Blogging from A to Z: TEOTWAWKI

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

TEOTWAWKI: (acronym). "The End Of The World As We Know It." 
James Wesley Rawles gets credit for this phrase, which has become extremely popular with Preppers. His book "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times."

- See more at: http://www.happypreppers.com/dictionary.html#sthash.AqnSPEhY.dpuf

It's hard to think that this might possibly happen. Would you really feel fine? Would you rather be prepared or suffer with what might happen?
Maybe it won't happen in our life time.

I feel better just knowing some of the things I could do. Simple things. Do you know the rule of three?

• Three minutes without air
• Three days without water
• Three weeks without food

Can you survive? Unless you're a scuba diver and keep air on hand, or have some time of air filtration system, and not many can afford that, in a disaster it is more important NOT to panic. You use up more oxygen that way. Slow and steady and look around, just a trickle of fresh air will keep you going.

If you are trapped with no way to water, you have three days. If you always have water at hand, you have a better chance at survival.

As I think of this I imagine being trapped by a collapsed building. I lived in California for years where the earthquakes made this a distinct possibility. Now I live in the Midwest and have the same thoughts due to tornadoes. 

I usually have a water bottle at hand so maybe I'd last three days. I know prepping is more about TEOTWAWKI but I tend to focus more on what would happen in a natural disaster. Really, being prepared for one is no joke. If you've never woken up with your walls shaking and your possessions dropping to the floor and shattering, kudos to you! 

If you've never hid in the basement as the sky turns green and the sirens go off listening to the hail shatter against your house, again, kudos. When that happens, we race to get water jugs filled and head to the basement to shelter with the spiders. The candles in the lanterns get lit or we get out the flashlights that require no batteries-because you know when you need them, they're always dead!

Those are just a taste of things that could happen. With water, food, light and blankets for warmth, we'd get through. With a bug out bag or go bag we could grab we'd be even more prepared. Think Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. Fill up that old backpack with essentials and keep it handy.

Just in case, you know, shit really hits the fan (SHTF) and it really becomes the end of the world as we know it TEOTWAWKI!

There are even songs about it? Remember this one?

Blogging from A to Z: Preppers

                                               http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

P is for Preppers

Preppers are people who actively prepare for survival in uncertain times, including an economic collapse, natural disaster, unusual cosmic event, pandemic, or man made catastrophe. Preppers take significant action to prepare life's basic needs before the unthinkable should occur, which would disrupt
normal living conditions. Prepping is a lifestyle that provides comfort and peace of  mind. While their passion and skill level vary their ultimate goal is the same: survival in living off the grid.

P-repare for any natural or man made disaster.
R-espond without fear.
E-valuate every possible scenario.
P-ack supplies like you won't have 'em for a year.
P-lan for the unexpected.
E-nvision a happy outcome.
R-emember to always have hope! 

- See more at: http://www.happypreppers.com/dictionary.html#sthash.AqnSPEhY.dpuf

Happy Preppers have a great definition, don't they? You definitely have to have goals and be organized. Not into the who TEOTWAWKI scene? (the end of the world as we know it).  Prepare yourself for the natural disasters where you live.

Want to be one that helps in the event? Most counties have disaster teams that are made up of many volunteers. Think Red Cross, Volunteer fire fighters, etc.

Just be ready. You don't have to have hundreds of extra dollars. Do things our grandparents once did. Grow your own food and can it. Freezing is fine until the power goes out. Have a generator and a supply of fuel to keep your electricity running. But canning can be done to just about any food. 

Canning not your thing? I admit I suck at it. :) I keep trying though. Try dehydrating your food instead. You don't even need a dehydrator. Here is a video that shows you how that I found on youtube. I love youtube.

So get prepared for anything. Have food stored for those slim times or those times when disaster might strike. Don't think you have room for a garden? Check out my pinterest page where I show different ways to container garden in a small space.

 You can also check out my post at https://adragonsfatedheart.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/starting-a-garden-breaking-your-dependence-stealinghope/ where I talk about starting a garden, the first step for independence which is this Prepper's goal!

Blogging from A to Z: Go bag

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

G is for Go Bag

What is that? Well, for a prepper it all depends. Many prepare for 72 hours. It all depends on what you are prepping for. It call also be known as a Bug Out Bag.

EOTW? End of the World, well 72 hours may not be enough.

But, every mother I know is a prepper.  Think about it. You knew how many diapers and wipes to carry with depending on how long you were planning on being gone. Extra clothes? Check. Food? Check.

Think of a Go Bag as a diaper bag for adults, LOL.

Don't disparage preppers.

Think of it. When SHTF wouldn't you want to be prepared? Not everything you'd need it for is an end of the world scenario.

How many people are unprepared in case of a tornado, fire or earthquake? A backpack staged at the door with essentials will be easily grabbed on your way out the door. You won't have to depend on the help of strangers for a change of clothes or a toothbrush.

It doesn't sound so silly now, does it?

Not all preppers are hard core. Most of them, with their Go Bag ready are the neighbor that nods, the guy with the smile, people you'd never suspect.

So think of what you'd need if you're a couple of days away from home.

Would it hurt to be prepared?

I've been researching for my book and delving deeper into a society and thought process that have always intrigued me. What I'm finding is fascinating. 

Researching Emergency Items

Well, I know you should keep a supply of foodstuffs on hand and I was so excited to find out what was on it.

I currently keep on hand the bags of soup that you add water to. I tend to add different meats and frozen vegetables, depending on what type of soup I'm making. They have a few years shelf life on them, so I don't worry about what I have hanging around. When there is a sale, I buy more.

Then I saw this post from ReadyNutrition.com, 11 Emergency Food Items That Can Last a Lifetime.

You know I was right on this!

With proper preparation the following can be stored for a long, long time:

Honey
Salt
Sugar
Wheat (though I wonder how for this one. I'm going to have to check it out)
Dried Corn
Baking Soda
Instant Coffee, Tea and cocoa
Non carbonated soft drinks
White Rice
Bullion Products
Powdered Milk

Visit the web site at ReadyNutrition.com for an extensive compilation of free information on preparedness, homesteading, and healthy living.

Fascinating and I'm ready to run out and stock a huge supply.  I suppose you can buy all of this and put it away in a room for future need. Most prepper sites I've gone to suggest rotating stores. Don't just set it and forget. You could end up with unusable food and no supplies in the event of an emergency.

One item you'll always need is water. If something happens don't forget to fill up your tub and sinks with water. Fill any empty containers with as much water as you can. Remember, you can go longer without food than water.

Now I wonder how I can work this information into my series. There had to be someone that had prepared and survived. Like Hope's family went on, someone prepared also has to have descendants around. Somehow A Dragon's Fated Heart series will absorb and use this information!

Are you prepared to be stranded?

I always worry about getting stranded in my car. Despite its looks, my car is almost five years old. Not bad and I've kept up the recommended maintenance.

But things happen, like deer unexpectedly in the road.

So you can never be too careful.

For me, I have an emergency blanket and my triple A card in my car! 

But for my children, when they first started driving I took no chances. They didn't have new vehicles. So my husband and I built each of them a kit. Here is what we put in it. Remember we live in Wisconsin so making sure they could survive if they broke down in winter was essential.

Jumper cables

emergency blanket

road flares

fold-able shovel

kitty litter

fuses

rope

first aid kit

seat belt cutter

glass breaker

a few granola bars

a couple of bottles of water

gloves

hand warmers

rain poncho

umbrella

flashlight

I don't remember what else we put in there.

I do know that they had to use it.

The most used items were the shovels, kitty litter for traction and the jumper cables.

On an almost daily basis they shoveled themselves out of poor parking choices!

My daughter constantly used the jumper cables as she would invariably forget to turn off one light or another in her car.

I also keep boots, snow pants and extra gloves and a hat in my car during winter. If I'm stranded I plan on keeping warm. I try to keep a full tank of gas during the winter. You just never know what will happen.

I was looking up items and found an extended list. I can see the uses. Here it is. I stole this from Prepping to Survive http://preppingtosurvive.com/2011/09/07/the-get-home-car-kit/.

Bottled water
Powdered Gatorade
Red handkerchiefs
Length of rope
50 feet of paracord
Carabiner
Large trash bag
Small Kleenex pack
Firestarting supplies (magnesium/strike bar, lighter, waterproof matches, etc)
Camp towel
Handcrank flashlights
Mini-sewing kit, including safety pins
Fishing line, hooks, sinkers
Hand sanitizer
Ponchos
“Dry sacks” (nylon bags)
Lightweight blanket and “emergency blanket”
Tablet of paper & pencil
HotHands & chemical cold packs
Leatherman tool
Shoe laces
Superglue
ShooGoo adhesive
Granola bars
Small pack baby wipes
Deck of cards
Pocket knife
Emergency whistle
Compass
Adjustable (folding) saw
Cup
Bouillon cubes
Ace bandage
Water purification tablets
Pocket Survival Guide
Length of heavy-duty aluminum foil
Snare wire
Can opener
Mini pry bar
Tea bags & sugar
Jar of peanut butter
5 cable zip ties
Ziptop bag of toilet paper
Duct tape

The website stated that it will all fit into a 19 qt box. I can't picture the size. I'm sure if I saw it I would go, okay, this is doable. And well, duct tape is useful for anything!

Some of it seems a tad much, but if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere, I imagine all of this would be used in one way or another. This list misses a few things that I know I'd want like the shovel and kitty litter, focusing mainly on surviving. Me, if I was stuck, I'd like a way to get out. The shovel would help. My son would agree, lol, as he used his almost daily through out the winter!

Lightning Strike

Lightning Strike

By Beverly Ovalle

Publisher:  Secret Cravings Publishing

For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains.  Still far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather.  Levi grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land.  With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship.  Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof. 

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection.  Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

Excerpt:

Levi’s photos always had a way of showing truths the naked eye couldn’t see. That was one of the reasons both of his grandparents had agreed to him coming here. He had started photography when he was a medic in the Army, taking photos of the aftermath of Iraqi Freedom. Unable to stomach more death and destruction, and desperately needing a peace he couldn’t find, he finished his enlistment. He published the photography that exposed so much of the war, earning almost instant fame. But it didn’t bring him peace. He turned to photographing nature around the world, his treks into the wilds of the world bringing him a measure of what he sought.

He couldn’t wait to see the photo. Wanting to capture the aftermath of the strike, he looked through the lens in preparation for another shot. He thought he saw movement. He straightened up, no longer looking through the lens. Levi saw a figure fall, he swore from the damaged bark of the tree itself. He hadn’t seen anyone in the tree, but then again he hadn’t been paying attention to anything but the deadly beauty of nature.

Moving swiftly to the base of the tree, he found a crumpled heap in the shape of a person. Reaching for the slight arm sticking out from the pile of decaying and burnt leaves, Levi knelt, feeling for a pulse. A faint heartbeat reassured him that the person was alive. Levi brushed away the fallen leaves that surrounded the figure. To his surprise it was a young woman and she was naked. Stunned, Levi stared at her for a moment. His heartbeat quickened. He had seen no evidence of anyone else around. In any case, this was private property as far as the eye could see. From the mountains to the prairie, his family called this land theirs even if none of them lived there any longer.

Shaking sense back into his head, Levi took out his cellphone to make an emergency call, wishing he had brought his satellite phone. The connection was bad this far into the mountains. Getting a recording, he tried giving his location, hoping his message got through and help was on its way. Hanging up, he looked at her, wondering what she was doing there.

Levi thought the lightning had burned her clothes away, though there was really no evidence of clothing to begin with. She couldn't have just been out in the woods with nothing on. Climbing trees no less! Her skin looked as if it had been in contact with fire, yet she herself was not burned, just slightly pink, most of the damage to her hair, which looked as if it had burned around the edges.
The lightning strike had been different, but then so had the storm. Both had seemed almost alive, deliberate. Maybe his grandpa had been right after all.
Leaving her for a moment, Levi took his sleeping bag from his knapsack and laid it out beyond the fire damaged grass, making sure to unzip it to be able to put her in it. Checking her limbs, he didn’t feel any breaks. He tried not to notice how shapely those limbs were.

Ignoring his libido, Levi checked her over as he had been trained. It didn’t matter how long he had been away from the battlefield, Levi’s instincts kicked in, checking the vitals of the wounded woman in front of him. It was usually a man though, his thoughts drifting to the images he’d rather forget. Forcibly bringing his mind back to the present, Levi continued his assessment. She needed him now. An undressed female was bound to present him unexpected problems. An attractive female, as this little bundle was, presented a whole different problem that was knocking insistently at the buttons of his 501’s.

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDW08LK  

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GDW08LK

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lightning-strike-beverly-ovalle/1117308055?ean=2940045413466

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lightningstrike-1335710-149.html

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lightning-strike-4

Sony: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/beverly-ovalle/lightning-strike/_/R-400000000000001162191

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/374674

Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=745

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18692049-lightning-strike

Acronyms & Survival

1. An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial components in a phrase or a word. Usually these components are individual letters  or parts of words or names.
2. So, working for the government, I am used to peppering my speech with acronyms, most incomprehensible to the normal world. On the other hand I am continually stumped by the ones I come across on Facebook or even texted to me by my own kids.
3. I thought I would share one I recently found.
4. If you're a reader of romance novels, especially contemporary, you've no doubt come across BOB-battery operated boyfriend. Dildo, phallus, vibrator, you name it. 
5. Researching information I've also come to find out it has another meaning.
6. BOB-bug out bag.
7. What? You don't know what that is? I did, I just hadn't put a name to it. I tend to think the world as I know it will come to an end sooner rather than later. Of course that will make its way into my books. 
8. A bug out bag is a portable emergency kit that will help you survive for approximately 72 hours in the event of a disaster. In California we called it an earthquake kit. I made ones specifically for each of my children when they got cars. Not a BOB but an emergency kit. We live in WI so it has an emergency blanket, jumper cables and a portable shovel. Lots of people realize that if a car breaks down you need an emergency kit. Why should you get the hairy eyeball if you have one for survival in the event of other emergency situations?
9. I think more people have some type of emergency kit available than you'd realize. Maybe not to the extent of a BOB. And I suppose you can add a BOB to a BOB, LOL.
10. My newest series is actually set in a post-apocalyptic world! I found some interesting sites and joined a couple of FB groups that share information and cater to those who share my views.
11. Sooner rather than later.
12. I found a pretty good list at The Gundoc's Doctrine (http://gundocdoctrine.com/personal-preparedness/bug-out-gag-contents/)
13. 
    

    FOOD & WATER
    •Minimum of 3600 calories of food per person
    •Minimum of 9 water pouches of water per person
    •Method of water purification (such as potable aqua or a water filter)
    •Additional food & water

    COMMUNICATION
    •AM/FM Radio with batteries or alternate power source
    •Whistle with lanyard
    •Cell Phone

    LIGHT SOURCES
    •Flashlight with batteries
    •Candles
    •Lightsticks
    •Lantern and fuel
    •Road Flare(s)

    HYGIENE & SANITATION
    •Personal Hygiene Kit (Include soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary napkins, diapers, razor, and other toiletry items)
    •Toilet paper
    •Tissue
    •Portable Toilet and accessories

    TOOLS
    •50 Feet of Nylon Rope
    •Pocket Knife
    •Rolls of Duct Tape
    •Foldable Shovel
    •Hatchet or axe
    •Sewing Kit

    WARMTH & SHELTER
    •Waterproof matches
    •Alternate fire-starting method
    •Tent/Shelter
    •Solar Emergency Blanket or Emergency Sleeping Bag
    •Hand & Body Warmers
    •Poncho
    •Lightweight Stove & Fuel
    •Wool Blanket

    FIRST AID
    •First Aid Kit and supplies
    •First Aid Booklet/Manual
    •Burn gel and dressing
    •Snake bite kit
    •Insect repellent
    •Sun block
    •Special medication

    MONEY
    •At least $20 in your kit — be sure to include quarters for phone calls

    IMPORTANT PAPERS
    •Emergency Instructions
    •Copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, insurance forms, phone numbers, credit card infor, etc.

    STRESS RELIEVERS
    •Games, books, hard candy, desserts, inspirational reading, small toys, paper & pen, favorite security item for children

    EXTRA CLOTHING
    •A complete outfit of appropriate clothing; including extra socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves.
14. Other advice comes from The Bugout Bag Academy ( http://bugoutbagacademy.com/free-bug-out-bag-list/)
15. 
    

    CHOOSING A BUG OUT BAG

    The first item on your bug out bag list is the bag itself. There are several schools of thought on this topic, of which the two main ones are:

    1)    You should choose the best bag for you

    2)    You should only choose the bag after you have the items
16. Sounds smart to me. How will you know what size bag to get until you have your items assembled? Not to mention, you have to be able to carry it!
17. Here is the list from the academy:
18. The important thing to know is, you’ll want enough food to last three days at least.
• Drinking Water (3 Liters)
• Collapsible Water Bottle
• Hard Water Bottle
• Metal Water Bottle / Canteen
• Water Filters / Purification Systems
• Water Purification Tablets (Qty 3)
• Protein / Energy Bars (Qty 6)
• MREs / Dehydrated Meals (Qty 3)
• Spork
• P-38 Can Opener
• Metal Cooking Pot
• Metal Cup
• Pot Scrubber
• Portable Stove
• Stove Fuel (Qty 8 Tablets)
• Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
• Convertible (Zip-Off) Pants
• Underwear
• Wool Hiking Socks (Qty 3 pair)
• Medium Weight Fleece
• Hat w/ Flex Brim
• Working Gloves
• Rain Poncho
• Shemagh
• Tarp
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground Pad
• Wool Blanket
• Ignition Source (Qty 3)
• Tinder (Qty 3)
• Waterproof Storage
• First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellant
• Mylar Survival Blanket
• Wet Napkins
• Hand Sanitizer
• All-Purpose Camp Soap
• Hygiene/Signal Mirror
• Small Pack Towel
• Travel Toilet Paper (Qty 2)
• Survival Knife
• Multi-Tool
• Machete
• LED Headlamp
• Mini LED Keychain
• Light Glowstick
• Mini LED Light
• Candles
• Batteries
• Cell Phone (unless of course an EMP is the cause because it might now work then)
• Crank Power Charger
• Emergency Radio with Hand Crank
• $500 Minimum in Small Bills
• Quarters (Qty 8)
• Gold / Silver Bullion Coins
• Local Area Map
• Compass
• Small Note Pad / Pencil
• Emergency Whistle
• Pepper Spray
• Handgun
• Takedown rifle
• Ammunition (Qty 25 rnds minimum)
• 550 Parachute Cord (50′)
• Cotton Bandana
• Duct Tape (25’)
• 55 Gal. Contractor Garbage Bag (Qty 2)
• Resealable Bags (Qty 5, Various Sizes)
• Sunglasses
• N95 Face Mask
• Sewing Kit
• Latex Tubing (3’)
• Fishing Kit
• Condoms (Non-lubricated)
• Binoculars (Optional)
• Face Paint
• Military Surplus Survival / Snare Wire

Okay, I don't know what a Shemagh is but you can bet I'll be looking it up!

The EMP line is my input, LOL. 
EMP-Electro Magnetic Pulse. This could wipe out all technology if it happens. Really, it will. Check out the many disaster movies that prove it!

Now, these are not set in stone! Just suggested items and as you can see they are similar but not identical. The main agreement seems to be to have food and water available. If you have to dig in where you are, in the event of an emergency remember to fill your tub and sinks full of water. Water is essential.

Wonder what I think the world will be like? Check out my new series coming later this year.

A Dragon's Fated Heart series.