Thoughts from Wisdom on Sustainability and Common Sense Living

EYE OF THE STORM Chapter 1 Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 21:08:00 +0000

EYE OF THE STORM

Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting

Chapter 1

#PreparednessMeeting

Sarah Mitchell (@OakwoodManager): 📢 Attention Oakwood residents! Join us for our annual emergency preparedness meeting tomorrow at 6 PM in the community room. We'll provide handouts, checklists, and vital information to keep you safe during the hurricane season. Don't miss it! #PreparednessMeeting

[Inside the community room]

Sarah Mitchell: Good evening, everyone! Thank you for joining us tonight for our annual emergency preparedness meeting. As the manager of Oakwood Apartments, it's my responsibility to ensure your safety during hurricane season. I have prepared handouts, checklists, and important information to share with you all.

Miguel Rodriguez: (Nods) It's great to see everyone gathered here. Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but being prepared is key.

Olivia Johnson: Absolutely, Miguel. I've been through a few hurricanes before, and I know how important it is to have a plan in place.

Sarah Mitchell: That's right, Olivia. Our first handout is a checklist for hurricane preparedness. It includes food supplies, such as Thrive Life Freeze Dried food and ample water, emergency kit essentials like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and a NOAA weather radio.

Lisa Patterson: Sarah, I think it's crucial to mention FEMA's resources. They provide excellent guidance on evacuation, emergency plans, and staying safe during a hurricane.

Sarah Mitchell: You're absolutely right, Lisa. Another handout includes FEMA's hurricane preparedness resources. It has a link to their website where you can find detailed tips and information. Let's make sure we're all well-informed and prepared.

Alex Ramirez: Sarah, it's great that you're also gathering information on residents' special needs. That way, we can provide the necessary support during emergencies.

Sarah Mitchell: Thank you for bringing that up, Alex. We care deeply about each one of you. Please fill out the special needs support form during the meeting, providing your contact information and any specific requirements. We want to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.

Sarah Mitchell: With our collective efforts, we'll create a safer and stronger community. Remember, knowledge and preparedness are our greatest assets. Let's make the most of this meeting and be ready to face the challenges of hurricane season together!

Their story will unfold over time. Check back for more of their story - Judy yourpantry #EyeoftheStorm! #PreparednessTips #HurricanePreparedness #HurricanePreparedness #EmergencyPreparedness #SafetyFirst #WeatherAlert #TogetherWeStand #SurvivalKit

"Eye of the Storm" Genre: Drama/Thriller Story of Preparedness

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:32:00 +0000

"Eye of the Storm"

Genre: Drama/Thriller Story of Preparedness

Setting: Oakwood Apartments, an apartment building in Houston, Texas, preparing for an incoming hurricane.

Characters:

Sarah Mitchell (Apartment Manager)
- Female, Caucasian, late 30s, professional attire
- Motive: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents during the hurricane.
- Goal: Coordinate emergency preparedness efforts and provide timely information to residents.
- Plans: Conduct meetings to educate residents about hurricane preparedness, distribute emergency kits, and establish communication channels.
Miguel Rodriguez (Resident)
- Male, Hispanic, mid-40s, casual attire
- Motive: Protecting his family and securing their apartment during the hurricane.
- Goal: Safeguard his wife and two children, as well as their personal belongings.
- Plans: Reinforce windows, gather essential supplies, and create a safe area within their apartment.
Olivia Johnson (Elderly Resident)
- Female, African-American, early 70s, neat clothing
- Motive: Ensuring her safety and seeking assistance during the hurricane.
- Goal: Find a reliable support system and follow the necessary protocols for evacuation, if required.
- Plans: Seek guidance from the apartment management, prepare an emergency bag, and connect with neighbors for mutual assistance.
Alex Ramirez (Maintenance Staff)
- Male, Asian, late 20s, work coveralls
- Motive: Ensuring the structural integrity of the building and assisting residents.
- Goal: Conduct necessary repairs and address potential hazards before the hurricane hits.
- Plans: Secure loose objects, clear drainage systems, and perform routine checks on the building's infrastructure.
Lisa Patterson (Community Volunteer)

Female, African-American, early 30s, casual clothing
Motive: Supporting the community and assisting vulnerable residents.
Goal: Offer her skills and resources to ensure everyone's well-being during the hurricane.
Plans: Help organize an emergency shelter area, distribute supplies, and provide emotional support to residents.

Dinner or Lunch in 10 Minutes for the Perfect Time

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:19:00 +0000

Perfect Dinner or Lunch can be ready in 10 - 15 minutes! WOW!!!

https://www.thrivelife.com/dinner-variety-pack.html

We purchase the 6 meal Dinner Variety Pack

6 Different meals for busy people.

Perfect if you have lunch at work!
Perfect if you are serving just yourself
Perfect to share a meal with another!
Perfect for a drop in guest for dinner or lunch!
Perfect because you do not have to do dishes!
Perfect way to get your veggies and protein!
Perfect no waste in the refrigerator!
Perfect to give to a sick neighbor or friend!
Perfect for on the go!
Perfect for you emergency preps!
Perfect for those hungry teenagers!
Perfect for those in a rush but starving! lol
Perfect on the shelf waiting for you!
Perfect on SALE!!!

Note to self - Purchase NOW
https://www.thrivelife.com/dinner-variety-pack.html

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry

Camping Season RV or Backpacking Ready Here I Come

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:03:00 +0000

Camping Season RV or Backpacking Ready Here I Come

Get on over to the Thrive Spring Sale!

It's warming up and time to stock up the Van

or

RV for some outdoor adventures.

Our delicious freeze-dried Meals are perfect for this!

 Just add hot water and you have a delicious breakfast lunch or dinner.

Oh, and don't forget the amazing snackies for the trips! 

They are so yummy, they will for sure be a crowd pleaser!

What adventures do you have planned?

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry

Tax Reminder - Get a Business!!! HOW? Buy Food - Get Business Free

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 23:48:00 +0000

Tax Reminder - Get a Business!!! How? Buy Food - Get Business Free

"Attention all #foodies and #entrepreneurs! Tax season is upon us, but don't forget to stock up on delicious and nutritious #FreezeDriedFoods from @ThriveLife. And guess what? Purchase $100 in food kit and you'll receive a FREE business opportunity! Visit https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry now. #TaxReminder #BuyFoodGetBusiness"

JOIN MY TEAM!
https://www.thrivelife.com/becomeconsultant

Life is not just food! It is hobbies as well Spindles and Quilts

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:41:00 +0000

Life is not just food! It is hobbies as well. Take a peak at my etsy shop for quilting and applique - spindlesandquilts - Etsy

Emergency Dinners on the Shelf Waiting for YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 03:36:00 +0000

Emergency Dinners on the Shelf Waiting for YOU!

Thrive Life Chef Packets ON SALE

Convenience at its best! Freeze Dried Food does not need to be refrigerated. It can sit waiting for you on a Shelf. No more food rotting in the refrigerator. This pack gives tasty meals with simple ingredients.

It's more than just a taste of Thrive...it's 20 chef-approved recipes ready for your dinner table! Eliminate the stress of planning and prepping with some of our best products and easy-to-follow recipe cards! Each pack comes with 9-10 Thrive Life ingredients with a compiled list of all the pantry basics you'll need to finish off your recipes.

See what is included in the Ground Beef Chef Pack!

The following Thrive Life pantry cans are included in your Ground Beef Chef Pack:

Ground Beef (FD)
Tomato Sauce
Chopped Onions (FD)
Tomato Dices (FD)
Green Beans (FD)
Sweet Corn (FD)
Country White Dough Mix
Instant Refried Beans
Mashed Potatoes
Italian Seasoning Blend

RECIPE CARDS included

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry

Seasonal Drift

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:56:00 +0000

I miss the daily chats with my mother today. We would chat daily on the phone. We would laughed about a lot of things. It was a goal of ours to put off turning our heat on until late September. Well the seasonal drift has me turning on my fireplace to take the chill off over the last couple of years on this day in August. It is 62 degrees outside today.

As a child my mother and father canned and froze food for the Winter. Then in my younger years I canned and froze food for Winter.

Now I store Freeze Dried Food from Thrive Life for the Winter.

It signals fall is coming and Winter Preparations need to be in full swing!

Thinking of you Mom!

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

The Farmer that Should Have

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:23:00 +0000

There is a lesson story that has been shared many times. It starts out with a farmer that needs help around his farm. He finally hires a helper that says in his interview – “I can sleep through a storm”. Now the farmer must have smiled with a smirk to himself with a thought of “how nice” and hired the farm helper.

Time moves along and the farmer is satisfied with the routine work of the new farm helper.

Then one night unexpectedly a strong windstorm blew through the farm. The farmer wakes up in a panic. He quickly goes to the farm helper, who is asleep, to have him help to secure the farm. The farm helper does not wake up. The farmer then madly runs to the barn, the chicken coup and all of the structures on the farm to secure them himself.

Yet when he goes to the barn he finds the animals securely safe inside the barn. At every place the farmer would run he found the building securely “hunkered down”.

The farmer then realized what the farm helper had said when he applied for the job –

“I can sleep through a storm.”

Now it is easy to look at the traditional moral of the story – Be the Farm Helper and make sure your family, home, business and self are prepared for the storms of life.

I want to turn the story around and look at the farmer

Let the Good Times Roll

This farmer had a business where he could hire an employee. He was busy managing the farm. He trusted the employee to handle the day-to-day activities. The farmer had fallen into the pattern of “All is Well” with the business. The good times were rolling, and he was happy.

Suddenly a Storm Arrives

Now the farmer is tested. He awakes in a panic. He realizes that he had not been checking on important facets of his business. He rushes to his employee to find the employee was on his day off.

Panic

In a panic he rushes to each of the critical areas of his business – the barns. He is sure he needs to get them prepared while in the middle of the storm.

Unbelievable Luck

What does he find? Every part of the business [all of the barns] are safely secured thanks to his farm helper.

Moral of the Farmer’s Story – What If?

What if the trusted employee had not secured the barns?

What if at every part of the business the farmer found was in disarray?

Can the farmer say - “I can Sleep through a Storm”?

The Hidden Morale of the Story – Be Prepared Yourself Don't Depend on Others

As a business owner or the family member of the home, which is a really a business as well, do you know what really is prepared for a storm of life. It is easy to trust others are doing their part but are you sure.

Questions –

Do you depend on your employees to have the business prepared for a storm of life?

Do you depend on your wife/husband or children to have the home prepared for a storm of life?

When operating a business and/or operating a home it is important to know every facet is secure YOURSELF. A team approach to preparedness is important. The team needs to know also what other team members are doing and if they have securely done their job. All need to know they are prepared for a storm of life.

Then you can say - “I can Sleep Through a Storm”

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

My Own Fortress Against the Storms of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:21:00 +0000

Home seems to be a topic on my mind lately. The pandemic has put a spot light on "Home" as a shelter and a protection against the forces that swirl around us. The word "home" brings up feelings as well.

When I purchased the home I have now, I was excited to find the furnishings I had collected over the years found perfect places in the different rooms. A Japanese Silk White Kimono was the first item hung on a wall. It still hangs after almost 20 years on the landing of the stairs. When you enter through the front door you can't miss seeing it. From there antique clocks and family paintings were hung.

My study of Feng Shui, which is a topic for another day, became the foundation of how I placed items. The goal was to make the home a connection to the unseen world as well. The back of the house was supported by evergreen and pine trees.

Creating a Magical Home has been my goal. It takes time to develop. It also changes over time. Keeping the family safe from the harm has been important.

I was raised with a family saying -

Plenty of food, Warm Blankets, A Warm House and Lots of Love.

Using simple items such as baking soda on the rugs, salt at the doors, chiming clocks with a touch of cooking smells have created a home that smells and feels good.

Enjoy!

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

Yin Yu Tang a Home for 7 Generations - "If You Love the House, You Also Love the Crow on the Roof"

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 17:38:00 +0000

My childhood home I lived in for 19 years. Then, I have moved so many times I lost count. I have lived in my present home, which I bought newly built, for 20 years this October. At the present my son and grandson live with me. I have a desire to establish for future generations roots, stability and build generational wealth. Looking at how this family did it might be an interesting read. There is a Chinese saying -

"If You Love the House, You Also Love the Crow on the Roof"

In the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) a Chinese merchant named Huang built a house for his family in a small, remote village in the southeastern region of Huizhou in China's Anhui Province. He named the house Yin Yu Tang. For seven generations, members of the Huang family ate, slept, laughed, cried, married, and gave birth in the house. By the mid-1990s, the surviving Huang family members moved away leaving the house empty and abandoned. In 1997 the house was moved to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, and opened as a permanent exhibit.Yin Yu Tang provides a fascinating, in-depth look at Chinese domestic culture, architecture, craftsmanship, history, and the impact of these influences on individual lives. Nancy Berliner, one of the country's foremost experts on Chinese furniture and arts, takes the reader on a tour of this unique homestead providing detail on Yin Yu Tang's architecture, construction methods, decoration, furniture, and family heirlooms. She weaves a story of Chinese domestic life, culture, and the remarkable restoration and reconstruction at the Peabody Essex Museum in America.

This one covers more on the Yin Yu Tang house,

which means

Shade/Shelter, Abundance and Hall.

The goal was to have a place

where a family for generations could enjoy a

Safe Haven enjoy Abundance and a place to Celebrate.

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

An Economic Preparation Survival Sustainability Plan for a Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:19:00 +0000

This morning I was thinking about a time which was a couple of thousand years ago. An extensive drought was forecasted that would last 7 years. The economic lead time was 7 years. Everyone knew the economic prospects were “not good” for the coming drought. Solutions were researched. A government team reviewed the possibilities. Time was of the essence. The winning solution was a preparation survival sustainability plan by a man named Joseph. Sound familiar?

That plan got me thinking on how to apply it as a preparation plan, survival plan, or a sustainability plan for an economic crisis, unemployment, industry shifts, a major illness or retirement in the years of agedness. You can find the forecast of the drought, research, winning plan’s approach, applications and the results in the ancient book of Western Wisdom - Genesis 47^th chapter.

The plan was for everyone to save a fifth part or 20% of the yearly income for the future drought. The government enacted the program for the people. It seems that approach has been used for thousands of years.

Now let’s look at what happened as the crisis unfolded from an economic perspective.

1. As the crisis hit the first thing Joseph did was move his family, who were not prepared, to a safe place. Then in the first year the people used up their cash and short-term cash equivalents such as CDs and T-Bills to pay for the scarce food and expensive necessities. Quickly cash and its equivalents became almost impossible to find in the country.

2. Amazingly by the end of the first year the people used up their portable wealth, which today would be either selling or borrowing against our mid-term investments such as cars, trucks, business equipment, inventory, antique furniture, art work, collectibles, stocks, bonds, etc. In one year life had significantly changed!

3. At the end of the first year they realized things were so bad they sold or borrowed against their property and against their future profits/wages to keep going. The result was they worked in government owned businesses and lived in government housing in the cities.

They survived the famine but at the expense of losing everything. Hoping not to wind up selling everything when an “economic drought/crisis” comes, I reflected on the story. I wonder if it would have been wise for the people to have also implemented the winning program for their own lives. If the people had enacted the program for themselves beyond what the government had planned to do, there might have been a chance to have been saved from poverty. It is not easy to pay taxes, live and save for emergencies and the future. The problem is the same today as then.

The plan seems simple. Set aside 20% which seems easy - Or is it? Wages are easily spent for taxes and living expenses. Sometimes it seems nothing is left for the future. Yet by following the money in the story it becomes clear how we can avert the process of going broke and being destitute. Using each category of items that the people spent in the long economic drought/crisis helps to know how to save for an economic down cycle.

Drawing from this the 20% three categories are:

1. Cash or cash equivalents

a. Cash

b. Short term savings

c. Food for the family for 90 days to 1 year

d. Garden seeds (In the story this was like money to them)

e. Medications for 90 days to 1 year

f. Day to day items

g. Clothing

h. Fuel

i. Water

2. Portable Wealth

a. Gold/Silver/Gems/Jewelry held for a hedge against inflation and crisis

b. Mid-Term Investments such as stocks and bonds

c. Furniture – Antiques or brand name

d. Antiques

e. Collections

f. Vehicles

g. Travel Trailer/Motor Home

h. Business Equipment

i. Tools/guns

j. Wheat/Grains (In the story this was like money to them)

3. Property and Income/Wages.

a. Your livelihood (Skills to make money)

b. Your education/training to increase and maintain your livelihood

c. Your business

d. Your farm

e. Your employment

f. Your home (In the ancient past people lived where their business was.)

Questions that could be drawn from this story are many without debating the government involvement.

Do I have enough cash and cash equivalents for short term emergencies, 3-4 months or if necessary a longer time such as a year on hand and available? It would be good to have a sizeable amount of it available because remember in the story cash dried up and was almost impossible to find. Cash is truly “King/Queen” in these situations.

· If I had to burn through the cash in 6 months, do I have enough “portable wealth” that could be tapped to carry me though? These items could be found cheaply at auctions, yard sales and on sale to help increase the value without spending a lot of the cash to get them.

· Do I have additional skills that I could use to carry me through a long drawn out “economic downturn or retirement”? Industries have come and gone therefore keeping current in several skills sets can be helpful.

· Do I have insurance for disasters?

· Do I have property, houses or my own home to carry me through a long-term “economic drought”? If not what would I do?

Exercises like this can be helpful in strategies for the future. Some suggestions:

Maintain a list of your items and how much they are worth.
Divide them into the three (3) categories.
Keep a balance between the categories.

1/3 in cash and cash equivalents
1/3 portable wealth and mid- term investments
1/3 in home, land, equipment and livelihood/education.

By equaling out the value in the 3 categories your life will be balanced and ready for the economic downturns of life. At the very least you will have tried to stay off destitution.

Have fun trying this exercise on your life. Judy

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

Time to make the next step in being Prepared for the unseen!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:53:00 +0000

Time to make the next step in being Prepared for the unseen!

The new UN Climate Change report reveals we need to protect our family and home for the unseen disasters.

I have established a Facebook Group that you might be interested in joining.

Click here

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

Pandemic + Disasters = Am I Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 22 May 2020 21:48:00 +0000

Just as we are settling into this round one of the Pandemic others are looking ahead at what can still come. Beyond the round two and three of the Pandemic we have our seasonal disasters line up. This is a year of possible double or triple whammies. Are you ready? I found this a helpful article. I plan to update my emergency supplies. I want to be ahead of the supply and demand curve.

Click Here to Read the Article

Pandemic plus disasters

https://www.thrivelife.com/yourpantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

“We’re well prepared,” Dr. Gurtej S. Cheema of Sacramento’s Capital Sikh Center

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 20:11:00 +0000

Talk about comforting words! When you have to evacuate your home and literally be on the run against nature these are words you want to hear. The Sikh Community have a reputation of having a caring helping hand for centuries.

This is what we all need to be able to say each day - We're well prepared!

See in the article there are the addresses and phone numbers for the Temples.

“We’re well prepared,” Dr. Gurtej S. Cheema of Sacramento’s Capital Sikh Center

YIKES!! Shortage of Field Workers in CA Could Spell Disaster in the Grocery Store

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 20:39:00 +0000

We don't need this as a problem! CA supplies 1/4 of the USA food.

That is a lot of food by the way!

No matter what your political bend is ----- This could impact everyone!

Time to think garden in the Spring and a nice Pantry full of food.

New York Times article: Don't miss reading it!

California Farmers Backed Trump, but Now Fear Losing Field Workers

https://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry FB Group Justice Life Pantry

FB Group Ancient Trees of Myths

A Back Up Plan is Always Helpful or "On the Beach" 1959 in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:57:00 +0000

"On The Beach" film from 1959 ends in Australia

Here is a link to more information on that chilling movie! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Beach_(1959_film)

I couldn't help but think of the movie "On the Beach" and the last scene being in Australia after a nuclear fall out. It was an era based movie with the concern of WWIII and the destruction of the planet from Nuclear War.

Today there are among the super rich a move to set up a retreat in New Zealand and Australia. That won't happen for me. But.....a backup plan is something to think about.

Here is a link to the article - New Zealand Backup Plan

Thinking thinking how to put a small backup plan in place! Judy

When Geeks Think Prepping is Wise - Take Note!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 22:38:00 +0000

My quiet time in life is over and I am back to posting. I came across this important article from the New Yorker.

Not the average Geek but the movers and shakers of Geeks think Prepping is wise.

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/01/30/doomsday-prep-for-the-super-rich?mbid=social_facebook

The question I ask is - Are you ready for a small emergency much less the big one?

Judy

My Motto: Have What You Need BEFORE You Need It!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 02:51:00 +0000

I have spent the last couple of years praying regularly that my children, grandchild and my husband and I to have the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh - hint: Notice the order of their names!

I had an awareness that struck me like lightening today!!!

Let me back track a little. You might or might not remember the story of Manasseh and Ephraim. They were Joseph’s [from the bible] boys. When his father was about to die he took them to receive the family blessing of inheritance. As they entered the room Joseph set the boys in their birth order, which was Manasseh and Ephraim. This way Manasseh would receive the first born blessing then Ephraim would receive the second born blessing. To Joseph’s surprise his father crossed his hands and reversed the order of their blessings. Joseph was sure something was wrong and tried to correct his father’s hands. He father said – no this is the way it should be.

Why would Jacob change the birth order?

This is where it gets interesting. Ephraim’s name means “Double Blessing” and Manasseh means “Forgetful”. It could be said another way Ephraim means “feast” and Manasseh means “famine” with the ability forget it is a famine, which could mean time to rise above the “famine” time in life and see the good.

Now the order would not be Famine first and then Feast

But

Double Feast first to cover the “Famine” time in life and let the “Famine” be forgotten.

I see this as the Feast Famine Cycle put in place. By having the “Double Blessing” first you can then handle the “Famine Time” and could even “Forget” there was a famine.

As I said I have been asking for that blessing for years.

I have called it

“Have what we need before we need it blessing”.

I have viewed this concept as a lesson to be applied in life. Through the years when I had on hand an item and then a need came for the item. I would say "look we have what we needed before we needed". It had become a game of success for us.

Due to the approaching retirement of my husband, I have stepped up my preparation approaches.

I know there will be bumps during the transition to retirement. I am aware we will make mistakes in our choices as well. We just want to cut the mistakes down to a minimum. We have several excellent retirements which have been blended with Social Security. Our life took us through many a famine time and not always with the Double Blessing first. We knew firsthand the sorrow of living without preparation of a Double Blessing.

Here is how the retirement plan is working:

Step 1 – Refinanced house to a lower interest rate with a cash back loan. My husband is a veteran so that gave us an excellent opportunity to do that. Because of how our life played out we do not have a “free and clear” house. So this was our best approach for the moment.

Step 2 – Use the Cash from the refinance:

· Pay down credit card debt

· Stock the pantry with 6 months to a year of food. We started double stocking the pantry up to 6 month level and hopefully to a 1 year level of food and supplies. This way if one of us get sick or has a surgery or whatever, which all happens at our age, we would have plenty to carry us through. Plus it saves money buying in bulk and when prices are lower. Everything seems to just keep going up.

· Yes we had asked for the blessing, yes we had been whittling down the credit cards and paid off cars over the last couple of years.

· We have looked for opportunities like becoming involved in several Direct Sales Companies such as Thrive Live. Oh here is our Thrive Life web site. http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry .

I have been reading a lot of Blogs on preparedness and Food Storage and Home Store lately. I like the idea of a “Home Store”. In the process I stumbled over a plan that helps set the budget in a positive mode. It is paying your monthly bills ahead.

Yes I said AHEAD!

Now when I had my surgeries in 2011 I did that. Every time I went into a surgery I paid the bills for the month ahead. This way if I died Jesse, my husband, would not have to face bills for a while. I am not one to use auto payments because if there is any “hiccup” in the system – my end or societies – there are those lovely fees!

After reading this article I realized I wanted us to do this. Then the budget is turned into a “zero based budget”.

What is that???

It is where you put every bit of your money into a predetermined category or envelop if you are not using a spreadsheet. This way you will not “feel” so flush with cash that you make purchases that “blow” the budget. J

So I have added Step 3 to the process.

Step 3 – Pay bills ahead 1 month and stick to that and have a “zero based budget”.

Today is when like I said I had an “Affinity Moment” – The discovery of a truth.

By praying for and acting upon the desired “Double Blessing” I can truly have:

“What I need before I need it!”

The Ephraim [Double Blessing] first and the Manasseh Blessing second [the ability to forget there is a famine/hard time] and in that order!

That was the new AWARENESS that hit me to live AHEAD not for the present!

So now I am even driven more on my plan of putting in place all the things I can think of “Before I need them”!

Just When You Thought You Had Heard It All - Koppel's Lights Out Book Comes Along

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 04:40:00 +0000

Ted Koppel has a history of familiarity to many Americans. He has not been a "the sky is falling" type of reporter. His current book, Lights Out, is researched and practical.

If you have not heard his Youtube video then here it is - Lights Out - Ted Koppel
Do watch it if you have not. It is only over 7 minutes of time but a years worth of thoughtfulness.

Cyber crime has been demonstrated and is like he said almost normal in our world. The emphasis he puts is on the ability of not an EMP to knock out the electrical grid but a cyber attack.

We hear a lot about EMPs in the alternate community. Knocking out our electrical grid is just another approach to putting the Lights Out in America.

Be sure to order the book. It takes an extra week even with Prime to get it.

Now the big question is -

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS INFORMATION???

Easy to talk about the problem. Are you ready to act on the information and be as prepared as you and your family can?

Here is part of how I am preparing. Food that can last up to 30 years! - http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

Solar Flares in the News Again! Nov 2 and Nov 3

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 23:26:00 +0000

Another storm is coming at us! What is good news is the US Government is putting a plan together to protect the electrical grid and other infrastructure that would be compromised by an solar event.

From Washington Post

In reviewing an article on the subject I noticed something - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Could Hit the Earth Today or Tomorrow

This something was just a passing comment made by the Department of Energy. Here it is:

"After a power grid disaster, government and utilities’ highest priorities will be getting power plants online and making sure medical facilities and first responders have the power they need, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Homeowners, business owners, and local leaders may have to take an active role in dealing with energy disruptions on their own,” the DOE wrote."

Did you notice - we have to deal with energy disruptions on our own! Do I hear silence! Of course they will be putting all of their energy into protecting and restoring services to the whole community. But...they won't be able to get to you as quickly as you would like.

Do you have a plan? Do you have enough supplies for an "event"? Do you have enough food and water?

Now to be realistic and not alarming here is a few supplies you might look at:
Click here - http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry
Then click on Shop.
Then click on Emergency Supplies.

Worth a peak for sure! Enjoy those Northern Lights! Judy

Son’s Notification of Layoff – As a mother – What can I do to help now???!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 21:22:00 +0000

My son knows the end of December his contract will not be extended. Not because of him but Microsoft contractor policy. He will of course try to get on with another company because he cannot do contract work with Microsoft for another 6 months - new rules :( [it used to be 100 days].

As a mother I thought – What can I do to help now???!!!

Food Storage!!!!

Being the busy bee that I am I started making a list to help stock their pantry.

Fortunately there are just 2 in their family.

Here is the list as it rolled of my head:

Out of my Pantry:

· 25# bag of white rice

o This covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

· 6 cans of Chicken Soup -

o Covers lunch plus illness.

· 10# of White Flour plus jar of bread machine yeast – They have a bread machine!

o Covers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

· 10# Oat Meal – perfect for all meals

· 10# Pinto Beans – boosts protein in the meals.

· 1 small propane canister for grill – They have a small grill!

o Perfect for grilling and/or emergency!

· 1 Case of Bottled water – just in case!

· 1 Bag of Toilet Paper – For you know what!

Set them up with a 3 month Q with Thrive Life –

I am a Thrive Life Independent Consultant! Not only will this help them, being a consultant I get an excellent commission on this sale. It helped maximize my bang for the buck! My son saw the Chef’s Selection 200 and knew it was perfect for them. I also set it up so they would get Month 1 in early Nov and Month 2 in early December. Month 3 is then in early Jan. This way they would have 2 months of food in 30 days. I wanted to boost that pantry! Oh I hope to maximize even more in the Q with the November Black Friday event. Stretching those dollars!!!

o Month 1 - Chef’s Selection 200 – includes 18 THRIVE pantry cans: http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

· Carrot Dices, Celery (FD)

· Chopped Onions

· Green Chili Peppers (FD)

· Green Bell Peppers (FD)

· Mushroom Pieces (FD)

Red Bell Peppers (FD)

· Sweet Corn (FD)

· Tomato Dices (FD)

· Zucchini (FD)

· Tomato Powder

· Chicken Bouillon

· Cornmeal

· Seasoned Chicken Slices (FD)

· Black Beans

· Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (FD)

· Simply Peach drink mix

· Veloute sauce mix

PLUS - Includes 4 Seasonings: Chef's Choice Seasoning Blend, Cilantro (FD), Basil (FD), Parsley (FD) Also Includes 2 THRIVE Express pouches: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

· Month 2 – Chef’s Selection 200 includes 18 THRIVE pantry cans:
http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

· Mushroom Pieces (FD)

Green Beans (FD)

· Potato Beads

· Tomato Dices (FD)

· Strawberry Slices (FD)

· Peach Slices (FD)

· Brown Sugar

· Powdered Sugar

· Quick Oats

· Spelt

· Whole Wheat Flour (2)

· Beef Bouillon

· Whole Eggs

· Egg Whites

· Ground Beef (FD)

· Shredded Cheddar Cheese (FD)

· Instant Milk

Includes 4 THRIVE Express pouches: Southwestern-Style Chicken and Rice, Pasta Carbonara, Creamy Beef and Noodles, Hearty Chili with Beans.

· Month 3 - Chef’s Selection 200 includes 18 THRIVE pantry cans:

http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

· Elbow Macaroni

· Chopped Onions (FD)

· Celery (FD)

· Brown Sugar

· Egg Noodle Pasta (2)

· Granny Smith Apples (FD)

· Instant White Rice

· Green Peas (FD)

· Mushroom Pieces (FD)

· Beef Dices (FD)

· Chopped Spinach (FD)

· Scrambled Egg Mix

· Sausage Crumbles (FD)

· Bechamel sauce mix

· Orchard Apple drink mix

· Fudge Brownies mix

· Macaroon Cookies mix

Includes 2 THRIVE Express pouches: Wild Rice Pilaf, Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

· 1 Bag of Cat Food – Yes they have cats! Cash because I don’t have cats. ;)

I know I cannot stop the bumps in life for my children but I sure as can try and help pad it and in the process teach them the value of Prepping for the “what if”!

Are you a parent facing a child with a lay off?

Are you facing a lay off?

Do you just want to boost your pantry with variety?

Shop Here http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

Having fun helping son to learn the benefits of Being Prepared! Judy

P.S. Interested in Joining Thrive Life?
http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

A Cashless Society? Not So Fast!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 18:44:00 +0000

When you start evaluating planning in all forms - Budget, Retirement and Emergency, you discover the subject of money comes up. In fact at every turn it is well known that "Cash is King" - I say "Cash is Queen"!!! lol

This article just came across my newsfeed and was worthy of some serious thought. Here it is:

6 Things You Should Know About Paying With Cash

What I found particularly interesting is 40% of all transactions, according to the San Francisco FED Bank in 2012, are cash. When reading the "alternate" prepper community you hear talk of the demise of the cash. At this point it seems Cash is still King/Queen at least in 2012.

Like so many I follow a variety of blogs and web sites on Food Storage, Home Store, Prepping, Finance including saving, retirement and just plain old daily living. A common number to have on hand for each family member is a minimum of $50. Of course there are those that feel a $1,000 per person is better. You would need a safe or VERY safe place to store that much cash. You will discover, if you read the article, up to $50 is the common cash point for spending. After that debt and credit cards take over. Either way you will need to decide how much to keep safe and on hand.

At one point I paid cash for a variety of large purchases. You should have seen the looks. We live in a society that it is debt and credit cards. Even the clerks have an interesting look on their face.

Hacking of plastic is another concern we all face. It seems every other day it is in the news. Then of course it seem regularly the banks are sending new cards out to replace the old ones. Now the new rules the store faces the misuse of the card. This is a "big" thing if you are a merchant. The End of Swipe and Sign discusses this, which was implemented October 2015. I guess the banks found the price of covering those charges from thieves was too much to handle.

New forms of "plastic" have been in use such as PayPal and BitCoin. They are offering different approaches to solve the cash issues when making purchases. I know those that swear by PayPal. Step by step I will give these a try in the future.

Taking all of this into consideration -

The envelop system of controlling spending alive and well at least according to this study. I am looking to put in place a more detailed system for our cash. We are at a turning point in our financial situation - retirement - where the flow of cash is slowing down. I am at the point of trying to decided will I use the old fashion cash based envelop system or the new fancy digital envelop system. Probably it will be a mix of both system to keep the budget under control. Remember my experience with those clerks and large sums of cash. :)

Now to put my money where my mouth is and put the systems in place! Judy

Cutting Back on the Big Box Store - Not Really Just a New Strategy

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 02:13:00 +0000

You have to understand my husband has spend the last 7 years going to Costco 3-4 times a week. We live just over 2 miles away. Sheer danger written all over that. You know if you have shopped Costco that a $20 trip is unheard of. lol He was a great shopper though. He would stick to the list and bring small surprise items home, which was fine. I was the one that would spend $500 a trip. We were both working and the cash was flowing.

This is the year that big changes arrived. He had a mild stroke in Aug. The regular trips disappeared. My health is such that I could not pick up the ritual. Our son and grandson live with us but our son is busy working. So as the dust has settled and my husband is recovering nicely but slowly I have implement a new strategy.

The goal is to shop 2x a month.

So I create a list that is designed to make it easy for our son to do the shopping. Since I know the store in and out. I create the list as though I am walking through the store front to back to the refrigerator items then to the meat over to the paper, laundry, dog supplies up to bread and the freezers then over to the milk then over to the canned goods and ending with the pharmacy. Oh I do include the candy area at the end. :)

This approach is starting to take shape. This is the 3rd time we have done it. Yes our carts look like the one above. My goal is to actually shop only 1x a month. It will take another refrigerator to meet that goal.

I have been building a deep lauder [food storage or home store]. The approach will save us money and time. The benefit is if funds are low one month, health issues arise or an emergency happens we will have plenty of food. :) I like the sounds of this!!!!

Another part of the plan has been to implement My Thrive Q!

What is the Q?

It is a wonderful program. You get fabulous freeze dried or dried foods shipped each month to your home. I am able to set a budget for each month. Then place my order. I love that it is delivered right to my "door step". I am modifying my pantry to include more freeze dried and dried foods because they save time, space, money and give more nutrients AND flexibility in preparation than canned goods.

Want to learn more? http://www.thrivelife.com/justicepantry

Have fun building your pantry strategy! Judy

Hurricane Coming! The Last Thing You want to worry about is Supplies!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 20:50:00 +0000

When a hurricane is coming the last thing you want to do is be worrying about supplies, racing from one end of town to the other hoping there will be something on the shelf left for you. You want to be able to either flee quickly or hunker down and prepared. Either way being ready Before is the key!

According to http://hurricane-facts.com/Hurricane-Pictures.php

Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

This category 5 hurricane took over 100 lives and left 100,000 people homeless.

It's highest sustained winds was at 160 MPH.

You can't stop being fearful but you can hopefully control Panic!

Questions to Ask Yourself Honestly!!!

Have you thought of your Food or Home Storage supplies?

Do you have enough to pack quickly for evacuation?

Do you have enough for hunkering down for a week or two or three?

Do you have emergency supplies for evacuation?

Do you have emergency supplies for hunkering down?

Well I hope that this year we don't have to face

what some people have with a Hurricane coming at them!

I still though want to be able to answer yes, yes, yes, yes, yes to each of the questions above!

You aren't ready or want to upgrade your supplies?

Thoughts from Wisdom on Sustainability and Common Sense Living

EYE OF THE STORM Chapter 1 Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting

"Eye of the Storm" Genre: Drama/Thriller Story of Preparedness

Dinner or Lunch in 10 Minutes for the Perfect Time

Perfect Dinner or Lunch can be ready in 10 - 15 minutes! WOW!!!

Camping Season RV or Backpacking Ready Here I Come

It's warming up and time to stock up the Van

or

RV for some outdoor adventures.

Tax Reminder - Get a Business!!! HOW? Buy Food - Get Business Free

Life is not just food! It is hobbies as well Spindles and Quilts

Emergency Dinners on the Shelf Waiting for YOU!

Emergency Dinners on the Shelf Waiting for YOU!

Thrive Life Chef Packets ON SALE

Seasonal Drift

The Farmer that Should Have

My Own Fortress Against the Storms of Life

Yin Yu Tang a Home for 7 Generations - "If You Love the House, You Also Love the Crow on the Roof"

An Economic Preparation Survival Sustainability Plan for a Crisis

Time to make the next step in being Prepared for the unseen!

Pandemic + Disasters = Am I Ready?

Click Here to Read the Article

Pandemic plus disasters

“We’re well prepared,” Dr. Gurtej S. Cheema of Sacramento’s Capital Sikh Center

YIKES!! Shortage of Field Workers in CA Could Spell Disaster in the Grocery Store

We don't need this as a problem! CA supplies 1/4 of the USA food.

That is a lot of food by the way!

A Back Up Plan is Always Helpful or "On the Beach" 1959 in Australia

When Geeks Think Prepping is Wise - Take Note!

My Motto: Have What You Need BEFORE You Need It!

That was the new AWARENESS that hit me to live AHEAD not for the present!

Just When You Thought You Had Heard It All - Koppel's Lights Out Book Comes Along

Solar Flares in the News Again! Nov 2 and Nov 3

Son’s Notification of Layoff – As a mother – What can I do to help now???!!!

A Cashless Society? Not So Fast!

Cutting Back on the Big Box Store - Not Really Just a New Strategy

Hurricane Coming! The Last Thing You want to worry about is Supplies!

Questions to Ask Yourself Honestly!!!

Have you thought of your Food or Home Storage supplies?

Do you have enough to pack quickly for evacuation?

Do you have enough for hunkering down for a week or two or three?

Do you have emergency supplies for evacuation?

Do you have emergency supplies for hunkering down?

Check our Justice Pantry here at Thrive Life Justice Pantry

Happy Prepping! Judy