Happy Anniversary!

Do you know what you were doing exactly 20 years ago today? I woke up early in the morning to my bed moving. Then went to school where I ducked under my desk several times that day (often prompting teachers to think we were playing practical jokes on them). I got to watch TV in the morning and after school. Memories of January 17, 1994 will forever be burned in my mind.

20 years ago a 6.7 earthquake hit the Los Angeles area. Know as "Northridge" this quake changed laws, regulations, and how engineers analyze and design buildings in seismic zones.

So not only is it a strong memory for me, but it had a great impact on my studies and the work I do now. So yes, I am marking today as an anniversary. And apparently Mother Nature decided to too, sending some small quakes (M2.6 was the greatest) to wake up residents in the valley (right by Studio City).

In the car on the way to school we listened to the radio where they were talking about Northridge and the aftermath. Ellie I said, "I know what to do in an earthquake! You duck and cover your brain to protect it. Mommy, what's an earthquake?" And I guess it's true, you learn to be prepared but don't know what to expect until one actually hits. Northridge wasn't my first quake, nor was it my last. But it was the biggest so far for me, even being 90 miles north Santa Barbara shook and experienced several aftershocks.

At school Ellie really didn't want to be there. She said she wanted to be home and play with her doll house and Luke and Leia. I made her a deal...she goes to school today and I won't make her go to school on Monday (MLK day). She thought that was a great plan.


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