Mood: shocked
Earthquakes are a part of life if you live here in California. I have been experiencing them ever since I was very small. My most memorable ones are the Landers earthquake in 1992 and the infamous Northridge earthquake of 1994, however, I recently experienced another BIGGER earthquake this year on Easter Sunday which was a 7.2 and centered in Mexicali, Mexico.
So I have felt my fair share of earthquakes growing up. They still rattle my nerves but I have learned to keep myself in control. When I lived in San Diego, I also experienced some earthquakes but most (other than the recent Easter quake) have been pretty small, especially when compared to the two previous earthquakes I mentioned before.
Now that have been living in Riverside for nearly 5 years, I have to say I have experienced more earthquakes here than ever before!! I guess its is mainly because our house lays right smack in the middle of two big fault lines, the Lake Elsinore Fault and the San Jacinto Fault. Also, the biggest fault there is, The San Andres is not to far from us either. So feeling little tremors here and there has been pretty common here.
Ever since Mia has been born she has experienced her fair share too! I can think of at least 5 good sized ones at the top of my head, and shes not even 2 yet! Most have happened while she has been asleep, falling asleep or so small she doesn't realize what is happening. Today, however, was the first time I finally saw her react to a earthquake and to my surprise she wasn't scared at all!! Infact she seemed curious....
It all happened late this afternoon. We had planned on going to Radio Shack to return something and to get a smoothie for me on the way home. So Adrian was sitting here at the computer while I was changing Mia's clothes on the floor. Just as I got one arm out of her jammies and was working on her other arm I heard a oh too familiar noise...
The noise was a loud rumbling noise that grew louder, and Louder, and LOUDER and came closer and closer like a train or jet. I knew that sound, and I knew it was an earthquake even before the shaking begun. I called out to Adrian "Its an Earthquake" and held Mia against me and braced myself. Sure enough within seconds the shaking hit and hit HARD! The whole house jolted and shook. I calmly comforted Mia saying "Its ok, everything is ok" though she didn't seem to mind much. I think Mama needed to hear those comforting words more than Mia! haha When it was over and things were still swaying Mia said "Uh-Oh" and quickly broke free from me and tried to go to the sliding glass door to see what was going on. I quickly grabbed her and held her next to me, I wasn't sure if more shaking would happen or if the windows were safe. Once the shaking stopped I let her explore. She didn't seem to be scared but more curious.
Turns out the quake was centered near us in Borrego Springs and was a 5.4. No damage was found in our house, however, it was the strongest quake we have felt living here. Mia's brother's framed ultra sound picture that sits on our fireplace mantle fell over and Adrian's tool box and tools were moved in the garage. We have had some aftershocks since but I haven't noticed them.
Well its good to know Mia is so brave so she can take care of Mama when she starts to panic! haha
