To me the biggest part of preparedness is knowing how to be sustainable and how to adapt to the situation at hand. I couldn't agree more with your post Kevin. I don't believe that hoarding can ever make someone truly prepared.
I used to participate in a survivalist forum, but left as the overwhelming mentality of the people there was that a bunker full of canned goods was the equivalent of being prepared. That said, I do have about a two month food supply on hand. I also have hand tools and various antiquities that would make a life without electricity livable. I've also been studying various crafts and elements of living from pre-electric times. It is amazing how much knowledge has been lost in the age of convenience.
Heck, that is how I got into straight razors in the first place. I wanted a means of shaving without being reliant on razors from the store.

I am not a doomsdayer. I really doubt that I'll ever have a need to use most of what I've collected, or any of the skills and crafts that I've learned. But, it is comforting to know that in the one in a million chance that it would be needed I have it.
Oh, and I have the means to defend it as well.

The power was out here for about 12 hours last week. I know that's not a big deal, but it was nice to know that it could have been out for several days and life would have proceeded virtually normally for me and my kids. Of course I wouldn't have been able to visit SRP for awhile...
I don't have a generator, as I don't see a point in becoming reliant on things that require gas to operate. One day when I have the funds I might look at solar or wind as backup power.

I probably sound totally nuts now...