I am not a materialistic person. I don't care about brand-name clothing, designer handbags, glittery jewelry, expensive kitchen appliances, or original artwork on my walls. I can happily walk around in an old pair of Levis and a Hanes t-shirt. My sunglasses generally cost about $5 and come from a rack at Wal-Mart. Store brand bottled water is the only kind I buy.
I am also a frugal shopper. I spend an hour a week clipping coupons to save $10 at the supermarket (barely worth my time in terms of an hourly wage), and I shop sales, buy store brands, and generally avoid excess spending on non-essentials.
I do have a few places where I spend a little too much of our monthly budget. The liquor store clerk pretty much knows me by name, and the bookstore has my credit card on file. But overall, I am not too much of a shopper.
Nonetheless, Hubby and I have found our budget stretched THIN. I'm a writer by profession, but the magazine industry has basically gone kaput. And web writing gigs are hard to find. The quality of writing required by many websites is lacking, so the pool of writers is larger. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad writers willing to work for low wages.
So I've been racking my brain for a way to earn a little extra income while still meeting the needs of my family. This means it needs to be something I can do from home, something that requires little extra training/schooling, and something that generates enough income to make it worth my time. It would be an added perk if it would be a job that would be useful in a shit+fan situation.
I've considered become a holistic health practitioner, which would include knowledge about alternative medical therapies and herbal medicines. Since Hubby is a health professional, I figure the combination of my skills and his experience would probably make us the town doctor after the zombies arrive. Unfortunately, this type of certification requires about $2,000 in education. And my state is pretty hardcore about licensing healthcare practitioners. I'm just not sure it's a viable option for me right now.
Childcare, sewing alterations, teaching, hand crafts... these are all things I am not suited for with regard to my talents and temperament. I am not patient and I lack any real artistic skill. My best talent is ordering people around (according to Hubby).
Know anyone who's hiring for a "Queen Bee," "Universal Supervisor," or "World Manager" position?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Legal Antibiotic Stockpile
Hubby is a medical professional, so I've come to realize the importance of having a stockpile of antibiotics. Something as simple as a basic antibiotic can mean the difference between life and death if shit+fan ever happens.
Unfortunately, most doctors won't just write a prescription for a stockpile of medicines. I debated about how to handle this, and considered ideas like getting meds from overseas or "faking" an illness to get a prescription from my local urgent care. Not exactly moral or legal, but maybe necessary.
Then I heard from other preppers that fish and animal antibiotics are, in fact, often the same as that given to human beings. (Obviously, knowing when to use the drugs and their proper dosages are vital, so some type of training or manual would be a necessity if implementing this technique yourself.) Apparently, many of these animal drugs are manufactured by the same companies that create human antibiotics. Who knew, right?
Is it risky? A little. But it is a viable solution for preppers who would like to keep some medications on hand without going through illegal or immoral channels.
On another note, if anyone in your family has an allergy, you might want to consider stockpiling a few Primatene Mist inhalers before the end of the year. They won't be available after December 31 due to regulations surrounding the propellants used in these inhalers. (They say the CFCs are damaging our ozone layer. I seriously doubt asthma inhalers are making a big dent in our ozone, but that's another topic entirely.) Primatene Mist inhalers contain epinephrine, which is used in epi-pens for anaphylaxis--a serious allergic reaction. It's not the best solution--an epi-pen is really what you need--but it might be better than nothing if someone in your group has an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting, seafood, nuts, etc. I suggest everyone grab a couple. Even if no one in your family has ever had a reaction in the past, sometimes an allergy can come to the surface later in life. (I didn't find out I was allergic to bees until I was in my 30s!)
Unfortunately, most doctors won't just write a prescription for a stockpile of medicines. I debated about how to handle this, and considered ideas like getting meds from overseas or "faking" an illness to get a prescription from my local urgent care. Not exactly moral or legal, but maybe necessary.
Then I heard from other preppers that fish and animal antibiotics are, in fact, often the same as that given to human beings. (Obviously, knowing when to use the drugs and their proper dosages are vital, so some type of training or manual would be a necessity if implementing this technique yourself.) Apparently, many of these animal drugs are manufactured by the same companies that create human antibiotics. Who knew, right?
Is it risky? A little. But it is a viable solution for preppers who would like to keep some medications on hand without going through illegal or immoral channels.
On another note, if anyone in your family has an allergy, you might want to consider stockpiling a few Primatene Mist inhalers before the end of the year. They won't be available after December 31 due to regulations surrounding the propellants used in these inhalers. (They say the CFCs are damaging our ozone layer. I seriously doubt asthma inhalers are making a big dent in our ozone, but that's another topic entirely.) Primatene Mist inhalers contain epinephrine, which is used in epi-pens for anaphylaxis--a serious allergic reaction. It's not the best solution--an epi-pen is really what you need--but it might be better than nothing if someone in your group has an anaphylactic reaction to an insect sting, seafood, nuts, etc. I suggest everyone grab a couple. Even if no one in your family has ever had a reaction in the past, sometimes an allergy can come to the surface later in life. (I didn't find out I was allergic to bees until I was in my 30s!)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Microwave-Less Experiment Concludes
So it's been two weeks since we've used the microwave. I miss it sometimes. It IS super convenient when you need food heated fast. Overall, though, I haven't really noticed too much of a difference (except LOTS of extra dishes). I've actually enjoyed not having it, and this experiment has definitely taught me that I don't need it.
Hubby, on the other hand, complains every day about being without the microwave. Every time he wants to heat soup or leftovers, he gives me a song and dance.
As a result, it looks like the microwave will once again have a place on my kitchen counter.
But that doesn't mean I have to use it.
Hubby, on the other hand, complains every day about being without the microwave. Every time he wants to heat soup or leftovers, he gives me a song and dance.
As a result, it looks like the microwave will once again have a place on my kitchen counter.
But that doesn't mean I have to use it.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Attractive Security For Patio Doors
When Hubby and I built our house, we knew we wanted a screened porch. (Sitting outside and having a few drinks is our favorite way to spend an evening... especially with our posse.) This meant patio doors.
However, I have always considered patio doors to be a security risk. Aside from being made of glass, it is very difficult to secure them from opening without an ugly or invasive device.
Our solution was to install sliding wood pocket doors over the patio doors. This served multiple purposes: better insulation, extra security, and the ability to cover the patio doors for a more "formal" appearance when entertaining in that manner.
Here are our patio doors with the pocket doors open. Look pretty standard, right? (Note: They aren't sliding doors. The right side door is stationary, and the left side door swings like a standard door.)
Here they are with the pocket doors shut. We love the way they look!
The pocket doors lock together with a basic interior lock. However, I wanted extra security (of course). So on the edge of the pocket door that covers the entrance patio door, we installed sliding bolt locks on the top and bottom. The bolts slide into holes in the doorframe and floor, respectively. Here's a photo:
And here's a picture with just the "secure" pocket door closed. Since the entrance patio door swings to the inside of the house, opening it with the pocket door closed is impossible without a lot of force (and noise).
So that's how I developed a more secure patio door that's attractive and functional. It's not super secure, but it does provide additional safety.
However, I have always considered patio doors to be a security risk. Aside from being made of glass, it is very difficult to secure them from opening without an ugly or invasive device.
Our solution was to install sliding wood pocket doors over the patio doors. This served multiple purposes: better insulation, extra security, and the ability to cover the patio doors for a more "formal" appearance when entertaining in that manner.
Here are our patio doors with the pocket doors open. Look pretty standard, right? (Note: They aren't sliding doors. The right side door is stationary, and the left side door swings like a standard door.)
Here they are with the pocket doors shut. We love the way they look!
The pocket doors lock together with a basic interior lock. However, I wanted extra security (of course). So on the edge of the pocket door that covers the entrance patio door, we installed sliding bolt locks on the top and bottom. The bolts slide into holes in the doorframe and floor, respectively. Here's a photo:
And here's a picture with just the "secure" pocket door closed. Since the entrance patio door swings to the inside of the house, opening it with the pocket door closed is impossible without a lot of force (and noise).
So that's how I developed a more secure patio door that's attractive and functional. It's not super secure, but it does provide additional safety.
Friday, September 23, 2011
"Beefing up the ol' home security, huh?"
(Extra points if you can name the movie quote from which I titled this blog post.)
When we built our house, we chose a brick exterior and wall framing a little thicker than standard. As a result, the house is very well insulated (our electricity bill in the summer with central air running almost constantly averaged just $150 a month for a 2,700 sq ft house). The downside: I can't hear anyone coming down our driveway, so I never know if we have a visitor until the doorbell rings. From a home security perspective, I find this unacceptable.
So I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new driveway sensor which uses an infrared beam to detect visitors. I suspect I'll get my share of false alarms (we have plenty of deer, turkey, etc. around here), but hopefully fiddling with the settings will reduce most of those to a manageable level.
In addition, I have purchased NightLocks for our two doors that are not yet fully secure. All of our doors have deadbolts, but these deadbolts are keyed (so they're susceptible to being bumped or picked). The NightLock is basically a metal blocker that is screwed into the floor, which blocks the door and prevents it from opening without a lot of force. It would probably take a couple of good kicks to get through it, and by that time any intruder into my home is going to be staring down the barrel of a shotgun. I think of the NightLock as kind of like a chain lock on steroids. Here's a link to it if anyone's interested: http://www.taylorbrothersdoorlock.com/
As I've mentioned, Hubby and I are in a bit of a money crunch. But these two products cost me about $200 (to cover the driveway and two doors). For me, the peace of mind is worth the price.
When we built our house, we chose a brick exterior and wall framing a little thicker than standard. As a result, the house is very well insulated (our electricity bill in the summer with central air running almost constantly averaged just $150 a month for a 2,700 sq ft house). The downside: I can't hear anyone coming down our driveway, so I never know if we have a visitor until the doorbell rings. From a home security perspective, I find this unacceptable.
So I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new driveway sensor which uses an infrared beam to detect visitors. I suspect I'll get my share of false alarms (we have plenty of deer, turkey, etc. around here), but hopefully fiddling with the settings will reduce most of those to a manageable level.
In addition, I have purchased NightLocks for our two doors that are not yet fully secure. All of our doors have deadbolts, but these deadbolts are keyed (so they're susceptible to being bumped or picked). The NightLock is basically a metal blocker that is screwed into the floor, which blocks the door and prevents it from opening without a lot of force. It would probably take a couple of good kicks to get through it, and by that time any intruder into my home is going to be staring down the barrel of a shotgun. I think of the NightLock as kind of like a chain lock on steroids. Here's a link to it if anyone's interested: http://www.taylorbrothersdoorlock.com/
As I've mentioned, Hubby and I are in a bit of a money crunch. But these two products cost me about $200 (to cover the driveway and two doors). For me, the peace of mind is worth the price.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I'm Not A Prepper. I'm A Squirrel!
As I've mentioned before, I don't really have any prepping skills. I can't garden. I'm a lousy cook. I don't can food. I can barely keep my chickens contained. I certainly am incapable of starting a fire with two sticks or foraging for wild plants.
All I ever do to "prep" is buy a bunch of canned goods and store them in my basement. So I'm not a prepper at all. I'm just a freakin' squirrel.
I'd like to change this, so I've created a list of skills that I want to learn. Here they are:
All I ever do to "prep" is buy a bunch of canned goods and store them in my basement. So I'm not a prepper at all. I'm just a freakin' squirrel.
I'd like to change this, so I've created a list of skills that I want to learn. Here they are:
- Start a fire with a ferro rod
- Learn to tie a few basic knots (half hitch, sheet bend, bowline, etc.)
- Memorize bleach to water ratio for purifying water
- Make a gill net from cord
- Cook something in a solar oven
- Build a working and effective animal trap
- Make a solar still
- Make cheese from powdered milk
- Make butter from heavy cream
- Make a friction fire
- Learn MayDay signals
- Learn basic sign language/hand signals
- Identify and learn how to eat 8 indigenous wild plants
- Learn 2 methods of orientation besides a compass
- Learn to tie a cobra knot paracord bracelet
Monday, September 19, 2011
Chicken for Dinner? Maybe Soon...
My chickens have been a pain in my ass lately.
For a while they've been flying out of the run we built for them. Not a big deal, as they stayed mostly in my backyard or the neighboring farm field/woods (which belongs to my dad). But earlier this week we saw them right in the middle of the main road in front of our house! Not only does this put them in danger of being hit by a car (as well as endanger a driver who might swerve to miss them), but it also puts them only a few feet away from my neighbor's flower bed. And the last thing I want is a pissed off neighbor with chicken-chewed flowers.
In addition, I KNOW that four of my five hens should be laying, but I've only been averaging one or two eggs per day. I thought they might be laying their eggs in the field, but Hubby and I did regular recons and saw no hidden nests. Until yesterday.
Yesterday we found remnants of broken egg shell. And I realized: I've got an egg eater among my hens.
Well, this sealed their fate. We closed up the top of the run so that they're forced to stay in. (Once I've broken the egg eating habit, I'll let them out to free range for a few hours before dusk.) I've been running out every hour to check for eggs so I can remove them before they get eaten. I also put a few wooden eggs in the coop to "trick" them into thinking that eggs aren't edible.
Total pain. Hubby was tempted to throw them all in the crockpot, but I convinced him to let me try to get a handle on their behavior.
Hell... they're worse than kids.
For a while they've been flying out of the run we built for them. Not a big deal, as they stayed mostly in my backyard or the neighboring farm field/woods (which belongs to my dad). But earlier this week we saw them right in the middle of the main road in front of our house! Not only does this put them in danger of being hit by a car (as well as endanger a driver who might swerve to miss them), but it also puts them only a few feet away from my neighbor's flower bed. And the last thing I want is a pissed off neighbor with chicken-chewed flowers.
In addition, I KNOW that four of my five hens should be laying, but I've only been averaging one or two eggs per day. I thought they might be laying their eggs in the field, but Hubby and I did regular recons and saw no hidden nests. Until yesterday.
Yesterday we found remnants of broken egg shell. And I realized: I've got an egg eater among my hens.
Well, this sealed their fate. We closed up the top of the run so that they're forced to stay in. (Once I've broken the egg eating habit, I'll let them out to free range for a few hours before dusk.) I've been running out every hour to check for eggs so I can remove them before they get eaten. I also put a few wooden eggs in the coop to "trick" them into thinking that eggs aren't edible.
Total pain. Hubby was tempted to throw them all in the crockpot, but I convinced him to let me try to get a handle on their behavior.
Hell... they're worse than kids.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Practicing Survival
I read a lot of survival books. I watch some survival TV shows. I read survival blogs. I have a big binder full of printouts of survival skills.
While I theoretically know how to make fire with a ferro rod, I've never actually done it. So I've decided it's time to put my money where my mouth is.
Stay tuned for future posts where I actually attempt to try some of these survival techniques that all the YouTube wilderness experts make look so easy...
While I theoretically know how to make fire with a ferro rod, I've never actually done it. So I've decided it's time to put my money where my mouth is.
Stay tuned for future posts where I actually attempt to try some of these survival techniques that all the YouTube wilderness experts make look so easy...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
My New Favorite TV Show
I've had Cody Lundin's book for a while now, and I've read it cover to cover a few times. So I was thrilled to hear he was on the Discovery show Dual Survival.
Unfortunately, I don't have cable.
I finally bit the bullet and spent the scratch to buy the first season through Amazon prime. Gotta say... I LOVE this show.
Is it unrealistic? Yes. Is it full of contradictions? Yes. Is it a ton of fun to watch? Hell, YES!
I've been watching a few episodes each week, so I've almost finished the first season. I just know I'm going to have to buy Season 2, too.
Anyone else watch it?
Unfortunately, I don't have cable.
I finally bit the bullet and spent the scratch to buy the first season through Amazon prime. Gotta say... I LOVE this show.
Is it unrealistic? Yes. Is it full of contradictions? Yes. Is it a ton of fun to watch? Hell, YES!
I've been watching a few episodes each week, so I've almost finished the first season. I just know I'm going to have to buy Season 2, too.
Anyone else watch it?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
More Eggs
I've had a few bumps in the road with my chickens. One of them has been laying soft-shelled eggs (they feel like rubber... icky). Another is laying them in the run instead of the nest box. But, overall, I've been pretty happy with my fresh eggs. They're so pretty!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
This Is What Makes My Cooking So Bad
Farmgal asked why I'm such a lousy cook. It's kind of hard to explain, but I'll try.
My mom was an average cook. Spaghetti sauce came from a jar, but she "doctored" it to make it fairly tasty. She tried more recipes as I grew older, but she just didn't have the knack for it.
I, too, suffer from the same "lack of knack." My gravy turns out lumpy. My soups are either over- or under-seasoned. Meats often end up dry (I am paranoid about meat being cooked completely, and thus overcompensate by cooking it to jerky.). Typically my meals turn out bland. Every once in a while, one particular spice or herb will be too overwhelming.
I can bake. I can do a pretty decent homemade pizza, an ok loaf of homemade bread, and yummy cakes and cookies. I just can't cook everyday meals.
Some of it is my (oft mentioned) problem of laziness. I take shortcuts because it's easier, and it results in mediocre food. Some of it is because I don't taste food while I am cooking. Some of it is because I just don't have a natural instinct for flavors or a natural feel for the process.
I can cook rice and boil pasta, but that's about it.
My mom was an average cook. Spaghetti sauce came from a jar, but she "doctored" it to make it fairly tasty. She tried more recipes as I grew older, but she just didn't have the knack for it.
I, too, suffer from the same "lack of knack." My gravy turns out lumpy. My soups are either over- or under-seasoned. Meats often end up dry (I am paranoid about meat being cooked completely, and thus overcompensate by cooking it to jerky.). Typically my meals turn out bland. Every once in a while, one particular spice or herb will be too overwhelming.
I can bake. I can do a pretty decent homemade pizza, an ok loaf of homemade bread, and yummy cakes and cookies. I just can't cook everyday meals.
Some of it is my (oft mentioned) problem of laziness. I take shortcuts because it's easier, and it results in mediocre food. Some of it is because I don't taste food while I am cooking. Some of it is because I just don't have a natural instinct for flavors or a natural feel for the process.
I can cook rice and boil pasta, but that's about it.
Monday, September 12, 2011
If Time Is Short, How Should We Spend Our Time?
How much time do we have until shit+ fan? I don't know, and neither does anyone else. Many survivalists will say that it's just a matter of months. Some say we have a few years yet. Others claim that the shit has already hit the fan, but the sheeple haven't realized it yet.
Regardless, time is short. Not just for prepping, but with life. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow when I'm crossing the street. I could get diagnosed with cancer and given 3 months to live. I could simply keel over because the Big G has decided it's my time to go.
Knowing that time is short, how do we spend our time?
There's an argument for spending it with the people we love, of course. Give our families, friends and other loved ones as much attention as we can, because it might be the last day we spend with them.
From a prepper standpoint, time should be spent acquiring goods and learning skills before it's too late.
I've decided to try and meld the two philosophies. I want to learn some new skills and spend time with my family. As a result, here are a few things I've come up with:
Any other suggestions for ways to meld prepping and time with the family?
Regardless, time is short. Not just for prepping, but with life. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow when I'm crossing the street. I could get diagnosed with cancer and given 3 months to live. I could simply keel over because the Big G has decided it's my time to go.
Knowing that time is short, how do we spend our time?
There's an argument for spending it with the people we love, of course. Give our families, friends and other loved ones as much attention as we can, because it might be the last day we spend with them.
From a prepper standpoint, time should be spent acquiring goods and learning skills before it's too late.
I've decided to try and meld the two philosophies. I want to learn some new skills and spend time with my family. As a result, here are a few things I've come up with:
- Regular Hikes: I've mentioned this before, but it never came to fruition. Regular hikes with Hubby and the kids will help prepare us for any bug-out situation. It'll also give us some quality family time.
- Skill-Building: I've decided to add a survivalist component to my homeschooling curriculum. Each week we'll learn an age-appropriate survival skill, like tying a knot or filtering water.
- Cooking: As I've mentioned, I'm a crappy cook. But since food after shit+fan is likely to be scarce and limited, I should probably do what I can to improve in the kitchen. This serves three purposes: better meals post-zombies, better meals now (which I am sure Hubby will appreciate), and an opportunity to teach my kids the basics in the kitchen.
Any other suggestions for ways to meld prepping and time with the family?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Patriot's Day
Would the victims of 9-11 have been better off with a little preparation? Maybe a few would have. Most probably would have perished regardless of their EDC. Preparation is a good thing, but it can't prevent everything.
My sympathies to the victims, families, children and emergency personnel who were affected by the terrorist attacks 10 years ago.
In memory of those victims, here's a Bible passage to remind everyone that even the Big G wants us to be prepared--both physically and spiritually.
Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
— Matthew 25:1-13
My sympathies to the victims, families, children and emergency personnel who were affected by the terrorist attacks 10 years ago.
In memory of those victims, here's a Bible passage to remind everyone that even the Big G wants us to be prepared--both physically and spiritually.
Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But he answered, "Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you." Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
— Matthew 25:1-13
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Microwave-less Experiment
I hate the microwave oven.
It makes food taste like shit. It doesn't heat evenly. It's useless as an actual cooking tool. It cooks rather than thaws. And it's probably completely unhealthy. (I won't let my kid stand next to it when it's in use.)
So I'm trying an experiment: 2 weeks without a microwave. Hubby won't be happy about it, but he'll have to learn to live with it (at least for 2 weeks). If it turns out to be pretty painless, then we may ditch the thing altogether.
It makes food taste like shit. It doesn't heat evenly. It's useless as an actual cooking tool. It cooks rather than thaws. And it's probably completely unhealthy. (I won't let my kid stand next to it when it's in use.)
So I'm trying an experiment: 2 weeks without a microwave. Hubby won't be happy about it, but he'll have to learn to live with it (at least for 2 weeks). If it turns out to be pretty painless, then we may ditch the thing altogether.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A Year of Supermarket Food, Simplified
My pantry has been in a dismal state lately. Grocery prices are just so high these days that I haven't been able to add much to my stockpile. In fact, it's diminishing quickly. I'd like to get control over it, and I know the first step is to figure out exactly what I need. So I decided to do a quick calculation of what a year's worth of canned/boxed foods would look like for my family of four. A few things about this calculation:
Assuming an even split between rice and pasta, and an even split between vegetables and fruit, a year's worth of food storage for a rationed plan for my family of four looks like this:
730 Cans of Protein
365 Cans of Vegetables
365 Cans of Fruit
183 Pounds of Rice
183 Pounds of Pasta
It was a total shocker to see those numbers.
For one thing, this is a very rationed plan. Hubby and I would almost definitely have growling tummies all the time. For another, I am nowhere near close to this type of storage. I have, maybe, 20 cans of Spam in my pantry. That's a long way from 730. My best guess is that I have about a month's worth of food in my pantry... maybe less.
It certainly was an eye-opening exercise.
On the other hand, I have 216 rolls of toilet paper in my basement. Assuming conservative use of 3 rolls of toilet paper per week, I easily have a year's worth of it in storage.
So we might not be able to eat, but at least we'll have something for wiping our butts.
- This does not take any freeze dried or dehydrated foods into consideration, nor does it account for things like MREs. We don't have a ton of those types of items anyway--basically, we keep a little around so we can easily grab 2-weeks worth of food for bugging out. So it was important to me to see what I would need to live for a year with just grocery-store-type foods only.
- This also does not take into account any "extras" or "treats" that I might have in my pantry, like Jello or brownie mixes. I also did not consider things like eggs, sugar, flour, spices, oil, or other raw materials that might be used to make bread, biscuits, etc. Both treats and raw materials would be supplements to the meal plan below (either as additional side dishes to a meal or as a third meal for the day), since it's already pretty spartan.
- This meal plan is as basic as I can get with canned goods. It's also a rationed diet. I am assuming that we are only eating two meals per day with enough calories to function. My kids are still very young. If they were older, I might have to increase the amount of food in a "meal."
- Proteins are defined as canned meats, canned seafood and canned beans.
- A Meal for Four = 1 can of protein, 1 can of vegetables or fruit, and 4 servings of starch
- Four Servings of Starch = 1/2 lb rice, 1/2 lb pasta, or 1 box of mac/cheese or rice mix (like Rice-A-Roni)
Assuming an even split between rice and pasta, and an even split between vegetables and fruit, a year's worth of food storage for a rationed plan for my family of four looks like this:
730 Cans of Protein
365 Cans of Vegetables
365 Cans of Fruit
183 Pounds of Rice
183 Pounds of Pasta
It was a total shocker to see those numbers.
For one thing, this is a very rationed plan. Hubby and I would almost definitely have growling tummies all the time. For another, I am nowhere near close to this type of storage. I have, maybe, 20 cans of Spam in my pantry. That's a long way from 730. My best guess is that I have about a month's worth of food in my pantry... maybe less.
It certainly was an eye-opening exercise.
On the other hand, I have 216 rolls of toilet paper in my basement. Assuming conservative use of 3 rolls of toilet paper per week, I easily have a year's worth of it in storage.
So we might not be able to eat, but at least we'll have something for wiping our butts.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Appetite Fatigue Experiment
A lot of preppers suggest storing a nice variety of herbs, spices and seasonings to help prevent "appetite fatigue" after shit+fan occurs. The very young and the very old are particularly susceptible to boredom with their food, and they'll actually stop eating rather than consume another meal of plain rice and beans.
As I've mentioned before, I'm a lousy cook. So a wide selection of seasonings probably won't do me much good after the zombie apocalypse. (I have tons of seasonings at my disposal now, and somehow my food still ends up tasting like crap.) Nonetheless, I keep a little stock of various herbs and spices, especially our favorites: chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, parsley, basil, garlic powder and cilantro. I figure someone might show up at my doorstep after shit+fan who actually knows how to cook and can make use of my herbal foresight.
In the meantime, I am conducting an "appetite fatigue" experiment. This isn't really because I want to sample life post-shit+fan. It's mostly because I have about 10 pounds to lose until goal weight, and I'm not going to achieve it unless I tighten up my diet in a big way.
I'm giving myself an option of 3 choices for breakfast, 3 choices for lunch, 3 choices for dinner, and 3 choices for snacks. Very small "cheat" snacks are permitted once or twice a week. A certain amount of variety is built into my diet, but not much.
I'm curious to see how I feel eating such a restricted diet. It should be an interesting experience. Below is a chart of my meals, if you're curious. (Click on it to make it bigger.)
As I've mentioned before, I'm a lousy cook. So a wide selection of seasonings probably won't do me much good after the zombie apocalypse. (I have tons of seasonings at my disposal now, and somehow my food still ends up tasting like crap.) Nonetheless, I keep a little stock of various herbs and spices, especially our favorites: chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, parsley, basil, garlic powder and cilantro. I figure someone might show up at my doorstep after shit+fan who actually knows how to cook and can make use of my herbal foresight.
In the meantime, I am conducting an "appetite fatigue" experiment. This isn't really because I want to sample life post-shit+fan. It's mostly because I have about 10 pounds to lose until goal weight, and I'm not going to achieve it unless I tighten up my diet in a big way.
I'm giving myself an option of 3 choices for breakfast, 3 choices for lunch, 3 choices for dinner, and 3 choices for snacks. Very small "cheat" snacks are permitted once or twice a week. A certain amount of variety is built into my diet, but not much.
I'm curious to see how I feel eating such a restricted diet. It should be an interesting experience. Below is a chart of my meals, if you're curious. (Click on it to make it bigger.)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A Domesticated Day
I've been super domesticated today.
While I haven't exactly been wearing a French maid costume and carrying a feather duster (Oh wait... that's Hubby's idea of domesticated.), I did accomplish a few things in the kitchen.
In light of my desire to save money, I figure the first step is to waste less. So I went all I-am-woman-watch-me-cook today. My tasks included:
While I haven't exactly been wearing a French maid costume and carrying a feather duster (Oh wait... that's Hubby's idea of domesticated.), I did accomplish a few things in the kitchen.
In light of my desire to save money, I figure the first step is to waste less. So I went all I-am-woman-watch-me-cook today. My tasks included:
- Homemade pizza sauce for the freezer. I harvested ripe tomatoes from my garden (at least something in that weed pit is getting used!), cleaned them up and made my homemade pizza sauce. At this point I probably have enough in the freezer for about a dozen pies, which is pretty good for someone who is a homemade sauce neophyte.
- Scalloped potatoes with spinach. In my fridge I had a bag of organic baby spinach that was ready to expire. I also had potatoes in my pantry that were beginning to grow eyes. I googled a few recipes, and ended up making my own hybrid of scalloped potatoes with spinach. In addition, I used Magic Mix for the "milk" in the potatoes, so I got a chance to rotate through a little bit of powdered milk, too. They'll be the perfect side dish for my other culinary project...
- Meatloaf. In addition to the other foods that were reaching the end of the life in my home, I also had two peppers (one red, one green) that had seen better days. I don't know why, but when I think about green peppers, I think about meatloaf. I found a recipe online that uses steak sauce or bbq sauce instead of ketchup. Coincidentally, I had an open jar of bbq sauce that needed to be used asap. Fortunately, I always have ground beef in the freezer, so it was only a matter of thawing it out.
- Black bean soup. Hubby gripes continually that I buy canned beans but never use them. So today I made a major batch of black bean soup. I have a recipe that is supposed to be a copycat version of Panera Bread's black bean soup... and it is close. Not exact, but close. It calls for red peppers (which, as I mentioned, were sitting in my fridge just begging to be used), so I figured I'd whip up a pot of soup. With all the rest of the food I made today, though, I just poured the soup into quart jars for freezing. It'll be super tasty and easy on an autumn day. All I'll need to do is make a loaf of homemade wheat bread for a complete meal!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Speaking of Plastic Crap for Kids...
It seemed like a good idea in the toy store.
Clearance Baby Pool + Bag of Plastic Balls = Cheap Hours of Entertainment
Actual result: Biggest Ghetto Toy EVER
Admittedly, I probably should have chosen a baby pool that actually had enough integrity to not curl up on itself. That would have made it nicer.
And, truthfully, the kids like it. Sure, I gotta pick up a hundred plastic balls every night. But it actually does entertain them for a whopping 10 minutes or so each day.
Clearance Baby Pool + Bag of Plastic Balls = Cheap Hours of Entertainment
Actual result: Biggest Ghetto Toy EVER
Admittedly, I probably should have chosen a baby pool that actually had enough integrity to not curl up on itself. That would have made it nicer.
And, truthfully, the kids like it. Sure, I gotta pick up a hundred plastic balls every night. But it actually does entertain them for a whopping 10 minutes or so each day.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Tightwad Gazette and Reframing My Lifestyle
Ever read The Tightwad Gazette books? They're basically full of newsletter articles that offer tips, tricks and hints for saving money and living frugally. I read them years ago for my job, and have been thinking about them recently because of a blog post at TheSurvivalistBlog.Net. Essentially, the post asked readers how long they thought it would be until a collapse of our economy. The basic response: Not much longer.
Hubby and I just built our house a year ago. As a result, we're carrying a seriously large mortgage. We both still have student loans. Otherwise, we're debt-free. I'm not too worried about the student loans, but I'd love to get the mortgage paid down (or off). It seems impossible, since our mortgage total is about 2.5 times what Hubby earns a year, but I can't help thinking it's worth a try because of The Tightwad books.
The author, Amy Dacyczn, claims that her family's income averaged less than $30,000. (This was back in the 1980s.) Nonetheless, in less than seven years they saved $43,000, made significant purchases (cars, appliances, etc.) of $38,000, and were completely debt-free.
Now, she advocates things that I probably won't do. I'm not going to wash and re-use aluminum foil, and I'm not going to dumpster dive for unopened cans of food. I'm also unlikely to start buying the bulk of my clothing in thrift stores, mostly because the selection for women in my size is almost non-existent.
I consider myself a minimalist in a lot of ways, but there are a few things where I have spending issues: books, food (we don't eat), restaurant meals (I first wrote that as "restaurant males"!!), and crap to entertain my kids. Also, I've noticed that I buy more crap and have boosted our lifestyle as Hubby's income has increased.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
I should've kept our lifestyle the same and stashed the extra income in the bank!
When shit+fan happens, I know I'm going to be wishing I had spent our money on more preps rather than buying another piece of plastic crap for my kid.
Hubby and I just built our house a year ago. As a result, we're carrying a seriously large mortgage. We both still have student loans. Otherwise, we're debt-free. I'm not too worried about the student loans, but I'd love to get the mortgage paid down (or off). It seems impossible, since our mortgage total is about 2.5 times what Hubby earns a year, but I can't help thinking it's worth a try because of The Tightwad books.
The author, Amy Dacyczn, claims that her family's income averaged less than $30,000. (This was back in the 1980s.) Nonetheless, in less than seven years they saved $43,000, made significant purchases (cars, appliances, etc.) of $38,000, and were completely debt-free.
Now, she advocates things that I probably won't do. I'm not going to wash and re-use aluminum foil, and I'm not going to dumpster dive for unopened cans of food. I'm also unlikely to start buying the bulk of my clothing in thrift stores, mostly because the selection for women in my size is almost non-existent.
I consider myself a minimalist in a lot of ways, but there are a few things where I have spending issues: books, food (we don't eat), restaurant meals (I first wrote that as "restaurant males"!!), and crap to entertain my kids. Also, I've noticed that I buy more crap and have boosted our lifestyle as Hubby's income has increased.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
I should've kept our lifestyle the same and stashed the extra income in the bank!
When shit+fan happens, I know I'm going to be wishing I had spent our money on more preps rather than buying another piece of plastic crap for my kid.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Needs, Wants, and Cash Flow
I believe there are two major essentials for EDC on a keychain: a flashlight and a knife. With those, you can get out of most typical everyday situations, like a power outtage in a public place.
Hubby and I had the Streamlight Nano on our keys for quite a while. At a price of about $6.50, it was an affordable little light. It gave off nice illumination for its small size, making it an ideal keychain flashlight.
Until they broke.
Both of our Nanos suffered the same fate. The bottoms twisted off somewhere, leaving us with just half a (useless) flashlight on our keychains.
So we hobbled along for a few weeks without a flashlight on our keys. Not really a biggie, as we never actually use the flashlight. But in the back of my mind was the nagging thought that one day we might need it.
There was no way I was going to buy another Nano, so I went in search of another affordable keychain light that received good reviews. I finally decided the Fenix E05 R2 was probably the best one. It got good reviews and it ran on AAA batteries... a big plus in my book. Unfortunately, it's not quite as affordable as the Nano. The Fenix runs about $20. So for Hubby and I to both get a Fenix for our keys, I'd have to spend $40.
Well, $40 could buy me 80 cans of veggies at a Food Lion sale.
I debated with myself quite a bit. Did I need the flashlight? Did Hubby need it? Could we live without it? Was it worth the money?
Ultimately, I bought them. Autumn is around the corner. The sun goes down sooner, things get creepier, and life in general needs a little more illumination. I decided the $40 was worth my peace of mind.
Hubby and I had the Streamlight Nano on our keys for quite a while. At a price of about $6.50, it was an affordable little light. It gave off nice illumination for its small size, making it an ideal keychain flashlight.
Until they broke.
Both of our Nanos suffered the same fate. The bottoms twisted off somewhere, leaving us with just half a (useless) flashlight on our keychains.
So we hobbled along for a few weeks without a flashlight on our keys. Not really a biggie, as we never actually use the flashlight. But in the back of my mind was the nagging thought that one day we might need it.
There was no way I was going to buy another Nano, so I went in search of another affordable keychain light that received good reviews. I finally decided the Fenix E05 R2 was probably the best one. It got good reviews and it ran on AAA batteries... a big plus in my book. Unfortunately, it's not quite as affordable as the Nano. The Fenix runs about $20. So for Hubby and I to both get a Fenix for our keys, I'd have to spend $40.
Well, $40 could buy me 80 cans of veggies at a Food Lion sale.
I debated with myself quite a bit. Did I need the flashlight? Did Hubby need it? Could we live without it? Was it worth the money?
Ultimately, I bought them. Autumn is around the corner. The sun goes down sooner, things get creepier, and life in general needs a little more illumination. I decided the $40 was worth my peace of mind.
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