is the deteriotion of bridge materials due to weather strain, and a sudden shear (sideway) motion caused the the break of the formation. That is not a scientific theory.