I can't get in touch with my grandma or anyone else. All lines are down. The Chilean news channel only shows crumbled buildings and terrible things and I'm writing because otherwise I'd have no nails to bite, or sweets to eat, and I'm tired of pacing around my house.

How mad is the Earth, really? This is bad;-(((

UPDATE: 7:20 PM EST
Got in touch with grandma finally and she's doing okay. She was a little groggy because her neighbor had given her some medicine to keep her nerves under control. She was sad because tons of keepsakes and furniture had broken but the house is doing well and she's not hurt. There's no electricity or water so I know she's struggling. My BFF Brian gave me a few hundred dollars to send to her and I'll add more to that just to make sure we help cover any damages and basic needs. We're still tracking down every family member since my father has 9 siblings and the extended family is rather large.

I feel so guilty for not being there. It's such an awful feeling to be here with all the comforts in the world and to have this little strip of land I care about so much be in such bad shape. I've been teary eyed all day... very sad;(

Thank you all for the wonderful wishes. It's pretty amazing when you know a few others around the world are thinking of you and wishing you well. I think my immediate family will be well... but so what... what about everyone else on the street and the millions left homeless. Who fixes that? Alas...

Here's a live stream of TV CHILE in case anyone wants to see the newscast we're watching at home. It's in Spanish... of course.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tv-de-chile

UPDATE 8:20 EST
I was just on the phone with grams when there was a nasty shake and I just heard the fear in her voice and the stuff breaking in the background. She had just finished cleaning up a bit. Oh, and someone broke in while she was out earlier and stole a few things including her wedding ring... the one she's had for over 60 years. F*CK THIS. Pardon my french. I'm losing my peace.

Awful 8.8 Earthquake in Chile