Passing For Normal

I rode out the Loma Prieta quake back in 1989; it lasted an interminable 15 seconds that felt like a whole minute. I was absolutely certain that I'd never experience a longer one in my lifetime.

The 6.9 quake we just had offshore was longer. It went on so long I actually looked at my watch to start timing it, and it was another 15 seconds beyond that, so we must have hit at least 20, maybe considerably more. When your adrenaline is rocketing, that feels like an eternity.

This is by far the strongest quake we've had since I moved up here about a decade ago. Crazy strong, though I hope we were saved from severe damage since the epicenter was 40 miles offshore (and therefore something like 50 miles from me). I've been through a 6.0 quake here that felt stronger, but was also closer. It'll be tomorrow before any news is available, so I'll just have to hope that everyone in the region came through it okay.

The good news is that there's apparently no tsunami danger.

Daaaaamn, but it's going to take a long time for my heart to stop racing. Let there be no significant aftershocks, please and thank you kindly. *all digits crossed*