More on Storms

Here is the link to the results from episode #30 "Son of a Gun". In this episode they experimented with lightning and these were there findings : http://mythbustersresults.com/episode30

I guess the best thing anyone can do is when in doubt, wait til the storm passes. It never hurts to be too careful. 

Storms, Storms and More Storms

They have a saying here in the hills,

“Thunder roars stay indoors”.

 

I find that thunder and lightning storms are a lot more frequent here than on Guam. Yes, on Guam we had our fair share of storms, typhoons, and tropical depressions; but lightning and thunder storms there seem to be a rare occurrence in comparison to here in West Virginia.

I remember as a kid they had all these rules for safety in case of a thunder and lightning storm. On Guam, I never really had to bother with the rules because I always seemed to be indoors during a storm. Here my chances of being caught outside are a lot greater. So, for the safety of everyone lets go over some the rules if you should ever get caught in a storm such as this:

The Rules

1. Never. I repeat never ever stand under a tree for shelter. It might be great for keeping you dry; but trees are fantastic lightning conductors and your chances of being struck by lightning are greatly increase.
2. Try to seek immediate shelter. Your vehicle with the windows rolled up is a great place to hide if you are miles away from any shelter. If your vehicle is nowhere near you try to seek a cavern or a ravine.
3. If you are found out in the open during a storm with no means of shelter you need to assume a “lightening ready position”. This means you need to get down in a crouched position with both feet touching the ground and your hands over your ears.
4. I do realize I am not the first person to ever write on the topic; but I do hope you will find my entry helpful. Here are few websites that might help answer some of your storm questions. I have also included a C.P.R. website for emergency purposes. Please watch it; it could save a life one day.

http://www.fema.gov/kids/sabrina.htm  

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/how-to-survive-a-storm.htm

http://www.wxdude.com/page5.html

http://www.weather.gov/os/lightning/outdoors.htm

http://handsonlycpr.org/

Children and Storms

Last night during a lightning and thunderstorm my two year old was frightened. This was the first time she had ever shown fear because of a storm. As a mom I wanted to make her feel better and assure her that everything was fine; but the more assurance I gave her the louder she cried. I was at a loss of what to do for her; but as a mother I feel I need to have all the answers. So, I decided to do some research on how to better handle the situation for the next storm. In reality as a mother, we don’t have all the answers seek out sites such as “Moments of Motherhood” of “Circle of Moms”. These sites are created for moms to band together for the common good. Well, the things I have learned from these sites are:

Storm Days Fun Days

1.    Make a game of it! Come up with a silly reason as to all the commotion. Say something like, “What’s that? Oh, I think the giants are moving again. Oh dear, I believe the baby giant spilled their toys all over the floor”.  

2.     Put on your best face. Don’t show your child that you are concerned about the storm, even if you are. Your child is super smart and can sense when something is wrong. They can also tell when you are worried. Showing that you are worried will cause your child to worry as well.

3.    Make it a family time. Grab the flashlights, dim the lights and have a shadow puppet show. Read a storybook to your child. Do some arts and crafts. Show your child that storm days can be fun days too!

You never know, you and your child may end up having so much fun that you might forget that there is even a storm outside!

From Pictures to Reality

Whenever I am outside I feel like a kid in a candy store! There are so many things to see and touch. I find myself in my own personal outdoor classroom. You see I grew up on an island, thus everything I see now is stuff I have learned about through pictures, books, magazines, and even television. I have never seen an apple grow from blossom to fully matured apple.  I have only ever seen apples in the grocery store; but this year I will be able to pick my own apples. I can just imagine what that will be like, picking my first apples. They would still be warm from the noon day sun, crunchy, juicy, and sweet. The best part is I know that there will not be any funky pesticides used on my apples. They will be completely all natural just the way God intended them to be.

My New Home

May 15th, 2011 marked my 2 month anniversary since I moved to French Creek, West Virginia. In November of 2009 we came to French Creek for a visit. My parents had bought a piece of property and wanted my husband and I to come and check it out. So, we got on an airplane and traveled the distance from Barrigada, Guam to French Creek, West Virginia. The travel alone takes a full 24 hours. We along with our infant daughter were very exhausted travelers when we finally reached our destination. Little did I know that I was about to embark on the greatest adventure of my life. The moment I stepped out onto the property I knew I was home, that was when I fell in love with West Virginia.