Quake redux

February 22, 2011 (my 28th birthday)

What more could you ask for on your birthday? A 6.3 magnitude aftershock in the middle of lunchtime on a weekday.

Princess Margaret Hospital stood up well - a bit more rubble came through the EQ strengthening gaps, a bunch more windows blew out & we're going to have to order another batch of monitors. At the moment, there's no decision about non-clinical staff getting back to work, which is understandable.

The flat is fine, I finally got in contact with Mum & Dad this morning & we had a good chat. Mum's been past the River Rd house - the brick garage is demolished, but she hasn't been inside/around the back. Leanne's place is standing strong, although they have no services at the moment. Mainly awaiting power so that the water pumping station can start up again. They've got plenty of food & access to bore water from a friend on Marshlands Rd.

All friends & family are accounted for - a few work in the CBD & were without their cellphones or contact methods until they found their way home (yay for bikes, seems to be the best way to get around at the moment).

Currently just taking it easy - hard to know what to do, but I may put some nervous energy into baking.

Because it's hard to keep up

OK, trust me, there's been some exercising. Sunday swims (1400m last weekend!), back into the gym again (personal trainer session booked for next week, in an attempt to get a gym programme I'll actually stick to), plenty of successful climbs & a few bike rides.

I'm realising that exercise is easier for me in the mornings, so as much as I like bed & sleep, I'm trying to go to the gym before work. Early to bed, early to rise etc etc, though I find the best technique is surprise. If I get up without thinking too hard, I don't really notice it.

Without further ado, demolition photos at Mum & Dad's place:

Pulling the roof off so the door lintel breaks

Knocking in the walls

About to start pulling the roof down

Earthquake!

Saturday, 4/9/10, 4:30am. 7.1 magnitude, epicentre near Darfield.

Major fissures at eastern end of the block, by Banks Ave

Crack where the bridge meets the land

Medway St footbridge

One of the chimneys. Other one is about 2/3 collapsed

Bifold doors popped out of the frame

Floor of the dining room has moved away from the rest of the house, causing the step to come away from the floor

Window by the kitchen/breakfast area

Mum & Dad's place is pretty munted, as is their street. The joy of being on the river. My flat's OK, we're obviously in a good spot & in a nice modern building.