rock you like a hurricane in 2013-2014

So, uh, we're getting hit by a hurricane right now. Category 2, 100 mph. In a beach house on a barrier island. This is not the smartest thing I've ever done, but metrics and local authorities suggest that we will not face certain doom. We're not even under an evacuation order (although a fire truck came by earlier shouting instructions for the voluntary shelter on a bullhorn). Hurricane flags are flying and I can smell it. There is a chance we could be stranded here for an extra day or two if the roads wash out. My parents, hurricane pros, aren't even worried.

The kids are in bed. The real stuff shouldn't hit until after midnight. The adults are playing games, watching TV, and drinking. Rock You Like a Hurricane and Riders on the Storm are playing over the house speakers. We've pulled everything inside, the property manager came by to move some things and give instructions, and sandbagged the ground floor door in case the pool overflows. This afternoon, the men and kids played laser tag, the womenfolk went shopping for supplies, and I babysat my six-year-old future niece. We bonded hardcore. We played a game called Hide The Toys (from boys and wind) and I taught her to float on her back. Now everyone really loves me. (Also, for my hurricane experience.)

I fully expect a sleepless, noisy night full of crying kids and wind. One of the three-year-olds was already freaking out because her sister told her that if she went outside she would blow away, and the fourteen-year-old is slightly autistic with major storm anxiety. Aaron and I promised cuddle parties to aforementioned six-year-old.

In not-storm news, I survived the ladies luncheon (which was just us dressed slightly nicer and going out for a kid-less lunch) and Aaron took me kayaking on Tuesday. I was probably useless (except for my weight as a balance). It was still fun! He's a good instructor.

Monday I had a... moment. It was like reverse shellshock. We played Catchphrase, which is high pressure and competitive. All 32 of us. Kids through great-grandma. No one fought or argued. No one yelled. Afterward, the winners went up to get dessert first and... nothing. I was stupidly tense and ended up claustrophobic and needing to sit alone on top of the cabana deck watching the sunset with Aaron fretting over me (not helpful--it was that overwhelmed feeling, introverts). Since then I've gotten better about relaxing and letting my guard down, but also ensuring that I have plenty of 'alone' time during the day. 32 people in a house is kind of loud.

The rain has started.

Update later, after the storm. :)