Marie,

I'm relieved to hear that you're okay! The reports here in the US are pretty spotty so naturally they've focused on the worst. 
It does appear to be several levels above anything I've seen here in sunny California.
Best wishes to you and good luck with what will surely be a lengthy and involved recovery period.

Carl Stephen Koto
On Feb 23, 2011, at 3:09 AM, Marie O'Connell wrote:

> I am okay!  To be graphic and in shock still, I had just had a pee, washed
> my hands (as good people do) and opened the loo door on the ground floor.  I
> got thrown against the door and hit my head, saw some stars as I saw the
> stairwell crack open whilst clinging to the door.  I yelled help a LOT and
> heard rumbling but it was the people in my building running down the stairs
> and finally we all managed to get out thru the imploded front door.  The
> historic Methodist church across from us was demolished and the dirt in the
> air was incredible.  Still, I managed to light the cigarette!  Addiction and
> terror is an incredible thing.
> 
> We then had another huge aftershock and everyone in the street dropped to
> the cracked tarmac, then the liquifcation just rose up at an amazing rate
> and stench and the last I saw was the bottom of our building filling with
> water and shit.
> 
> I am now safe at my sister's place, 40km from the city plus my dog is here
> after being saved by my niece and I just know Sound Archives is in a VERY
> bad way.
> 
> Thanks all for your concern and wishes.
> Marie and Jack xo
> 
> On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 8:51 PM, Corey Bailey <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> As the reports of devastation come in, I'm sure that I speak for the entire
>> list in hoping for the best for Marie, her family and all of those affected.
>> Having lived in So CA since 1959, I know first hand what the people of
>> Christchurch are going through.
>> 
>> Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
>> 
>> Corey,
>> 
>> Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
>> Santa Clarita, CA 91380
>>