The day that was.....

I think most of Brisbane woke up this morning with the anticipation of seeing real disaster - and we did.  Homes completely engulfed by water, businesses lost and unfortunately some more lose of life.

Again my family and I are very fortunate that we are fine, but the emotional toll and worry is still there.  I have been feeling very depressed for the last couple of days which is very unlike me, and I haven't been able to work out why.  I suddenly realised this afternoon that I feel "survivors guilt".  It is a strange sensation - but one I think anyone who was lucky enough to avoid any problems is probably feeling.  It is heartbreaking to watch the news and see all of our fellow Brisbanites and beyond sifting through mud which was once their belongings.  Until the water recedes somewhat, there is not a lot we can do to volunteer our help, but there will be plenty to do once the water does recede.

I pulled myself together a bit today though and tried to focus on the children.  So after a day of scrabble, snakes and ladders and drawing up our dream boards (mine and my daughters consisted solely of a pool - to which my daughter remarked "I would like a pub beside my pool thanks Mum" - she is only 6, and we hardly drink.... honestly), we took a quick trip to the shops and bought ourselves a treat.

My husband then came home early and we both sat on the couch and had a little weep for our city, then again pulled ourselves together and went for a drive to see the Brisbane River.  It is an amazing site.  After a stressful day we then treated ourselves and the kids to Mexican and came home.... all in all feeling a little better with the news that relatives that we thought would loose everything have made it back to their unit to the amazement that they escaped any water damage.

On a better note, it is amazing to see our community pull together as it has.  All Queenslander's should feel very proud of themselves.

Jen & Row
www.shimi.com.au

Rain, rain go away

I am sure everyone in Queensland is feeling the same way.  Enough with the rain already!!  Apart from the fact this it has created devastation throughout the state, I think kids everywhere are going stir-crazy and in turn driving their parents crazy.

But to be serious the families affected by this constant rain have been left with literally nothing.  Insurance may or may not cover these events as flood is a exclusion on most policies unless the consumer specifically requests flood cover, and in turn pays the premium to ensure this cover.  So now is the time to donate people, just go to this website http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/floodrelief to make your donations.

At Shimi we will be doing our best to donate all we can, however personally we have also pledged clothing and furniture, rather then sell them at a garage sale as originally planned.    I also have a bassinet and a pram that I was planning to ebay, but if you have a friend or family member in need due to the flood devastation, please contact me at info@shimi.com.au and I will gladly pass these items along.

On a less serious note, the children are driving me mad.  I have always heard mums talk about how much they are looking forward to their children going back to school, and I have never personally felt that way.  Don't get me wrong, I have had my bad days, but all in all we usually enjoy our holidays together.  Not so this time.....  The few days that we have managed trips to the park or pool have been great days, but the days we have been couped up inside are downright miserable.  One child (who is way to smart for her own good) teasing ruthlessly and the other child (who at four already has too much testosterone in his little body) letting his anger get the better of him.

Oh well, there are far worse things that could happen - so much make the best of it.  Actually I have just watched the news and there are numerous towns in Southern Queensland that are having houses and cars washed away in these devastating floods, so I have absolutely NOTHING to complain about.

Jen & Row
www.shimi.com.au