Update: 4.0 Earthquake Monday Morning

Update: This mornings earthquake has been downgraded to a 4.0. For more information, check out USGS.

Were you jolted out of bed around 1:40 am this morning or maybe slightly aroused unsure of what was happening? Well you might have just experienced another aftershock from Friday's earthquake. A 4.5 earthquake occurred at 1:38 EST. I was in the same location as the 4.6 on Friday morning, but this was was definitely not as strong or as long. The window shook, there was a slight movement of the chair, but that was about it.

I looked at my friend SF in disbelief.
She asked "what was that, an earthquake".
I said "I believe so. It sounded just like the other day and it definitely wasn't wind blowing through the window because the sliding door is open."
After vigilant monitoring of the USGS site, I finally saw a large red box pop up on the map and confirmed that we did definitely experience an earthquake/aftershock.
My friend was quite excited as she missed the previous two as she was in Washington state, where earthquakes are much more frequent.

If you have not paid attention to the seismic actions of the area, here is a quick update as of current reports on the USGS site:
Friday, 4/18/2008 (Date and Times in UTC: I will try to modify later.)
5.2 Initial Earthquake at 9:37 (5:37 am EST)
Followed by 10 aftershocks ranging from 1.2 to a 3.4 between 9:59 and 11:55
4.6 Second Earthquake/Aftershock felt at 15:14 (11:14 am EST)

Saturday, 4/19/2008
Followed by 4 aftershocks ranging from 1.3 to 2.8 between 3:05 and 16:55
1.7 Earthquake was registered 23 miles South of Sikeston, MO at 23:19

Sunday, 4/20/2008
2 aftershocks - 2.8 at 5:02 and 2.3 at 10:34

Monday, 4/21/2008
4.5 Third Earthquake/Aftershock felt at 5:38 (1:38 am EST)

5.2 & 4.6 Earthquakes - What was your reactions?

UPDATE: The first quake was 5.2. It was downgraded from the initial 5.4, but the largest aftershock registered a 4.6 not a 4.5 as initially noted.

Shortly after 5:37 am EST this morning, I was awakened by the sound of metal rattling by the window. My first instinct was its an earthquake. My second instinct should have been to find cover or at least not head towards the window. But yes, I went in search to feel out and confirm what was making all the racket. I found the jewelry box shaking and the metal handles banging on the side. As i quietened them, the closet doors began to rattle briefly before subsiding. Still sure that it was an earthquake, but not worrying too much else about it, I decided since I was up. I would make a restroom stop and then climbed right back into bed. I didn't necessarily sleep soundly the rest of the evening as I really wanted to confirm that my instinct was right and also curious where the epicenter was at and who else felt it.

Okay as I was in the middle of typing this post (11:16 am EST), when I began to feel another aftershock or earthquake not sure which or what the difference is. All I know is that my chair and desk was shaking. My window was rattling and my heart was racing. Again, I did nothing but sit in shock this time trying to synthesize what I was feeling. I really was not and am still somewhat in disbelief that I was feeling it again.

Yes, this second one was another earthquake registering 4.5 according to the USGS at this point in time.

USGS has reported 5 earthquakes around 2.5 since the initial 5.2 earthquake and now the 4.5 earthquake. Check out their website for more information. It is quite interesting to follow.

Did you feel either of the two larger earthquakes or any of the smaller ones? What was your first reaction? Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? Also curious who had earthquake drills as a child because this could explain your reaction?

Yes, I still exist out here

I apologize for posting basically nothing in the last six months. It has been a crazy, busy, and exciting past 6 months. The next 3 to 4 months are most likely going to be just as insane though more unknowing. Yes, I am still on track to graduate on May 3, 2008 with my master's. I am currently in the job search process and when I find that top job, I will definitely let you know. Currently, I am searching east of the Mississippi river and maybe a bit on the west side especially in Missouri. I have interviewed from New York to Missouri and down to North Carolina thus far. Classes are going great. I only have two this semester our capstone course and a counseling course. I have one major project left in capstone, a couple small papers, and a final to conclude the semester and my degree.

I have been doing a lot of traveling this semester to conferences, basketball games, and baby showers. It has been great to see many of you and look forward to seeing you again soon. I just returned from a trip to Atlanta, where I spent the bulk of my time interview for multiple positions across the country. I have also been up to Columbus, OH and of course down to Kentucky on numerous occasions.

Current exciting happenings:
- Many of my friends are due with their first child very soon and one any minute now. I wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the little ones soon.
- The job search is in full swing and there are a lot of exciting opportunities.
- Graduation is in 4 short weeks.
- Other exciting news to come.

That is a quick and brief synopsis of life today.