Clean-up continues

What a week!

Except for Thursday and today when I had to work all day, I was able to go out and volunteer everyday this week. I've had such an amazing experience so far! Clean up has only begun, so I know there is lots more to do. I've met the kindest, most gracious people. On Wednesday I went back with Abby to Rideau Park. We met at this family's home who had most of their basement cleaned out; we just needed to load the dumpsters. The man who owned this home is a provincial/city judge and said that we had a get out of jail free card for the rest of our lives! They were awesome. And while I was in the basement vacuuming, I found an old TMNT watch. I showed their grown son, and he was stoked. I guess one of the boys had hidden it in the chimney a long time ago and somehow it ended up in the basement wall. He said he was going to get it fixed and surprise his brother. Little stories like this warm my heart while I'm busy throwing a life's worth of valuables in the trash! Seriously, watches, fur coats, tvs, scrapbooks, shoes, everything is tossed. People sure are resilient.

I had no need to bring lunch, water or snacks because everywhere I looked I could find someone handing out anything you could need. There was a food truck parked on the corner that Shaw had paid for unlimited food for the homeowners and volunteers. It's evident that everyone here really cares about one another.

 On Friday morning Abby and I headed back to the same street. We loaded up more dumpsters and checked on the people we have been helping. One lady, whom I had first met on Monday, had been a nervous wreck. She was so upset and was having panic attacks that she couldn't even be in her home anymore. When I saw her again on Friday, she was a new person! Seeing improvements like this have made this time even more worthwhile.

Yesterday a group of us headed out to Bragg Creek. Their command center at the community center was top notch. We went to a house down the highway and tore out a deck that was in the creek, sorted and loaded the garbage.

{photos stolen from Ginette off facebook- thanks!}

In other news, I started working at the till at Home Depot, and it's a very nice change of pace from the online training I've been doing all week. Today I worked at the self checkout station and learned all about that. Also, my mom has just returned from her 10 day escapade to Utah. Hooray!

Love,

M

Look for the Helpers

After this made the rounds back in April after Boston, I find new meaning in it. There are so many caring people that it buoys up everyone here affected.

I just want to give everyone in this whole area a hug right now. The amount of devastation is well, devastating. Did you hear about the Zoo? A zookeeper risked his life by guarding a window with a rifle in hand so a hippo (the most dangerous animal) wouldn't escape. The poor giraffes might not make it either since they were so exposed to the cold! 

In the way of heartwarming, kindness is everyone. I am seriously so proud of this city.

Today went like this; first day of work which including the first part of training. I'm happy to be working at a place where I'll be able to help people rebuild and be involved!

 I'm orange aproned! 

I came home, took Jack on a walk with my cute neighbor girl, and hitched a ride with some friends down to a different flood devastated area. We went by a few addresses we were given and upon finding the people there had things under control, we went exploring for more people. We ended up in a one bedroom apartment with some other volunteers. The homeowners were nowhere to be found. After that, we came across a cool guy with two 120 year old homes right on the Elbow River. We had a good chat with him and helped him prep for the 10 firemen that are coming in the morning. All the while people came up to us with bug spray, cookies, pizza, beer and coffee for those who like it, donuts, and fresh fruit and trail mix. 

Even though we're surrounded by the ugliest piles of rubble and sludge, I have been finding the brightest and beautiful people. Truly diamonds in the rough. I just happy to be a part of it. 

 Parking within the neighborhoods is a huge issue because there has to be room for the homeowners, the dumpsters, and the volunteers.

 This area was caked with more wet piles of mud that made parking difficult.

 So this is me in the apartment looking semi normal compared to the full shot-

I'm so knock-kneed it is even funny. I seriously thought I was standing like a normal person. Oh what can you do.   on another note...Go Flames Go?

Another day, another amazing humbling day. Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers, especially those in High River. They haven't even been back to their homes yet and I'm sure nothing is left. For those of you reading this outside of this area, you can help by making a donation to the Red Cross. For those of you who do live close, make sure you just go find something to do and someone to help!

I found this via Pinterest:

Are you dying? I am. This is the cutest. 

Until next time!

Love,

MM

Overwhelmed and Oversludged

Today was spent caked in mud and dirt hauling out ruined belongings, saturated carpet, and drywall from destroyed basements. Throughout the day, the group of us were able to help out in at least eight homes. These houses were actually lucky, no flooding had reached the main floor. I seriously have so many amazing memories of this day. I can't record them all but I'll try!

 I was doubly dirty by the end of the day. Awesome. (That's not sarcasm, it really was fun).

We saw so many books going into the dumpster. This one seemed a little too ironic not to document!

Today was marvelous. It felt so good to finally be doing something that actually makes an immediate difference. Almost all of the people we helped had little to no family or friends available to help so we really could step in. I met so many new friends today and I feel like I have a new little neighborhood to love. This kind of destruction is all over this city and surrounding area, not to mention High River is still a lake. Everyone is really stepping up and smiles and hope is all around!

I'll be back for more!

Extra love,

Megan

PS First day of work tomorrow! Let's sell some construction supplies!

This Bulging River

To help lighten the mood.. I tried and failed to find the clip of "the Bulging River" from Waiting for Guffman. If you happen to have the old relic on DVD I'd watch the quality deleted scene. It really sets the mood here.

I surely have experienced a bulging river with bountiful banks. With the flooding in my city of Calgary starting on Thursday, I had no idea what kind of damage would be done. Keep in mind many parts of the city and area are still under water and there is no estimate on the damage. I've been so fortunate to be far enough away from the flood plain; my life (If I stayed in my neighborhood and didn't watch the news) would be definitely business as usual.

On Friday I woke up, got ready for my second interview at The Home Depot and lo and behold..

I am now employed! I'm so grateful. I've applied to at least 20 places since I got home at the beginning of May and this job is perfect timing. Just a few nights ago I had a real hard time sleeping since I was worrying about not having a job yet! Plus I know the store will be really busy since so many homes have been flooded. Even though people have to buy their own supplies and it is a business, I still feel like I can be of service to those that are struggling.

Friday continued with my dad coming home from work early since nothing was happening, being glued to the screen(s) watching the news, getting steel toed boots, getting pizza, and a bike ride down to see the crazy crazy river, along with the rest of the neighborhood.

{On another note, Saturday brought my extra zeal to get in shape. I bought a pass to the local yoga studio and went to a hot yoga class. I love it and it shall continue. }

Tonight my dad and I took a drive around to see some of the damage. Apparently the river has receded quite a bit so that is better news!

 I have seriously been so impressed by the spirit of everyone in this city. It is honestly a little celestial. Even though destruction is everywhere, there is optimism and there is plenty of helping hands. I am honestly so proud to live here, and I'm going to do my part since I have been so blessed. I could say so much more about this but I gotta get to sleep so I can wake up and clean up!



So here's this cute weirdo

 and how nice is this? This is just one of many kindly deeds.

So check out CNN-

That's our Stampede grounds! Seriously I hope The Big Show can and will go on.

and The Calgary Herald-

Those are just a few I've been frequenting. And honestly I only visit CNN to confirm that this normally under the radar city has made front page American news. Dis is real man.

It's late, I've managed to post on a Sunday night with a now unusual post. I should be back next Sunday night (and before that) with my Short Sunday Sampling because those lists are fun.

Keep it up Calgary, I sure do love you!

-MM