Y2K Hyperbole: I’ll sit this one out!

The word of mouth has spread of things that may go wrong at one second after midnight in the Year 2000. There are friends who have started preparing for a perceived eventuality–whatever that may be–in much the same way that we ready ourselves for the arrival of a superstorm. Nah, I’ll sit this one out!

I’m not sure it is right for me to listen to the vacuous words of doomsayers. I’ve heard too many predictions of the end of the world which was supposed to have happened several times over the last decade or so. The world still revolves on its axis and about the only thing that has changed was the missed opportunity to be a billionaire for the 50th time. I’m now working the my 51st attempt and notice, I want to be a billionaire, not a millionaire.
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Indeed, I’ve allowed my imagination to take a journey into the nether world of Y2K syndrome. About the only thing I dread is the heavy jolt of a major earthquake on the eastern side of the Marianas Archipelago that flipped these isles 36 miles into the Marianas Trench. Guam and Chuuk were pulled into the deepest trench between them. The pearly isles of the Marianas no longer could be seen nor found from where it is today.
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Imagine pregnant women slated for delivery of the first babies of the new millennium. Some may even venture seeking C-Section procedure to ensure that their babies are the first born of the Year 2000. I’m not sure it is wise to employ this procedure just to be number one. What if, in the process, the power goes off and all medical equipment however Y2K compliant simply failed? You’d be stuck with a bunch of medical staff who may have to resort to primitivity to bring out the kid from your tummy. I say skip it!
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I don’t know what restaurants have up their sleeves at New Year’s Eve to welcome the first second of the new millennium. Parents may venture hiring baby-sitters for this grand event. But I’d be worried sick if I have to hire a baby-sitter for this night. I mean, it’s the biggest event yet baby-sitters can’t understand that such historical phenomenon calls for celebration? Yeah, imagine if the lights go out and they start panicking, stepping all over your toddler? Think about it!
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Then there’s the video tape of predictions made by Nostradamus which must have found its way into the living rooms of the multitude. Gee! I didn’t know that some Catholics are easily swayed from their faith. If anything, God the Father never surrendered His power nor teachings to Nostradamus nor any other patron saint. Don’t get into the habit of choosing all the stars in the heavens. Choose but just one–Him!
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Even my late saintly mom would fetch assorted novenas of various patron saints convinced that they too can forgive sins and bring me everlasting life. I had to bring her back into reality check that there’s but only one God. She finally relented but miffed for she considers my viewpoint equivalent to blasphemy. You know, the cultural thing that you keep your views to yourself.

Mom knows that I seldomly lose sight of issues at hand. And for all our disagreements even on religion or what Nostradamus has predicted, she must have been testing whether I am sure footed in my faith. Well, I’ve seen the deep valleys of hell more so than most people. I know what faith is all about. And my faith, Y2K or no Y2K, rests in His plans for me.
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Between 9 p.m. until midnight, Dec. 31st 1999, I’d burn up the BBQ pit, dump some steak and fish on it, talk stories, and simply yell out “Happy New Year’s” a second after the clock strikes 12 midnight. I’ll definitely sit this one out at home!