Before the World Ends: The Earthquake in Peru
The earth is shaking. As far as documented earthquakes go in Peru, there were 8 earthquakes last year ranging from a magnitude of 5.7 to 6.7. Since the 1500s, there had never been more than 4 noticeable earthquakes in a year here. The last major earthquake in Peru lasted 3 full minutes in August 2007 and measured 7.9 on the Richter scale; more than 300,000 people were affected by it, including destroyed homes, injuries and deaths.
This video clip shows footage during the 2007 earthquake on the Peruvian coast in Pisco and Ica and the chaos that ensues immediately afterward. A man plastered in the front seat of his car and another man buried in debris wait to be saved. “Don’t suffocate,” the reporter tells the buried man as he pulls away rocks. “At least you’re breathing. Others are already dead.”
When the magnitude-7 earthquake hit the Peruvian rainforest at 12:49pm last Wednesday, I was alone and saw my laptop screen moving back and forth slightly. I thought it was nothing until I heard the picture frames rhythmically clanking against the wall behind me. The epicenter was around 250 miles away from where I live in the Andes and the earthquake’s effects reached Ecuador and Brazil. Nevertheless, it was a deep tremor that hit a sparsely populated area. There was limited damage.
As I researched for this blog post, I discovered that there were already three other earthquakes earlier this year in March and June ranging from 6.0 to 6.5 in magnitude. I wonder how many more there are to come. I wonder when it’s our turn after the devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and Japan within the last 20 months.
I wonder if it was a warning that a magnitude-5.8 earthquake happened the day before at almost the exact time of day in Virginia on the eastern coast of the United States where earthquakes are rare.
More importantly, I wonder what I will do before this is all over.
Before my world ends, I want to be more fearless (when I practice acrobatics), I want to let go of life’s little worries and frustrations more often (like if our bus doesn’t arrive on time) and I want to laugh more (especially at myself).
What commitment do you want to make before time runs out?
Tags: earthquake in peru, end of the world, ica earthquake, peru earthquake, pisco earthquake, pucallpa earthquake, reinaldo dos santos
Kelly
Nice post, Samantha 🙂 There’s not much like going through an earthquake (or a hurricane, for that matter) to help you put your priorities straight. Here’s to being fearless.
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly so, Kelly! Cheers to being fearless!! =)
jyoti mishra
nice read sam…
in a way inspiring
Smiles 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Jyoti! =) You always inspire me too. =)
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA
The first major earthquake one feels is the worst.
We expect the earth beneath our feet to remain stable, to provide support for our actions… When we find the earth upon which we have relied our entire lives to shudder beneath us is most disquieting. Whether aroused from sleep, on the commode, or walking and talking…when the tremors are sustained for more than 20 seconds, we lose an innocence and have our bases shattered.
You ARE safe. That is the only solace that comes from this awakening.
Samantha Bangayan
You describe it so well, Roy. There’s this trust I had in the earth and although I consciously know of earthquakes, there’s nothing like the actual event to break that trust and help me see the gravity of natural disasters.
Thank you so much for that final sentence. I needed it.
Karla Campos
Sam you do acrobatics? That is so cool! I have been thinking about things that I wish I could do and haven’t learned to do and with all these natural disasters happening you can’t help but think about death (not negatively). I have made a list of things that I want to do before I die, and on the list are Kung Fu and break dancing lol so your cool acrobatics have just hyped me up = )
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Hardly! It’s more like a dream of mine, but that picture is really the only thing I can do. =) Ooh! You would be a stellar kung fu master and break dancer, Karla! If I actually get some acrobatics down, I’ve been imagining that I could blend it with break dancing too. =) Keep me posted on your progress! It would be stellar motivation!
Keri
Samantha,
WOW – I’m impressed that you can make that “slightly cool” acrobatic move! VERY COOL, I say!! 😀
Here between Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, I did feel the after-shocks of the Virginia earthquake, just after 2pm. Nothing severe, but it was weird. We’re also overdue for one here. So, I wonder too…
Thank you for sharing your research, your thoughts, and your queries.
~Keri
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Aww thank you SOO much for your encouragement, Keri! =) If you think it’s cool, then it must be cool. =)
You know, it’s really sounding that a lot of areas in the world are overdue for earthquakes. Maybe that’s why we’ve had so many in such a relatively short span of time. It’s why I’m glad we’re living our lives to the fullest. =)
Abe Palmer
Sitting here at my computer I can’t think of what comment I would want to make before my time ends. I think most people would want me to just not say anything. Two months ago we had a 7.9 just 300 miles from the Island I live on in Alaska. 30 minutes later we were be evacuated to higher ground. My thoughts were “Could this be it”. That was the longest hour waiting to see if a Tsuname would hit our side of the Island. It didn’t. Within another hour everything returned to normal. With a active volcano just 12 miles inland and minor earthquakes happening multipule times each year. We often wonder when our time will be over.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea how earthquake-prone Alaska is, Abe! At the same time, it’s good to hear that you’re all prepared over there. Thanks so much for being able to identify with my post and thoughts. It really means a lot to me and I hope you’ll stay as safe as you can! =)
Adrienne
When I first heard of the earthquake in Peru, your post that you did with Reinaldo Dos Santos was the first thing I thought about. Gosh, I sure hope he’s not right!
I’ve never been through an earthquake so I can’t imagine what that’s like. I have been through numerous hurricanes though and they aren’t something I care to deal with either. All I continue to do is just pray and thank God that we are okay and I’m not taking anything away from the people it has affected. All I can say is that Mother Nature sure doesn’t have a very good sense of humor.
Wow, now that’s you doing those acrobatics? And you want to do more? Jeez girl, that’s fabulous. You make my back hurt just watching you. That is so cool! I’m so impressed. Keep up the great work. I have no doubt you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Now, shoot a video and show us some more! 🙂
Thanks Samantha and again, I’m so glad you both are okay!
Samantha Bangayan
Me too, Adrienne! I went to double-check Reinaldo’s predictions all over again. =P I don’t think this is the earthquake he was referring to because he spoke of Lima and that it wasn’t going to happen just yet (i.e., within the next year or so).
Ooh, hurricanes are truly freaky as well. I’ve been through a couple in Japan and in the Philippines. Love your comment on Mother Nature’s humor. =) Now that’s the kind of attitude I want to take!
Haha! You’re the best, Adrienne!! I reeeally appreciate your encouragement and great idea about a video! I’ll work on getting that together! =) Maybe it’ll motivate me to bash those fears even more! =)
Lynda Mee
I just can’t imagine going through an earthquake, anywhere on the Richter Scale! Must have felt very scary at the time. Glad you are safe!
Love your blog, great content and very clean and uncluttered.
Lynda
P.S. Love the aerobics pose too … very impressive 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your warm, positive feedback, Lynda! =) You know, I haven’t had much feedback on my blog design, so I really appreciate it! I love how you describe it as “clean and uncluttered.” That’s exactly the kind of image I want to display! =)
And it was definitely scary to go through that earthquake! But I’m also glad that everything turned out alright. =)
Ooh! And thanks so much for your thoughts on the acrobatic pose! =) That’s so encouraging!! =)
Vinny T
I’ve been in several earthquakes in Peru, and thankfully survived them all. And just recently I experienced another one in New York City! ,Happily, I survived that one too! Whether we like it or not, time will run out for all of us. Before it runs out for me, I want to leave a legacy that I can be proud of. So far, I’ve written a novel that I think is really good. But that’s not enough. I’m thinking about possibly taking care of some homeless Peruvian kids in the future and provide them with opportunities that would otherwise be denied them
Samantha I love that picture of you doing acrobatics. Do you have any other hobbies that you can share? Also, Any progress on your move to Trujillo?
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I didn’t know you were such an earthquake veteran, Vinny! =) It’s so true — time will end for all of us. I guess I just didn’t truly realize it or think about it until this earthquake happened.
I love the goals you have for your future and hope that I’ll be able to contribute to making them come true in some way. =)
Thanks so much for your feedback on the acrobatics picture! =) Hmm… my other hobbies are less interesting. =P I like reading, playing with my kittens and learning dance choreography (which I also really suck at). =)
As for Trujillo, just sent you an email about that! =)
Deeone
Wow Sam!
Powerful post! I must admit my heart stopped when I saw the video. Even with the earthquakes we had here last week here on the eastern seaboard, I couldn’t begin to imagine what was going through the minds of those that were in it. I think I would’ve completely lost it.
I wondered if you were affected by it, when I heard the news. That’s why I told you this morning, if I hadn’t heard from you I was going to email you. I’m glad to know you and Roy are OK; and that it wasn’t as worse as it could’ve been.
The prediction Reinaldo Dos Santos gave is weirdly creepy. I guess we’d better get prepared here on the home front for Obama being President again. No comment there. LOL
Godspeed and abundant fearlessness to you my friend. I’ll join you in that feat. All the best to you. Enjoy the rest of your day. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Deeone! That video sure freaked me out as I thought about what could potentially happen when the big one comes. I like to think that I would help others around me like the reporter did in the video, but I wonder if I would lose it too. =P
Thanks so much for caring and thinking about me and Roy! =) It wasn’t actually that bad, but it definitely shook me up! =) And thanks for the encouragement/motivation! =) Love the idea of being fearless together!
Paula
Hi Samantha! I really admire you for picking up and moving to a new country! That is just so cool! Peru is on my wishlist of places to visit! I have really enjoyed all the posts that I have read here so far. This look into life in another country really makes me appreciate my own. 🙂 I live in Tennessee in the USA, and earthquakes aren’t something that we have to worry about here. And I know that I take things like running water, and reliable transportation for granted, so thank you for the reminder to appreciate the little things! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I hope you’ll be able to make it out here one day and especially while I’m still here, Paula! It would be so great to meet! =)
Like you say, I’ve found that living in another country has made me understand more about my multi-cultural background and upbringing in Canada too. It’s such valuable self-knowledge. =)
I think we all take things for granted, but that’s why I love reminders about how much we have to be grateful for. Well said, Paula! =) And thank you so much for stopping by! =)
Elise
This was really touching Sam. I am so grateful you two were unharmed and are safe. Experiencing an earthquake really puts things into perspective. Be blessed mi amiga 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks so much, Elise, for your comment and thoughts. =) You take care too, friend!
Stuart Nager
As others, I’m glad you’re safe. As per usual with US news, I didn’t know a thing about your earthquake.
I also experienced my first, and got disorientated, nauseous and had a headache for hours. Glad you didn’t feel that. I got the triple whammy.
Nice move on the grass. Next up for Sam: CIRCUS TIME!!!!
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I’m surprised that the earthquake didn’t make US news! =P
And I’m so sorry to hear that you had such a reaction to the earthquake on the east coast! I hope it cleared up soon afterward!
Thanks for your dreams for me, Stu. HAHA! =)
Knikkolette
That was a great post Samantha! I’ve never experienced a major earthquake. Currently living in Georgia and having lived most of my life in the southeastern US, I’ve only experience one tiny tremor so I can’t even imagine what you or anyone else who has lived through an earthquake has gone through. The feeling of helplessness – there’s literally no where to go for safety but in the air! I have a big long bucket list of things I would like to do before that big day – but alas… they all require a bit of $$$ because I want to travel the world. Here’s the winning the lottery! 🙂
Keep up the great work Samantha! You are amazing!
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Knikki! Before this earthquake, I had only experienced minor tremors in Canada and the Philippines. And you describe the experience so well! During and after the earthquake, it’s exactly how I felt — helpless! =S
Ooh! I hope you can get started on your travels sooner rather than later, especially since you can work from your portable laptop! =) And do let me know when you’ll be by Peru! =)
Aww thanks so much for the encouragement, Knikki! You’re the best!! =)
Diana Simon
Hi Sam,
Wow that move is way cool! I would love to see your other moves. For me, what changed my view of things was when I was diagnosed with cancer. It made me realized what are my priorities and how important it is to just be happy. You never know what will happen next so live to the fullest 🙂
I also struggle with fear when I am in my yoga class. I always say I can’t do a move even before giving it a go. So my commitment is to change my thinking to, I will do what I can. It’s one step forward!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Aww thanks, Diana! Now you know what I’ve been up to after these past couple of weeks mentioning break dance. =) And your yoga example is so pertinent! I didn’t think I could ever do that move. Now that I’ve been able to achieve it, I should remind myself of that when I face other acrobatics moves! =) Thanks for the vote of confidence! =)
Wow! And I can only imagine the role cancer played in changing your life and priorities. I sure am glad you’re here with us!
Li @FlashFiction
Hi Sam ! I’ve experienced several small earthquakes, around 4 -5 mag (most recently, the one in the Virginia/Washington DC US). It really is a sdescribed – the earh rolling under one’s feet, the sound like a giant locomotive bearing down.
I suppose I’m a fatalist – I don’t really think about dying, I just sort out what to do next. It’s a funny thing – in a “panic” situation (earthquake, fire, medical emergency) I’m your gal. On the other hand, getting lost while driving or being faced with having blood drawn reduces me to a quivering idiot. And you DON’T want to be stuck with both me and a bug in an enclosed area. Someone is gonna get hurt. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
You know, I really had to talk myself through it after that earthquake too and I much prefer the take-life-as-it-comes attitude that you describe. =) It’s true that we’re not going to be able to control natural disasters, so what’s the use in worrying, right? =)
Haha! =) Isn’t that funny! I guess there are different types of emergencies and we all react in different ways. =)
Penelope J.
This is serious reporting about the increase in earthquakes in Peru. This last one, largely unreported elsewhere or overshadowed in this country by local news, sounds really bad. However, while the earthquake on the U.S. Eastern seaboard might be laughable in its dimensions to many of us more seasoned earthquake experienced, it does signal something different and important is going on underground.
Having lived through constant earthquakes in Mexico City, the one in 1985 (8.2 on the Richter scale) that tumbled half the city center and many suburban edifices (official toll :20,000. Lost/not found: 70,000) affected everyone there even when not directly. My kids were involved in removing debris, my mother was in hospital with a nurse who lost her toes, her little brother helped drag out newborns through a tunnel using his feet, another went for a morning jog and came back to find his building collapsed, wife and 4 kids dead, a friend waited 3 weeks for her brother’s remains to be dug out (never found), Placido Domingo was there digging the debris from a 55-floor fallen apartment building where his family lived, and so on.
This video is impressive. Nothing like being there on the spot. Horrifying. However, the amazing thing is how one gets used to earthquakes. Here, in S. California, they are more like jolts so when one lasted about 30 secs. on Easter Sunday last year, that was big news. We were sitting outside with our elderly (80s) cousins from Massachusetts and it was their first ever. Fortunately, being so used to them, we were calm and matter-of-fact.
The bad news is that all earthquakes portend something we’d rather not contemplate: that sooner or later, the earth will turn against us, and in a major way. It’s done so before and it will again. That’s history and prehistory.
To answer your last question, I’ve made my commitment before my time runs out, which is not too far away. Just want to see my books published.
Samantha Bangayan
You totally get me, Pennie! That’s exactly how I feel — that these may be signs that the earth is moving more than before. And how weird that the earthquake here never made the news there. I’m imagining all the other potential earthquakes that I haven’t heard about but that underline our point.
Wow! I had no idea about your firsthand experience in a major earthquake. Your descriptions are so vivid and are the images I imagined as I watched the video of the 2007 earthquake on the Peruvian coast. I only hope that if the day comes, I’ll be as helpful and giving as I imagine I’ll be.
And who knows? Maybe I’ll get used to earthquakes here too as you have. Maybe a deep magnitude-7 temblor won’t have this much of an effect on me in the future.
Love your commitment and persistence with your dream, Pennie. =) You always inspire me! =)
J. P. Cabit
Wow Samantha, this video reminds me of what the end of the world will be like.
Must have been very sobering for these people, and they were probably not feeling too reflective at the time, but one can only imagine what it will be like when we “Run out of time,” as you put it.
*shudders*
It’s going to be pretty bad down on Earth!
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, JP! I mean, I’ve seen the movies, but they hadn’t affected me like this raw footage of real people. It scared the heck out of me. =P
Adeline
Wow! Impressive acrobatic move. Makes me miss those more flexible days of mine before my spine surgery.
Going through an earthquake can be really scary. I’ve had my share of experiencing earthquakes here in the Philippines. The most recent one happened early in the morning close to about a month ago. It was freaky to see the water in my glass swish around and getting knocked off balance as I tried to get up.
My answer to your question is a bit cheesy, but really I want to make sure that I make a difference. If not in my nation, at least among the young girls that I’m blessed to mentor.
Samantha Bangayan
Hi there! It’s so great to meet you, Adeline! =) Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment, and especially for your encouragement with my attempt at acrobatics. =) Mentioning your spine surgery really has me thinking of how grateful I am for my flexibility. I sure do hope you’re feeling much better and have become a lot more mobile now though! =)
Ooh! My earliest memories of earthquakes were in the Philippines too, but I don’t ever remember seeing water swishing around! Wow! That would have been a freaky experience. =P Glad you’ve come out safely through all of them! =)
And I absolutely love your goal to make a difference. In fact, I think that’s what makes a fulfilling life for anyone. =)
Christian Hollingsworth
A beautiful blog post and an incredible acrobatic move! Wow! I think I’d break if that was me. hahahaha
Let’s see here. You’ve really asked a very thought provoking question. With all that’s going down in the world – it surely makes you think about what’s important, what you want to accomplish, and what you’re ABLE to do in this lifetime. We don’t always do what we’re able to, and miss many opportunities that we could have had.
Okay, so I’d like to….drum-roll please….work less. I’d like to spend more time doing “nothing” with friends, practicing my opera and piano, getting back into drawing – and trying to learn the guitar better once more.
And yes, I know it sounds funny – but I’d love to write even more. I just love writing.
Although I love to work, and I love what my life is like because I work – I think I can be even more productive, cut down work time, and spend more time playing.
That’s my goal anyways!
Thank you for being such a fabulous friend!
Christian
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) Aww thanks, Christian! Your enthusiasm means a lot to me and is totally encouraging! =) Funny how you mentioned “breaking” — I’d actually like to blend acrobatics with break dancing one day. Maybe that’s why they call it *break* dancing? =P
Wise words, friend! “We don’t always do what we’re able to, and miss many opportunities that we could have had.” — This is what I’ve been afraid of recently. Just today, I was nervous about an interview I had to conduct, but I think what’s important is going out there to do/be/act despite the fears and nerves. Thanks for reminding me of that!
I absolutely love how you mention doing “nothing.” I love doing nothing with and without friends! =) It’s something that I’ve learned to do here in Peru. I was never able to do so in Canada because there was always this pressure to be incessantly productive somehow. I so loved hearing more about your hobbies too! =) Do you have some videos of your opera, piano playing, guitar playing and art? =)
Thank *you* for your friendship, Christian! =) I totally value it!
Christian Hollingsworth
No videos yet. No. A few recordings. I start back up opera coaching in a week – and I’ll work with my coach on getting some things together!
Samantha Bangayan
Exciting! =) Can’t wait!
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, Wow, you certainly have been enduring a lot of stress. But how great that you can twist and turn your body with acrobatics. I agree with Adrienne, let’s see a video! Very cool.
Here we have endured an earthquake and hurricane with another hurricane headed our way. So far, all of my loved ones are safe and that’s all I can really hope for.
I am glad you are safe, my friend. I hope the move is going smoothly. Have a great weekend!
Samantha Bangayan
You know, Carolyn, I actually hadn’t thought of the earthquake as the stressful experience! I guess you’re right, but only because I became all existential afterward. =P
Haha! I really should try and put a video together of my acrobatics (or attempts at least). =P Maybe it’ll motivate me to work harder and to let go of my fears more!
Glad to hear that you and your loved ones are all okay through the fiascos in the US too. And I hope that we all continue to remain safe! =)
Chris Jones
Hi, Samantha.
We experienced an earthquake the day before in Virginia. It was a 5.9 magnitude and the first time I had ever felt an earthquake. Ironically, those on the west coast laughed at us for our reaction, but what if a sudden and swift snowstorm blitzed downtown Los Angeles from nowhere and buried the city under a foot of snow? That’s how it was for us. We don’t experience earthquakes on the east ever. It makes you pause and reflect. So I know what you’re going through.
Samantha Bangayan
It was so freaky when I found out about that earthquake, Chris! The weird part is that it happened at almost the exact same time of day in a zone where earthquakes are so rare! Thanks so much for identifying so well with my thoughts and reaction. I really appreciate your friendship! =)
Rob
Hey Sam,
I did that move once while playing football and couldn’t walk straight for a week 🙂 I want to do two things: A back flip, and run up a tree and flip. No joke.
On another note: Pouring into those I come into contact with is important and meaningful to me. Trying to impact in a positive way allows me to sleep well at night even if this is my last night. I want to do that more and raise the stakes.
Also, strive to be a better husband and Father.
Thanks Sam.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Sweet! =) I definitely want to see some pics of your back flip and tree flip! Roy can do the tree flip but up a wall. =P
I love the values you strive for, Rob. Lately, I’ve realized how much making a positive impact underlies my writing as well. And family is of course a priority! =) Love how much we have in common, friend. =) Thank *you* for your friendship!
Gustavo| Frugal Science
We experienced some earth shaking yesterday around here, by the way. The news said that the “epicentro” was places in the limits between Ecuador and Peru. I don’t know if it is a psychological thing but, ever since what happened in Chile, it seems like this events are occurring with more frequency.
If anything like that happens, don’t forget you have a friend relatively close, willing to help in any form he can.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I knew the earthquake was in the north, but I didn’t think it was that far north! =P
You know, Gustavo, I had the exact same thought, which is why I went to research. It definitely seems that there are more and stronger earthquakes here in Peru based on the statistics and I wouldn’t be surprised if the frequency has increased all over the world (or at least in earthquake zones)!
Aww, thanks so much for your friendship, Gustavo! I really appreciate you saying that and please know that I feel the same! =)
Abe Palmer
This morning 3:30 am we woke to the Tsumani siron. Another quake (7.1 on the scale) 200 miles to the east of us on the Pacific side again. To the top of the hill we drove in darkness and wondering contemplation. I will never forget the Question Maria’s daughter asked me. “What will happen if it does come?” I had to stop and think before I answered. Industry and livelyhood as we know it on this Island would all be wiped out. The airport, the docks and port. Grocery stores, hotel, Power house, phone companys, all the processing plants and the list goes on. Everything is located within1500 feet of the shoreline if not right on the docks. That simple question put everything into perspective.
Samantha Bangayan
Omigoodness! I’m so glad to hear you guys are alright, Abe! Sounds like it was a potentially traumatizing experience for Maria’s daughter as well — that’s exactly the question I was asking when the earthquake happened here. And how scary to actually envision the results. =S I guess it’s something we have no control over. I’m trying to learn to let go more rather than being consumed by fear!
Dayle Fraschilla
“Before my world ends, I want to be more fearless (when I practice acrobatics), I want to let go of life’s little worries and frustrations more often (like if our bus doesn’t arrive on time) and I want to laugh more (especially at myself).”
I think these are fabulous goals, Sam!
Before my time runs out, I want to spend more time with the people I love 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks so much, Dayle! =) They were the first that came to mind and I take that to mean that they’re most important to me at this moment in time. =) I think it helps to concretize them like that!
Ooh! I love your desire to spend time with loved ones. It definitely shows in your vision board (and thus it will happen)! =)
J.D. Meier
Beautiful moves and I bet it takes a lot of skill, practice, and determination (along with trial and error.)
It looks like you’re conquering feat and taking the bull by the horns.
Great job on researching and pulling together the patterns and seeing the insights.
Samantha Bangayan
JD, it’s soo great to meet you! I just headed over to check out the About page of “Sources of Insight” and it sounds like we have tons in common in the approach we want to take toward life. Can’t wait to read a few posts of yours. =)
Thanks so much for recognizing the practice and determination! =) It has been a struggle because I never considered myself the athletic type, so I really, really appreciate your encouragement. =)
Walter
It’s amazing how we only perceive the gift of the moment when tragedy comes. Each day is a gift of life and therefore each must be committed to give their best at each moment. Every person will come to an end whether the end of the world comes or not. 🙂
Adeline
Well said, Walter!
Samantha Bangayan
Walter, it’s so great to meet you and I love the wisdom in your comment. It’s almost calming to come to terms with the fact that there are things like these we can’t control. Each day is indeed a gift and thanks for reminding me to treat it as such! =)
Bryce Christiansen
Hi Samantha,
You bring up a good point. We sometimes think we are invincible people. That we have many decades ahead of us to reach our goals.
Things like earthquakes, hurricanes, and storms are outside of our control. There are so many uncontrolled situations that could make our lives shorter than we had anticipated.
Working everyday on being our best is the only real way to make sure we don’t leave with regrets.
Thanks for the excellent reminder,
Bryce
Bryce Christiansen
Back again. Just had to congratulate you for being a fellow Versatile Blogger Recipient on Deeone’s site.
I don’t know how I made it on the same list as you, surely I still have a ways to go before I can be considered in the same circle 😉
Looking forward to continuing to learn more about you and your crazy awesome adventures.
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thank you soo much, Bryce! Sending warm congratulations right back at you. =) And it’s such an honor to be part of the same circle as you as well. =) Hugs!
Samantha Bangayan
It’s so true, Bryce! We spend so much time on planning for the future when the here-and-now may potentially be our last moments. =P Here in Peru, I’m learning to place more emphasis on the present rather than on unending strings of goals.
I love how you emphasize “working everyday on being our best.” What a beautiful habit that I’d like to continually implement in my life. =)
Versatile Blogger Award: Thank You Ms. Adrienne Smith | RowenaBolo.com
[…] Samantha from What Little Things […]
Allie | Ramblings of a WAHM
I live in the Bay Area in CA and earthquakes are very real here. The last big one here was in 1989, I was living in Los Angeles then. I guess I missed it but it was devastating. I just finished watching a doc on the Japan earthquake. It made me very sad but even more, very scared. Japan is a nation not unlike the U.S. Very populated near the coasts and large cities. They are also a rich nation and highly technological. When I make the comparisons with the earthquake there, in which Japan is said to be ready for, and here, I get scared. I live near a delta that could easily rise quickly if a tsunami hit the Bay Area.
What have I done to prepare? I always have canned food and water. And I have learned to appreciate the people that matter most in my life.
BTW, I learned from a geological friend this: when a big earthquake hits, immediately fill your bathtubs or any large basins with fresh water. The chance of the public water systems being contaminated can be high and you will need days worth if that happens.
Have a non earthquake day. 🙂
~Allie
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I remember seeing photos from that 1989 earthquake! So glad you and your loved ones got through it alright.
As I researched for this post, I felt the exact same emotions that you did: sadness and fear. For a while there, I became obsessed with educating myself as much as I could, but in the end, we can’t control what happens, eh?
I’ll take your lead in preparing as much as I can without letting preparation consume me. Thanks so much for that tip about water, btw! I hadn’t heard of that before! =) Hugs! Here’s to our safety!
Jimmy/Life Architect
Hi Sam,
I am new to your site.
I must be honest. Coming from Singapore, natural diasaters are unheard of. We have the good fortune to have not experience this before. Sometimes when I think about it, it is quite difficult for us to feel what people who experiences all these or are prone to experience all this feels.
Thanks for your care and concern.
Cheers
Samantha Bangayan
Jimmy, it’s so great to meet you! Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by and comment. =) I had no idea that Singapore was such a safe country in terms of natural disasters! Maybe I should consider moving there. =) I have many Filipino friends who live there! =)
Can’t wait to check out your blog! Sounds like we have tons in common if you value inspirational stories too. =)
Keith Davis
Time running out, now that is some thought.
We all think that time will never come to an end, but current thinking is that time will eventually end – the universe will cease to exist.
I think that most of us will be long gone by then so not too much need to worry. LOL
Those earthquakes sound pretty frightening… lucky here in the UK, no earthquakes.
Hope all goes well for you and the people of Peru.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly what slapped me in the face, Keith! It was just so hard to realize that life ends one day until the earthquake happened and I started immersing myself in videos of how the end might be. =( Good thing I got over that. =P
Lucky you guys that there aren’t any earthquakes up there! =)
Ooh! You have a new post up! Exciting!! =) Heading over right now. =)
Sherry Zander
What a very scary experience. I’m glad you and Roy are safe. I’ve never experienced an earthquake before; although, I’ve experienced other weather-related situations. I think we need reminders that the duration of life is limited. We don’t live here forever; we don’t have all the time in the world to accomplish those things we want to accomplish; and we must keep that all in perspective. I have to ask you, though, what is that acrobatic move called you’re doing in that picture? I have never seen it before, but it looks quite difficult to do. Keep up the good work, my fearless friend. Even at my age, I’m learning to be more fearless!
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly how I feel, Sherry. These reminders that “life is short” are so meaningful to me. I had already forgotten again until I read this comment of yours! Haha! =P
Great question about the name of that acrobatic move. I have NO idea what it’s called in English, but I would really like to know! =P Here, we call it “disloque,” which is related to the word “dislocate” because I have to dislocate my shoulders a bit to get into position. =P
Thanks for continually inspiring me with your fearlessness too, Sherry!! =)