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I've just read this entire thread for the first time. I've not watched the video's, but will with my wife.

I live near The Woodlands and work near The Galleria in Houston. I don't have the same luxury that many of you do to simply stay out of the city. Also, I have five teenagers - two of whom are girls and one of the boys likes to shop as much as a girl. I want them to live in a state of situational awareness - not fear. I choose what malls and theaters they (or we) go to based not only on 30.06 signs but also the general vibe of the store. Willowbrook mall is closer to my house, but because of some of the gang activity in the area, my family doesn't go there. My kids aren't allowed to go to AMC theaters but do go to the Silverado (not posted).

Personally, I hate malls but go with them. Occasionally, I have a need to go but do most of what I can online. They do most of their buying online, but go to the mall for shopping.

My late wife (ironically she died at 39) had a great perspective on this. When God decides to take you home, then it's your time. In her four years of illness, she rarely had a pity party. Instead she made the most of the horrible situation and ministered to hundreds of others on her way out literally around the world. If you watched the summer Olympics in 2008, you likely saw her in a TV commercial for MD Anderson immediately following the Olympic program. It aired every night.

So to the original question, I have become an urban prepper. I have started planning for situations I am most likely to face. Power outages. Stuck in an elevator. And possibly even an active shooter or self defense situation. That's why I have a CHL. My goal is to have enough on my person to get to my truck. Then enough in my truck to get to my house. At some point, all I can do is all I can do. I would fight to defend those around me, but not to the detriment of my life or my families life. Once I'm out, I am getting my family to safety. I would never have enough firepower with me to take on a mall attack. Nor do I have the training or physical ability to be a "warrior". I don't mean I don't care. I am realistic to know that I would just increase their body count.

I went to see American Sniper. I was VERY aware of the situation given the topic of the movie. I also suspect that there were more people with CHLs watching that movie than 50 Shades of Gray, so found some comfort in that. Prior to that, I haven't seen a movie in years. Not because I'm afraid of theaters but just because I prefer to watch at home. I go to the mall at least once a month because it's a great teaching opportunity and my kids want to go. When I go to those places, I carry additional ammo, my larger EDC pack, an additional handgun, etc. - more than I would when I'm in my office at work.

I have done a number of triathlons (swim,bike,run) in the past including an Ironman. There was a much higher percentage of me drowning during the swim or getting hit on my bike during training than there is of a mall attack. I still chose to participate because I enjoyed it.

In my mind, there's a line between being prepared and paranoid. I am prepared to defend my life and family. I am also prepared for the day I breath my last breath. I try to live accordingly.