Course Correction—I Was Wrong
You know you’re in for a bumpy ride when I start out my article saying “PLEASE DO NOT PANIC”, right? Well hang on. And keep your screams muffled in front of the children as well as the non-preparedness-believing spouse, OK? You don’t want to undo any traction you might have gained recently, right?
We interrupt this series in order to lighten up a bit! Frankly, all of this “I have to tell them about this nasty stuff NOW!” has been a bit depressing. With all that I believe in terms of “panic-free preparedness” Read more…
The Financial Storm Strengthened by Food Shortage
Today I will continue the series of Food Shortage. For starters though, I just want to say thank you for the mounds of e-mails I received from persons over the last couple of days begging me and encouraging me to continue with the series. It was almost as if some felt that I had given up on writing this series due to some of the negative comments that were posted in response. Now, now, Folks; you should know me better than that. I don’t scare easily.
The Logistics of Supply and Demand:
I’m going to continue with the warning series I began yesterday. I was going to address the economic scene today, but I’ve found some additional information today and think that this topic is more prudent. Keep in mind that this is just ONE component of the Perfect Storm Combination that I’m addressing this week.
Bottom line is that due to the horrific global weather conditions that have hit this past growing season, you need to get your house in order asap so that you can actually afford the food and in some cases, get it while it’s even available.
Warning: Food Supply and Affordability are Seriously Threatened
The Overview
Why have I not written for several days? Well, believe it or not, it’s not because of the television show that I’ve been preparing to have filmed by TLC, and it’s not because of the extra radio shows lately. It’s not even been a time management issue and fortunately my health has been great. Unfortunately, my delay in posting something worthwhile is because I’ve been struggling with how to share the information I have in such a way that you’ll be motivated to act, as well as those you love, and not do so in a panic.
Ok. I’ll admit it. I have LOTS and LOTS of hand sanitizer in storage. I frequently can get it free thanks to coupons combined with sales and at the very least when I have a coupon for Purell or some other name brand, I’ll at least use it at Target in their Trial Size section and bring home the little travel sizes for free. But lately I’ve become a little bit disenchanted with the merits of using the standard hand sanitizer. I’m researching a few things along the lines of spreading germs and I’m starting to lean towards the “if you’re using hand sanitizer you’re building up the immunity of bacteria” camp. I’m not sure I’m there quite yet, but at the very least I personally feel that using essential oils are better for me in circumstances in which I’d use hand sanitizers. That being said, what the heck can I do with all that I’ve got on hand without feeling like I’m being mean to anyone that I’d give it to? Well, I’m happy to say I’ve found several alternative uses that I’d like to share with you. Keep in mind, I’m referring to the standard, clear hand sanitizers that are the consistency of jell-o that went amuck. I suspect the liquids and foams would work well too for these alternative methods, but I’ve only played around with the gel since that’s what I have so much of.
Perhaps some of you believe you understand the distress a person feels watching their family and friends take no control over their lives in being better prepared. Well, for the purposes of today’s topic, take that distress and multiply it by ten and then you’ll know how I feel when I watch my friends, family, and associates ignore the most critical fundamental of preparedness—that which makes all of the 10 Principles of Preparedness relevant. The scary news is, if I were to assess a “National Threat Advisory” level in acknowledgment of this ignorance, I’d give it a level RED—as in “Severe risk of terrorists attack.” Oh, and by the way, most people don’t see this particular threat coming at them even when it’s right under their nose.
So, you’re trying to get your friends and family on board with the whole concept of preparedness because you care about them and you have a firm conviction that preparedness is vital to everyone’s life. You have some semblance of an idea of the consequences that can be expected if one heads into their life everyday without a single thought for tomorrow, let alone being ready for it. As such, you share, and you share, and you plead and you reason with your friends and family in an effort to persuade them to be better prepared. Many grow weary of these efforts, feeling like they are fighting the entire British army singlehandedly and thus turn for help from a greater power. You petition God to help you convince those you love–perhaps in the form of a wake-up call, or a memorable moment of enlightenment? “Oh, if they could just get it”, you say to yourself.
So, have you had that unopened jar of mayonnaise ever since your husband brought home the wrong brand 7 years ago? Forget about it *she says in her best Italian mobster accent*
While most persons have heard that a Twinkie last forever on the shelf, but did you know that there are actually some other more common food items that have an unlimited shelf life? A little fact-finding mission with some manufacturers sure did surprise me and I’m sure it will raise an eyebrow or two for you.
“Hello. My name is Kellene and I’ll be volunteering as your victim today. Please try to keep your assaults isolated to hidden areas as I have an image to uphold.”
As I’ve said a hundred times, there are no victims, only volunteers. When we volunteer to pay 300% more for something than what we could spend if we were more patient or proactive, then I consider that to be a self-inflicted price gouging wound. A real danger comes when we’re faced with the painful reality of such decisions in light of today’s economic stage. Attempting to ignore the consequences of seemingly innocent spending choices can literally make the difference between being financially strong or falling into a death spiral of financial ruin.