I was asked by my office manager today if I was "one of those survivalist people". She actually wanted my opinion about a piece of gear.

Without missing a beat, I jokingly told her I'm an "emergency preparedness advocate" or a "post-apocalyptic survivability enthusiast". I thought it was funny, the look on her face was priceless while she mulled it over.

I don't much care for the term "survivalist", so I prefer to use other terminology.

What do you consider yourself?

Prepared.

A realist.

Why? Because, I understand that sometime, if you need something done, you have to do it yourself. You can't always take things for granted.

Someone who prefers a quite banal death in bed after a lifetime full of bad habits, over an ugly accidental death due to circumstances beyond my control or at the hands of another.

Someone who never wants to be forced to explain to their family why they have to be wet, cold, or hungry, and why there is nothing I can do to save them from danger.

Responsible.

Think about it, it cuts both ways.

I like that. Honest, yet subtle. I doubt most folks would get the insult as well.

I am Responsible!

Mike

I'm independent and responsibly preparing to not become dependent because of a disaster.

I am prepared.

I like outdoor gear.

I prefer the outdoors to the Outdoor Channel.

I've been saying things like "I just don't want to be helpless if some drunk takes out the local power transformer, or some idiot hits the water main with his backhoe."

But I really like "No, just trying to be responsible."

I'm one of those people that has a hard time asking for help..being independent as a child instilled that into me. Being prepared is an example of independence. I don't want to ask for help, as there will likely be thousands more asking and resources would be stretched thin as it is. I went thru all the hurricanes in Florida a few years ago (four already?). Lost our house, and had to live with my sister in law for a month. Had a two year old and it was a challenge. Also bugged out to southern Georgia for one, and only got that far because I-75 was a gridlock. They should have shut down the south-bound lanes and opened it up to north-bound traffic only. Never saw a south-bound power company convoy, FEMA convoy, or anything. From now on, think I'll shelter in place. I'm a realist.

Prepared, and an outdoor enthusiast.

People who know me know I don't live in town and that is understandable to them as well as me enjoying camping and spending time in the woods.

I am paranoid!!! JK...
If I had to label myself, I guess the label I would choose is prepared. I have the basics I would need to bug in, in my apt, for a week, and rotate water regularly. I have AMPLE outdoor gear, as I spend most time outdoors (exception being work, primarily). My jeep is well stocked, with basic equipment, minus food & water, which I can easily transfer from my apt. Its not something I put a lot of thought into-its just one of those things I have always done as an adult-being prepared.

Accident-prone

-Blast

Oh, sure, just happenstance makes you come across all those explody, fire thingys.

Gotta take responsibility! See, I told you it cuts both ways.

This post certified to be ACR free.

Reminds me of a Bill Cosby routine "I was driving home real late at night, my eyelids were drooping and all of a sudden this tree just jumped out and bit my car!"

Three out of four ain't bad.....

I'd consider myself aware:

Aware that I need more knowledge
Aware that I have a decent set of skills to manage through most situations &
Aware that after reading all the threads I need more kit!!

A professional victim.

Me, I am just decrepit.

If asked that question, I'd say "no" and go back to work.

If pressed, I'd point out that I'm honest. If have to explain, I'd point out that you and you alone are ultimately responsible for your own safety and comfort. And that I don't like being cold and wet and hungry and miserable.

LOL

I'm a outdoors walker who likes knowing where his towel is.

Good answers, all of them.

They know me pretty well at work by now, I've been there 9 years or so. She didn't mean any disrespect by it, she just knows (as most of my co-workers do also) that I'm the go-to guy at my work for just about any situation. (Especially since solving problems is a good chunk of my job.)

If I had to pick one word to describe myself, it would either be responsible (good answer, by the way) or just prepared.

MacGyver ?

Ok how about a responsible husband and father or better yet a responsible human being.

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein

- Eric

I'm just a regular guy trying to keep myself prepared for the possibilities. I admit being a little paranoid though. When they say I should prepare a 72 hour kit, I put together an 8,760 hour kit.

Hopefully, a future Beach Bum .

Pete

SMART !

Lol!

That's like the moms's that say their kid is 31 months old. Lady, he's 2 and a half. Get with it.

I like "responsible" and "prepared".

I usually just tell them I was in the Boy Scouts a little too long, and since everyone knows the Scout motto is "Be Prepared", it's usually enough to leave it at that.

Indeed. LOL

A man.

To be a man means that I am to be responsible, dependable, trustworthy, honorable, have character, integrity, grace. Protection for the weak, a firm hand for those who need it, kindness to all. Provider for my family, rigid in my uprightness, a helping hand to those who need. quick to laugh, slow to anger, willing to help. Improviser, leader, follower. Love and forgive with my heart. Intelligent, accommodating, guide, humble. Hopeful, prepared, disciplined, controlled. Wise, good, and forthright. Honest, sincere, tolerant.

I figure I should stop there, seeing as I keep thinking about things that I feel that I need to work on.

Response: I am interested in gear, What can I help you with?

Experienced, though not necessarily as with a Jimmy Hendrix definition.