BREAKING NEWS: East Coast is hit with a 5.9 Magnitude Earthquake

It looks like we all survived. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers as the East Coast deals with the devastation and aftermath of today's earthquake. Ok, I'm kidding. It was more unnerving than damaging and was definitely scary for an East Coast native like myself.  I thought the building was going to collapse. Thank God for building codes! Also, since cell phones were down for about a 1/2 hour thank God for Twitter and Facebook. 


I think most reactions were, "the ground ain't supposed to move!" Things might have fallen off of the shelves and it only lasted roughly 15 seconds (it felt like FOREVER) but no major damage has been reported. Below is a photo of all reported damage:

This isn't the first quake to hit the area since I have lived here, but I slept through the 3.6 magnitude on July 16 of last year. I know what I felt today and I don't want to feel it again. At first I thought it was construction, then I thought it was a bomb and then I realized it was an earthquake. My first reaction was to text my friends to confirm it but I realized my cell phone wasn't working so I did what anyone else would have done...I tweeted "Earthquaaaaaakkkeee!!!!!" and ran into the doorway of the bathroom because thats what the movies told me to do. I stayed there until it appeared the tv would fall off of the dresser so I moved it and ran back into the doorway. I don't know how you West Coast natives deal with the ground shaking. At least when a hurricane hits we have some sort of warning. 


Let's hope there isn't an aftershock. #DCEarthquake2011 (yes, I know the epicenter was in Virginia.)

Breaking news: Hundreds feared dead in Chinese earthquake

Source: CNN

 Nearly 400 people are feared dead after a rapid series of strong earthquakes hit a mountainous and impoverished area of China's Qinghai province early Wednesday, state-run media said.
At least 10,000 others were injured, the Xinhua news agency reported, and many victims, including school children, were buried under debris. Rescuers were struggling to clear debris with their hands and save those trapped below.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake, as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck at 7:49 a.m. local time (7:49 p.m. ET Tuesday), when many citizens were still at home and schools were beginning the day. The USGS also recorded several strong aftershocks -- one of magnitude 5.8 -- all within hours of the initial quake.

The epicenter was located in remote and rugged terrain, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Qamdo, Tibet. Qinghai borders the autonomous regions of Tibet and Xingjiang and the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan.

 Meanwhile, First lady Michelle Obama and Second lady Jill Biden are getting first hand experiences with the devastation caused by the quake in Haiti as well as the results of relief efforts. Released reports claim the US has already given $1 billion in relief and has pledged $1 billion more. Good lawd thats a lot of money. 

On a sidenote I'm not climate expert so can someone tell me if we should be having so many earthquakes? Did one of you do something to tick off Big G?

Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. 

Tell us how you REALLY feel: The 5 BEST things about being snowed in

We've listed the 5 WORST things about being snowed in. Now its time to list the 5 BEST things about being snowed in.


1. No School + no work=free time. Have you ever worked so hard you started to dream about what you would do if you had a day off? Imagine what you would do if that 1 day off turned in to 6?? When was the last time THAT happened?! You can get caught up on work and get ahead at school. Best of all, you can take some of the pressure off of yourself because you've been granted a mini vacay. You can use the extra time to do things you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity or the time to do. Think about the direction of your life. Think about your career path. Research different career paths. Find out how to start your own business or non-profit organization. OR

Your daydreams can be epic like the Odyssey;

Your thoughts can become deeper than the abyss; and

Your lazy can become legendary;

Thank you mother nature!

2. Snowball fights: there is something about landing a tightly pack imperfect sphere in the middle of a strangers face. The race to pack more snowballs is almost as fun as hitting people with them. Not to mention you allow yourself to completely submerse yourself in a child-like atmosphere. Its a feeling I love almost as much as I love sweet potato pie (reserve your judgment).

3. Spending time with your family and friends. As Young Professionals, we often get caught up in our lives so much that we forget about the people that matter. -->Since there is nothing else to do you learn more about the people in your circle and you should feel good about it. Play games, watch your favorite movies, and -->wrap it up snuggle up.

4. Snowball fights. They never get old.

5. The beautiful scenery. Before the snow is touched my the hands of man, it is beautiful. It covers trees and you can capture post card worthy photos on a daily basis. The next time you're frustrated about having to dig your car out, whip out a camera and start snapping.

Well friends, its that time again. Tell us how you REALLY feel. What is the BEST part about being snowed in?

Image source: http://www.epidemicfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/snowman_party.jpg