A Tremblor

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit us Sunday night. First there was the rumblling, then the shaking. It wasn't too bad, but I was surprised at my reaction - I moved out from under the ceiling fan but failed to go hug my flatscreen t.v.!

In fact, those of us used to these little shakes usually look at each other when they happen - it's a pregnant pause while we are deciding if this is BIG or just a minor shake. It's the determination of whether we just shake it off or perform the "drop and cover" reaction that we have learned. Lucky for us, most are the smaller variety, actually good news since they release the pent-up energy caused by the tectonic plate movements.

Of course, if I'm teaching, we all have to perform the proper protocol, covering out heads while scrunched under tables, then moving out of the building after the initial shaking stops. There is still controversy over the "triangle of life"   http://www.earthquakesolutions.com/id44.html
but it is widely refuted. Protect yourself and stay away from windows.  Not so easy, as two walls are big windows and the other two walls have no place for cover. Which is why covering one's head is a very good idea, if nothing else.

At school or work we do the right thing. At home, however, I find we often don't. Why? It's not as real with less people around? No one forces us to? Hmmm....I'm just glad Shadow, the wise feline,  knows to take cover in the best spots. Next time I'll just follow him.