Thursday, August 14, 2003

Our whole computer system was down for most of the day. I posted that one entry this morning, visited a couple other blogs and then our internet died. And all other network programs were also down. We didn’t know it was the worm virus from the other day until about 2:30pm. Turns out our IT folks decided to shut down the whole net to stop the worm from spreading, then they started checking each server - one by one - and bringing them back up when everything was clean. I got internet back at about 4:30pm.

Hmmm…

I heard about the power outages in the northeast at about 5:00pm, when LW and I were talking with The Marshal and he casually mentioned it and assured us it wasn’t the result of a terrorist attack. So we went to watch TV in the conference room - and it was eerily reminiscent of 9/11. And I found myself with the same minor anxiety I had on that day - the Cooties work in Manhattan - and I knew that if the power didn’t come on quickly, they would have a hard time getting to their day care to pick up CootieGirl and then home.

We haven’t heard from them, at least I haven’t yet.  I can’t wait to read Jaynee’s post tomorrow (or whenever she’s able to do it) about their trek home. If you pray, please pray for them and all who are without power tonight.

UPDATE (8:15pm): OK, I’m a little concerned. Denis called Mom, he managed to get to Hoboken, he’s hooked up with some fellas - one has a car. So he’s gone to get the car and is going to return to pick up Denis and another guy to take them home. Denis will then pick up CootieGirl from the day care center.

We have no idea where Jaynee is. She hasn’t called Denis or us at all, so we’re thinking that she doesn’t have a working cell phone for some reason. I’m guessing that she’s pretty unhappy now, worried for Denis and CootieGirl, and wondering how on earth she’s going to get home from mid-town to New Jersey. Fortunately, she’s a smart lady, she will find a way home. I just worry more for her emotional state than her physical safety at this point.

And they have no power at home too - Mom tried to call their home phone to leave a message on their machine. The machine didn’t pick up.

So as I said, if you pray, please pray for Jaynee (and all affected, especially as it gets darker) and Denis, he’s worried about Jaynee too, of course. I’ll keep you posted as I get news from Mom.

ANOTHER UPDATE (9:15pm): They’re all home. Yay! I can’t wait to hear their odyssey.