You Can't Take It With You?

Chas was enthusing about the Tallest Buildings in the world. He claims they are earthquake-proof. They are certainly beautiful, and their construction is an amazing feat.

It got us talking about buildings, earthquakes, the end of the world (The boys saw "2012" and loved the special effects, I told them about the major hoo-ha of December 31st, 1999) (you know how these suppertime conversations can get out of hand) and I asked them, "So. If the world was ending and you had ten seconds to run for your life, what would you take with you?"

Chas quickly said, "My knife". He's obviously thought about this. He's got the best penknife that his money could buy. He's ready for anything.

Sam said, "Both DSs, the chargers, and, um, the laptop." We ridiculed him mercilessly, of course, and described Sam, wading through the floods with his wet DS, looking for a plug to charge up. HE said, "AAAAH! BUT! What if it were an alien invasion?!?! THEY would have electricity." "Yeah, hope you have your UK-Alien plug adaptor with you!" we hooted. Cuz we are supportive like that.

When the hilarity died down, I looked at Max. "What about you?" I asked. He raised his eyebrows at me and said, VERY seriously, "The end of the world? I wouldn't take anything, just myself."

There was a moment's silence while we all thought about that. And I think I understand my kids a lot better after that conversation.

And me? I said I'd take my towel, to avoid the deadly gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal. "Oh, wonderful, you're as bad as Sam. I'm not lending either of you my knife" groaned Chas.

Comments

You hoopty frood, I knew I married you for more than your looks!
Sub-ether sensor bleeping...Don't panic!
How wise Max is!
HalfAsstic.com said…
BWAHAHAHAHA! The thing is I can picture this conversation perfectly! Aaaah, from the mouth's of babes!
Nan Sheppard said…
Ah, babe, so YOU'VE got the Sub-Ether Sensor! I wondered where it had got to! There's room under my towel for you...
Nan Sheppard said…
Max comes up with some real wise stuff from time to time. The rest of us are mostly silly!
I hope they marry gorgeous sensible women too......................or at least godesses with big prospects and open minds!!!
aclare said…
Yes I would take my towel too... at least then I could be prepared for anything. Although if I only had ten seconds to run for it... then I would run for it... never mind anything else.

Perhaps the 3rd child develops the sensible-ness in the face of silly siblings!! I should know...
Nan Sheppard said…
Goddesses with big whats?

Aclaire, it's good to have such a sensible youngest sibling!
Anonymous said…
...so, my little one looks across the dinner table at me Monday night and smiling gleefully demanded:
"so ma, what are YOU going to do before you die?"
"HUH!!? Where did this come from?" says I with a 'deer caught in headlights' 'is someone not telling me something' anxious look on face.
"Oh, oh yeah, we were just talking about bucket lists with dad in the car this morning on the way to school?" splutters both girls in between maniacally laughs with father.
Apparently (30 minute) drives to school are reaching major philosophical heights here also.

:)

Vicki

ps. they saw 2010 also and there ARE all these earthquakes of a sudden...
Unknown said…
Actually, the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (RB, as it's known to its friends) has towel-ray vision. He/she/it can see right through 'em.
...no he can't!
I tricked him just this last Monday
Anonymous said…
That's one deep conversation! Makes me wonder now what I'd take...