I Do Wrong Things

Warning. If you do not have a sense of humor, this is not a post you should read.  Otherwise, carry on!

Having the "phone conversation" reminded me over the last day or two reminded me of why, in general, I avoid certain topics on the blog. Which is an odd revelation if you are a long time reader and know me well enough that I don't shy away from controversial or difficult subjects if they have to do with me personally in endurance and with horses.

Here's the problem with the "phone conversation" and others like it. If we all carried the gear that someone thought we absolutely shouldn't leave the barn without, none of us would ride. I guarantee it. 

Carrying a phone (or not) it falls into the category of things of emergency gear that some people think is absolutely necessary. And some people do not. 

 And here's why this (and related topics) is a problem topic: it's hard to argue with "it might save your life someday". It negates any explanation of why someone might not be doing it - because what could be more important than life? Please refer to paragraph 3. 

The phone for me falls into the category of gear  that depending on the type of ride (and who I'm doing it on or with) it may or may not be a necessity. If I had a way of carrying it that made it easier and more comfortable I would carry it more (but if I'm being realistic, still wouldn't carry it on every ride. )

What I thought would be fun is to list other ways that I am *surely* going to die, since I (and you) do all sorts of things on a daily basis that aren't "the safest" choice.  There are many reasons that we may not chose the "safest" choice and it all has to do with that little benefit/cost scale that constantly weighs out decisions in our heads.  If you would like to join in the fun by leaving a comment (anonymously if you would like....) on things you do wrong....I'd love to hear it. Justification not needed. These aren't confessions, rather admissions without repentance.

1. I don't wear a helmet every ride. Most rides but not every ride. 

2. I don't carry a phone on my body regularly, in fact I regularly leave the house without a phone. And while we are on the subject, I don't own a car phone charger and if the phone dies during the day or in the middle of my commute so be it. 

3. I speed. But I don't jaywalk and I always come to a full and complete stop at stop signs.

4. I don't wash my hands before eating most of the time. 

5. I eat raw eggs. Sometimes in cookie dough (before I couldn't have gluten), sometimes just raw in smoothies. Most of the time I barely cook my eggs. 

6. I eat my fruits and vegetables unwashed and sometimes I buy produce off the "dirty dozen" list. 

7. I don't drive with my hands hat 10 and 2. 

8. I give my own animal vaccines

9. I run long distances in barefoot shoes. Even on asphalt. 

10. I ride and run with ear buds in both ears. (depends on the specific ride etc - not an every day thing).

11. Two days a week I don't eat.  The rest of the time I eat lots of fat and protein and absolutely *no* fiber that is found in whole grains. Because I don't eat whole grains. I eat white rice.  And no bread. And potatoes that are "white" in color. 

12. I love raw fish.

13. I use an "e collar" or "shock collar" on my dog because she likes it better than a leash or a head collar or a harness or any other restraint invented by man. (OK - a little justification there for those of you that haven't read my post on this subject on my other blog.  Go to Tess's blog for more information). 

14. My animals are pets and part of the family, but not people. There is a price tag on their well being and it does not involve all my savings or maxing out my credit card (OK - these last two are less of ways I will die, and more of another reason to add to someone else's list of why I'm going to be a *horrible* vet - and we should stop now before I add another 100 things to *that* list).