[Sencha]

The effects of Katrina seem to be accelerating peak oil. Gas rationing, price rises, higher oil costs, I'm starting to think there was never a better time to do something about my situation. But, I still feel like I'm in a corner.

I really worry about this winter, I live in a refridgerator (metaphorically speaking.) Actually, its more like a freezer. If the heating bill goes up, I dread to think of the consequences. I drive seven days a week, I'm going to need gas constantly. My car gets decent mileage for my purposes, but it still doesn't carry me as fas as it used to.

I tried talking to my parents about quitting college. It wasn't pleasant. Bottom line was that, "If you don't get that Bachelor's degree you're going to be a nobody!"

College is a lost cause if there ever was one, not to mention that I'm completely estranged from it. I'm just going through the motions at this point. I don't know if I can seriously ask anyone for advice, maybe I'm just venting this, so I don't go crazy bottling it up. The P.O. community is all I have to talk to about this kind of thing.

I might have to see what I can do alone, and for my area. I won't be moving anywhere soon. But between my college career and part-time job, I get almost no time to myself.

Should I just accept that I'm going to end up like all the sheeple, even though I've had over a year of advanced warning and knowledge? I used to think it was ok not to do anything, but watching the coverage on Katrina and New Orleans, is like seeing the future, only on a national, if not global scale. Thanks for listening.

[Ludi]

If you're really worried about not being able to heat your place, you should buy a good sleeping bag. Seriously. The kind rated for freezing weather.

[jvangi]

That's right.
Forget about long plans. Try emergency polity.

First, try to get your parents hear you... if you convince them of the emergency, they'll stand with you.

Then try to work it out together. You with technical knowledge and them with experience and money.

[Madpaddy]

Keep the chin up Sencha,

Awarness even if you do nothing now will make the pyschological impact easier.

How far do you travel in the car - is a motorbike an option???

Sleeping bag advice is good. Get your parents to read the National Geographic issues on oil depletion last June and on fueling the future this month. Try hard to convince them of the need to prepare and of the practical benefits of preparation even if nothing bad comes to pass.

[Barbara]

A small tent mounted on your (queen size) bed, with some blankets and a sleeping bag inside, can keep you warm even in polar areas!!! And if you can find a girl with the same problem, then it's even better (for the heating, I mean ). Lacking girls, a cat can do the trick.

Seriously: a small tent on a bed works perfectly to keep you warm at night.

[Sencha]

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it all in mind. The tent/sleeping bag is a good idea.

I know people always say to confront your parents about P.O. and whatnot but take it from me, the only thing that will convince them is a gas line. Even if they did believe me, our current lifestyle just does not promote any immediate action. Even long term planning wouldn't pan out. There's so much else to work on at the moment. Besides, I don't know they could handle the reality. Just last night I was reflecting on how profound the impact was for me. My parents don't need the P.O. bomb dropped on them.

As for driving, I don't really travel that far. There's nowhere I need to go that doesn't take 30-45 minutes to get to. Thing is, I drive alot, so distance probably doesn't matter that much. Motorbikes scare me, I'd never ride on one. Heard too many horror stories.

On a side note, I don't know if anyone can relate to this, but don't you hate when older people pull age on you? My dad is always saying, "I've lived 50 years on this earth!" as if to say that makes him especially intelligent. I'm in my early twenties and I bet I could give his wisdom/intelligence a run for its money. I don't claim to know everything, I actually consider myself quite the dumbass. But hey, at least I'm well versed on the issue of P.O., which is more than I can say for alot of others, sadly.

[Doly]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sencha', '
')On a side note, I don't know if anyone can relate to this, but don't you hate when older people pull age on you? My dad is always saying, "I've lived 50 years on this earth!" as if to say that makes him especially intelligent.

[FairMaiden]

You don't think you are driving far distances when you drive 35-40 minutes to your destinations? Thats over 20 miles every time...I walk 20 minutes or less to 90% of my destinations. I ride a bicycle 20 miles to work everyday. I use my car to go camping, move equipment for work, etc.

Don't give up on college. Yes, Peal oil is an issue and you should be prepared. But what if it doesn't happen for 15 yrs? Then college gave you the start you needed to get a good job - with money you have a better chance of preparing. Look at college as the "hoops" you must go thru to get to where you need to be.

FM

[rostov]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sencha', 'M')y dad is always saying, "I've lived 50 years on this earth!"