I’m only afraid of earthquakes, this shouldn’t be a really hard thing to accomplish. This phobia makes me very nervous on bridges and in tunnels, but the severity of the fear waxes and wanes. I still go over and under these structures but if I get stopped on/in one, I start crying.

I know my fear is rational – I live in an area where we’ve had it hammered into our brains that the BIG ONE is on its way…and it is. And unlike almost every other natural disaster, there is absolutely no warning. No time to evacuate, or get to a safe spot. You’re screwed. The idea is not pleasing.

However, I do realize that the chances of me being in a really bad place when it does happen (and I am fairly certain that it will happen in my lifetime) are very slim, and I tell myself this.

I used to have this shuddering shiver run through my body whenever I went through the tunnel that I reguarly drive through. It has subsided, and I do not always think about earthquakes when I drive it anymore.

But I have moved, and have to drive over one of two bridges to get to the mountains where I live. One is very wobbly and one (as I have just found out from the news) is cracked. Neither make me feel very safe.

But…I’m dealing with it.

Throw me out of a plane, put a spider in my hands, wrap a snake around my neck as I ride on a gigantic rollercoaster watching horror movies. I might squeal but I won’t be afraid.