Be Prepared…

...and how being prepared turned a major disaster into just a major headache...

Ah, Christmas time! Family, friends, big meals, travel, and snowy weather. What could be a better wrap up to the year? How about forecasts of a major winter storm barreling your way, right through the route you need to reach your family that is 350 miles away?

Here’s what I did last weekend. A lot of my family lives in and around Huntington, WV so that is where we gather for holidays. I live in Richmond, VA. I decided to take off early from work on Friday, December 18^th, and get a head start after seeing the forecast for a major winter storm predicting feet of snow in some areas. The predictions were that the snow would reach Beckley, WV about 5:00PM that evening. I’d be just about there at that time, and I figured that would put me enough ahead of the storm that I could make it to Huntington by about 7:15 that night. Note that my original plan was to leave after a Christmas party that night, about 9:00PM, drive halfway and “camp” in the jeep, then head into Huntington on Saturday morning. Well, that’s sort of what happened. At least the camping part.

Oh yeah, here's some good advice

I apologize to my loyal readers for the lack of even a good quote in nearly a month. But the holidays are upon us!

Anyway, I deal with a lot of email every day, much of it spam. This showed up in the INBOX today. I am flabbergasted...


CRUCIAL INFO:
{My take in italics and bracketed.}

     Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself with these things to do in an emergency situation.
     This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children,everyone you know.
     After reading these 10 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be too careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do! {Need a little more information here, chum!}

2. Learned this from a tourist guide:
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you...Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! {How about referring US to that guidebook so we can glean such useful tidbits?}

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives. {As Wikipedia would say: Sources needed. This is ridiculous.}

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location. {I think this one takes the cake. You stand as much chance as being severely injured as the carjacker. How stupid can you be?}

A Great Quote VIII

"There are those people today who live the same life, day-in day-out - predictable, risk-free, dreamless.  They are the harshest critics of those who choose to break free from this mundane existence. 

In this world, too many people are afraid to pursue the life they truly desire, too afraid of being criticised by others, too afraid of failing, too afraid of not knowing the way.

However, there are also those who choose to follow their dreams, those who choose to rebel, those who strive to be free - those who live.  Stay true to yourself.  Break free from the chains of society - and live.  May you too have the strength and courage to pursue your dreams."

-Roger Chao

Rules....I just can't put enough emphasis on Rules...

It's happening again. In today's ThisIsCornwall.co.uk, they report another instance of "let's make it 100% safe for everyone all the time". (Note that "paddling" is defined as wading and splashing out to waist deep water.)

        "Schoolchildren Facing Paddling Ban
Before shoes and socks are removed for an ankle-deep walk at the water's edge, organisers must put 'proper measures in place' to stop paddlers getting into trouble or suffering from hypothermia after a quick dip in the sea."

Yes, that's right. Children in England may no longer wade at shore's edge before, after or during school trips.

"Required checks at the coast – as well as at rivers and ponds – include looking for sharp stones and strong currents.

Under guidance entitled 'Avoiding impromptu water-based activities', the Department for Children, Schools and Families warns: 'The pleas of children or young people to bathe – because it is hot weather, for example, or after a kayaking exercise – should be resisted where the bathing has not been prepared for.'

The guidance says that paddling and other 'in-water activities' should take place 'only when a proper risk assessment has been completed and proper measures put in place to control the risks'.

Teaching staff will have to dip their toes in first – because the department rules state that assessment is best made 'preferably in the water so that unseen submerged hazards can be identified'.

If a beach is cleared for children to enter the sea, no child should be able to swim deeper than waist height, adds the guidance.

It says: 'Be aware of the dangerous effects of sudden immersion in cold water, also of the dangers of paddling, especially for children or in rough seas.'"

Now I'm not against being careful. And checking things out. But that is common sense, and in my not-so-humble opinion, not regulated.

ADVENTURE!!!!

Need more be said?

Awesome.

A Great Quote VII

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."

- Peter Marshall

5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do

Gever Tulley, founder of the Tinkering School, has got it right. This video is worth your nine and a half minutes. It's been my philosophy for years.






Too cool!