After a week of living an unplugged lifestyle (for the most part), I am beginning to get used to it. Life isn't so far removed from what it was before.
The one main difference is that I don't sit in front of a television, and neither do the children. Let me tell you! Today, I am feeling it! I've got Tinkerbell, again, since it is a school holiday. With three kids in the house, I am reeeeally wishing I had a remote controlled baby sitter, if only for a few minutes. I did allow an episode of Diego, and an episode of SuperWhy (I had to cook, and they were either fighting, or under food while I was dealing with hot grease). I know, I know. Bad Mommy! I explained it away with the fact that it is educational content.
We are all having serious withdrawals from television, and the kids are missing the video games. Jr. carries around his controller and pretends to play, while he and BabyJ talk about Mario and Luigi. I am seriously missing Sony and Connie, and wondering what happened to Johnny. Do any of you know if Johnny is alive? Did Connie kill him?... *sigh* If none of you can tell me I guess it's hopeless.
I have watched a movie or two, via Netflix, after the kids have gone to bed. I am also using the net to write for pennies (eventually, it will add up and I'll have a nice chunk of change), and research next year's home school plan.
I am ashamed to say that I've not done any more laundry since my last post. Which means I've got a lot of catching up to do.
I finally tried that 3 mile hike to the library. With two kids and a shopping cart. Jr. had his bike. The problem: rain. We got about two miles and had to stop at Wal-Mart. I attempted the rest of the trek, but had to stop less than half a mile away because the rain started up again. We took a taxi home, after waiting until after dark for the rain to stop, and seeing no change.
The next time I try to take that trip, I will not be taking a buggy (shopping cart, for all you yankees). Instead I'll take the stroller or just have each boy hold my hand. Oh, and rain won't even be a remote possibility! By the time I got up the next morning, my everything hurt. Some might say I'm getting old. I think I'm just out of practice. Soon, I'll attempt to take a shorter walk with the children, and work my way up to three miles. Here's a question: why are our cities and towns so spread out, these days? I'm sure there was a time when all the businesses were right next to one another. In the westerns, everything a body needs is in one area. However, home is much farther from it all. I guess it balances out.
We do have a grocery store closer to home, but it isn't my favorite chain. I may just have to learn to shop at the one near here.
I am hoping MacGyverAsawa does not have to work this weekend. I'd like to visit Smiley's Flea Market. Hoping to get my hands on some seasonal, home grown produce, and a pen for my dear BrutusDawg.
According to animal control, he is not allowed to be on a runner, even if he has more than 75 ft. of space/slack to do as he pleases. Currently, I am putting him on the runner for short periods of time, or walking him down the block and back.
I am committing myself to walking him at least once each day. I will work up to more. And, I'll even take the kids if it isn't too cold!
For the rest of today, I'll be catching up on the laundry (here we go again. If I'd just kept it up...), cleaning a few things that I've procrastinated against, and working on more of next school year's home school plan. I'm also going to research ways to "do-it-myself" for things around the house.
Check back tomorrow, for my findings and my next challenge (for myself).
V.
Here is a taste of some of the do-it-yourself stuff I'm talking about. Enjoy!
Later this week, I'll let you know how my plarn making experience goes. ;) Wish me luck.
Well, today hasn't gone anything like I'd planned it! That is not a bad thing. Though I've still got a lot to do this week, I've accomplished a great deal today.
I started off not wanting to get up at 5AM. Who does? So, I lay in bed awake (couldn't go back to sleep) until 7, at which time BabyJ came in asking for chips. I figure it's time for breakfast. I find Jr. In front of the living room television. It's Diego, so I let it slide with a "After breakfast, no more t.v. for anyone. Remember what we talked about?"
I wake the MacGyverAsawa for breakfast. Wouldn't you know it, he lays in bed until I am starting lunch, watching Netflix on his phone! When I start cleaning breakfast up, I think potty break, then catch my breath. By the time my hands are washed, my mind is spinning on the chance to get to the library. Instead of a MommyMinute, I start packing lunch for three people and a diaper bag. I'm so excited, I could sing! In the nursery, I am putting the wipes in the diaper bag when Jr. Runs in, "Mommy, somebody's here!" I do not believe him. I question him on it, and he continues to tell me he saw someone in our driveway. I work my way to the front door, still not believing there's anyone here... it was my niece and her Mommy.
Tinkerbell had a fever of 101 this morning, and the pre-school won't let her come. Her mommy has work. So, I agree to watch her, and tell her about my plans to walk three miles to the library. This. Does not. Make her happy. I say she can ride in the double stroller. She still does not like it. I reluctantly say I'll change my plans, we can always go tomorrow. Oh, but the school won't let her come back until Wednesday. Great. Weather.com says it may rain Wednesday, and it's almost certain to rain (and get 20 degrees colder) Thursday and Friday. Sigh. Okay.
First thing I do is feed Tinkerbell, and tell her that Mommy won't let us go to the library (she was sad we couldn't go, and complaining in the way I wanted to). I send everyone outside, and take the apples out of the lunch box, and open blinds and windows.
I take wet laundry from the washer, and go outside. The dog loves that we're all outside with him! I hang the wet clothes, fold the dry ones, and come inside to put them away. I do a little kitchen/dinrm. Clean up, getting interrupted by this child or that. Someone isn't sharing, someone threw dirt. I lose my cool and threaten to put them all in bed (at ten in the morning). They straighten up just in time for me to cook lunch (decided against the deer meat, and for chicken, last night). By 11:45, we are all at the picnic table in the back yard. Fried chicken, griddle cake (flower, egg, water, milk left over from coating the chicken), and mashed 'taters.
The kids all help clean off the table. Tinkerbell trips over the dog tether, and my very favorite glass gets broken (she is not cut, but her pride is bruised). Hugs, kisses, everyone stay outside away from the glass. I put away lunch left overs, and sweep both dinrm. And the kitchen (may as well, since the broom is in my hand). Hang another load of laundry, and fold/put away those that are dry. Get the wild eyed idea to rearrange my dining room/pantry area (it's just a stand alone wire shelf). Realize it's nap time. Kids want to camp out, so I lay sleeping bags out on the porch, and decide it's time for a MommyMinute. I get them settled, and start to read Water for Elephants. Tinkerbell's Mommy must have felt the need to make sure I didn't take that three mile hike with her baby, after all, because she showed up with snacks for the kids. LOL Well, maybe she just didn't want to have her lunch alone, either. (I wouldn't take someone else's child some place they didn't want their baby to go, because I wouldn't want them to do the same to me.) We had a great visit, then she went back to work.
I swapped laundry again, and rearranged my dining room, when the kids' nap time was over. (No one slept. They were up and running around 2:30. I put down the book just before 3.)
I delt with another wet load, and put away the dry ones. Then, I sat down to rest (I was running out of steam) for about an hour. Then it was time to reheat left overs for din. Tinkerbell's Mommy picked her up, the boys got a bath, ate, and whent to bed.
I brushed my messy hair, showered, and now I'm posting this update.
Today, we didn't use lights (until after dark), the boys used less water in their bath, and I took a 5 min. Shower (pretty quick, seeing as I washed my mass of hair), and am rewarding myself, in a few minutes, with a movie from Netflix. In a real SHTF situation, I would have dried my clothes indoors, and the kids would have played inside (wouldn't want to tell looters we're home, and we've got food). In a homesteading situation, we would really rather have solar lights (for after dark), and our own well. But, we make do with what we have. Since we have electricity, and can't afford the $180/panel price tag on the solar panels (just panels, no battaries to hold what those pannels collect) right now, we're tethered to the grid. Our dream: get land w/ a well (a good one) already drilled, set up an off grid cabin, plant crops for our family (maybe grow enough to sell), and keep stock (chickens for meat and eggs, ducks for meat, goats for milk and cheese, pigs for meat, sheep for wool). Yeppers!
Oh, about the clothes we wore today: I will be washing them by hand in the morning. I'm too danged tuckered to do it, tonight!
V.
P.S.-- Sorry about the lack of music video. I will make it up to you tomorrow. Or, you could search YouTube for the one I want to post (my phone won't let me... yes, I typed this entire thing on my phone). It's called Does Anybody Care About Us and it's by The King Blues. It's so nice... *grin* --Vic.
When I actually got my day started, I discovered that I had a garden tub full of laundry that needed to be washed. So, I took out a few hand fulls, and designated them my test subjects. I was going to do our laundry by hand, and would be starting with that average sized load. Well, I started out with a bucket of soapy water, and a tub with enough cold water to cover the top of my feet. I discovered that I'll use more water that way, than with the washing machine. The bucket of soapy water gets cold before I can wash an entire load, and the wrince water must be replaced much too frequently.
Were I doing a small load, for example the amount of clothes my family wears in a day, it would make sense to do our laundry by hand. However, as I do not have all the "new fangled devices" for hand washing, it is a waste of water. Once I get things caught up where my laundry is conscerned (by Tuesday night), I will wash by hand.
Using the washing machine doesn't mean I'm totally giving up and going back. I've washed two loads, and am allowing them to hang out on a line in the back yard. Tomorrow, I'll take them in, and put out two more loads. From then on, I'll be hand washing, and line drying everything.
In a real emergency situation, say if we suddenly had a power outtage, I'd be unable to use either the washer or the dryer. Which is why it is important that I keep everything washed and caught up. One never does know when a disaster may hit.
Today, I also started using what we have in the refrigerator and the freezer. Things that have just been sitting there, waiting to be put to use for months, are now being used. As a matter of fact, I'm going to soak and defrost some deer meat that my brother gave me, once I'm finished with this post. By morning, it should be ready for the crock pot. I'll put in beans (going to soak them tonight, as well), and a small can of vegies. We'll use the rice cooker, tomorrow evening. That should make an excellent meal for tomorrow night.
Tomorrow morning, I'll rise at 5 AM to start my day. I'll get another load of laundry washed, and spin it out a second time. I'll make biscuits in the toaster oven, and we'll have apples and cereal for breakfast. I'll clean up those dishes, and will take my wet clothes out to the line. I'll bring in the folded dry clothes (may as well fold them as I take them off the line), and put them away. By 9 AM, we will all be dressed and loaded up (in the stroller) with diapers, bottled water, and a sack lunch+snack for each of us. We will be walking the three miles to the library, so that we can home school. The reason we are leaving so late in the morning, is that the library does not open until ten.
At noon, I'll take the kids out to the grass, and we'll spread out their McQueen sleeping bag as a picnic blanket. We'll have lunch, and read the books we've checked out. Then, at 2:45, we will be off to the grocery store for a few items that we need (vinegar, soap, etc.)... It is the same distance from the store to home, as it is to go from home to the library. We're just going a few blocks south from the Library. Once we have what we need, or by 4 PM at the latest, we'll head home, where I'll put away groceries, serve our evening meal, give the kids baths, and put them to bed. Tonight, they are tired a little early because they missed naps. I bet they will be exhausted by this time tomorrow, after all the activity.
I think I'll turn in a bit early, tonight, so as to start tomorrow off on the right foot.
About thee youtube video: I already posted one for you guys. Now, it's your turn to leave a link to one, for me, in the comments.
So many of us are never more than five feet from a screen, or a remote control that will operate a really big screen. We've got a television in the kitchen, one attached to the treadmill (without that one, we'd never get any exercise), a cell phone that has an app that allows us to watch movies while we're on the toilet or in the car... We are also never far from electronic friendships. You know the friends I'm talking about: the FaceBook friends, the Twitter fans... Some people are seemingly dependent on their electronics; addicted even. Then there are the homes with lighting options that are unreal energy hogs. What do we really need eight bulbs in the bathroom for? Why not take a mirror to the bedroom, open the blinds, and use natural light to do our make up, ladies? Or, and here's an option I really like, opt for only moisturizer and a little chap stick, when we're not going to a party at the Ritz. For those of you who work, some of you could still use a little less product, while looking as fabulous as you always do. Back to the light bulbs: Why not use one energy efficient bulb, in place of five with incredibly high wattage? Don't get me started on cooking and other kitchen tasks! Why do people use large ovens, when a toaster oven will work? I mean, I've two kids, a husband, and myself to feed, but my very small toaster oven usually takes care of whatever task we need done. With a little forethought, I'm sure it could even make water for coffee!
You may be wondering where all of this is leading, or if I've finally lost all of my marbles. Look, I love technology just as much as the next Stay At Home Wife and Home schooling Mother (for those of you who aren't SAHWAHMs, we reeeeeeheeeeally love gadgets). But, they're taking over my family! And I'm tired of it!
I'm tired of having to shout "time to eat!!!" for the kids down the hall over three televisions, just for them to ignore me because "one more level, pleeeease?"
I'm tired of thinking I'll finally get some couple time with my hubby, just to end up sitting on different cushions of the "love seat" (is it, really?) watching another horror movie with the same premise as the last three we saw!
I'm tired of saying I "just don't have time for play group" because I've got to get caught up on my show (General Hospital, if you're wondering), on line. [Yes, I am aware that this makes me both a cliche and the devil, in the eyes of some of you other SAHMs, out there... watching Soaps.]
I'm tired of being tired, all the time, because I don't get enough exercise, and because I just can't turn off late night television and go to bed!!!
So, here's the plan, folks!
Starting today, if it lights up, it gets unplugged. If it heats up in the kitchen, it becomes off limits (except for the crock pot. we don't want to starve)...
Things we'll be keeping (because Mommy doesn't want to go ape-guano-crazy) :
The Refrigerator (there's food in there that cost a lot of money, and we need to eat it)
Crock Pot
Kids' individual DVD Players (for when I need a few minutes of sanity, or for educational vids, or as a reward for a great day)
Our Cell Phones (they go on line, mine blogs here, they also provide the best walking maps on Google for where we want to go, and provide a life line in an emergency)
The Dishwasher (if by some freak chance we end up with a large load of dishes, it's a more conservative way to wash them... freak chance means a Tuesday, some times)
Laundry (all of it... groan... the entire mountain that I didn't get a chance to wash yesterday) will be done by hand in my large bathtub... Aaaaany body wanna come do that for me? No? Eh, had to check.
Some lifestyle changes that will have to take place, in order for us to "survive":
Use of the Library. They have movies, books, computers, and now (sweet!) Wi-Fi. I can print out worksheets and such for home school, allow my little ones to utilize educational websites, check out books for both education and leisure... basically, anything we need in the education department, I'll find it here. We can make a day of it, a couple times a week. PLUS, (here's the best part) it's three miles away, and we're going to walk to it. Granted, that means that a trip that normally takes ten minutes will actually take an hour, but I need the exercise.
We'll also be walking from the Library to the grocery store, and from our house to Grammy's (my mom's) house. All three miles away, which means I'll end up with six miles under my belt each day we have places to go. Once I get really good at this, maybe we'll even go to Church on foot. Obviously, because I have two small children, and I actually have a vehicle at my disposal, if it's raining (or going to rain cats and dogs), or really cold we will be taking the van.
MacGyverAsaway would only have a 20 minute walk to work (1 mile), but he works on his feet for eight hours, on a concrete floor, in a factory setting. So, I'm not even going to ask him to walk to and from work.
I will be going on line here at home, in order to bring the blogosphere updates on our little social experiment, and what friends and family think of it all. However, if the quality of education for the kids doesn't suffer, and the rare time we watch a DVD on one of the kids' portable players is good, then I may just have the internet and NetFlix accounts cancelled.
Not only do we want to spend more time with one another, but we are hoping to get closer to living a simpler lifestyle that helps us to be prepared for any type of situation, and makes a smaller impact on the environment. The biggest up side: It should save us money, too!
So, come along with us, as we start this new journey, today. Maybe, you'll find there's something you'd like to do, as a symbolic way of joining us (turning off lights that you don't need, walking to work one morning a week, shorter showers). If you do decide to make any changes, let us know. We'd love to hear about the difference it makes in your day.
V.
P.S.--Each day, I'll post about one of the changes, and my experience in coping with it. That's right, I said coping, because I believe I'll be posting on Laundry, later this evening.
Oh, did you think I'd forgotten the music vid? Yeah, right! Here's a little motivational music... I think I'm going to need it, in order to get all that laundry done by hand...
To Do Tuesday: Before and After--From Dumping Ground to Craft Room After five weeks of being defeated by a degenerative disc, and a hubby who barely keeps the kids and laundry clean when I'm out of commission, I decided to do something big for my first To Do Tuesday back: a Before and After picture.
Things that needed to be done: remove everything, assign it all to individual zones, take out things that didn't really belong (hubby's clothes go in another closet, summer clothes should be in boxes, etc...), reorganize the items that do belong, put everything back, set up my sewing table/craft area... I may have left something out, but you'll see it all in the before and after pictures.
From his and hers closet/dumping ground, to her closet and craft room.
Here's the BEFORE:
Everything was just tossed anyplace... It was all crazy, in there! I don't understand how I survived, this way.
And now, (drum roll please) the after:
Now, it's a serious thing of beauty. I am amazed at how well I did, having tonsillitis and battling a fever. I had to work for 30-40 minutes, and rest a few minutes, then start all over. At least I got it done! I love my new space! I don't really feel well enough to get in there and create, but when I do, it will be ready.
Check back tomorrow for Wordy Wednesday, when I'll post an excerpt from one of my works in progress.
In the meantime, I'd like to educate you on the dangers of the high five handshake.
A friend of mine recently asked for advice on a grocery budget. So, I decided to post on my blog about how I budget for our family.
First off, I tend to use our crock pot a great deal. I can fill it up with all kinds of goodies, set the controls, and leave it to cook. This not only helps with my financial budget, but it also helps with my time budget. This is something you will need to know, when looking at my example month. Another thing you should probably know: I have the entire month's grocery money at the beginning of the month, so I tend to buy the majority of our food on the first trip of the month.
I plan out a week of lunches, first, and figure out how much I believe each of my family members will actually eat. Then, I multiply that by two (we have the same thing for supper as we do for lunch). So, if I say I want fish and chips on Friday, I know that hubby and I will each eat two pieces, and each of the boys will eat 1/2 a piece. So, that comes to five pieces of fish. If we eat the same for supper, and I add another fish to the final sum (maybe one of the kids is a little hungrier than normal), I get eleven fish. There's our lunch and supper for that one day!
I go through seven days like that, and multiply by three. Now, I need 33 pieces of fish. We do not have to have it on Friday, but we've enough fish to cover six meals for the month, with just a little left over. Wow! You're probably saying that's a lotta fish! Yes, yes it is. Hear me out, if you are going to have that much fish, anyway, is it not better to buy it in bulk in order to get a steeper discount?
Once I've gotten lunch and supper figured out, I decide on a week of breakfasts. Lets take eggs, example. I want to make fried egg sandwiches for everyone, one morning. Hubby eats two eggs and two pieces of bread, as do I. The boys each get one egg and one piece of bread. So, for one fried egg sandwich breakfast we need six eggs and six pieces of bread. If every week we want to have fried egg sandwiches once a week, we'll need two cartons of eggs for that entire month. I also know that five eggs will render six pieces of french toast, in our house, and that hubby likes a boiled egg every now and then. So, I buy another couple of cartons of eggs half way through the month (this goes on my master list of things I usually need to refill). I do the same with the bread, and usually add an extra loaf to the list (you can always use more bread... Never know when someone may just feel like a sandwich).
You're also probably wondering why I only figure for three weeks on the lunches and suppers. Well, everyone has a night where they decide to order pizza, or they eat at Grammy's, or they decide to have a ham sandwich instead of cooking the planned meal... then there's also the left overs that may be in the refrigerator. So, things tend to balance out. Since most of the main dishes are frozen, if we don't get to eating those meals this month, they'll keep for next month, and I can have a smaller list then.
Again, I love my crock pot, because it sometimes renders more than two meals at the time. We once ate the same soup (I had to add more meat and vegies to the broth, half way through the week) for a week! I just leave my crock plugged in and turned on. It's always hot, it's always ready, no matter when we want to eat. We also use a rice cooker. Again, it's always ready because I keep it filled. If it gets empty, I fill it with new rice, and turn it on. Rice just goes well with most of what I make in the crock pot. There are all kinds of recipes for the crock pot. I found one on ribs and baked potatoes.
Along with breakfast, lunch, and supper, you'll want to budget for snacks. Fruit is going to be the least expensive snack. We tend to use canned for the end of the month, and fresh at the beginning and middle of the month. Grapes, strawberries, and bananas are a big hit if we're talkin' fresh fruit in our house. Canned oranges, peaches, and pears are our go to on the last week. Sometimes, our entire lunch or supper consists of just this huge plate of fruit that we all eat from. Frozen is an option, if you'd like to purchase that in bulk. Just remember that, if left in the freezer for very long, it may come out a little mushy. Which isn't so bad, if you have vanilla ice cream and a blender, because everyone likes fruit shakes. We also get snack cakes, and (Mommy's guilty pleasure) Reese's (the boys call them Momm's chocolate).
Now, you know what you want, and you have your list (what you want, and how much of it you'll need). Some people use coupons, some shop around at different stores, and others buy at the warehouse stores. I, however, am a die hard Kroger customer (they are not paying me for this blog). I like to shop there because I earn fuel points. In today's economy, we need all the help we can get affording gas. Another plus of shopping at the same store every time: you'll start to learn the prices, and will be able to recognize when something is really on sale, or if it's only a few cents off from what it normally is. Kroger also has 10 for $10, which, if I'm not careful, I'll spend $20-$30 on... but mostly I've memorized the store. That's an important thing, when trying to keep your grocery budget small. You don't want to have to go down every aisle every time. Those sales are set in specific ways to get your attention, and to make you want to buy the items. It's their business, and they do it well! I only go down a lane that I know there's something I need. I also shop the outside edges first! My mother actually shops the lanes first, but that's just craziness, people! All the healthier foods are on the outside. The delli, the bakery, the produce, milk, eggs, meats, and cheeses are on the outside. Most of the outside items are must haves. The things on the inside, while you may need them, are not always the healthiest. Fresh veggies are healthier then canned with added salt and sugar. I do have to have juice and cereal, which come from the inner aisles. As well as bread and canned milk. While going after the things I need, I don't usually stop to pick up much else, since my buggy is full of things from the outside aisles. (Oh! Cookies!!! Nope. Grapes and bananas are sweet, and they're healthier... and already in my buggy. So, no cookies today. Perhaps another day.) If you're shopping at Wal-Mart, they have lots of things you need in bulk, so you'll save money that way (again, not being paid by the store). Another good thing about Kroger: "race cars" (match box cars) are usually on their 10 for $10. They make great bribes--I mean, "just because you were good" gifts, for kids that behave in the store and don't ask for every bag of chips and every box of doughnuts they see... 'cause Mommy only has so much will power.
I also keep a weekly shopping list. Because it goes bad too quickly, I can't buy the bread we need for the entire month. Also, we don't have enough room in our refrigerator for more than a week's worth of milk. Things that will go bad, I figure out how much we will need for a weeks, and purchase them on my weekly shopping trip. I try very hard not to get more than we need. Throwing away food is like throwing away money. When we do have left overs that are pet friendly, I give them to the pets. Tiny Tim the Turtle gets a piece of moldy bread (not the moldy pieces), Brutus the Brother Dog gets the left overs from the kids' plates, and anything we have to pull from the refrigerator that we're not going to eat. This is how we make the pet food stretch juuust a bit farther.
So, to review, I keep my budget as low as possible by making a meal plan for the month, from which I make a shopping list. Then, I only get what's on the list, by not going down aisles that don't house anything I need. I also shop the outside aisles first, because they are healthier.
The first month that you do this, I suggest saving your shopping list(s) and your receipts. This way, you'll be able to track spending. Also, keep a list of things that didn't get consumed that month, so you can figure out how to cut back on spending money on things that don't actually get used/left overs. Best way to track what's not used: When something goes empty, write it on the new list. Compare the last month's list with the new one for this month. He hubby is often impressed with the amount of work I actually put into the planning of the grocery list and budget, and sometimes irritated because I do take some time getting ready to go. Which is why i usually do it the day before I plan to go to the store.
A few more tips: buy in season, save your broth (from soups) in the freezer, make left over omelets once a week (Hmm... a little fish, some sausage, tomatoes, green beans, chicken, rice, b-b-q sauce..... Hubby was surprised it tasted good), and buy peanut butter and jelly in case you don't have enough for the entire month... or you need a break from cooking.
Today's topic will be Poop... And urine. What do we do with it, when we can't flush it?
First, I'll say that I hope you're saving up on TP. We aren't, because I'd like to use cloth wipes for that. Reusable, so they save money and space. However, I'll be the one who has to face the daunting task of washing them. Ew. But if it hits the fan, I'll have all we need without having to worry about running out.
Moving on to where to go, and what to do with the by product when you've gone.
My family and I went camping, not long ago. We took with us TP, and plenty of plastic shopping bags. We lined a large old crock pot (something we'd never use for food again) with three layers of bags, placed a layer of new paper inside the bags, and that's where we went potty. Now, we had a trash can near by to put our waste, and it would be picked up at the end of the week. In a SHTF situation, it's not going to be that easy.
I suggest you invest in a shovel or two, and bury that poop. If you line the bags with enough paper/dirt, you should also be able to go number one, without making too big of a mess.
Of course, you could always invest in one of those fold up port-a-pottys, chemicals included... But a deep enough hole will be a better idea, since those chemicals will eventually run out. You don't even need bags, if you've got a large enough bucket, and empty it two or three times daily (and clean it out, because you don't want it to stink any more than it has to).
I suggest not setting the bucket up anywhere near the general living area, or food prep area.
Once you go, you'll want to wash your hands. Coconut oil is a great disinfectant, and can be used for cooking (at low temps). You could also mix it with a little salt and have a good scrubby disinfectant. I prefer soap and water, or hand sanitizer, but these things can run out, so I thought I'd offer an alternative for if/when that happens.
Along with this article, I'd also like to caution everyone: Be sure to get clean (bathe) on a regular basis. I know water may be scarce. However, if we don't bathe a few times a week, at least, our clothing will eventually cause abrasions, which will cause infections. In a SHTF situation, we'll be short on medical solutions (eventually). It's way too important to keep yourself and your eating surfaces clean, so as to stave off infections. If you get sick, you will not be the only one to suffer from it. Others will have to care for you, and they may get sick, as well.
So, lets review: Poop in a bag/bucket and bury it. Stay clean. Keep your eating surfaces clean.
Hello Readers!
I'd like to touch on the beginning of every day, and how we can keep it much the same if/when the world falls down around our ears...
When you wake up in the morning, your feet hit the floor and you make your bed and head to the shower. You dry off, dress, and head to the kitchen for breakfast... what if running water were a thing of the past, your bed were a sleeping bag, and your kitchen were reduced to a large pot hanging over a fire? This is just the first two hours of your day!
Here's the deal, in a SHTF situation, you can still get a shower, dress in cothing that makes you feel normal, and make a hot, filling, great tasting breakfast.
Everyone attempts to tell you what you should eat for breakfast, and what you should use (tools) to cook it. I want to tell you to stock pile spices and flavoring. Sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaves, dried parsley, vinegar, hot sauce, freeze dried onions and garlic. Be sure to plant yourself some onion and garlic, that way you'll have fresh to use, before the freeze dried. Also, coffee, coffee, a little chocolate, and coffee. Oh, and how could I forget coffee (and the filters for making coffee, and straining grey water).
That covers food, since I'm sure you'll read all the other blogs about making preps, and stash away plenty of canned goods, dry food, and water. Let's talk about that thing that makes us feel human: the hot shower. If you have a well, or live near a stream, you'll have plenty of water for this. Attach a five gallon bucket to a tree, punch holes into the bucket, build a ladder or steps up to the bucket. Pour water that you've heated over a fire into the tree-attached bucket. Bam--shower. Or, an option I like even better because it's great for indoors or out:
Don't forget to put back soap, shampoo, towels, toothbrushes, dental floss (this makes great fishing line, among other things), and tooth paste. A mirror, and some razors of all types is a great idea, as well (they also have multiple uses).
To punch holes into the bucket, and attach it to the tree, you"ll need hand tools, and hardware. Don't skimp on these. You never know when someone may need to borrow (I.e. take home and never bring back) a tool. Many sites will tell you to follow the rule of three, the item you need, a back up in case it breaks, and a back up for the back up.
House hold cleaners are something else you'll want to stock pile. Ones you use on a regular basis, as well as ones you don't normally have a need for. If you have something you'll never use, it may come in handy as a bartering tool. While stocking cleaners, be sure to stock up on laundry soap and fabric softener.
(I'm sure it's not high tech in alllll of Mexico... Hubby is from the Philippines, and he says that "rich" families have washing machines, but "poor" people wash by hand. I.E. They know what it is, they just choose to use their money for other necessities. Just wanted to share my thoughts... Also, I'm not promoting LDS, I'm just a fan of prepping.)
I know you think I'm strange, saying things like "stock up on chocolate and fabric softener..." but it's the little things that will help with morale. Maybe you'll only use fabric softener once a month, or after a particularly tough week, but it will help drive you on towards a better, safer life in the new world.
Next week, I'll post more about how to handle our business in the bathroom, when there is no running water/limited water supply. (No running water means no electricity to run the pumps, which means no flushing. See how this could get yucky, very quickly?)
Until we all have to deal with some disaster, we'll have the internet. So, I'm going to share some lighthearted fun with you all:
P.S.-- Isn't M*A*S*H great? On a P.S. Side note: I'm a mom, but I can still appreciate this song!
This week, I am bringing you ways to save money on cleaning products.
Let's just dive on in with toilet bowl cleaners. Why does everyone think they have to foam, and smell worse than the stuff they clean up after? I use regular dish soap mixed with a little baking soda and a little vinegar. In a pinch, shampoo works. A little squirt, a swirl with the brush, a flush, and my bowl is shining and white.
This brings me to the other surfaces in the bathroom: SAME SOLUTION works in the entire room... for the floor, use the white vinegar diluted with water.
I have yet to find a dish washer soap that doesn't use borax, or a list of items as long as my arm. However, instead of jet dry, I put a half a tumbler (those small glass) of vinegar in the top rack. I also don't use thhe heated dry. (I do use the heated wash.)
For laundry, I make my own soap. My recipe is good, so I've been told, for HE washers because it doesn't make suds. At first, my whites were dingy. After a little playing around with the amount of borax in my soap, I now have whiter whites than the free and clear brand I was buying for four times the price each month. Here's my magic mix: 1 part borax, 1 part ar and hammer washing soda, 1/2 part baking soda, 2 laundry bars (no dyes, no perfumes), 1&1/2 scoops of oxiclean (we bought the small container for around $3). You put it all in a blender and mix it like crazy (you'll have to chop the laundry bars, first).
I also make my own shampoo. 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 LIBERAL squirts from my small bottle of Dr. Bronners, and warm water all poured into a squirt bottle (add the doctor after the water) and shake. Don't use on hair you have colored. I have never had trouble with my bleached hair. Need a conditioner? Be sure to use sparinggly, and on top of shampoo, and apple cider vinegar mixed with EVOO works well. You may need a bit more shampoo to get the oil out, if you have thick hair like me.
Toothpaste: cocanut oil is a great disinfectant, but it is an oil... some people use this as a natural tooth paste, mixed with a little baking soda. I have read rave reviews.
I do use olive oil, cocanut oil, and maalox as a diaper rash cream. Only problem I have had with it: you must remember to shake it very well.
Well, there it is, folks... how I save money on cleaners (and a few personal care items). Maybe, you'll be able to squirl away a bit to help with your preps.
Next week: You Never Miss a Real Good Thing... be sure and stock up on these things (other than the obvious food items).
I think I can predict how the economy will tilt, no matter who sits in the big chair, for the first year of the next presidential term. It's gonna stink! Sure, it's bad now, but it'll only get worse.
Now is really the time to be doing something about it; setting up one's own safety net, so to speak. Now is the time to buy non parishables in bulk, put back cash for the parishables and fuel/electricity, and stock up on water. Get yourselves a few solar lights from the home and garden area of your favorite store (they are generally around $10 for a set of 6), some candels, a few lighters (I'm always misplacing one)... I'm not telling you to stock up on a year's worth of flour or rice (that wouldn't be a bad idea, however), or to but a fifty gal. rain barrel in your back yard (again, not a bad idea), but I am telling you that we need to prepair.
Here are a few changes your household may be able to make, in order to have a little extra for your preps:
Let the Sun Shine In: If you're not reading, or sewing, or doing something else detailed, open the blinds. In the winter, this may also help lower the heating bill, if you get yourself some good weather stripping.
Hang around the house: Do your laundry before you're out of clean underwear, and you can hang it on the shower curtain rod, in the laundry room, on the back porch... maybe you can set up a clothes line in your back yard. This will save on your energy expenses in two ways a) less power to run the dryer, b) less power to maintain a comfortable temp. in the home due to the heat from the dryer.
Go Out to Your Living Room: For the price of six movie tickets, you and your family can pay a monthly bill for both internet and NetFlix, and you'll be able to stream movies every night of the week, as well as get one disc at the time. (How do I know? I subscribe.) Plus, the pop corn isn't over priced, and you won't have to step in anyone else's gum (personal experience, bad first date).
Try to schedule appointments and errands on the same day. You'll use less gas if you can get it all done in one day. Another good idea for this is to try to work your way around town in a counter clock wise fashion (less time waiting at stop lights, due to more right turns on red).
Use your Talents: Do you know how to make or mend clothing, cook gormet meals, or repair furniture? Do it yourself, instead of hiring someone else to do it. Another bonus, if you know how to do something, and someone else needs it done, you could always be the one they hire for the job.
Our family is fortunate enough to be able to make ends meet (most of the time) with only my husband's income. If we even tried making it with me working, he'd have to shell out money for my gas, because my entire check would go toward day care for our two children. So, before anyone tries to say I'm lazy, the fact is we're better off this way. In the past, things have been better financially, yet worse personally. Things have also been worse in the finance department, at one point. So, all in all I'd say we're doing really well, these days. No, we don't have eighty friends who come over on the weekends for extravagant diner parties, but we did have a birthday party for our two year old on Sunday. Kids' parties are easy due to the simple menu planning and the fact that there's no need for the fine china. In the old days, I threw cook outs that cost more than $200, so this is a really good change. I feel less stressed, and more blessed!
Next Monday, I'll post on money saving recipes for cleaning products. I've found that making my own means I save money, and I rarely have to run out for that one must have product right before company comes over... since I generally have the ingredients stocked, because they are multi purposed.
There was a time in my life, not all that long ago, when I felt I had it all together--in certain areas, any way. These days, I don't quite feel that way... Okay, these days, I feel as if it's all caving in on my head.
I could sit around, shouting at the ceiling "Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?!" However, I know why. I know what is my issue. Now, it is time to get the lead out of my bum, and get a move on with things. I'm tired of feeling as if I don't have things straight, anymore!
So, here are my issues:
My children actually walk all over me... and my husband. And my mother. And, well, everyone! Why? How about we start with the 'why not'? When I had Jr., I became the disciplinarian of my house hold (eventually, once he needed one). I never had to raise my voice, and nearly never dealt out a spanking, or threatened to deal out a spanking. I could thwart his undesirable behavior with only a look, and the occasional calm word. Then, one day, I found myself a tired single mom, with a baby-daddy who was around just enough for me to think it safe to let my guard down a bit, and baby number two. (As you all know, some things have changed...) I didn't just let my guard slip a little, I totally threw it out the window. Flash forward to present day, when no amount of yelling or threatening to spank them will get my boys to listen; where it takes multiple spankings (little pops on a diaper or the leg, nothing that leaves a mark or really hurts) just to get them to act as if I've said something. I seriously need to get back to the way things were.
How will I do this, you may ask. Well, simple. I'm going to spend more time with my children. You know, more hugs, and inside jokes, and secret hand shakes. More "secrets," and more patience. More quiet, "look at me when I'm talking to you, son." More, "Look in my eyes, and tell me if you understand what I've just said." A lot more, "You have a choice. You may clean up this mess, and then go outside, or I'll make sure you clean up the mess, and you won't get to go outside."
My OTHER problem is that my house work has gotten out of hand. I'm just not motivated, these days. Of course, part of my motivational issues may stem from feeling like a door mat for my children. Notice I said part, not all of the issues. The rest is just that I feel as if I'm in a rut (which, I kinda am), and I'm having a little trouble pulling myself out of it all.
It's okay, because I'm slowly getting myself to take action. Baby steps will work, until I get going down hill. Once I get a few things completed, or get on a time crunch (I've invited people over for Father's Day on purpose... Now, I have to get my house work done, and I've a deadline), I'll whip into action and pull myself up by the boot straps. Then, it should be fairly easy to stay on top of it all (until I get sick again, or we have another family crisis/mini-family crisis).
Yep, I'm going to be alright. I'm going to conquer my demons, and then move on to the next ones that need conquering. Why? Because I'm amazing like that!
So, I hate that we pay for health insurance that doesn't cover squat! Every year, since I was nineteen years old, I've gotten Tonsillitis/Strep Throat/bronchitis anywhere from twice to five times. And some of those times, I didn't have insurance. So, now I've accumulated hospital bills that I've got to pay some time before I kick the bucket. Also, I've scared tonsils, and have been informed "wow, those [my tonsils] need to come out!" by three doctors in the last six months. However, the insurance is holding me responsible for 30% of the bill, along with $500... Which means I've got to pay a thousand bucks to get the tonsils out. I just want to know, what the hell are we paying $516/month for? A little plastic card that says Aetna on it gets us in the door, but only if we don't need anything more than a doctor's appointment. What's the deal?
Also, they didn't cover my MRI (which proved I do, indeed, have a slipped disc), and will not cover the dental work that I need done. What DOES that stupid insurance cover? I mean, if I were healthy, I wouldn't need it, but it would pay for as many "just check ups" as I wanted. Let there be a real medical reason that I need coverage, and I have to pay a butt load of money out-of-pocket.
On top of all that, I can't get coverage with BCBS because I'm 17 lbs over their "limit." They won't write a policy on me. So, let me get this straight, I've one company that (probably) won't cover for me to see a dietitian who can help me get healthy, and there's another one that won't cover me at all because I need to see a dietitian. WHAT THE Foul-word?!!
Well, I've gotten a lot done in this post! I mentally motivated myself, and left evidence of that motivation so that I can do it all again (read it, feel motivated) any time I need a boost. I got a rant that's been bothering me for months, off my chest. And now, I'm going to get t' gettin'!
My husband wins the bread and brings home the bacon, but I am the grocery shopper for our household... We take turns cooking. As the gatherer for our small tribe, I find myself gravitating toward chicken, as opposed to other sources of meat (Pork is fatty and causes high blood pressure, and Beef... well, Mad Cow, anyone?) On occasion, I'll treat the family to cuts of meat, but chicken and fish are our go to for nearly every evening meal. I am sure that a lot of you are the same way. After all, Chicken costs the least, and it is the most filling... and everything "tastes like chicken," so why not just buy chicken?
However, NYT recently ran an article about the wonderful things they feed those chickens that we all eat... Arsnic, Benadryl, Illegal Antibiotics, Tylenol, Prozac, Coffee Pulp... No Wonder we're all getting cancer or dying from H1N1! (the illegal antibiotics they feed the chickens are out-laws because they are notorious for causing Antibiotic resistant infections.)
Wait a minute! Didn't I just say the reason I chose chicken was because I was trying to avoid wacky illnesses for which there is not cure?
I am soooooo going organic, from here on out! You know, cage free/free range/no pesticides.... All those words that mean my chicken will be a bit smaller for the same price. Why stop at chicken, when I don't know what their putting on/in anything else? I think I am a new Organic Convert!
Governmental Food Conspiracies not enough for you? How about this Creepy picture.
Quite a while back, I down loaded this picture and used it for an old blog of mine. While searching for something interesting for Weird Wednesday, I got distracted by the pics. I've up loaded from my phone, and began perusing my own pictures. In doing so, noticed something that's not quite right with this picture... Creepy, even.
original image provided by http://www.freefoto.com
And so, I present you, my readers, with the challenge: be the first to notice the "weird/Creep Out" factor. (*shivers... looks away*)
For today, that will be all, I suppose. However, stay tuned tomorrow for YouTube Thrusday!
Last week Music Monday brought you hip hop with a bit of politics on the side. Now, I bring you classical music with a bite... or would it be rock (or one of its sub genres) with a little class? On any account, let the ear candy begin!!!
For my Game of Thrones fans, I thought I'd put this vid. first. Hope ya' like it
A little driving music, for those who liked the hip hop feel of last week's post.
Audio Substitute for my video game addicted friends
For those who like acoustic songs:
And my fav. of all:
May your next few days be filled with music and moon light...
V.
P.S.-- Stay tuned for To-Do Tuesday, Tomorrow... 12:01 AM is when the post will show up.
~This is my “depressed stance”. When you’re depressed, it makes a lot of difference how you stand. The worst thing you can do is straighten up and hold your head high because then you’ll start to feel better. If you’re going to get any joy out of being depressed, you’ve go to stand like this. – Charlie Brown~
Since leaving my job of nearly three years, and becoming a stay at home wife and mother again, I've used only one full tank of gas, and it's been three months. I've not left the house for anything that wasn't dire. There has been the rare occasion when I've gotten out for Church or for a family get together that only lasted a few short hours, but each time I opted to ride with my mother or my husband.
I've not been out to the library (Lord knows I need to go there, with this cash of over due books I've got), the book store, the park... I've not gotten coffee or spent an evening with the girls...
The longer I spend in the house with only the kids and my husband, and Mom who stops in every couple of days (Susie visits a couple times a week, also), the more I want to board up the windows and close out the rest of the world for good. I've been perfectly happy to give my husband a short list of groceries that we need, and allow him to get them on his way home from work.
My point is: I think I'm slightly depressed. The last few days have been difficult on me, since my back would barely allow me to get out of bed to tend to my bowels, because I've not been able to get caught up on my house work. The feeling of 'why bother' has dripped into the rest of my health, as well. I don't get out and exercise, and I've just stopped taking my Metformin (before I could ever get it started up). My doctor has retired, and he didn't even let me know (I had been in his office in February, and two wks. later I called to see why they had canx. my appointment but the answering service said he'd retired).
See that up there? /\ That is my "Oh, why me?!!" moment. It's the same one I've been having since mid February. After a month and a half, I'm ready to stop having a pitty party for myself. It takes away from my time and energy, so that I've nothing left for my kids, husband, home, or self... There isn't even anything left for God.
You can do this with me. I'm deciding that I'm not going to allow myself to feel depressed any more. Spring is here, I've two beautiful children, a husband who loves me, a God who hasn't forgotten me, and a home that I can turn into a sanctuary. I've the capability to get out and get some exercise, which is what I'm going to start doing (maybe a little walking will help with my back problems).
I'm going to organize my home, be nicer to my husband, and pay better attention to my children. (The saying "If Mamma ain't happy, no body's happy," really is true.)
I'm going to do all this, and start feeling better about me. And I'm doing it all because I've DECIDED to. I'm not waiting for the feeling to just come! I've been doing that, and the only thing I've been feeling is worse. Now, it's time to MAKE IT HAPPEN!
I am hereby reserving Saturdays as my grab bag day... A day when I may post anything on any topic...
Today, I'd like to ask my readers what they think? What would you all like to see more? More music, more weird news? What do you think of Horror Movie Fridays (my fav. by far)?
Also, I'd like to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me.
I'm a stay at home mother of two lively boys, and a wife to a pretty quiet SecretAsian man who specializes in computers and home science experiments, while he holds down a job in a local factory.
I have a close relationship with my mother; love to talk and read. I'm an aspiring writer (today is not a good day to ask about my work in progress), and I love music, movies, and all things youtube (as I'm sure you've all figured out, by now).
Your turn. How about some of you introducing yourself to me? What types of things do you enjoy? What do you hate? Can you do any weird human tricks?
Nothing says Fear Fridays like a good ol' horror movie. Except a B-Horror.
This week's movie is originally titled Farstuhl des Grauens (a.k.a. The Lift, a.k.a. The Elevator), filmed in the Netherlands, the movie is in Dutch. The only version at my disposal (in other words, free) is on Youtube. It's dubbed in English, which adds to the hilarity of the script. The writing of this movie is so funny it's frightening.
"Take the stairs... take the stairs... for God's sake, take the stairs... "
I would like to say, however, that there's a mother in this movie who is more frightening than the elevator, and I found myself hoping she'd get trapped/killed.
Have you all seen any interesting B-Movies lately? Any good horrors? I'd love to hear about them, and will probably watch any I can get a hold of. So, leave some titles in the comments!!!
Today is YouTube Thursday, and in honor of the filming of the last episode of House, I'd like to post A Bit of Fry and Laurie... Well, probably a little more than a bit.
"Peanuts? Plums?..."
"Oh, it's very easy to knock, isn't it? You with your snide university ways... Or wherever it was that you went."
And now, my dear [In]Sane readers, I bring you Weird Wednesday. Yes, it's that time, folks, to be presented with some pretty weird shtuff.
This being my first week back, after an unplanned break from Blogger, I decided to post this particular picture... No matter where you go, no matter what you do, your best friend will always love you...
She sits, she stays, she fetches a beer from the fridge without getting saliva on it (because she's got thumbs)!
I, personally, am totally against this type of breeding. It's unusual and cruel... Or, perhaps, this is what we end up with when people are a bit too friendly with their pets? OR, maybe the next time one of your guy friends says his ex-girlfriend is a dog, you'll believe him, instead waiting for him to pull this picture from a shoe box in the closet.
Okay, that's enough making fun of the stronger sex! Perhaps next week I'll make fun of the weaker one.
Until Next Weird Wednesday...
Shake?...C'mon, shake Girl,
V.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Shortly after getting my taxes back, I purchased the necessary items needed to make a blanket for each of my sons (didn't have any sewing supplies, so I got those, as well). Their blankets will match, but I'll also be making an assortment of small pillows (BabyJ loves to cuddle, and Jr. really likes sleeping on pillows) that will match their reversible blankets.
Here are pics. of what I've gotten done, thus far.
Also, I am bouncing around a few ideas in my head. My brother-in-law is building a sun room onto his house. I asked for a few of the larger scrap pieces from the screens he made for the large windows. I've got three strips, and I'm trying to figure out the best crafty thing I can think of, to do with them. I've been thinking: use them for something like cross stitching? I've found some designs for Christmas Ornaments (cross stitching involved) that I think I'll use.
I'm still trying to decide, however, if that's what I really want to do with them... We shall see, I suppose, once the blankets and pillows are finished.
