[bootless]

Of course, the 1989 earthquake was nowhere near the magnitude of 9-11, and was a natural cause disaster, but I had never been IN an event where people died. I lived in the city of SF at the time, was commuting home from the Financial District, so I was outside for the quake. I watched the Bay Bridge deck collapse on my little TV while waiting for the bus. Took 2.5 hours to get home - normally a half hour ride.

And interesting thing - on my walk to the bus, I spoke to a man visiting from Minnesota. He had been in Stacey's Bookstore, looking for a book on the Great Quake of 1906.

I was just about paralyzed for the next day or so. Our house was basically OK - just stuff knocked over, but I couldn't do anything about it. It was just strange. It took a while to get back into my life. I felt horrible about it, because I hadn't been hurt, but there was this pall over the city for a while, even in the midst of many people helping other people.

And, I can still hear the dull roar of the quake, and the facing of the Palace Hotel hitting the sidewalk.

God bless you...

[NYC GOP Chick]

I was just about paralyzed for the next day or so.

I know that feeling. When I got to my office late that afternoon, I suppose I was somewhat in shock -- at least that's what one of the few people who was still there when I arrived told people the next day. Apparently, I went from stunned and silent to babbling and manic. I don't remember much of the next few days, other than my dad pretty much leading me around and taking care of me.