Many people heard about what happened to James Kim. CNET editor James Kim died of exposure and hypothermia as he sought help for his snowbound wife and children. The story gives us a hard slap on the realities of life.

Last week, a strong typhoon hit the Philippines - Reming (internationally code named ‘Durian’). The storm ravaged most of the Bicol region where a good chat buddy of mine, Whin, resides. Whin won second place on the previous SEO contest we were in. Since the storm hit, he has not been online. This prompted our other SEO companions to ask how he is. The last news I received was that he is well but they have no electricity.

That was a relief to hear.

Reming/Durian was said to be stronger than typhoon Milenyo. I have personally seen how Milenyo battered Metro Manila. I was rather concerned when it came. I was glad it didn’t go through Manila this time because I’m pretty sure it would have destroyed a lot of homes.

Some people, however, did not share my joy. As I went home last Friday, the taxi driver commented on why there were no classes on that day. The winds were strong, the skies were cloudy and there was no rain. It seemed crazy to him that the government would cancel work and classes. I just said “It is better to be safe that sorry.”

The thing is… we don’t seem to realize how fragile life is until it hits us in the face. Up to the last moment, I didn’t want to believe that someone like Kim would tragically end that way. Nature has a humbling way of reminding us how insignificant our lives can be.

By the way, if you are ever stuck in the mountains, remember the rule of three:

1. You can survive for three hours without shelter
2. You can survive for three days without water
3. You can survive for three weeks without food