I’ve blogged about this now 3 times and well; apparently we are still experiencing it and sometimes we can all use a reminder. I would have loved to not have 80 degrees on Saturday and then ice and with the windchill -2 in Dallas; but such is life and being prepared in and out of season is something to be mindful of. Currently; I have been without power for about 3 hours and counting.
It was reported back in August that winter 2013 will be the worst on record and that was around the first time I blogged about it. Did you pay attention? Did you follow any of my suggestions? If you didn’t; my hope is that you are warm and not suffering in this cold weather that seems to not go away!
In Colorado where I grew up things were different in that winter came and everyone was prepared. It was just life. People had gardens and the crops were canned for winter. It was life. The blizzards of 1982 was one such example. It came on Christmas Eve. It’s not one people soon forget. The other ones that people still talk about are 1997 where in Coal Creek Canyon 56″ of snow was reported in less than 12 hours. In 2003 people were snowed in for at minimum 5 days. Because some cities outlawed driving people skied to the nearest grocery store; before everything was shut down. How ingenious right? Or stupid that the grocery workers were still there but I digress.
At least in Denver people have 4-wheel drive vehicles. In most cities across America; people aren’t equipped for such weather as snow and ice; or even cold. The city workers aren’t either so a weather related storm can definitely wreck havoc without a doubt. I need to make sure I am prepared for whatever comes this winter. How about you?
In reflection of a few things that would be necessary for survival is one that has thinking I need to step up my game. The grocery stores only have supplies for three days. Three days! What if the weather is so bad that the power is out longer than that? What if the weather is so bad that the trucks can’t even get to your city to deliver the products you need? What then would you do? It occurs to me that there are some things I need to take care of. It’s not like I will be able to just use my cell phone and order pizza.
A few things to think about to be prepared are:
1- Water. Of course everyone needs water so this goes without say. If you start now stocking up on water then you are set for drinking but what about the rest of your life? What about showering, cooking, or anything else. Don’t you need to be able to flush the toilet so you may need more water? If you have the drinking water do you really want to pour that down the toilet? The large blue containers you can fill up with a few gallons of tap water and then store them in the garage so you have something. You wouldn’t want to store your drinking water in the heat in the garage as it will only take more like plastic than it already does.
2- Food. Of course you have to eat and because you may not have electricity or know when it will be restored you definitely have to plan. What is your daily food consumption now? How long will the food in the refrigerator and freezer last? How would you prepare it? I was told years ago to take old water bottles and fill them with water but not all the way full and then store them in the freezer for occasions just like this. Perhaps a few MRE’s and other items should be accounted for before it’s too late. Foods high in protein and require no cooking are the most obvious. Plan for additional foods for the children and infants in your family. Not only this; how often do people eat out of boredom? Planning now will help you know what you have so your level of irritability won’t be so high.
3- Paper items. Toilet paper, napkins and other items are good to have on hand. Because water supply is limited doing dishes won’t be easy using paper products can serve the purpose. If count for how much toilet paper you use per month then perhaps an extra month supply would be good. Obviously if you are single you use less than a family of five; and that is the last thing you want to run out of. One opened item of anything is never enough!
4- Protection. It’s wise to be able to defend yourself in all seasons. Keeping current with firearms training and having ammunition is just prudent. My CHL is current and being proficient in using it doesn’t take much time out of my life. It’s just one of those things that is no different than taking care of the laundry.
5- Toiletries. As I said before an opened anything is never enough. Are you at the bottom of the shampoo bottle? Last roll of the toothpaste? What then if you run out before the weather clears and your store is restocked. How terrible would it be to not be able to brush your teeth for a few days or weeks?
6- Lighting. Candles of course can work just great; but how many would you need to use for light and warmth? When I look around my town home I see 20ft ceilings which means all the warmth going everyone else except to me. I would need to get creative with where I would spend my time because I obviously don’t want to waste my candles. My personal idea is pretty simple. My bathroom is a decent size and is closed in so it would make the most sense to set up shop in there. I would set up an air mattress in the bathtub and that room would be the warmest with less heat escaping. Sitting on the air mattress also gets me off the floor. Because my dining room, kitchen, living room; and bedroom all have windows using candles simply would be more work. GE sells the LED lanterns that take D batteries so for 20 bucks I have light and with my candles have warmth. Don’t forget the matches or lighters. I have a fireplace that was one thought although the bathroom would still provide better options for longer warmth.
7- Pet food and supplies. You can’t let your pet go hungry now can you? Of course mot! The Olive needs her food too. How much does your pet consume daily? What about flea, tick or heart worm medicine? Having these items on hand will only help you better protect your animal. Perhaps a few extra treats or raw hide bones would serve as a distraction from the situation. You may also think about a dog sweater or sweatshirt. While most with the purse dogs spend more on these items; your lab or Great Dane deserves one too!
8-Prescriptions. While it’s easy to call the pharmacist to place the prescription order on most days; you most likely wouldn’t have phone service to make the call or be able to get to that location to purchase it. Having enough supply on hand is wise as you would have to have your mother or child suffer those consequences!
9- Extra glasses or contacts. If it’s dark and you lose a pair of glasses now you are stuck. Stuck using your light to go search in the cold of the night to find them when if you had an extra pair in an easy to find location you would be just fine. This is one thing on my list without a doubt! I’ve never lost a pair but that doesn’t mean an extra pair wouldn’t be beneficial. I’m also learning that too many things that can be done tomorrow can wreck havoc on it too!
10- Blankets. If you happen to be like many bachelors you may just have your sheet and comforter that you sometimes use; or even perhaps you have the old quilt from someone years ago. Having enough blankets to keep you warm is a definite! If you hold up in one room you can always use one at the base of the door to keep any heat from escaping. My favorite is my down comforter; although I have two other bed sets and numerous other blankets that I have picked up along the way. This one item that can definitely serve it’s purpose. Of course if you have the sleeping bag that you use for those hunting excursions those will work just fine.
11- Generator. Sure you may not want to spare the expense of a few hundred bucks and no one blames you. For those who like to really be prepared it may be the best way to go. While others may be suffering; those with the generators wouldn’t lose any power so perhaps it is something to consider.
While there are many other items to include like salt for the driveway or front steps, sturdy ice scraper; and a prepare mentality this is a good start. More people die in the cold of winter than in the heat summer so why not cool yourself off from that heat of the day today? When that day comes you will be glad you did! And for now I am just waiting for the power to be restored……
It seems that with technology we can do it all. There is no need for others when you can just for .99 download the app to do it all. Why or what do we even need each other for? It’s a serious question to ask. What do you need people for? More than you think if you think about it.
Now it can be argued that just for the purpose of pro-creation which is a big duh so let’s get beyond that. The power that comes from partnerships is something you can’t get alone. When two or more come together; life happens. Life changes. People change. And isn’t that what we all can use? Some good healthy change with a side of chocolate cake? Or is that just me?
Who are the people in your life that are part of that change? Who are those you have to either balance your life, speak truth to your life; or just get you out of bed?
It took me a long time to grasp the need for other people. See; I was hurt. I was defensive. I was a survivor and it was people who hurt me so why do I want more people who would just do the same!? Hear me roar- pitifully that is. I thought I would do it all and while I have a wonderful testimony iron sharpens iron and we need one another to do life together.
If you ever want to see scary situations where people need each other just watch Ultimate Survival Alaska on the National Geographic Channel (http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ultimate-survival-alaska/) because it is such a testimony of the contestants needing each other. When one team of three is a man down it changes things. And not in a good way. They need each other and none of us are any different.
There are just some things that we in our vast amount of wisdom cannot figure out. For example; which diet or health plan? Where does one begin? You know once you get started with one and stop you will be back at the same place trying the same thing and never getting the results? Why else would Yahoo have a different article daily about what to eat and what exercises are the best? Perhaps you are going to a black tie event and need something to wear and have no clue. What store? What color? What length? (floor for black tie) What heals? How much? It’s so tiring to attempt to figure it all out.
Sometimes it’s better to not quit but surrender. Surrender that you can’t do it alone. Surrender to the fact that there are those who are there to help you and that they are placed there to be exactly what you need at that time. They need the support of you perhaps financially although what you are giving them you will get in return. There is no doubt.
I surrendered. I did. I am not afraid to admit it. It is amazing to say the least! The new partnerships that came over my life were and are so life-changing it’s incredible. It’s not about using people to get a means to an end; but rather developing partnerships for a lifetime. Isn’t that what we want anyway? Healthy, inspiring people who want the best for us? I know it is for me and I hope it is for you too.
It’s a simple question yet one all too often overlooked. I found myself looking in the mirror the other day and thought it would be like any other day. Well; it wasn’t. It reminded of years ago when I was challenged to sit in front of a mirror and just stare at myself to see what God sees. That’s a challenge all right; with a life changing outcome!
I ask you again- what are you investing in you? I took a long look not at the Eva Mendez mole that I have that people tend to comment on, not on the grey hair here or there that no one but me sees; but just a long look. It caused me to step back for a moment and pause.
How about you? Do you spend far too much time looking but not seeing? Perhaps now is the time to look at your investment and reflect on what your return on it actually is. You may be surprised.
What I saw has caused much change in my life. It’s always a challenge to go for radical change although if you don’t where will you be? You can’t do what you have always done and then not expect to get what you have always gotten. It just doesn’t work like that.
What did I see? I saw areas that need different investment for larger return.
1- I saw I was investing or sowing more in others than they were in me. I reflected on the relationships in my life where I gave more than I was receiving in return. I need to invest more in me and others who are not the sucker branches where I am better able to bring ripe fruit into my life.It’s not a selfish thing but reflecting on me and where I am to where I want to go and grow.
2- I saw the physical effects that Dallas has had on me and well; all the people I have met who too have moved from other healthy and fit cities. I didn’t beat myself up over what I saw but rather gravitated toward a lifestyle of one that will produce healthy results for lasting living and lifelong impact.
3- I saw an investment in a career that I dreamed of that isn’t quite the reality as I believe most people experience. Remember the days when McDonald’s was good? Sure you know what I am talking about? When you are able to see it for what you are you can make the change. I have better boundaries, hours; and results in the end.
4- I saw that life will suck the life out of you if you are not actively investing in yourself. I don’t mean the purchase of a new car, more clothes; or material things. I mean investing in you. The person that you are. There will always be more debt for a vehicle, more clothes that will be outdated in a few months; more tweets to post about it all and that isn’t investing in you. That is nothing but the trap of society to keep you from the right focus for actual living. Take a step back and look. Step back and see.
It’s all about choice. Choice to see. Choice to pay attention. Choice to change. Choice to choose. You may want to get on board and do something now before it’s too late. You would hate to not invest in the one thing that can change your life and then have to tell that to others what you never did.
There is no one like you. Some of you may be thinking ‘no kidding’ but know it’s true in the best way possible. You are unique; you were created one of a kind. There is nothing that anyone can do exactly like you. You were created to be you and there is no other.
Sometimes in life we get so caught up in the frenzy of living that we don’t recognize what we actually bring to the world. Think about it. When was the last time you were truly recognized for who you are and the value of you and not what you have done for the benefit of a company’s profit.
So on this day the value that you bring is larger than you think. The value of your smile to someone thinking about taking his or her life. The value you bring to your family even when you say nothing at all. The value of your ideas that will be tomorrow’s life saver. The value of your heart that you have that is shown to the world shared even when you are sleeping. The value of friendship you offer to those in quiet places that only need someone as strong as you to be a friend. There is never anything that can take away the value of you; unless you beleive the lie and accept you have none.
You were wonderfully made. You were hand crafted for a special purpose with special meaning; and there is value in that. You are the head and not the tail and were created to live above and not below. You are a masterpiece; beautiful in every way. You are one of a kind and that my friend is invaluable.
Let me first start by declaring it bold: YOU are needed. Yes you. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing; or however you are feeling today you are needed.
The feeling of not being needed is a trap; especially for single people who have no children. The purposelessness can begin to overtake that person into a depression and let it be clear that regardless of what your marital or parental status is; you are needed.
You are needed for what you bring to those around you. You have a smile that shines ever so bright. You have a laugh that many need on those days when their children and spouse are more than what they want. Your strength in heart and muscle are needed for those who simple need you.
For so long I lived my life not recognizing this. How could I? I was abandoned as a child, lived in a foster home; homeless at 15 and single. Who on earth would need me? What would I be needed for? I couldn’t quite grasp the concept until well; I got beyond myself to see that I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I am needed and you are too. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Don’t ever underestimate the fact that you are needed. You may never know when someone who is hurting would be blessed by you. If you fall into the trap of not seeing it; you too will lose out on the blessing.
Let today that your little light shine and smile at those who may not be smiling. Smile because you have a purpose and you my friend are needed.
There is nothing that can take the place of a relationship; and I mean relationships with people. Yes I’m sure many of you have great relationships with your dog and that it may be better than that of your husband or wife; but rest assured this time it isn’t about the dogs. I love my little pug Olive just as much as anyone else loves their pet; however, there are some things that we need from other people.
It’s when we look at relationships we see there is much to gain from them; and also much to give. It’s only when we can sit back and look at the power that they bring to our lives. It’s amazing how much more we can accomplish when there is more beyond just us. It only takes a second to reflect on the people in our lives and what we can bring cooperatively to the lives of others.
What are your relationships like? Are they bringing you fruit? Do you enjoy them? Do you need a change? Are you better for the relationships that you have in your life? If not I challenge you to make this year the year that you get connected with those whose lives you can be a part of positive change and those who can bring that positive change to your life. You certainly will be glad you did!
In my life; I was without my mother for almost 30 years. You see; we were separated and recently united and there is nothing that can describe the transition of becoming a daughter to a mother I didn’t know. Needless to say it has been an experience and one that I wouldn’t change for anything. Again; together we can do more than we ever could apart.
There are many ways to get power in life; although doing it alone will always prove to be a tougher challenge if even at all possible. It doesn’t matter what type of relationship either. It could be someone you just met through a LinkedIn connection, someone at church; or even someone you met when you shared your sorrows over the recent Green Bay Packers loss. Either way relationships are part of life and the more you treasure the ones you have; the less you will be alone.
How far did you make it? Are you still going?
The storm hit Dallas and lingered for longer than anyone truly expected. It’s on its way east and north and will do its damage there too. Another one is expected to come again. It shouldn’t be a shock as it is winter; and also I blogged a few months ago that it was reported more than once that this wold be the coldest and stormiest winter on record. We shall see how we fare and ask how have you fared?
Were you prepared? Did you have your extra supply of everything? Was your pantry stocked? Generator ready just in case? Extra flashlights, blankets, water; the necessities? For most probably not. It’s just the weather right? What struck me in this storm is some of the news reports and what I saw in in action.
What was nice was to see the report on the news was people trying to help each other out of the ice in the middle of the road. That’s dangerous 1) to be out there in the first place, 2) even more dangerous to get out of a vehicle to help others when it’s clear no one knows how to drive on ice. It’s a blessing that those good samaritans didn’t get hit! The story was nice and begs the question why it has to be a tragedy or storm that brings people together?
On the other side; I noticed that neighbors where I live weren’t really out helping each other. They were out; but not not helping one another. If you recall when you were a kid neighbors were out, they shoveled the walks of their elderly neighbors; they checked on one another. Where have these days gone? Perhaps you are fortunate to live in one such neighborhood. I have asked others that I know how many of their neighbors they saw or offered help; or that they helped and not one said they interacted with anyone. Nope. Everyone just kept to themselves. Sad.
I have to say that it struck a chord with me. I admit that I wasn’t one who had to have all the ice cleared to get to work Monday morning so I didn’t think much about it; and that’s the problem. I didn’t think. I didn’t look outward enough to see that I have neighbors who would have benefited from my help. I have neighbors that I could have done something more. I’m sure you do too.
You never know when you will need someone next to you. Sure you may be blessed with a husband and kids but what about those who are single, elderly; or not able? Who are they relying on? Wouldn’t it be nice to know your neighbor and know that while you may not have much to offer; your something small is better than nothing large?
I can certainly tell you that never again am I going to put myself in a position to not be of help to others. It’s not that I wasn’t there if needed; but in reality I didn’t make myself available which essentially is the same thing. How about you? What could you have done or be doing-0r get prepared to do for someone else? Maybe it’s have an extra snow shovel on hand, salt for the driveway, or even loaf of bread; it doesn’t matter what it is it’s more of the fact that you are forward thinking of others instead of reactive thinking of yourself.
It’s a lesson to learn and in some ways an embarrassing one; although one that is definitely life changing. And wouldn’t we all benefit from what we could do and a little life change?
Life is hard; there is no doubt. People lose their jobs, they dump each other with no explanation, they can’t drive in bad weather; credit card interest rates increase, parents age. Fast food isn’t food. Life is just not the bowl of cherries that most thought it was.
As a result people start living in ‘Once I’. I’m sure you know how it goes: ‘Once I am married life will be great. Once the kids are gone we will travel. Once I get my promotion my career will be on track. Once I win American Idol I will be someone. Once I pay off my credit cards I can get that new vehicle. Once I lose weight I will be pretty. Once I buy a house…….’
The sad thing about living in this mindset is that it’s a trap. There will always be something after the one ‘Once I’ that keeps you where you are. What if instead of ‘Once I’ it was changed to ‘I am’?
‘I am living life for today. I am great as a single person. I am traveling even though I have children. I am enjoying my career now. I am someone. I am……’
I fell into the trap too. I used to think that once I graduated with my degree that life would begin. I used to think that once I started my career as a speech professor that life would be great. I used to think that once I made my first million that everything would be easier. I used to think that that once I met the wonderful man God has for me life would be complete. I used to think that once I got to the next place that life would be better than it was. In reality; it only proved that I was never living in the moment of where I actually was or am.
So what about you? What are you not seeing that you could be because you are living for a place you are not even at or don’t know if you will ever get to? Are you living in ‘Once I’ thinking that it will be better? And what about it will be so? You will still be who you are although just perhaps more of it. Why not spend the time today living for what and who you are becoming instead of waiting for a perpetual cycle of ‘Once I”s that never end? In the end you will see there is more life in it than what you have thought!
Thanksgiving has come and gone. It’s time now for people to start really freaking out about Christmas. The stress kicks in to high gear and the preparations are a must. So much to do so little time; never a moment to stop as it would be a crime. Such a shame that people live not only the holidays like this; but every day of the year.
How are you living? Are you living daily? Are you living for a maybe one day? Or perhaps a someday? In the end by living this way aren’t you just short living? There is no living in living for something that may be at some point but never is in the now. The recent too soon death of Paul Walker from ‘Fast and Furious’ at only age 40 should be a wake up call and question for us all. Ask yourself, ‘Am I living?’ Or is more like just just one day closer to death? There is a difference in case you did not know.
What are some things you can do today to start living? Simple:
1- Pay attention to what you pay attention to. This one simple thing can put everything into the right perspective. While you can’t get more than 24 hours in a day; you can cut out things that don’t bring fruit and get time in other areas.
2- Embrace those next to you. You never know when they or you will be gone. Wouldn’t you hate to forget to say and do what would mean the most when you had the chance?
3- Live according to your own motto. Others will always have opinions about what you do; however, you are the only one living with the consequences of what you do and don’t do. Start living your life for you as you can’t live it for others.
4- Enjoy it. If you are not enjoying your life; why not? You have the power to choose to make the change. If you struggle in figuring out what you would enjoy make a list of things you would like to try; and then go for it! You won’t regret all the things you never try.
5- Give your life to Jesus. You never know when your time is up and while you may not think you need Him; you would hate to learn after the fact that you actually did. You may not believe me; and that is ok. I just would not be doing you a service but not sharing the fact that life is short and Jesus is there; waiting for you. Yes I’m sure you are the most wonderful person in the world; but it still doesn’t mean anything more than this.
Every day we are reminded that life is short. It is fleeting. It goes by faster even though each 24 hours is still 24 hours and now is the time to reflect on this day what you are doing with each of your 24 hours. I know for me personally; I want to do more. I want to live more, share more, give more, love more, eat more finer foods; be more and build more. How about you?