Things that make me happy: 'often taken for granted' version

ALL PHOTOS ARE FROM HERE

Alternate title - I'm thankful because:

1.  My house is not flooded

Ames, IA  8/11/10

2.  I have not lost all my possessions

Ames, IA  8/11/10

3. When I was a soon-to-be college freshman, all packed up, ready to go, and EXCITED for college, I didn't have to see the campus look like this 3 days before I was supposed to move in.

Hilton Coliseum and part of ISU campus 8/11/10

Jack Trice Stadium and part of ISU campus 8/11/10

My cousin was supposed to move into her dorm Saturday. I don't know if that will happen.

4.  I have running water.

The water treatment plant in Ames shut down due to flood/wastwater contamination.  All of Ames doesn't have water.  This includes my sister and brother-in-law's apartment, my grandparents' house, and the hospital where my grandma is (see below).

5.  I do not have any broken bones.

Late last night, my grandma got up to go to the bathroom and accidentally turned at the stairs.  She fell down the stairs and broke her hip and her arm.


Its been a very sad day.  I do feel unbelivably blessed because those things could have happened to me today.  I went to college at Iowa State and lived in Ames for 4 years.  Here is the dorm where I spent 3 of those years:

Maple-Willow-Larch Residence Halls  8/11/10

Corner of University Boulevard and Lincoln Way Avenue  8/11/10

This makes me cry.  ISU was my home.  I can't find words to express how important it is to me.  I spent 4 of the best years of my life there.  The town of Ames is devastated.

South Duff Avenue, Ames IA  8/11/10

You see that building with the white roof?  Thats Wal-Mart.  The building above it, with the tan roof, is Target.

I'm sure seeing a picture of my grandma in the hospital would really make me cry.  As it is, I'm glued to the computer, looking at pictures of ISU.  Here's the inside of Hilton Coliseum (basketball arena)

I don't really have much else to say.  Please pray for my grandma and for all of those in Ames affected by the flooding.  My grandma had surgery today and it went well.  She and my grandpa will be living with my aunt and uncle when she gets out of the hospital.

By the way, I live about 45 miles from Ames.  We go up to campus as often as we can (which ends up being like 4 times a year, but we wish it was more often!)  There's flooding here, too, but its on the other side of town.  Our house is in no danger.