First Thoughts About Ike
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Now that we’re in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike’s tiptoe through the tulips stomp through the Houston-Galveston metropolitan corridor in seven-league jackboots, a thought occurred to me (sound of dull thud).
I found myself thinkin’ about all of the various random and chaotic forces at work that ultimately brought a storm like Ike to this particular spot on the globe. I mean, back when it was just a glimmer in the local weather guy’s eye, who would’ve given odds it would eventually end up right here?
Humble Beginnings
At first, it was just what they call a “tropical wave”, heading west off the African coast. It was much too far away to really think about; at least for us. “Hey (we said to ourselves), it’s half a world away; we can think about it later.”
But after a few days it changed from a mild-mannered warm front into a tropical storm (winds +45 mph - 72 kph), and not long after that, a hurricane (+65 mph - 105 kph). Projected tracks had it heading towards Florida, but with a turn to the north; grazing the East Coast of the U.S. Those of us in the Gulf Coast area said to ourselves, “Hey, nothin’ for us to worry about,” we said with somewhat misplaced confidence (sound of big sighs of relief). “It may not even make it into the Gulf.”
(In the meantime, Hurricane Gustav scored, right between the goalposts of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, wreaking havoc across a broad swath of the Deep South.)
But then the picture changed a bit. Ike’s projected track suddenly switched from the eastern side of Florida to the western side. That meant it would enter the Gulf of Mexico - never a good thing when the water temperature that drives these storms is so warm and full of energizing power. Still, it wasn’t headed here - or where Gustav just hit - so again, big sighs of relief all around. (Understand; it’s not that we wish it on anyone else, mind you…)
But even as the majority of predictive models showed a northern track, there was still this one possible path that pointed our way. But hey, it was only one out of 8 or 10 models, and the weather folks assured us it was “not the most accurate one anyway”. Hrm; should we be concerned? Well…
Taking Aim
The next morning, everything changed and just like that (sound of snapping fingers), every weather model had our little buddy Ike pointed to a spot just west of Houston, Texas. Huh? How’d that happen? Alas, it seemed an unexpected confluence of high- and low-pressure areas was conspiring to drive Ike pretty much right at us. Suddenly the prospect of a strong (and steadily getting stronger) storm became all too real.
As the old saying goes, “What do you mean, ‘don’t panic’? Bubba, this looks like the perfect time to panic!”
Well, you know what I mean. Now it became a guessing game as to just how far to the west it would hit. Too close, and we’d get the worst of it. Far enough away, and it’s at most only heavy rains and some windy spells. For a day or two there was far too much uncertainty to know which scenario would ultimately win.
Finally, Ike turned and took aim at Galveston. Lemme tell ya, serious battening down commenced! Or, as the news media became rather fond of saying, we “hunkered down” for the hammer blow. And what a blow it was!
At the last minute, Ike strengthened even more, and with sustained wind speeds clocked at over115 mph (185 kph) it whanged into the Texas coast with the force of multiple nuclear blasts. (Think I’m kidding? You’d be amazed how much energy is contained in a storm the size of a hurricane.)
Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Passin’ Through
Almost as if following a map, Hurricane Ike traveled right up the main traffic corridor of Interstate 45, across Galveston Island and right through Houston and beyond. As it passed, it knocked out the power to virtually the entire corridor - which amounts to about 2.5 million people’s homes and businesses.
High winds caused many power transformers all over the place to literally explode, igniting many fires across the city. One area on Galveston Island saw an entire row of houses burned down. Fire fighters were powerless to do anything in the midst of the storm; they just had to let it burn.
Within hours of crossing the coastline, the eye (now about 25 miles wide) passed over the eastern half of the Houston area, bringing hurricane-force winds with it. Over the course of the next 12 hours Ike finally lost enough strength to become “just a storm” again, then finally a big rainmaker as it continued its course up through Tennessee and Illinois and even beyond.
The Story of My Life
Ya know, the story of ol’ Ike seems almost like the story of my life. No, don’t laugh; I’m serious. (Especially you in the back with the purple suspenders and pink, fuzzy slippers on - you ain’t got nothin’ to laugh about.)
I mean, when I think about it, it’s easy to see that the course of my own life (and I would venture to guess, yours too) has pretty much been dictated by a combination of forces that directed me to what I’m doing now. For instance, when I was still just a kid (that’s human, not goat), two events set the course of my life. Oddly enough, they both involve my grandmother.
One was the discovery of a huge pile of science fiction magazines in my grandmother’s attic. The other was when she helped me make a decision that would influence me forever; she pointed my active little mind towards what would become a lifelong fascination with space, adventure, and science.
These experiences were kinda like that warm front leaving the coast of Africa; by the time that happened, Ike’s future was set. In the same way, those two episodes essentially set the tone for the rest of my life.
Along the way, various weather fronts, along with the shifting shape of the jet stream helped tickle and jiggle Ike’s eventual course. Again, in a similar fashion there were plenty of other influences making measurable impacts on my life.
I mean, besides the “whole life” experiences (if you get my meanin’) of becoming a Christian, as well as meeting and marrying Mrs. MZM, there were all kinds of obstacles and epiphanies and career goal reevaluations. Not to mention the many places I’ve had the privilege of visiting and/or working in. They all conspired to direct me toward where I am (and for that matter, where I’m going) right now.
When my career settled down and I got into Project Management, it was like Ike entering the Gulf and powering up. Although I’ve been doing engineering work for some time now, I really enjoyed the work and all. Still, there were a few things I wasn’t sure of - like, did I want to stay in Project Management forever, or was there yet a more interesting career path available.
Hurricane Bob
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to switch over to the consulting side of the engineering business. Finally, it all seemed to come together, and it feels like my life’s course is set for the remainder of my career. Ever since I finished my third degree, there were certain, well, things, I wanted to get into - I just didn’t know how to break into it, if you know what I mean.
But now I’m able to take a bead on some of those goals and aspirations with some measure of confidence that I’ll actually, you know, get there. Talk about exciting! It’s given me a new lease on life, so to speak, and supercharged my thinking. And, just as Ike strengthened right before storming the beach like the Allies at Normandy, it feels like I’m finally hitting my full stride.
After Hurricane Ike plowed through Galveston Island, some parts of the coastline that were changed forever. Some of it washed away, some of it even grew bigger - hey, it happens. But whatever else you can say about it, Ike has surely left a mark, both on the land, and in folk’s memories, that won’t soon be forgotten.
Unlike Ike, however, instead of wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of devastation and destruction, I plan to leave a trail of, you know, positive results in my path. In other words, I’d like to leave a mark on this ol’ world - but in a good way, of course.
So What About You?
OK, I hope I haven’t been too guilty of waxing eloquent here (a term that roughly means to lay it on thick and polish it to a nice, shiny finish). Yeah, I can hear the snores now. Sorry ‘bout that. But it sorta begs the question, doesn’t it?
So tell me what you think, here. Am I off base? Do I make a good point, or should I go back to my old job as a crash-test dummy?
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27 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Robert, it’s great that you can take something positive away from such a horrific experience. Whatever path you take from hear, I wish you success.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Blog Design Features You Can Love
Robert, thanks for sharing those first thoughts. We are fortunate here to live in a hurricane free zone and it is fascinating and horrifying in equal measure to read about its oncoming approach, and then the whack as it hits.
Interesting to see how you reflect on this in relation to your own life - the forces that have shaped and influenced you, and also the way that you want to shape and influence the impact you leave behind. I know it will be positive and beneficial to others, because it’s fueled by good intentions.
It’s wonderful to hear you’ve got into that ‘zone’ where everything seems to be coming together. Like Brad I wish you every success in where it takes you.
PS I’m happy to read lots more about the hurricane - it’s fascinating to me
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Can’t Get To Vegas? Come and Expo Here
@Brad - Thanks, Brad. I decided right off there would be NO complaining or whining here about the storm. After all, Mrs. MZM and I are far, far better off than many others who shared the experience. No, I’d rather take what we saw and make positive lessons out of ‘em.
@Joanna - Thank you so much, my friend. Yes, the ‘zone’ AND the Zone are where I was meant to be! Glad to have finally found the door!
I’m glad you folks up in the northern latitudes never have to experience such a thing! And have no worries - there’s lots more to tell about Ike!
I love your self-reflexivity, Robert. First off, I was so relieved to know that you and yours were all safe and well. Secondly, I really identify with your goal of leaving your mark on this world - a positive, life-affirming mark rather than a catastrophically, destructive one, of course!
Good to see you blogging again
Amy
xx
Aw, shucks, Amy (shuffles feet). Self-reflexivity, eh? Yeah, I guess that’s what happens when you have no power to run the million things we surround ourselves with and we have nothing to do but, um, think. Gotta watch out for that.
Anyhoo - thanks; it’s great to be back!
Go for it! In my last contribution to WILF I talked about looking for one job and winding up with something very different. It was a huge surprise and the best paid job I ever had. Regard it as a great adventure, one that you will share with us, of course.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Is This Really The Best Use of My Time?
Robert,
I just love this analogy — and I love the way your life mirrors Hurricane Ike in every way but one: the destructive aspect! Bravo! Wonderful piece!
About Ike’s change-of-course: Because my sister lives in southwest Florida, I was so relieved when I heard that Ike’s path had changed and the hurricane would no longer threaten her area. But, when I realized that you were now in its path, I once again became concerned. I’m so thankful that everything ended up working out well for both you and my sister!
Jeanne
@Jean - I love it, Jean - yes indeedy; it’s a great adventure, all right! I can’t wait to see where it leads, too. That’s half the fun. Already a totally new thing has opened up I never knew existed until I got into the new job. And trust me; you’ll be hearing about it sooner or later. I’m just sayin’.
@Jeanne - Thanks so much; glad you liked it. ‘Course, I had to, you know, actually endure a hurricane to come up with it (which might be a post in itself, come to think of it). But still…
You know, it’s kinda like Russian Roulette (no offense to Russians intended). Once these things form, they gotta go somewhere; very rarely do they fizzle out. It’s mainly just a question of “where” and “how hard”. And the Gulf of Mexico is an incubator; the waters are so warm that anything that makes it in there is going to be a problem for someone.
Glad for your sister, although I remember some years when Florida got hammered multiple times. I’ll take Texas, myself.
Yes, Robert, it’s too bad that to learn anything significant from a negative experience we usually have to experience it first! (Someone has to figure out a way around that someday!)
About your Russian Roulette remark: No offense taken. (Though, I suppose that, since I’m only half Russian, I’d only be allowed to let the Russian half take offense; and, since I haven’t figured out how to do that, I won’t allow either half to do it!
Seriously, though, hurricanes are just like that — very unpredictable. I suppose Texas does usually tend to fare better than Florida does, though. So, despite the Gulf’s incubator effect, you’re probably better off, overall, since most hurricanes never make it out your way.
Well, that’s been mostly true in the last few years, anyway. Florida gets it so much more often because they’re kinda in the line of fire, if you know what I mean.
And hey, thanks for takin’ care of the Russian half, there!
Robert,
I’m glad that you made it through Ike ok! I’m wishing you some peaceful weather ahead, put the hurricanes of life on hold for a while.
Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..Enter the D-Pan ASL Music Give Away Here!
Thanks, Karen. I’d love for things to just settle down so I can have that nervous breakdown I’ve been wanting…
Robert, what an incredible post. I have never been in a hurricane, at least not the weather kind. This year in Michigan I experienced fierce storms that ripped up trees, caused widespread power failures and was as close as I ever want to get to hurricane conditions. My heart goes out to your region and again I am so thankful you and the Mrs. made it through. I am fascinated by the entire phenomenon and how it takes a convergence of conditions to change a storm into a hurricane. Yes, I clearly see the life parallels. I am glad that you have found your eye of the storm and have no doubt that you will leave a huge mark (you’re already doing it) on this world. Hurricane Hruzek, LOL! (But the good kind).
Karen Swims last blog post..Truth or Madness Monday
You’re too kind, Karen; thanks for the affirmation. “Hurricane Hruzek” - good one! (Although it sounds more like the nickname of a starting tackle for the Packers. Or something.)
Wow, didn’t know about those storms up in your neck of the woods, though. Glad you guys did OK. There ain’t nothin’ like that kind of roaring wind to make you feel kinda small and vulnerable, is it?
No problem at all reining in my Russian half, Robert! I know you’d do the same for me!
You bet, Jeanne! Say, any idea where the idea of Russian Roulette came from? Was it primarily a literary invention, or was there really such a thing?
Very interesting read. Those pictures really tell the story.
Not sure if you have gotten the chance to read about Hurricane Ike and the mark it left on Cuba. While you may not be interested in it at all, I would still highly suggest it. Just to get a different perspective on Ike, from people who have different views.
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Thanks for reminding us - it’s easy to forget there were others hit just as hard or harder. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Cuban people as well.
Good question, Robert. Might just have to research that…
Just Googled Russian Roulette and no one seems to be certain of its true history. Check out this link:
The Straight Dope: Did the Russians ever play Russian Roulette?
Thanks, Jeanne; that’s about what I’ve uncovered myself. I’d be willing to bet that ultimately it’s a literary invention that’s stuck in folks’ imaginations.
That was a great that you can take something positive away from such a horrific experience.
Could very well be, Robert!
very well be, Robert! it’s great that you can take something positive away from such a horrific experience Very interesting read love your self-reflexivity Interesting to see how you reflect on this in relation to your own life..
Howdy, Hendrik! Hey, I appreciate your kind remarks. Thanks for dropping by the Zone, and I hope you come back soon.