Day 2 of normalcy

It isn't obvious to me that Ike even really touched JSC. The clean up crew that was out here last week did an outstanding job cleaning things up and making things safe for the NASA workers like me to return this week. Just a few trees with Caution Tape around them. I love this place.

I am so lucky to have the job I've worked for my whole life with NASA. Especially in times like this, when NASA puts family first, we don't have to worry about pay loss when running for our lives, and if anyone should need anything, the NASA family is ready to go to help you. Dont' get me wrong, NASA is still part of the Executive Branch of the US government, and so by nature, has had its blunders and drama. But I think Hurricane Rita was a great dry-run for us (and for all of Houston) and so I feel like Ike went as smooth as possible for my NASA friends and my family.

Even our neighborhood has done its part to show its pride in cleaning up the area starting the day after the storm. Below is a pic I took this morning on my run. It's not the worst house, nor a house with less damage. Just a house with some roof damage and debris. But a snapshot of our neighborhood anyway.

Anna-Marie was not too happy to go back to school today. Surprise! Even before Ike, she was hit or miss with clinging at drop-off, even though her teachers tell me she is happy all day. Her separation anxiety set in when she hit 1 year old and was moved up to the Toddler I room, away from her friends and familiar teachers. Well, change is hard, and then summer hit, when her now newly familiar Toddler I teachers took vacations and staff was shuffled around. Separation anxiety level raised. Now with the start of the new school year, she has moved up to Toddler II with yet new friends and teachers. She was just starting to adjust when Ike threw her for a loop. And apparently the other Toddlers too after their extended absence from routine at school.

Otherwise, Anna was very cheerful and sweet this morning. She's still sleeping in till a little after 8, even with a 7:30-8:00pm bedtime. I am not sure what to think of this yet. On one hand, it gives me more time to get dressed in the morning while she's sleeping. On the other, we're rushed to get out the door in time for me to be to work at a decent hour! I would love it on the weekends. But I guess we'll see how long it lasts and how it all goes.