One of the downsides to writing a book is that you then have to talk about it to media types so you can sell it, at least you do if you plan to make a living. Now I must say that nearly every reporter I speak with seems bright and interested and does a fair job representing my philosophy on preparedness but every once in a while…..
The main point I have to argue is this. Since I prepare I must live in a state of constant fear and worry. I must be depressed and anxious and my kids must pick up on this and be worryiers as well. This could not be further from the truth. I think I need a new word for what I am because survivalist, prepper, doomer and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXPERT just don’t really seem to fit who I am at all.
Here is what I am.
Frugal: I would rather buy in bulk and save my money for things that matter to me. What matters is time. If I spent more I would have to work more and that would mean time away from home and family and garden and books and cross stitch.
Lazy: I like to keep things neat and organized because I hate to waste time looking for stuff. I’d rather nap. I dislike the ordeal of shopping. I love just reaching into a cupboard and pulling the makings of a delicious dinner. It gives me great pleasure to have one of kids yell, “Hey, Mom. Do we have any more molasses?” and for me to answer, “Look in the upstairs pantry” knowing that there are 6 bottles up there.
Confident: Being prepared doesn’t make me anxious. Just the opposite. I can watch the news of an impending storm and not have to think about a trip to town, where I put the flashlights and how I’m going to cook that 9-year-old can of stew. I don’t need to go to town, I know exactly where the flashlights are and they all have fresh batteries and I would never have a nine-year can of anything. I made the stew myself the summer before. I know it’s great because we eat it often and I can cook it any one of 5 ways.
Lat night we were still in the mess of painting when supper time arrived. It had jar of mixed vegetables in the basement, a chicken carcass that I had boiled for stock and a can of chicken as well. I thickened the stock with some corn starch and tossed everything together in a pastry crust. A chicken pot pie in no time and with no racking my brain for what to make. It was really good and meaty and the pressure canned vegetables had held up really well. Even the potatoes still had just the right tooth to them. The pastry dough was in the freezer, ready to go so there was hardly any mess either. The girls helped with the whole meal. They don’t feel anxious. They feel competent. It was a good night. I love preparedness.
February 18, 2010 at 10:56 am
That’s funny! Anxious and worried? I do this so I DON’T feel anxious and worried. Your other points are excellent as well! I’m finding that prepping is getting more and more mainstream, but you still have people who refuse to see what it’s all really about.
February 18, 2010 at 11:38 am
So very true! That’s why I’ve always prepped as well–the knowledge that what we’ll need is already here and accounted for. The attitude this being prepared fosters is that of confidence and good cheer, not worry and fear. Great post, Kathy!
HM
February 18, 2010 at 11:54 am
One of the things I admire about you is your organizational skills. So please add organized to your list! When any emergency comes to mind, somehow everyone needs flashlights for example, but finding the batteries is difficult – even locating the flashlight takes up more time than it should. As to food storage, living in Minnesota, that seems to be inbred, given the wild weather we have always experienced.
February 18, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I have always prepared a little. I bought when things were on sale, usually in twos and always had one in storage, when I used up that one I put it on the grocery list and the next time it went on sale I bought it. Now I do the same but just on a grander scale. My DD went to the store room for me and got something I need for dinner that night and saw how much was there and commented that I have an obscene amount of food really Mom. You need to start using it up, (well I do rotate I just keep replacing too). But when push comes to shove she and her DH will be over in a flash if there is a problem. And that’s OK too. I don’t think of myself as a prepper, just prepared. And its a good feeling .You’re right we need a new name.
February 18, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Oh with regards to getting more potting soil, just a thought but stock up on some newspapers also, as they make great little ( or big) starting pots for your garden. You can make them square doing origami or round and then just plant them whole, the paper will disintegrate. I never buy peat pots any more.
February 19, 2010 at 9:55 am
I’ve always thought that laziness is the real root of efficiency. Like you, I don’t want to waste time looking for something nor do I want to waste time doing something if there is an easier and faster way to do it.
The latter trait didn’t go over so well when I was working a temp job where other folks were trying to make the work last longer in order to milk overtime hours…
I do love shopping in my own pantry, too, but I long for a bigger space for it. Right now, I have to move stacks of buckets to reach the shelves behind. LOL