Randy Pausch
I've been looking forward to seeing this. I must say, I expected a bit more than what seemed like at times to be an advertisement for Carnegie Mellow. But the story and lessons were pretty good.
If you knew you didn't have much longer to live, what would you do with your time? I hope I'm never in that situation, how awful would it be to know you've got a wife and three kids who are going to spend the rest of their lives without their husband/dad?
What were your childhood dreams? I don't think I remember mine. I know somewhere that I have a 50 things to do before I turn 50 that I made in high school, I'll have to pull that out and see how I'm doing.
12.29.2008
Let's blame poor nutrition and obesity on a weak economy!
Should have been doing all along?
I'm going to put this out there - I believe that a big part of why the economy is heading south is because the media don't have anything else to report and the abundance of information we're getting is causing very low buyer confidence.
Recently, I read an article stating that consumer spending on Christmas presents hasn't been that low since 1969. Who needs that much "stuff"? Also, the US has been cutting jobs and laying off people - maybe it's a good thing. We may be just trimming the fat of who's producing the least in the workforce.
Personally, I'm sick of hearing just how bad the economy is. Yup, it appears we've fallen on hard times - deal. I feel that we are now putting blame on it as an excuse. Yes, jobs ARE harder to come by. It may be harder to keep your job - I say work that much harder so you are so valuable to a company that they can't get rid of you. Yes, stocks, bonds and 401Ks aren't doing well, but did you expect that they would just keep climbing? Of course at some point we were going to not buy as many cars, trips, and material things so the production would be slower. I think we as Americans are to the point now where we can just go, "Oh, I'm late to work because of the damn economy" and our bosses would just nod.
Obviously, we had it coming. The "war" is costing us billions for one. And the main reason is that people had it good, bought houses, cars and things that they couldn't afford in the first place, and now wonder what the hell happened. Sure there were some predatory lending practices - but who can't look at how much they make and how much the house will cost and realize the latter is more?
I know we've fallen on hard times, but come on people - you can take some of the blame too.
Anyhow, in reference to the article, I'm curious - do you think the economy is causing us to make poor food choices? Do you think the economy would make obesity rates lower because we go without food, or higher because we choose soda over milk?
It did make me sad to read this article. We're paying tax dollars to feed people, I think we have a right to at least know that they're purchasing more than chips and candy with it. If that means educating people on the basics of nutrition and exercise, than so be it.
I'm going to put this out there - I believe that a big part of why the economy is heading south is because the media don't have anything else to report and the abundance of information we're getting is causing very low buyer confidence.
Recently, I read an article stating that consumer spending on Christmas presents hasn't been that low since 1969. Who needs that much "stuff"? Also, the US has been cutting jobs and laying off people - maybe it's a good thing. We may be just trimming the fat of who's producing the least in the workforce.
Personally, I'm sick of hearing just how bad the economy is. Yup, it appears we've fallen on hard times - deal. I feel that we are now putting blame on it as an excuse. Yes, jobs ARE harder to come by. It may be harder to keep your job - I say work that much harder so you are so valuable to a company that they can't get rid of you. Yes, stocks, bonds and 401Ks aren't doing well, but did you expect that they would just keep climbing? Of course at some point we were going to not buy as many cars, trips, and material things so the production would be slower. I think we as Americans are to the point now where we can just go, "Oh, I'm late to work because of the damn economy" and our bosses would just nod.
Obviously, we had it coming. The "war" is costing us billions for one. And the main reason is that people had it good, bought houses, cars and things that they couldn't afford in the first place, and now wonder what the hell happened. Sure there were some predatory lending practices - but who can't look at how much they make and how much the house will cost and realize the latter is more?
I know we've fallen on hard times, but come on people - you can take some of the blame too.
Anyhow, in reference to the article, I'm curious - do you think the economy is causing us to make poor food choices? Do you think the economy would make obesity rates lower because we go without food, or higher because we choose soda over milk?
It did make me sad to read this article. We're paying tax dollars to feed people, I think we have a right to at least know that they're purchasing more than chips and candy with it. If that means educating people on the basics of nutrition and exercise, than so be it.
12.03.2008
A Ryan and Katie vacation
After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving with a brand new baby (also known as the "four family tour" - breakfast and late supper with Ryan's families, lunch and dinner with mine, and I'm not talking immediate family here), we unpacked our warm clothes and packed up the long underwear and plenty of layers for a trip to Lutsen, MN.
Now, admittedly, we first took this trip after finding out Cowboy Mouth would be doing a concert at Papa Charlie's. But it's a four-hour drive from home, so that meant a hotel stay. That turned into finding a deal where we could get two nights in a hotel, two lift tickets, AND two rentals all for the price of one. PLUS booking the multi-night stay got us free concert tickets. So, with Grammy Pammy and gRONpa begging us for more time with their grandson, we obliged.
Off to become snow bunnies gracefully jetting down the mountain, right? Wrong. At least for one of us.
After a late night with the Mouth at the bar, we layered up and hit the mountains the next morning. After TWO trips down the bunny hill for me (where you conveyor belted up) with Ryan coaching me on how to ski (previously, I went once in college with no instruction, it was a doozy), we got into the chair lift. Apparently there was a bigger bunny hill somewhere up there, but somehow we missed something and hit only blue squares and black diamonds. So, after two good falls, some swearing and nearly having to change my three layers of pants, we got to the bottom and found a map.
I became a bit more confident after we took the gondola to the other mountain. We ate a bit in the chalet, and feeling a bit better about my skiing skills, I whizzed down the mountain and took an amazing fall. My hat was ten feet from where I ended up, my sunglasses shattered and my knees, head and pride all injured.
Back to the ACTUAL Big Bunny we went. While I stuck to that one, and another similar one, Ryan took some other routes that ended up in the same place.
After we exhausted ourselves, it was time for the hotel hot tub and sauna, where we met three drunk girls. We got some dinner, then more hot tub and wine. I awoke the next morning and nearly fell out of bed, I still hurt from all that skiing/falling. But all in all a very good trip, and a night full of sleep with no late night feedings to worry about.
But again, back to reality. Now, I sit with a sleeping baby in a very Christmas-themed apartment, but in a few hours, I've got 18 rugrats to bring home from school and try to keep from killing each other, followed by around 30 more to watch while their parents work out.
It's a great day to be alive :)
Now, admittedly, we first took this trip after finding out Cowboy Mouth would be doing a concert at Papa Charlie's. But it's a four-hour drive from home, so that meant a hotel stay. That turned into finding a deal where we could get two nights in a hotel, two lift tickets, AND two rentals all for the price of one. PLUS booking the multi-night stay got us free concert tickets. So, with Grammy Pammy and gRONpa begging us for more time with their grandson, we obliged.
Off to become snow bunnies gracefully jetting down the mountain, right? Wrong. At least for one of us.
After a late night with the Mouth at the bar, we layered up and hit the mountains the next morning. After TWO trips down the bunny hill for me (where you conveyor belted up) with Ryan coaching me on how to ski (previously, I went once in college with no instruction, it was a doozy), we got into the chair lift. Apparently there was a bigger bunny hill somewhere up there, but somehow we missed something and hit only blue squares and black diamonds. So, after two good falls, some swearing and nearly having to change my three layers of pants, we got to the bottom and found a map.
I became a bit more confident after we took the gondola to the other mountain. We ate a bit in the chalet, and feeling a bit better about my skiing skills, I whizzed down the mountain and took an amazing fall. My hat was ten feet from where I ended up, my sunglasses shattered and my knees, head and pride all injured.
Back to the ACTUAL Big Bunny we went. While I stuck to that one, and another similar one, Ryan took some other routes that ended up in the same place.
After we exhausted ourselves, it was time for the hotel hot tub and sauna, where we met three drunk girls. We got some dinner, then more hot tub and wine. I awoke the next morning and nearly fell out of bed, I still hurt from all that skiing/falling. But all in all a very good trip, and a night full of sleep with no late night feedings to worry about.
But again, back to reality. Now, I sit with a sleeping baby in a very Christmas-themed apartment, but in a few hours, I've got 18 rugrats to bring home from school and try to keep from killing each other, followed by around 30 more to watch while their parents work out.
It's a great day to be alive :)
Family Vacation
So, my two-month old son is now a plane travel expert and been in more states than I was at 19. I think he's even picking up a bit of Spanish!
We took a much-needed vacation to California just before Thanksgiving. The trip started with an early morning flight out (we had to take the sleeping Keegster out of his car seat and snowsuit to get through security!) from 13 degrees in Minneapolis to 83 in San Diego. The three of us walked the La Jolla caves and shops before taking our time getting back to Palm Springs.
We stayed in the Springs for two nights at my favorite, semi-cheap tiki-themed hotel. Keegan went swimming for the first time and loved it (then not so much the second time), we ate GREAT food that I missed, and met up with JP and his girlfriend. The second day, we got out to Idyllwild to hike the Devil's Slide and visit various little shops. The next morning before heading back to San Diego, we hiked the Museum Trail (Lykken) and had breakfast with some friends.
That night we found Old Town and had GIANT margaritas and awesome Mexican food. The next day, we experienced Balboa Park, Ocean Beach and played around at Horton Plaza. For our last full day, we walked the boardwalk and piers of Mission and Pacific Beaches, went to Hotel Coronado and rounded out the night with some Inn-N-Out burgers with animal style fries.
It was pretty sad to leave, especially since it was a cool 80-90 degrees throughout our stay, and Minnesota was insane coldness. But California will always be just a plane, train, or automobile away.
We took a much-needed vacation to California just before Thanksgiving. The trip started with an early morning flight out (we had to take the sleeping Keegster out of his car seat and snowsuit to get through security!) from 13 degrees in Minneapolis to 83 in San Diego. The three of us walked the La Jolla caves and shops before taking our time getting back to Palm Springs.
We stayed in the Springs for two nights at my favorite, semi-cheap tiki-themed hotel. Keegan went swimming for the first time and loved it (then not so much the second time), we ate GREAT food that I missed, and met up with JP and his girlfriend. The second day, we got out to Idyllwild to hike the Devil's Slide and visit various little shops. The next morning before heading back to San Diego, we hiked the Museum Trail (Lykken) and had breakfast with some friends.
That night we found Old Town and had GIANT margaritas and awesome Mexican food. The next day, we experienced Balboa Park, Ocean Beach and played around at Horton Plaza. For our last full day, we walked the boardwalk and piers of Mission and Pacific Beaches, went to Hotel Coronado and rounded out the night with some Inn-N-Out burgers with animal style fries.
It was pretty sad to leave, especially since it was a cool 80-90 degrees throughout our stay, and Minnesota was insane coldness. But California will always be just a plane, train, or automobile away.
10.30.2008
Crappy jobs
So, as a girl who admittedly has had way too many jobs, spanning from county fairs to professional office slave to management, I've seen my fair share of bad times. To my credit, it's very normal for me to have three or four jobs at the same time, some of which are seasonal.
Anyhow, after thinking about the jobs that I have taken purely for money, thinking I'd give them a chance, I began to wonder what bad jobs are out there that I've never done.
Here are just a few I've heard of that would beat my worst three jobs (toolbox assembly line worker, horse stall shoveling/garbage truck operator with jail convicts, and overnight ash tray cleaner at a dirty casino):
1) Bean factory conveyor belt worker ("picking out everything that wasn't a bean")
2) Putting one piece of fat in each can of beans at a conveyor belt
3) Nailing the Jesus on crosses at a religious artifact factory
4) Anything having to do with hot dogs, cows, chickens, etc.
5) Punching holes in catheter bags all day
Everyone has bad days. There inevitably is something not ideal with any job - people you work with, the commute, doing the same thing every day, the pay, the benefits, seeing the sunrise and set during your shift, etc.
A wise person once told me that if you hate your job so much that you'd rather be the guy digging ditches on the side of the road on a hot summer day than go into your job, it's time to quit. The great thing about jobs is that there's always another one to try out.
Many people have asked how I seem to always have a few jobs at the same time - the answer is A)I'm constantly looking. Seriously, it's like a weird hobby of mine. B) I'm willing to do the jobs no one else wants. C) Do you see me with loads and loads of cash? No. I may be working 50-60 hours a week, making just enough to pay the bills. But if that's the case, I really like what I do. If you get paid to do something you like, it doesn't seem like work. For instance, one of my jobs involved getting paid to board a fairy to a gorgeous warm island and putting together a marathon, with paid room and food, for a few days.
Now, why can't all jobs be like that?
It's my ultimate goal for that to be the case - to combine events, travel, fun and nice weather. Someday, I will enjoy Minnesota summers and California "winters" as a snowbird. Seriously. Winter's coming, and I'm getting restless and cold.
9.30.2008
Keegan is here!
Hurray! I had a son on Thursday. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
He was 8-lbs 6-oz, 21.5 inches and loves to eat, poop and sleep.
The first two more than the latter.
I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I already have, but this kid is fun. He makes silly faces and noises, and other than a few disagreements on whether to sleep or be awake, we're having a blast.
9.04.2008
Nice try, CivicFest
I don't know that I'd ever want to attend CivicFest.
Apparently many people here would agree.
The festival is entitled "A Very Minnesota Celebration" and features exhibits and a marketplace. It is centered around Minnesota and U.S. history.
The original admission cost for adults was $15. Now, the Star Tribune is reporting that admission is "free" but suggests a donation with proceeds going to Hurricane victims. Why they didn't think of that in the first place? However, it is celebrating America, so following suit with the way Americans would rather throw money at something than volunteer their time seems appropriate.
I did find it interesting that the political buttons seller wasn't doing so hot (seeing as how you can go a few more miles and probably find them everywhere at the RNC) and the person selling books about the economy wasn't doing well (because when the economy isn't great, why not buy books about it!).
Furthermore, after twelve days of the Minnesota State Fair (where attendance was excellent), who wants more concessions? And after so much coverage of the RNC, protesters and presidential nominees, I'm not sure I know of anyone who wants to celebrate America too much more.
I must say this is maybe not the best timing for an event like that. It looks like an event on a rainy day with nothing better to do.
(photo from civicfest.org)
Apparently many people here would agree.
The festival is entitled "A Very Minnesota Celebration" and features exhibits and a marketplace. It is centered around Minnesota and U.S. history.
The original admission cost for adults was $15. Now, the Star Tribune is reporting that admission is "free" but suggests a donation with proceeds going to Hurricane victims. Why they didn't think of that in the first place? However, it is celebrating America, so following suit with the way Americans would rather throw money at something than volunteer their time seems appropriate. I did find it interesting that the political buttons seller wasn't doing so hot (seeing as how you can go a few more miles and probably find them everywhere at the RNC) and the person selling books about the economy wasn't doing well (because when the economy isn't great, why not buy books about it!).
Furthermore, after twelve days of the Minnesota State Fair (where attendance was excellent), who wants more concessions? And after so much coverage of the RNC, protesters and presidential nominees, I'm not sure I know of anyone who wants to celebrate America too much more.
I must say this is maybe not the best timing for an event like that. It looks like an event on a rainy day with nothing better to do.
(photo from civicfest.org)
9.03.2008
Events around the world
Here are two events that happened over the weekend around the world. Very cool!
1) World Bodypainting Festival in South Korea
Why not? Not as cool as bodypainted people riding their bikes through the streets of Seattle, but maybe with a lesser chance of rain ruining your... paint.
2) Tomatina in Spain
What could be better than thousands of tourists hurling tomatoes at each other in the streets? Like many, this event is on my list of 100 things to do before I kick the bucket!
(both photos from yahoo.com slideshows)
1) World Bodypainting Festival in South Korea
Why not? Not as cool as bodypainted people riding their bikes through the streets of Seattle, but maybe with a lesser chance of rain ruining your... paint.2) Tomatina in Spain
What could be better than thousands of tourists hurling tomatoes at each other in the streets? Like many, this event is on my list of 100 things to do before I kick the bucket!(both photos from yahoo.com slideshows)
8.18.2008
Minnehaha Park
On Sunday, Ryan, Scout and I went adventuring to Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis, MN. Neither of us had been there, but keep hearing about how neat it is. I was feeling restless and wanted to know what the hype was about!
Perhaps Sunday was a poor choice, considering how busy it was. But it was worth it. The park has a 53-foot waterfall, along with some decent hiking trails. It'd be a great biking destination, and I'm still eager to try out the light rail (and the rest of Minnesota's metro transit system).
8.16.2008
2008 Summer Olympics
The Olympics proves one thing that unites us as a globe: we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
The Olympics are something that we could all strive and train for, but even failure to accomplish this goal is a beautiful feeling as we can all cheer on our country or individual athlete. For several days every four years, we can rally sports that we normally wouldn't bat an eye at - swimming, gymnastics, triathlons, track & field, etc.
A great aspect of the games this year is that because they are in China, we become more aware of customs and the culture that is Beijing. For once the media is not only covering politics or natural disasters; Beijing can show off its history, heritage, venues and land, and pulled off an amazing opening ceremony.
The part I really enjoy, especially as an event guru, is building of tradition. The ceremonies and torch relays have the same concept, but customized and updated. Even the protests and controversies are similar, but thankfully the spirit of the games usually overshadows these yahoos.
I'd love volunteer or work for the Olympics in any way, shape or form. Far from 8/8/08, Beijing had over a million volunteer applications. Maybe the winter games in Vancouver or the next summer games in London would like my skills...
The Olympics are something that we could all strive and train for, but even failure to accomplish this goal is a beautiful feeling as we can all cheer on our country or individual athlete. For several days every four years, we can rally sports that we normally wouldn't bat an eye at - swimming, gymnastics, triathlons, track & field, etc. A great aspect of the games this year is that because they are in China, we become more aware of customs and the culture that is Beijing. For once the media is not only covering politics or natural disasters; Beijing can show off its history, heritage, venues and land, and pulled off an amazing opening ceremony.
The part I really enjoy, especially as an event guru, is building of tradition. The ceremonies and torch relays have the same concept, but customized and updated. Even the protests and controversies are similar, but thankfully the spirit of the games usually overshadows these yahoos.
I'd love volunteer or work for the Olympics in any way, shape or form. Far from 8/8/08, Beijing had over a million volunteer applications. Maybe the winter games in Vancouver or the next summer games in London would like my skills...
7.23.2008
Home sweet (better) home!
Eff the cheese curds and great beer that the midwest boasts.
Granted, Minnesota is a very fit state (ranked first or second in the nation) and hosts many great races - I'd like to see some of these close to St. Paul.
1) Wife Carrying Championships- It is exactly as it sounds. Husbands carry their wives (or other women, since it originated because men used to steal women from neighboring villages) over their shoulders through a short obstacle course. The course includes logs to jump over, water, sand, etc. Winners typically win the wife's weight in beer, brats, cola, cash, etc. You can even attend the Wife Carrying Championships!
2) Grown-up P.E. class. For the floor hockey, spastic ball and kickball type of interval training you may have missed in your younger years. Red Rover is disallowed though - sorry kids.
3) High-Heel Sprint. There have been a couple held in New York, which is probably where is belongs but still it looks like a blast. Women (and on occasion men, which, more power to you!) run races in stiletto heals.
4) The Mud Run. It's huge in San Diego - there is more than one held at Camp Pendleton because it's so well-attended and sells out. You compete in a 10K with obstacles through the mud. I've asked every event director I've met here, and apparently one was held many years ago but not with the same enthusiasm.
5) Rock 'N Roll Marathon. I realize we have the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Grandma's Marathon and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon (all of which have been huge successes), I do believe we need a fun marathon. 26.2 miles is fun enough by itself I realize, however, why can't we put a band at every mile to enjoy as you suffer past?
6) 12Ks of Christmas. This is my baby to be produced by Brown Dog Endeavors. There's no link to it because it hasn't been created just yet, but it will be a 12K filled with costumed runners, hot chocolate, lights, elves, and great sweatshirts. Also, a Five Golden Rings 5K for fun. Oh, it's on. Definitely national tour worthy.
Granted, Minnesota is a very fit state (ranked first or second in the nation) and hosts many great races - I'd like to see some of these close to St. Paul.
1) Wife Carrying Championships- It is exactly as it sounds. Husbands carry their wives (or other women, since it originated because men used to steal women from neighboring villages) over their shoulders through a short obstacle course. The course includes logs to jump over, water, sand, etc. Winners typically win the wife's weight in beer, brats, cola, cash, etc. You can even attend the Wife Carrying Championships!2) Grown-up P.E. class. For the floor hockey, spastic ball and kickball type of interval training you may have missed in your younger years. Red Rover is disallowed though - sorry kids.
3) High-Heel Sprint. There have been a couple held in New York, which is probably where is belongs but still it looks like a blast. Women (and on occasion men, which, more power to you!) run races in stiletto heals.4) The Mud Run. It's huge in San Diego - there is more than one held at Camp Pendleton because it's so well-attended and sells out. You compete in a 10K with obstacles through the mud. I've asked every event director I've met here, and apparently one was held many years ago but not with the same enthusiasm.
5) Rock 'N Roll Marathon. I realize we have the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Grandma's Marathon and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon (all of which have been huge successes), I do believe we need a fun marathon. 26.2 miles is fun enough by itself I realize, however, why can't we put a band at every mile to enjoy as you suffer past?
6) 12Ks of Christmas. This is my baby to be produced by Brown Dog Endeavors. There's no link to it because it hasn't been created just yet, but it will be a 12K filled with costumed runners, hot chocolate, lights, elves, and great sweatshirts. Also, a Five Golden Rings 5K for fun. Oh, it's on. Definitely national tour worthy.
6.02.2008
Grand Old Day
I worked as the headquarters coordinator for the Grand Old Day on the Go 8K/8K inline skate/5K/Youth Run this weekend! It was fun. As much as a few athletes wore me down, I'm recovered and ready for more.
Check out some event company links on the sidebar. A few of them I've worked with, and some I'm just using for research on areas, dates, and event themes.
Viva la Brown Dog Endeavors!
Check out some event company links on the sidebar. A few of them I've worked with, and some I'm just using for research on areas, dates, and event themes.
Viva la Brown Dog Endeavors!
4.18.2008
That's so gay...
... that I'm missing out on the fabulous Palm Springs White Party this weekend! It's only "the largest and best known gay circuit party in America," according the Desert Sun.
So many pretty boys and none to touch.
(photo by the Desert Sun)
Still haven't been in an earthquake...
Earthquake in the midwest?
Was I the only one that was taught from fourth grade on that California was going to have such a bad earthquake that it would dislodge from the rest of the United States and disappear into the ocean?
The whole time that I lived in California, I could see the San Andreas fault. It just sat there, it minded its own business and I was never in an earthquake. Maybe tiny little ones that no one felt, but I was even warned by my Californian roommate to be careful what I hung on my walls and where, because something would fall off my wall and stab me in the night.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, lightening, and hail are just some of the natural events that take place in the United States. And yet, when it comes to California, do you know how many times I was warned not to move there because of the earthquakes? Apparently I was going to get shaken to death.
Well, in that case, don't move to Florida, Georgia or Louisiana either because you'll drown in a hurricane. Don't move to the midwest, you'll get snowed in, or hit by branches in a summer storm, or even worse, bitten to death by Lyme disease mosquitos. Don't move to the big city, you'll get shot to death. And don't even set foot in San Francisco, Manhattan, Boston or Seattle - the cost of living is so high that you won't survive living in a small, expensive apartment.
Never mind the potential opportunities or the excitement of these locations.
Risks are everywhere - Hurricane Katrina, the World Trade Center, the 35W bridge collapse, California fires - whether created by Mother Nature or arsonists or just bad timing.
I was told when moving to So Cal about how expensive everything was. Sure, it was a higher standard of living. You know what else I found? A high quality of living. I took as many days as I could to see mountain towns like Idyllwild and Big Bear, Anza-Borrego desert, the Salton Sea, from Long Beach to Huntington Beach to Pacific Beach, the PS Tram, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Disneyland, etc. It was phenomonal to meet new people, explore other cultures and really enjoy the California beauty.
Sure the possibility of an earthquake or a wildfire loomed, but it was no different than being in Minnesota during some really awful storms causing trees to crush homes and cars, the Halloween blizzard, or seeing a tornado whiz by.
In conclusion, don't let the possibility of a natural disaster or otherwise get in the way of where you want to live your life. If you are truly a city dweller, why live in the country because you're scared of being shot? Don't let fear get in the way of what you truly want to do and be.
I have news for you - you're going die. I know, I know. Take a second to let that set in. If something is going to happen to cause that, it's going to happen anywhere and probably when you least expect it.
Was I the only one that was taught from fourth grade on that California was going to have such a bad earthquake that it would dislodge from the rest of the United States and disappear into the ocean?
The whole time that I lived in California, I could see the San Andreas fault. It just sat there, it minded its own business and I was never in an earthquake. Maybe tiny little ones that no one felt, but I was even warned by my Californian roommate to be careful what I hung on my walls and where, because something would fall off my wall and stab me in the night.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, lightening, and hail are just some of the natural events that take place in the United States. And yet, when it comes to California, do you know how many times I was warned not to move there because of the earthquakes? Apparently I was going to get shaken to death.
Well, in that case, don't move to Florida, Georgia or Louisiana either because you'll drown in a hurricane. Don't move to the midwest, you'll get snowed in, or hit by branches in a summer storm, or even worse, bitten to death by Lyme disease mosquitos. Don't move to the big city, you'll get shot to death. And don't even set foot in San Francisco, Manhattan, Boston or Seattle - the cost of living is so high that you won't survive living in a small, expensive apartment.
Never mind the potential opportunities or the excitement of these locations.
Risks are everywhere - Hurricane Katrina, the World Trade Center, the 35W bridge collapse, California fires - whether created by Mother Nature or arsonists or just bad timing.
I was told when moving to So Cal about how expensive everything was. Sure, it was a higher standard of living. You know what else I found? A high quality of living. I took as many days as I could to see mountain towns like Idyllwild and Big Bear, Anza-Borrego desert, the Salton Sea, from Long Beach to Huntington Beach to Pacific Beach, the PS Tram, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Disneyland, etc. It was phenomonal to meet new people, explore other cultures and really enjoy the California beauty.
Sure the possibility of an earthquake or a wildfire loomed, but it was no different than being in Minnesota during some really awful storms causing trees to crush homes and cars, the Halloween blizzard, or seeing a tornado whiz by.
In conclusion, don't let the possibility of a natural disaster or otherwise get in the way of where you want to live your life. If you are truly a city dweller, why live in the country because you're scared of being shot? Don't let fear get in the way of what you truly want to do and be.
I have news for you - you're going die. I know, I know. Take a second to let that set in. If something is going to happen to cause that, it's going to happen anywhere and probably when you least expect it.
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