Preparing for the Barack-alypse: For Whom the Earth Rolls

My mom called today to share the news about the East Coast's bumpy ride. Three things:

First. In all fairness, a 5.8-ish earthquake to someone who has never experienced one before is the biggest they have ever felt. Recalling my first earthquake brings to mind a memory of me in the guest bedroom at my in-laws house--terrified--hiding under the covers (because that will save me from a collapsing ceiling!). My husband--native Californian that he is--wandered in, laughing at me because he saw the quake as just another day in SoCal. With that being said, I don't blame those who felt the earth move beneath their feet for being a wee bit petrified especially with the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 a few weeks away.

Second. A note of earthquake safety (My husband gave me earthquake preparedness lessons after that first time, and they actually came in handy in our years in California.): Never run outside during an earthquake. Debris from buildings as well as the walls tend to fall away from the building. Find a doorway to brace yourself in or get under a table. Also, be sure to seek a safe place before tweeting about the incident.

Third. No one knows why earthquakes really happen. Many will cry "Global Climate Change!" I, for one, just figure that Mother Nature, like all females, has her reasons. I don't question her methods; I just try to anticipate her moods and get ready for them. One thing is almost certain, though. She might be a Conservative Mom who's legs couldn't bear the weight of Washington D.C. The Capitol and Congressional buildings are quite a heavy load to carry, and I understand her falter. We share a similar burden--hers being a physical one and ours being the consequences of a bloated federal governmetn. Elections are fast-approaching, and I only hope that we can elect leaders in the future who will work to lighten all of our loads.