Well, the Earth decided it needed to let off a little steam yesterday. In the form of a big rumble south of the border. San Diego does not have any active fault lines directly under it. Even though, I am not sure I fully trust scientists when they say that. Because every time an earthquake hits in a new place, they kind of act like, “Oh! We didn’t know there was a fault line there?!”

The one that hit yesterday afternoon that registered at 7.2 on the richter scale, wasn’t exciting in its strength but its length. It went on for awhile. RUUUUMMBBLLE, RUUUUMMMBBBBLLLEEE,rumble (okay, I am still in the house at this point)..rumble, rumble (yeah, grabbing the dog and out the door).

Speaking as a native of the Quake State, over time you develop your own richter scale. The richter scale starts at “I think I am just going to stay here.” up to “Holy Shit! Grab the dog and get the hell out!” A couple of stages in between have testing statements such as, “Do I really want to leave this cozy warm bed?” and “I need a clothing alternative and this toga sheet will work.”

When I was little I was always jealous of kids that lived in climates that had snow. Mainly jealous of their snow days. So when an earthquake would hit in the early morning hours of a school day, I would be so excited of the possibility of school closures. But of course, that wish was never granted.

We are able to see the beauty of this world in so many ways every single day. A flower, a smile, a sunset. It is only logical that we must experience its strength as well.

Yesterday my family gathered in the living room to give thanks before descending on the food. We had just finished saying grace and the question was asked if anyone had anything else to add. And my niece shouts out, “I felt the earthquake today!” and proceeds to do a happy jig.

So no matter what your faith may be, here’s to experiencing both the beauty and the strength of nature. And to happy jigs.

Sunday Morning