Turns out that the earthquake that left the greatest impression on my life actually occurred in 1987, not 1986 like I recall. Furthermore, it was a 5.9 magnitude quake, and I could have sworn it was a 6.1. AND, the quakes epicenter was in Rosemead, California, not Whittier, as I always thought.
So, when I tell you that I remember the quake like it was yesterday, if I were you, I’d be a bit skeptical.
Suddenly I’m a bit skeptical, and it’s my memory.
Now, when I tell you that I was loading the dishwasher before school when the quake hit, I’m pretty sure I’m telling you the truth. I recall that the window over the kitchen sink where I was standing was a garden window with a bunch of figurines on it (hey, I didn’t decorate the house). Those figurines did the dance of their lifetime. Some of them even lived to tell the tale.
It was the first big quake of my lifetime and was something we (and by “we” I mean others that felt the earthquake too) talked about for years. We still do, actually. When it comes up.
Everyone had/has a story to tell. Where they were. How they felt. What was damaged.
Except my brother.
My brother was riding his bike to school and didn’t feel a thing.
I’m pretty sure he feels ripped off.
I mean, I would.
Poor guy.
This memory was prompted by the illustrious Mama Kat.
About Angie
I would totally feel ripped off. One little quake hit in the weeks before we were out there for the 4th, and then another little one the day after we left. Forget that our friends didn’t feel a thing either, a small one (small!) is on my Bucket List.
So close.
Never felt the ground move – when I finally make it out that way – not sure I want to. My memory is funny like to that too – make me think things were much more horrible, scary and all that. 🙂 Your poor brother – it’s just not right lol!
Earthquakes are pretty scary! I remember the quake of 89 (World Series Earthquake) since that was the biggest one I have even been in. (measured 6.9) But growing up in CA there were always little earthquakes to deal with. Strange to think that my children don’t even know what an earthquake feels like!
I wrote about my experience of a bit one today too and it really was the most memorable of experiences – your poor brother missing out!
The ground shaking is just too freaky for me. I’ll take the hurricanes. We know they’re coming and we can run from them.
I remember the 1987 Loma Prieta earthquake up here in Nor Cal! It was 7.2 and STRONG!!!
I have always wanted to experience an earthquake. Isn’t that crazy.
I’m with you on the years. I had to look it up on the net to write about the ones that I felt! After a while, they just run into each other. However, we will always remember where we were and what we were doing, right?
I’m lucky that my figurines didn’t dance right out of cabinet!
Thanks for sharing!
Liz
Hahahaha! Isn’t it funny how our memories are often so far from reality!?
The quake of ’94 (I think that’s when it was?) is an ongoing memory in our family, yet my younger brother slept right through! Poor guy, is right 😉