Hindsight is nowhere near 20/20.

You know I am a procrastinator. The titles of my books say it all. "Disaster Prepping For Procrastinators", because everyone can do a little, should do a little, to keep the wolf from the door. 

It's been a year since the world shut down due to the Coronavirus. Now, I haven't been silent, don't get me wrong. I've just been on other forms of Social Media, making sure I posted not just information, but encouraging posts. People need hope when it seems all things are out of control. If you had faith in God before the Stay At Home Orders were first handed down, your faith has either been strengthened or it has failed you in this time. 

The good thing is if it was strengthened, you were able to pass that strength on to other people. If it was weakened, don't despair. God is waiting for you to come back home. 

What has the last year taught you? Are you seeing people for who they really are? I mean, who they REALLY are, under all of the smiles, civility and nice comments? Learning to read people has become important in this time. It's almost an introductory course in understanding where the true heart and intent of humanity is when the chips are down. Who would you leave behind your back? And who would you keep in front of you, where you can keep a good eye on them?

What would you have stockpiled or put away that would have helped you through this past year? Well, there is good news on that front. The shelves are starting to be stocked once more with things even I had overlooked that became like gold during the Pandemic...Lysol Spray...toilet paper...paper towels...plastic gloves...canned goods...for some, even alcohol became a necessity. 

Well, do you believe that things are almost over, or should you continue...or start...to prepare to ride out the storm to come? What is your gut telling you? When you pray, what are you hearing? 

If there is one thing I have learned in this past year, it's that I don't want to wonder, when I can be sure. I don't want to sit around this time next year asking myself, 'What could I have done differently? How could I have prepared myself and my family? What decisions am I making right now that could impact me in a negative manner in the future? What help was available to me that I have left on the table? Have I honored God in all I have done? Have I taken care of my neighbor as I would my own flesh and blood? Have I given enough? Have I prayed enough? Do I truly, after all that has happened, believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living?"

I wrote two accompanying books, 'Forms' and two 'Shopping List' Books, one of which came with accompanying scriptures. 

One of the Scriptures that has ran through my mind since the pandemic occurred is Proverbs 6:6-11. It states,

"6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

So, prepare for the worst, believe in the best. Believe the vaccine's will work. Believe the mutations won't be as bad as expected. Believe that the shelves will continue to stay full. Believe that you have prepared as best you could, and prepare as much as you can. Now is the time to plant gardens. Now is the time to remember the ant. We've had enough television binging. Enough overeating. Enough worry. Enough anxiety. Enough fear. And more than anything, enough procrastination. 

This is my first Pandemic Post on my Blog in over a year. You can follow me on Instagram at @trishaalindsey if you stand in need of some encouragement. If you don't do Instagram, my posts are automatically copied to my Facebook Author Page, Trisha Lindsey, Author. 

My thoughts are pretty much the same as yours as we have gone through the ups and downs of the past year. I don't post every day, but try to hit every Sabbath if I don't make a post that week.  Please. Be encouraged. God is in control.

#BeEncouragedTAL

Now What?

Well.  We are into the thick of it now. This has been such a hard experience to go through, so many lives have been lost. We see so many people doing all they can to care for others, and others still only concerned about themselves and their rights. But I am going to unequivocally press towards sheltering in place, come hell or high water, for as long as it takes to either find the best way to lower infection rates, a cure or a vaccine. If you don't have that view, you might want to move onto another Blogger. 

This is a unique opportunity that is making us slow down, care for others as we care for ourselves and take each day as it comes, adapting and recovering so we can face another day to come. I will press the point that we only have a finite number of medical professionals and essential personnel to help us through this Pandemic. 

As such, not only are thanks in order, but we owe it to them and our loved ones to work together to flatten the curve of infection so facilities aren't overwhelmed.  If you don't agree with this, once again, move onto another Blogger. I am saying up front, this is a positive space, and NO negativity is going to be tolerated.  This is all about solutions, help and working together to prepare ourselves, our families and neighbors for the long haul.

There are indications that the #Coronavirus was here in the United States much earlier than we believed. Most indications show it will be here a lot longer than we believe, making us adapt as the regular seasonal issues we face start to come upon us. Tornado Season is upon us in the South.  Hurricane Season, Flu Season, and other issues are still to come, so how do we manage to prepare for them, in the midst of all of this turmoil?

Well, 2 years ago, I finished a book series called, "Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators". I didn't know when, but I did know that we live in a world where chaos can break out with little or no notice. It was written to not only organize myself but to break down what could be done with less money, time and resources when it comes to Disaster Preparation.

I didn't need 20 pounds of flour and enough food to feed a small army when there was only my daughter and myself to take care of. I knew I'd need to be able to buy things we normally ate, on a budget but all the books and sites I came upon were advance prep for the Zombie Apocalypse. So, I set out to re-write the system, with a Christian and Secular alternative. If you want to skip ahead, you can purchase the book in both paperback and Ebook, with the Shopping Lists and Forms Booklet.  If you can't afford them, then I'll just start a month to month synopsis, keeping things in line with the book's advice. Here is the Amazon Link for the book series:

https://amzn.to/2ShKQIu

So, starting in May, I am going to start to offer pages of that book for free on my Social Platforms, modified slightly to account for #Covid-19, but also as a way to look ahead to prepare for the upcoming seasons to come so that we aren't caught flat-footed.  Just like the series, these posts are going to be bare-boned so that with a minimum amount of money and things you already have around your house you can get organized.  You can start to put aside things you don't use or need for later disposal, clearing space for you to live in. We will focus on places you can fix to shore up your home, based on three tiers: Free, Low Cost, Medium expense.  These things will help you until you are back on your feet again.

So, look for upcoming posts, so that you can prepare for the next 6 to 12 months in the midst of this chaos. If you have a plan, it's executable and you see results at the end of each week, it will persuade you that you are getting things done. 

The first post is going to focus solely on how you should clean up each space in your home. It will accompany the next post that will focus on gathering and storing for your current and future needs.  Many of us now have gone out and purchased food, water and other necessities, so we will focus on how to integrate what you have on hand, with what you need to have on hand.

As you know, I am a Christian, and integrate all of my writings with real Christianity.  If that is going to offend you, please follow my posts, but don't disparage my beliefs. That negativity is something that myself and others just don't need at this time. I'm not posting to convert anyone, but this has to be a space where people's beliefs aren't brought into the discussion in a negative way.You can also find encouragement on my Instagram under the hashtag, #BeEncouragedTAL

Preparing for the next Pandemic

With the new Coronavirus in the news, its a good time to make sure you have basic supplies on hand that may run low and have inflated prices if things become critical.  I thought of this post when I went on Amazon.com and started searching for face masks.  I always try to do my purchases on a budget, getting the best items at the lowest cost.  I try to buy in good numbers, not overbuy, but decide what amount of product will suffice for three situations: Immediate Need, Fleeing Need, and Long Term Projected Need. Amazon was sold out of the most economical masks, without any posting of when more would be available. I had to go to other vendors, and then one of them tried to cancel my order so I had to call and get them to honor my purchase.  I got notice it was shipped today. So be careful who you order from.  I have enough on hand for the family now but called or contacted extended family via social media to get their masks NOW.

   


What is Coronavirus?  It appears to be a virus that causes respiratory distress, a virus that started in a market where many different species of animals were offered for sale in close proximity.  Worse, those animals were butchered on-site without proper sanitation, and the transmission from animal to human was facilitated easily.  In other words, by killing them, they gained the ability to kill us back.  These markets are very common in much of the Asian peninsula.  The next virus is already fomenting, because people want what they want, and have been eating from these markets for generations, they see nothing wrong with their eating habits, they are not circumspect when it comes to eating ANY type of animal.

The CDC Website states, "Coronaviruses are common in many different species of animals, including camels and bats. Rarely, these coronaviruses can evolve and infect humans and then spread between humans. Recent examples of this include SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Normally, most coronaviruses infect animals, but not people. In the future, one or more of these other coronaviruses could potentially evolve and spread to humans, as has happened in the past. We still don’t understand why only certain coronaviruses are able to infect people." (CDC Website)

When faced with a pending Pandemic, the first thing to do is count the cost if you do NOTHING. I look to preserve my life and that of my family.  I think, "Whose life will be impacted if I do NOTHING?" We must realize, that the primary aim of this new administration is their own preservation, PERIOD.  Look at Puerto Rico and its current situation, and realize, YOU will be the person primarily responsible for your well being.

6 cases in the United States so far

How bad could it get, if this Coronavirus or the next major Pandemic actually becomes a worldwide problem?  After all, this newest virus looks as though it is only striking the elderly or those compromised by existing respiratory issues.  Maybe you don't fall into that category.  But, there isn't very much information about the Coronavirus at the present time, and there is no projected cure in mind.  There are more things that compromise our health than we tend to think about.  65 percent of the current population of the United States is morbidly obese, with an additional 15 percent obese.  Pre-existing conditions with many of them from Diabetes to Heart conditions put them in a vulnerable state.  Many are caregivers of elderly or young children, and some can barely walk a flight of stairs without wheezing.

As I have Lupus, I know a major illness can kick my immune system into overdrive, so I am always guarded against people who are coming down with something, in the midst of illness or just getting over an illness. In other words, I avoid sick people, and always trust my instincts.

In this case, prepare for your immediate need by purchasing N95 or N99 masks that have replaceable carbon filter, or that come in bulk so you can change out your masks.  For extra protection, you can put a regular medical mask underneath it. Don't believe the press that 'A mask won't help', ANY protection you don will be a help, versus a naked face.

Don't feel silly or embarrassed by wearing them now. Because by the time you notice someone with a fever, coughing or sneezing, it's too late to put the mask on with an airborne illness.  If you commute and are around a lot of people on a daily basis, put on your mask when on public transportation.  If you are in any doubt, mask up.

Guess What Time It Is?

It's time to start your Disaster Prepping!  This is the month that the book starts from, September!  You're past the gearing up for the kids to go back to school, and the end of all your summertime fun, now its time to get down to business! So, let's dig in and get started.

Head on over to Amazon and get the Book Series, "Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators".  You have a choice of getting the Color or the Black and White version.  Then, get your Forms Book which will help you put away paper that you need and get rid of papers that you don't need.

Last but not least, is your Shopping List Book.  It comes in two forms, with and without Scripture references.


I always have some component of Christianity in my works, and this one is no exception.  Anyone thinking, "God is going to take care of me, I don't have to go through all of this." is kidding themselves. 
I wanted to make sure that everyone could be covered when it came to Disaster Preparation.  In the Scripture Shopping List Book, there is supporting Scriptures that show having a vision and a plan is something that honors God.  It's expected, not just for yourself, but for your family, and your neighbors.  Our system lets you take care of not only your family but have a little extra you can put aside for extended family and neighbors.

This is the first month that you will begin to build your long term supplies and start cleaning your house.  So, plans are made to be added to, so first, you need to look through the quiz portions of the book to find out why you procrastinate.  All the planning, purchasing and storing items in the world won't work, if you don't figure out why you keep putting off doing anything to help yourself and your family survive and thrive in an Emergency or Disaster.

I will be giving some shopping tips for things that I find along the way that will make your life easier.  Just know, even if you only get your backpacks ready, you need to do SOME level of preparation.  One thing I have seen from having lost power before is once the electronics run out of juice, things can get REALLY dicey around the house.  Teenagers without their phones can be worse than being caged in a guest bathroom with a hungry lion!

In addition to this month's purchases, I came across these Shelving Units from Sam's Club. They are reasonable, have great reviews, and would be perfect for a basement or closet area.  Always read the reviews before you purchase something that you really need to work.

Make sure you read some of the lower reviews also, but you may come to find that they are many times left by people who can't put anything together or you just can't please them no matter what you do. If the product you buy doesn't meet your expectations, take it back to the store or send it back.  I tend to order from Amazon, because they don't hassle me about returns.


Another choice for those on a budget is this shelving unit from Ikea.  It doesn't hold heavy loads, but will keep your things off the floor.

If you live in a NEW flood plain...you know, the areas that used to get hit with 100 year floods every year, but they come every year now...you need to think of not just shelving to keep your important stuff off the floor, but also plastic tubs that you can seal with duct tape to keep your important papers and things important to your family from being ruined.

So, go get your books, and let's get this show on the road! Get your front closet cleaned out, and your foyer in order.  Get your Backpacks and this month's water supplies.  Nothing grates on you more than paying $15.00 with a 2 pack maximum for water that cost $3.00 last week. You can go without food for some time, but you need water every day.

Links:

Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators Series

Sam's Club Shelving Unit

IKEA Shelving Unit

My Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators List on Amazon

I have began to compile an online list that is viewable to the public on Amazon, that features some things I try to purchase and keep on hand for my own family, in case of an emergency or disaster.  I have switched my focus to freeze-dried foods, as they store longer and they are available as items that my family actually eats.

I compare prices, and sizes of what I will actually receive. Even if you get a 10 pound bucket, when you open it up, you might be surprised at how little food you are actually getting. You can’t eat a bucket, so order a sample size so you can see what you are getting, before committing to a bucket.  Also, you might want 3 of the 10 things in a bucket, so don’t just think you’ll find something to make with those things you don’t normally eat. How much is in your pantry or fridge that you don’t touch already?  Don’t buy or store food that you don’t eat, it will go to waste.  If you can’t force your family to eat foods they don’t normally eat in good times, you won’t be any more successful in bad times.

Also, it is important to read through the Reviews before you purchase a huge amount of food or products.  It will save you having to send something back, or opening it in an Emergency only to find it spoiled, unpalatable or the servings too small.

Pay attention to what has been written, but also remember there are some people who won’t be happy no matter what they buy.  Make sure those people aren’t in your Emergency circle, and if they are family, get them together before you have to be stuck with them in an Emergency and they make everyone miserable.

There are materials that you can buy now for much cheaper than you will be able to get them in an Emergency.  Get and store them NOW while the prices are low and they are plentiful.  Here is the link for my Amazon Shopping list, start your own, and get ready while you aren’t pressured and your money buys more!

Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators Amazon Shopping List

You can't take ALL of that WITH you!

You know, I was looking through my Disaster prep stuff, which I keep in a loft area right by the front door, and rethinking my trunk space.  I've taken to leaving my trunk as empty as possible because I have a lot to put in there! 

I've redoubled my efforts to make sure we are able to evacuate with everything we need, but not be so bogged down we can't take the important things and light out for a safe zone.

Its easier to think that you'll just buy one of those First Aid Backpacks, a tent and those Survival Food Buckets with pre-done entrees and 2 containers of water and that's okay. 

But you can't take ALL that WITH you if you have to evacuate by car or on foot.  Have you ever read what is actually in those buckets?  I have.  They include a bunch of things that my family isn't going to eat! Some of those items can be re-heated, but others have to be re-hydrated, which will cut into your water supply.

There is a finite amount of space in the trunk of your car.  If you're like most people, you always have a bunch of stuff in your trunk.  You may want to think of cleaning it out, before you end up having to toss stuff out without sorting it in case of an emergency.  Everything you haul increases the weight of your car and will affect your gas mileage.  We have recommendations in the book series that will help you break down your needs and what you should carry regularly in the car, to your job, that your family should take to work and school so that you are all prepared in case of an emergency. 

We tell you how to work with the interior of your car, once you load in your family. You can continue the way you are, but make sure whatever you plan, it will fit a shelter-in-place scenario, evacuate by car scenario AND an evacuate on foot scenario.  My system helps prepare you for all of those occurrences and at the same time, declutter and clean your home so you can become more organized.

Get your copies of Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators on Amazon now.  Make sure you get the Forms Book and your choice of the Shopping List Books, they come with Scriptural references and without.  Click the link below to start ordering!

Disaster Prepping for Procrastinators Series

More questions about dehydrating food?

If you have further questions about dehydrating food using a Dehydrating Machine, this is a very good website that will give you more in-depth information on the process, temperature settings, types of food to dehydrate, etc. You don’t know until you try!

Tips on Dehydrating food with a Dehydration Machine, link below:

https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/how-to-dehydrate-food