by Kellene
The fact of the matter is, no law enforcement, government, or rescuer group can prepare a community. It all starts with you—the true first responders.
Just in the last 5 years alone, nearly a billion dollars has been spent throughout our nation upgrading and retrofitting buildings and structures so that previous disasters are not repeated. And yet not a single dime is being spent on preparing the people in order to avoid defeating responses to disasters.
by Kellene
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Depression can take hold of anyone.[/caption]
I’ve decided to be very forthright and open in today’s article in hopes that it truly does help someone else who is struggling with depression. I often hear people say “I don’t know how you do all that you do.” I smile and thank them for their gracious compliment, but the truth of it is, I do what I do while being challenged by a significant obstacle—depression.
I realize that in this kind of forum I’m only going to be able to scratch the surface on this topic, but I firmly believe that it has not been appropriately addressed in real-life terms, and is an especially absent topic in the arena of preparedness.
by Kellene
[caption id="attachment_4432" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Sinta and Me"]
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Here’s the problem; in the event of an unexpected challenge—whether it be a natural disaster or a mugging on your way home, one of your greatest weaknesses could be one of your greatest loves—your dog.
I admit it. I absolutely love my two dogs. In spite of thinking I was more of a “cat person,” I’ve truly come to absolutely adore my two girls. I miss them when I’m gone for long periods of time, I talk to them, and I bring them up in group discussions about people’s “children.” Yup. I’m one of those devoted dorks who dresses up my pups in Ohio State Buckeye attire during the Rose Bowl. I’ve been known to dress them in sassy dresses, hats, coats, etc.
by Kellene
We’ve got lots going on today and dinner is on my mind, so I’m just going to share a little tidbit with you today—not profound, or highly significant, but something to gnaw on nonetheless.
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Yesterday was a very busy and draining day. I’m not ashamed to say that when it came time to cook dinner, I was not up to creating some gourmet, drool-worthy dish. I didn’t even want to go downstairs to my pantry to get some inspiration. Seriously, I didn’t want to even walk the 12 stair steps. So I decided to forage right in my immediate cabinets to see what I could make do with for dinner. Chicken in the refrigerator. Ok, so I just throw that into the pressure cooker with a couple cups of water, and presto–Dinner is served!
by Kellene
A great deal of my articles attempt to be a conversation between myself and those who haven’t quite got on the preparedness bandwagon. However, today I’d like to address those of you who have begun your preparedness efforts in earnest in hopes that I might add just a bit of redirection for you (If it’s necessary, of course).
I hope that those of you who are actually going through the time, effort, and expense to be more independent are not doing so only to find yourself miserable when the time comes to rely on your efforts.
by Kellene Water storage–do you have enough? As you know, I’ve strongly recommended in the past that you store at least one gallon of water per person, per day in order to be prepared for unforeseen events. However, what if Read more…
by Kellene
So, what do you do when you feel like your food supply isn’t nutritional enough, too expensive, too tenable, and at risk of being in short supply? You take matters into your own hands.
To me, this is a large reason why I make sure I have a long-lasting amount of food in my pantry at all times. My mind is more aware of these kinds of imminent interruptions and inconveniences to my food acquisition than it is with the possibility of a catastrophic earthquake, which is why I took so much time to present such a case for such everyday possibilities. Fortunately, we still have a LARGE number of ways to ensure we still stay in control of our food quality and prices.
by Kellene
In the last two segments in this series on Food, I’ve attempted to address our vulnerable reliance on our world’s food supply. When there is a shortage, we pay for it dearly. When a great deal of products are reliant upon one particular crop, we give away much of our freedom as well. When the core of our habits for feeding and enjoying are based on a particular product, we are also subjected to the price demands which come with such dependence. I’m sure that many of you remember how difficult it was to adjust our monthly budgets to meet the drastic increase in fuel prices. Not long after that shock, over 70% of all credit card holders had their minimum payments on their credit cards increase substantially. Thus far I’ve addressed the availability and the cost of our foods due to our system at present and how our preparedness efforts can counteract such unpleasant realities. Today, I believe I’m addressing an even more important aspect of food though—it’s compromised nutrition.
by Kellene
[caption id="attachment_4252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C"]
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Well, folks. I guess I get to be today’s object lesson in taking care of yourself with what’s on the shelf, no transportation, and no medical assistance. I managed to get sick somehow, in spite of being extra mindful of germs and such. (Although I have had this same lady coming to all of my classes and she hacks a lung all during the class! Ugh)
by Kellene
[caption id="attachment_4256" align="alignleft" width="218" caption="You might be surprised to learn what is made from corn."]
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Did you know that batteries, diapers, cheese, peanut butter, Coco-cola, Motrin, vanilla extract, baking powder, white vinegar, saccharin, Sweet and Low, charcoal, a slew of household cleaners, drinking alcohol, condiments, toothpaste, dental floss, toilet paper, iodide salt, finger paint, crayons, and margarine all have corn products in them? This list is in addition to the obvious corn products that you are already no doubt familiar with. Corn is in a slew of food additives as well such as maltodextrin, pumaric acid, di-glycerides, Ethel acetate, xanathan gum, semolina, absorbic acid, gluten, citrus cloud emulsion, saccharin, calcium stearate, xylitol, and sorbitol as well as a litany of other “ides, ites, and tols.” Did you also know that