Did Anyone Hear From Dan or BamaKelly?
 

Has anyone heard from Dan or BamaKelly? Just curious as I have not seen any of their posts since pre Katrina.

I haven't seen either of them post since pre-Katrina, either. Anyone have an email address for them?

Anyone?

I've just tried to email BamaKelly this morning at two addresses I had for her; both were returned. She had referred me to a realtor in Huntsville; I may try to contact her if bamakelly doesn't turn up here soon!

I haven't seen anything from either. I hope they are okay.

ttt

Lets try and keep this thread active.

It seems like Dan appeared a few times on FFR&R's. I'll write myself a note to post this question and reference this thead on Friday. Maybe they will see it and reply.

Thanks for posting this, GoTravel. This is what I love most about Fodors. It's not just about travel, but it's also about our concern for our fellow Fodorites.

anyone?

Topping so I can follow this post later.

ttt

I was just wondering how Bamakelly was doing--and Dan too.

Am topping w/hopes for some good news.

I hope they and other missing posters are ok.
P_M what is FFR&R's?

This is about to drop off page 1

Freaky Friday Rants and Raves

TTT in case Dan appears on the FFR&R post.

ttt

topping

ttt

Oh. My. Gracious. Goodness.

I feel so loved. Y'all have completely made my day!

Bamakelly's BAAAACK!!!!

I live in Huntsville, so I was not directly affected by Katrina. But THANK YOU, so much, for thinking of me!

I guess you all deserve an explanation! I last posted on Fodors sometime at the end of August, I think. Here are the reasons I have been too gone for too long:

Katrina did affect my sister, who lives in (or used to) New Orleans. She came to Alabama to alternate between our family's homes during large portions of September and October. We've been trying to help her piece together different parts of her life (job, home, friends) so that she could get over the stress of the hurricane -- it was VERY hard on her; it still is. (She is currently in South Carolina for the next few weeks with her boyfriend. Still no real stability for her future; hopefully answers soon.)

Meanwhile, I am the director of a volunteer nonprofit organization here and we had our huge annual event in September. I made my television debut (several times!) and have been all over North Alabama promoting our cause.

The day after the big event we moved into the home we have been dreaming of living in since we moved to Huntsville. Because it is the first permanent home we have had since being married several years ago, I have been overwhelmed trying to buy all new furnishings and get us settled in. (But we do love it! Do come visit us if you are ever in town!)

I have an almost-2-year old (need I say more?) who, since our move, is acting...almost 2.

I am very pregnant (30 weeks!) and feeling the effects of that in full force lately, especially since our entire household has been sick repeatedly with whatever this nasty virus is that's going around. <Why do I always seem to get it the worst?>

You may remember me complaining that my husband is the only person who is in his field in this entire geographic region. Well, we have been here amlmost 2 years now, and we have hit the point where his practice is thriving. It's great for the business aspect of things (though a little sad, considering his line of work), but that means that all of the above items that you just read about (except the obvious one-haha) have been done entirely -- and I mean ENTIRELY -- on my own, including the moving part. Waaaahhhh! Right?!

So bottom line: September was full of family and volunteer work, October was completely consumed with moving and being sick; I am just now able to come back out and play!

I wish my excuses were more exciting, but there you have it anyway.

Pittsburgher -- how was your trip to Huntsville? Am anxious to hear about it. Y'all must have decided on another option, but I hope you liked it here regardless. My email address changed when we moved. Thanks for checking on me.

I really have missed all of you, too. I just haven't been able to find five minutes to myself lately. Your concern is simply amazing; I had no idea this many people even knew my name on this board, even though I feel like I know all of you so well.

And now that my answer has been way too long, you're probably reminded of all the things that drove you nuts about my posts and you are probably sorry you asked! :)

I'll be around again now; maybe not as frequently as before, as I am still running the ship solo around here and my family responsibilities are increasing. But hopefully my husband will have a business partner in the near future and we will have time for more travel...and friends at Fodors!

Yikes! Part of my post was deleted...

I have missed all of you also. I did have a chance to look at the GTG photos and it looks like I missed a fun time! OWJ you must be the best MIL ever. Starrsville (and all the rest of you) I am sorry I missed meeting you. GoT, I see you are running a marathon soon. I know you are a runner anyway, but is this your first full marathon? Did you do anything specific for training that you would recommend? (for after baby #2...) It is so nice to return and see (on this thread and others) Statia, Scarlett, P_M, and so many others. What friends!

I am truly sorry I worried you so!

YAY!!!! Glad you're OK, BamaKelly, welcome back!! =D>

BamaKelly welcome back!!!

So glad you are okay!

About the marathon, I started running full time in January which is the same time I got in the NYC Marathon lottery. I found out June 15th I got in and started a training schedule July 1st.

It has been really tough in that I've had to run in the mornings before work when it is dark which means I was in bed at night while it was still light out.

I've also given up my social life.

It is a tremendous committment that I don't regret but will not do again.

I am running two half marathons this winter: the ING Miami Half and the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon.

If you are doing this to lose weight, it doesn't work. I gained weight actually because of burning so many calories I am constantly ravenous. I've also talked to several friends who had the same thing happen. Granted I was on the skinny side when I started and now, I am athletic.

Not to dissuade you, I get a tremendous sense of satisfaction on my long runs (I can run 20 miles woohoo!). It has also been a great learning experience.

Thanks for the warm welcome back, P_M and GoT.

GoT, good advice. I am having a hard enough time just keeping up with my cyber-social life; I don't think I need any more major distractions. I knew it took serious committment to train for a marathon (or a half-marathon, which is what I was considering) but I guess I did not think it through enough to realize what an across-the-board lifestyle change it really is. I guess I will just stick to my normal running schedule. I wasn't really thinking of it as a way to lose weight (though that wouldn't be unwelcome post-baby), but more like a goal that is "just for me". I have heard so many of my friends talk about the feeling of achievement they get after running a race like that. Best of luck to you as you do this -- and keep us posted!

BamaKelly, start with a 10K. As a matter of fact the Cooper River Bridge Run would be good timing for you and hubby after the baby!

It is April 1, 2006 and you've said you wanted to visit Charleston!

www.BridgeRun.com

I'll check into it! Would be a great excuse to get us to Charleston!! ;)

Glad you're back, BamaKelly! I was thinking of you tonight 'cuz I made your yummy and ever so fattening corn casserole. I wish it wasn't so good b/c I eat too much of it.

BTW, I'm not the best MIL--can't be as we have no kids. Think you meant OldSouthernBelle who brought her DIL and the DIL's friend or sister (I forget.)

Ha! Yes, OWJ, I was thinking OSB, and typed OWJ!! Sorry about that! How funny!

Glad you like the corn casserole too. A good southern dish...nice and fattening.

Good to see you here!

Yea!!!! Bamakelly is okay! We were worried about you.

Wow. Your life of the last couple of months made me take a deep breath! :-) We missed you at the Atlanta GTG. Next time - or maybe at the first ever (?) Fodor's Baby Shower in AL!

I think of you often when I make the corn casserole (often) to take somewhere. Just got a great compilation Paula Deen cookbook - and sure enough, the recipe is in there. Just one problem - it's not titled correctly. It doesn't say "Bamakelly's Corn Casserole".

Now, that's an idea...a Fodor's cookbook! :-)

Glad you are back in the cyber-fold. Now, we just need to find Dan.

Dan was spotted posting on a thread about New Orleans today, but seems unaware of the search party. :)

Thanks, Jocelyn. I found the thread and topped it.

How was your birthday? I'm enjoying a great extended birthday celebration. Went to a friend's lake house yesterday, was served a fabulous home cooked meal and received a Paula Deen cookbook. Family birthday dinner is Thursday. It's fun to stretch a b'day over 10 days! :-)

Hi Star,

Mine was kind of spread out, too, over two weekends. I had two fabulous dinners out (a big deal with two little ones at home) and ended up with piles and piles of chocolate. How bad can that be, lol?

Happy birthdays Starrsville and Jocelyn
and do strecth it out. Mine started on vacation a night of my choice and later at home a few days before my birthday because my friend was travelling and finally the day, when my J. cooked for me.
Glad to here Dan is posting, a good sign!!!

Starrsville, i think a cookbook is a fabulous idea! Fodors baby shower cracks me up! Alas, somehow I doubt many would make the trip. Budman would have a hard time with wine selection for a baby shower, now, wouldn't he? :)

Jocelyn--good to see you! And you also, Cigalechanta.

I think everyone has officially been accounted for, though not everyone has offically reported back to headquarters!

Hi BamaKelly,

I didn't mean to ignore you :) Welcome back! It sounds like you've had quite a full plate these past few months. I hope everything goes smoothly with your pregnancy. I love hosting baby showers, so the party's at my house! Only thing is, can we talk Budman into wearing pants this time?

Hi Bama! I've missed you, too, although I knew H'ville escaped Katrina's wrath, and that you were moving, having babies, etc.

I'm so sorry your sister has suffered so from the storm. I hope she can get her life together again soon.

Take care of yourself. Can't wait to hear about the little one!

Byrd

Hi guys! Thanks for the nice thoughts. I can feel the wave of positive energy heading my way!

I've been back in New Orleans for a few weeks. I volunteered to work with the Red Cross as a financial adviser and have been helping people navigate the FEMA/SBA/Red Cross rules and restrictions.

My home was damaged but only by wind, not flood. We live between St. Charles Avenue and the river. Generally, the closer to the river, the better off you were.

We had a house under contract in the Faubourg Marigny, due to close on August 30. As you might expect, the Aug. 29 arrival of Katrina has put a major dent in my plans but we still want to close by November 15. The courts are now reopen and the final title searches, etc can be completed.

My wife and son are in North Carolina with her folks. I hope for them to return in January.

Overall, the city seems to be getting back to some normal semblance of life, at least in the non-flooded areas. Much smaller now as about 100,000 people are here instead of 475,000. It should grow to 200,000 by year end, according to the mayor.

If you want a job, Burger King is offering $5,000 signing bonuses. THat's how tight the labor market is right now!

Dan, thanks for checking in and the update on New Orleans.

Being outside the area, we get quite conflicting information.

HOORAY, DAN'S OK!! Great to hear from you, Dan.

Yea! Everyone is present and accounted for, now for certain!

Hi Dan! My sister lives near you, I think, from what you described. She had pretty bad wind damage, which resulted in water damage since the rain now comes directly into her apartment. She was able to get in for the first tiem a couple of weeks ago, but only to throw out her furniture and clean up a little. She'll be back in January, we hope. She has had some pretty good news in the past few days: The school where she teaches is opening this week, but only for one teacher per grade, since enrollment is so low right now. They are hoping everyone will be able to return at full (or almost full) capacity in Jan.

Byrd--Hi there! I saw on another thread that you remembered my August post, when I mentioned that I was busy with my life events -- meant a lot to me that someone actually remembered all of that.

Jocelyn--hey, girl! Yes, Budman should definitely wear his pants at a baby shower. Strange things could occur if he did not. Ha!

Glad to see that everyone is okay.

Bamakelly, good luck with the new baby! And best wishes to your sister. You too Dan!