Anticipation Denotes Intelligence*
*A favorite quote from the movie, The Fifth Element.
I don’t remember where we were or when Lance first said that quote to me. Maybe on a property hunting search and it was his way of thanking me for bringing water and snacks. Could’ve been when we were fixing up a crappy house and I packed us a lunch. It’s been a favorite saying. Probably because compared to Lance, I feel like I know very little. He often helps me see otherwise.
When traveling with kids or just going out to a restaurant, I’d prepare. I’d bring something for them to do while we waited for our food so they wouldn’t be bored or bratty. Usually just some paper and markers. How simple is that? I’d like to think we all have an ounce of intelligence in us when it comes to planning for things in the future, whether seen or unseen… Oh, here I go again, talking about stocking up on beans and rice. Nah, I’ll not bore you with that again. I will give a few simple examples of our ‘intelligence’.
One of the favorite parts of the day is my hike to the mailbox. Not only am I guaranteed a 45 minute workout, it saves on fuel. It’s an excellent time to think and at times it can be quite entertaining (the dog that goes with me is full of surprises). Sometimes it turns more social if I encounter other earthlings along the way. For my daily excursion I have learned what makes the trip more enjoyable. Here is a photo of what I bring with me each time.
The backpack holds the mail (my portable ‘IN/OUT box’). The round rubbery things are spikes I can put on my boots if the road is icy. The gloves obviously warm my fingers, but they’re textured so I can break off some birch bark (a fire-starting treasure) if I find some. My new favorite read; Little House On The Prairie (cause I sometimes have to wait on the mailman). An umbrella, it works for blinding snow as well as unexpected rain showers. A walkie-talkie (so I can ‘call’ Lance if I’ve encounter trouble up ahead) and a scarf, cause the wind really whips down by the lake. Today I added the binoculars because I saw a gigantic buck in the distance yesterday.
I’ve already mentioned my love for Lance was sparked by his spreadsheet of items needed entitled~ TEOTWAWKI. He’s got several different spreadsheets. A few that I see regularly are his Purchase List and his Tasks List. He doesn’t carry a computer with him, but he does make sure he’s equipped at all times with a fully stocked nerd pocket!
I got lucky by capturing him wearing one with an ink stain at the bottom. I think it adds to the photo. Don’t you? How often do you have a great idea and forget it less than 5 minutes later. Or think of an item you need from the store but more often than not, forget to write it down. He’s always jotting things down.
My daughter is great about punching appointments in her iPhone. When she was young she’d write all over her hands and arms ‘important’ things to remember. She’s outgrown that and has opted for tattoos instead 😉
All speech written or spoken is dead language until it finds a willing hearer.
Robert Louis Stevenson
No one wants to think a disaster is just around the corner, but anyone who’s studied history knows bad stuff happens all the time. Maybe some of you look at us as Doomsdayers. I’d like to think we’re intelligent.
