Exercising Thai Lifesaving Skills with U2

Let me tell you about yesterday. As you are probably well aware, England and Brazil lost. England was my team and I was pretty bummed so I decided to go running after hat game. I donned the new shoes (which are awesome, btw) and set out. I wound up doing a 3.5 mile loop (according to my Jeep – I drove it after I ran). Who knew being depressed could help you run more. Anyway, after the run we dropped the kids off at mom’s and went and met JT and Beth at this authentic Thai restaurant in the foothills of the mountains…If you’ve never had real Thai food, you are missing out. And no, places like Tommy-Thai and Stir-Fry, etc. are not authentic Thai. Beth had to leave a little early to go to work so we decided to stay and take John home. It became an adventure.

We decided to go driving around a local lake in the mountains and just see what we could see. It was pretty fun, we wound up going on a razorback path in the Jeep (very high and step on both sides of the narrow trail – but Jeeps can do anything, right?) all the way up to an object of wonder…a sight very few others have ever seen. It was almost mystical. It was a power tower. Hahahahaha the only thing mystical about it was the fact that we were getting heavy doses of radiation while there. ;) We also trekked some of the Appalachian Trail while there which was nice because if anyone asks what I did this weekend, I can say “I did part of the AT.” And not be lying…hahahaha. And in case you didn’t know this, the AT is known for its proliferation of Black Bears. And since some of you may want to hike the Appy Trail, I have decided to give you some tips:

If you see a Bear in the distance:
Expect the unexpected (Clever.)
Alter your route to avoid it (not smart to walk up to the bear)
Keep children and pets close at hand (do not push people toward the bear so you can run away)
Never approach a bear – it is a dangerous wild animal. If a bear changes its natural behavior because of your presence – you are too close. (duh!)
Never feed or toss food to a bear or any wild animal (they will come for more)
Never surround or corner a bear (they fight back)

If a bear approaches you:
Don’t run, back away slowly (and DO NOT piss your pants)
Remain clam (seriously...don’t soil yourself)
Face the bear but don’t look directly into its eyes (still keeping your pants clean)
Group together and pick up small children and restrain pets (ok – maybe you could throw your pets to escape the bear)
Try to scare the bear away by shouting and acting aggressively ( do it well, this may be the last time you can… ;) and now it’s ok to mess your pants)

If the bear attacks:
Continue to act aggressively. Yell, make loud noises and wave your arms (offer your left hand first if you’re right handed...hahaha)
Fight back with anything available and using everything in your power (yes, now you seriously should be messing your pants)
Except in rare cases, playing dead is not appropriate ( you are NOT a possum…)

And now…what does U2 have to do with this you ask? Nothing really, but here is a link to a really cool video someone made where George Bush takes the vocals on “Sunday, Bloody Sunday”. You need to watch…pretty cool.

~out~