Prepper or Prepared?

So my kids call me a doomsday prepper. I just say I am prepared. They say I take it too far, and I said I probably haven't taken it far enough. Each of the kids have what I call a go bag. The term came from Criminal Minds. Love that show! It could also be called a camping bag. In their go bags, I stocked it with med kits, anti-venom, fishing supplies, solar emergency radios, flashlights, solar battery banks, microfiber towels, rain coats, sleeping bag, emergency mylar blankets, knives to work with, eating utensils, life straws, cooking tripod, compasses, survival reflectors, snacks high in protein, dry bags, wet bags, camelbaks, multi-tools, hand saws, glow sticks, long range walkie talkies, batteries, toiletries, solar lanterns, headlamps, mess kits, cooking spices, rope, a weather appropriate set of fitting cloths, hats, gloves, sunblock, fire starters, whistles, carabiners, safety pins, sewing kit, wipes, and the girls have she gos that will let them pee standing up like a boy because they are not bush broke (city kids eyeroll), and girl problem items (being a girl sucks). There are probably other things I am not thinking about right now that are also in their go bags. They keep asking why they need this stuff, and wouldn't I have enough stuff in my bag for them too? That was a serious face palm moment. They are so used to me having everything they need on a daily basis in my purse at all times, it does not occur to them that if something was a little more serious than a day at the park or and evening at a football game, I also would not be prepared nor would I have room in my purse for some of what I need and none of what they need. I have explained to them that, yes the bag can be considered a camping bag, but also, we live in Arkansas. What if there was a tornado and we had to leave quickly for a shelter and all we had is what was in these bags. They would sure be thanking me when they have a snack and a way to keep their phones charged. Heaven forbid, what if there is a house fire or we get stranded on the side of the road at night in an unfamiliar area with not service or anyone we know nearby, and what we have in those bags is all we have left or have at the time. One pack of crunched up peanut butter crackers from the bottom of my purse and some Japanese Cherry Blossom Bath and Bodywork hand sanitizer will just not be enough in a true emergency. Don't get the kids wrong either. I do love to watch shows and read books such as Zoo, La Brea, Lost, The Last of Us, Hunger Games, Divergent, and many others, but that is not why I make the go bags. We are not in witness protection, we don't need to go off the grid, there is no apocalypse, but I feel it never hurts to be prepared. I also have a 5 gallon bucket I made into a toilet for them (also a camping thing, but have you ever had to pee on the side of the road because there was no bathroom near, because we have), and a second 5 gallon bucket with more snacks, batteries, extra toiletries, and card games. I even have safety goggles and a paint respirator in there just in case we need to create a meth lab out of an abandoned RV. After all their sources to keep a phone alive go dead on them, they will be happy to have something to keep them from being bored sitting in a tornado shelter or a church after a fire, or in a car broke down in the middle of nowhere. I can't really use the earthquake, volcano, hurricane, typhoon, or tsunami things as an example with them due to those not being an issue for us. They will argue any point they think they can.

If I was a doomsday prepper like they want to call me, I would have some property in the least expected place with an underground bunker filled to the gills with rice, flour, sugar, salt, all kinds of canned foods, and an aquaponics system set up with herbs, produce, and fish ready to go. A water filtration system and an arsenal of weapons as well. Also to give the kids credit, I do have weapons all over the car and house, but not what could even slightly be considered an arsenal. First off, I am a single mom of 3 and the world is not longer a safe place, we like to travel, and secondly, last Easter someone tried to break into our home while we were home. The area is also a hot bed for the nations sex trafficking issue. Strategically placed knives, a couple of staffs, a few batons, a bow, and 1 gun does make me prepared for anything more than a simple home invasion or hijacking. Both of which are more likely to happen than a plane crash. Every single show or book that has a military, FBI, CIA, Home Land Security, or any other kind of Law Enforcement member or family in it is the same way. They have strategically placed weapons and go bags ready. They are prepared and aware of their surroundings at all times. I also think it is amazing what ideas people come up with for various uses out of what they just happen to have around. Walter White, Temperance Brennan, and MacGyver are all good examples of those kind of people. I was raised on Walker Texas Ranger, MacGyver, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, MTV, CMT, Disney, and Soap Operas. Talk about life lessons right there. So I happened to find this group to be a member of that sends out monthly news letters with survival tactics with everyday items. Last month it was about the 20 different ways to use a condom for survival. Apparently, they make good sling shots, tunicates, and can be used to carry water. Just make sure they are not lubricated. It was insinuated that it is not good for you to drink in your everyday water. Right now they are giving away free go bags for people who sign up for their new letter. Here is the link if you would like to learn other interesting things like that. https://bb0f3ex1qn1z1w4gsdut-s4xbn.hop.clickbank.net

And as always, play well with others, no running with scissors, make good choices, and have a great day! I love you!