That moment when the inevitable didn’t happen and you are now forced to deal with a new reality.
Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images
“Unexpectedly” as Instapundit would say.
Unexpectedly
Category Archives: General Preparation
Two Is One, Money Edition
Remember a while back, I wrote about why it’s smart to carry cash? Even though I don’t like to carry a lot of cash, I keep some in my pocket at all times just in case. Well, just in case became the case for me one afternoon.
Election 2016 and Preparation
Well, the 2016 clown show Election is over and for some the result was…disappointing. However, the results of this election won’t matter as much as people on both sides think. For wise preppers, life goes on no matter who lives in the White House.
Over Pressure
Sometimes a hidden problem can cause issues over a long period of time. What’s maddening about this is that the damage is difficult to discern and the affects not immediately traceable to the root cause. I had such an issue that cost me a lot of money and frustration before I was finally able to get it resolved. Hopefully you can learn from my experience so you don’t encounter a similar problem.
Hard Target
It’s evident that prepping has gone mainstream, which is a good thing. When center-right political blogs like Ricochet and PJ Media publishing posts on the subject, you know prepping has gained newfound acceptance. One recent post deserves more attention since it represents actionable steps we can all take to make our homes more secure. This post talks about how to make your home a harder target and it’s worth a read. Here are some posts I have done on the subject that go into greater detail on some of those steps:
- Strengthening Door Jambs
- Improving Lock Hardware
- Installing Single-Side Deadbolts
- Hardening Entry Doors
- Securing Sliding Glass Doors
The goal isn’t to make one’s domicile into a suburban Fort Knox, that is neither feasible nor desirable. The objective is to make your house less attractive to a criminal so that he doesn’t target your house. Take the first steps now and see which of these actions you can take to harden your home.
Of Wills and Ways
Being prepared sometimes means planning for the worst, as in the end of you. We are all going to die, there is no getting around that. The only questions are where, when, and how you will meet your end. This isn’t anything to get upset about, it is a reality one has to deal with though. For the longest time I put this off due to laziness more than anything else. Preparing a last will and testament is a pain, takes time, and costs money…but every responsible adult should have one. A few months ago, I decided to correct this.
My employer offered a legal plan as a part of the benefits package, so I decided to avail myself of this service once my benefits kicked-in. I scheduled a meeting with a local attorney who was a part of the legal plan network, and within ten days, my will was done. I made multiple copies and gave one to the executor of my will so he would have it on-hand in the event of my demise. If and when my family situation changes, I will have it re-done to account for that. At least now, I have something in-place that provides clear instructions on how my assets will be disposed of.
In reality, preparing a last will is a courtesy for the friends, family, and loved ones that are left behind. It removes a burden from the survivors and can also help avoid probate issues. Of course, laws vary from state to state so before you create a will, make sure to consult an attorney who is familiar with the laws of your state. Like anything else, do your due diligence by researching the topic of will before having one created. Be sure to ask questions and know what are in the documents before you sign them.
Just remember that life will go on, just without you. Plan accordingly…
Adding Analog
For the first time in eight years, I have an analog phone line. While my phone does not look like the one below, it uses a POTS line just like analog phone have for decades.
Grate Wall of Fire!
I’ve made a few changes to my wood-burning fireplace over the last few weeks that will make it more efficient and effective at heating my house. While my fireplace won’t get as much use here in Arizona compared to other parts of the country, it is still a nice feature to have.
Many years ago I used to scoff at the notion of having a fireplace in Arizona but over the years I have come to appreciate the wisdom of having one.
Entrencing Tool Uses
Remember the post I wrote a while back about the entrenching tool? You can read that article again for a description of what an e-tool is, what I’d like to do in this post is describe what it can do for you. There are many uses for this trifold tool, some of which you might not expect.
No Agony of De Feet
I’m writing this post somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean from a coffee shop at Heathrow Airport as I get ready travel back to the USA. Besides providing a much-needed break from work, my three weeks in Europe have provided inspiration for posts that may help you in your preparations. This post is going to deal with two things that you need in good working order all the time…your feet.