Worry

I have always been interested in weather. Especially seeing images and videos of severe weather formations in 'Tornado Alley' in America. The sky above this region can become extremely unstable because of the unique way 'warm moist air' and 'cold dry air' collide and produce incredible thunderstorms spawning 'killer' tornadoes. It just amazes me how insignificant a severe storm can make you feel and over there if you are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, your whole life can be turned upside down. Or in their case, round and around!

We have experienced some pretty spectacular storms in the eastern states of Australia recently. Its known as 'storm season' at this time of year, not that we are likely to be getting tornado's but I have never seen a storm of which passed over Canberra the other week.

We were woken at about 11.30pm to some seriously heavy sideways rain, pounding against our bedroom window. Everywhere you looked there was lightning and with every flash (doing the old counting trick to see how many kms the storm is away) that ominous sound wasnt too far behind. We both got up and went downstairs to check it out although not game enough to step outiside! Our roof in the laundry was leaking quite badly and our linen cupboard door was like inside a shower. We checked the radar on the internet and there were all kinds of severe storm, hail and damaging wind warnings across the state of NSW. The lightning was obviously right over head at one point as there was no pause in between 'flash and boom!'. Apparently the suburb of Hall, 10 minutes down the road recorded 3cm hail stones. The wind was something else as well and I'm surprised there wasnt more damage than a few branches down the next day. I think the biggest thing that stood out about this particular storm as apposed to many others, was the time it took to pass over. It seemed to be everywhere you looked and didnt calm down for at least 2-3 hours. I was more than a little concerned for my families well being, put it that way.

A storm passed over just last night, not as bad this time but still impressive.

I dont know why things like storms seem worse to me now than they used to. Is it because of global warming? that I'm a bit older and take more notice? or that I have kids? dont know. I worry a lot more about these type of 'out of control' situations much more after having kids though. Situations that make me the most uncomfortable now are things that can potentially put my kids in danger or put me in danger of not seeing my kids.

Example - Plane trips.

They never used to bother me as I have flown many times all over Australia and around the world, but ever since having the kids I worry about every bit of turbulance. I think its the whole thing of - you cant see where your going, you have no idea whats going on and you cant do anything about it.

We had a really scary experience on a flight back from England when William was only about 18 months old. Mid way through the flight we suddenly dropped a few hundred feet, like the plane had just fallen in a hole. They said it was an air pocket that wasnt detected by radar so there was no warning. Luckily it wasnt meal time because a few people that werent buckled up hit the roof! William was thankfully strapped into the baby seat and Jem and I both had ours done up. People were screaming, it was pitch black and I got a real feeling of 'This is it'. Luckliy no one was hurt and more importantly to me, the plane was fine.

Heights -

I have never been a fan of heights. Ever since I can remember I wouldnt go up high structures and on scary rides. I dont get that feeling of thrill some people get, I just get completely paranoid that something will go terribly wrong. I honestly cant understand how people can enjoy sky diving or bungi jumping, it goes against every part of my instincts. Although I applaud those that have done it, it just seems like a "Lets see how close we can come to death without actually dying" type scenario. It just doesnt interest me at all. When my boys go near any over-hangs or high railings I cant stand it, even if I know they are completely safe, I need them away from it. I guess its the over protective side of me coming out now that I'm a dad. Its funny because I dont get that feeling about anything else, just heights. I like to be adventurous and test my limits physically in all sorts of activities, as long as I'm safely on the ground!

Karl Pilkington again, this time from his new DVD "An Idiot Abroad 2". This and his first one are a must see. Hilarious!

'I think this is what I would have done in that situation too Karl' -