Someone tell mother nature to calm down because, at this rate, we might not make it to the next decade! To be fair, part of it is our fault, seeing as we’re treating the environment as we like, and in the process, disrupting environmental patterns and in effect contributing to this extreme weather. The devastation by floods and mudslides in some regions and raging fires in others got me thinking about what I’d do if I had to evacuate at a moment’s notice. You’ve probably seen reports of Australians who died in their cars and several bodies found in their burnt-out homes. It’s sad. I was also touched by a widow who returned to her house to save her late husband’s ashes. Puts things in perspective. People say all the time how your life is the most important thing you should try to save, as possessions and material things can be replaced, which is true, but at the same time, you’re not going to stand back and watch your valuables burn. You spend lots of money on these items and sometimes it’s hard to let go. It’s even harder for hoarders like myself. What do you take? What do you leave behind? It’s tough, especially for those things that hold sentimental value. For me, it’s mostly gifts from friends and loved ones and souvenirs from the different places I’ve traveled. There’s the wall clock I got from my mom a few years ago that I wouldn’t leave behind for anything even though I don’t really need it. In fact, it’s gone several months stuck at noon because I need to buy replacement batteries and I keep forgetting! There’s also my book collection. Well, serious book collectors would frown upon my modest “collection” but still, I value those books even though a couple only came into my possession from borrowing and not returning. Don’t judge me unless you return every book you borrow! I wouldn’t let them burn. I know what you’re thinking. That I can always turn to audiobooks. True, but there’s something about hardcover and paperback. Book lovers understand. Surprisingly, I’m not that attached to my furniture, which is strange because I think I’ve spent most of my income over the years on various pieces. But I’d leave the bed, the couch, and even the coffee table. Same for electronics. I think it helps that I don’t have a 60-inch flat-screen, a gigantic refrigerator or one of those double door ovens, so unless a truck was waiting outside with a couple of people ready to load everything, I’d leave them behind. What about clothes and shoes? I’d feel bad about losing them but it’s not like they’re designer brands or anything. Maybe I’d feel terrible about losing my “good suits” because as you know, you never know when you’ll need your presentable clothes for that job interview or board meeting! So, what would you try to save?
