http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/7566501/Greece-debt-fears-hit-fever-pitch.html
Riddle me this, why aren't we hearing more about Greece from the lame stream media? Should the US investor be interested in one of the oldest civilizations on the planet falling apart - again? How much father does Greece fall before the rest of the EU can't prop it up any more? Last I checked there are several members of the EU that aren't in much better shape than Greece - like the UK, France and Spain. If you want to understand more about what is going on in our world financially, please take the time to read Thomas Sowell. All of his work is well worth your time.
As we learn more about the Greece free for all, it puts a little better perspective on our own mess. And therefore encourages me to stay the course prepping.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/13/personal-income-falls-32-during-obamas-15-months/
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
things to think about regarding babies!
So in prepping a thought occurred to me. How do you prep for someone that's not here yet. I'm unable to have any more children, however, I do have a teenage daughter. What happens after the SHTF and suddenly we are back in a world that is not only (1400-ish) but also without that lovely little modern convenience called birth control. Provided that something were to happen and my family survive and after a while start to thrive again, how do I prepare now, for someone that isn't here - a baby (or 3!) Here's the first few things I thought of.
First, in a survival situation, what extra would you need for a pregnant woman. Yes, I realize women were having babies for thousands of years before western medicine came along, but, I would like to take measures for a HEALTHY mommy and baby. I am totally convinced that the healthier mommy is, the healthier baby will be. Nutrition. Realistically, women only need about 500 extra calories a day while pregnant and nursing. However, in a survival situation, an extra 500 calories might be pretty hard to come by. I decided to add "teen girl" vitamins to our rotating stock as well. There not as packed as actual pre-natal vitamins, however, having a teen girl in my house, rotating stock isn't a problem and they do have some very specific vitamins that are at higher levels in "teen girl" version rather than adult version. Plus, they do have the advantage of not having SO MUCH iron in them to cause frequent vomiting. (I could never keep prenatal vitamins down, no matter what I tried.)
Along with nutrition, exercise. I have never, ever understood women stopped being physically active while pregnant. An athlete doesn't prepare for the game of their life by sitting on the couch for 8 months, why would a woman ever think that was a good idea to get ready for child birth. Continuing with your regular exercise is so important until you become so physically uncomfortable that it's no longer possible. Even then, hop (creek, pond, whatever) in the pool and get some exercise there. It's good for you, good for the baby, will help keep your muscles strong which helps tremendously during delivery and getting back in shape after baby. The added benefit of the pool is that it helps relieve aches and pains related to looking like you swallowed someone's house. I exercised with two of my kids, and not with one. Two were really easy deliveries, the other almost killed me - and him - literally. BTW, sex is great cardio for a pregnant woman. Keep it low impact and comfortable and get that heart rate up(Boys, you may need to put in a little extra effort here, but considering how long it will take for momma to feel like herself again after, make it count!) . K, fun for you, good for momma and baby.
Pre-natal care. Prenatal care is nice, but not necessary (and after the SHTF - unavailable. Again, keeping momma healthy is top priority. In general, a women's body knows exactly what's doing to grow that child. Trust your instincts - that's what they're for. Of course, making sure momma is drinking and urinating regularly is the easiest way to keep an out for a UTI, kidney infection or the dreaded toxemia. Eating as healthy and balanced diet as possible is essential. Compression stockings are an excellent way to combat edema in the feet and legs and of course reduce the risk of a dangerous blood clot forming. I have extras on hand from surgeries in the family, and store them in a air-tight container in my storage. Also, be alert for excessive moodiness or strange cravings, these can be warning signs that something else is going on with momma. Of course if complications develop, seek out any medical help you can find.
Next time, how to have a baby the old-fashioned way. It's easier - and safer than you think!
First, in a survival situation, what extra would you need for a pregnant woman. Yes, I realize women were having babies for thousands of years before western medicine came along, but, I would like to take measures for a HEALTHY mommy and baby. I am totally convinced that the healthier mommy is, the healthier baby will be. Nutrition. Realistically, women only need about 500 extra calories a day while pregnant and nursing. However, in a survival situation, an extra 500 calories might be pretty hard to come by. I decided to add "teen girl" vitamins to our rotating stock as well. There not as packed as actual pre-natal vitamins, however, having a teen girl in my house, rotating stock isn't a problem and they do have some very specific vitamins that are at higher levels in "teen girl" version rather than adult version. Plus, they do have the advantage of not having SO MUCH iron in them to cause frequent vomiting. (I could never keep prenatal vitamins down, no matter what I tried.)
Along with nutrition, exercise. I have never, ever understood women stopped being physically active while pregnant. An athlete doesn't prepare for the game of their life by sitting on the couch for 8 months, why would a woman ever think that was a good idea to get ready for child birth. Continuing with your regular exercise is so important until you become so physically uncomfortable that it's no longer possible. Even then, hop (creek, pond, whatever) in the pool and get some exercise there. It's good for you, good for the baby, will help keep your muscles strong which helps tremendously during delivery and getting back in shape after baby. The added benefit of the pool is that it helps relieve aches and pains related to looking like you swallowed someone's house. I exercised with two of my kids, and not with one. Two were really easy deliveries, the other almost killed me - and him - literally. BTW, sex is great cardio for a pregnant woman. Keep it low impact and comfortable and get that heart rate up(Boys, you may need to put in a little extra effort here, but considering how long it will take for momma to feel like herself again after, make it count!) . K, fun for you, good for momma and baby.
Pre-natal care. Prenatal care is nice, but not necessary (and after the SHTF - unavailable. Again, keeping momma healthy is top priority. In general, a women's body knows exactly what's doing to grow that child. Trust your instincts - that's what they're for. Of course, making sure momma is drinking and urinating regularly is the easiest way to keep an out for a UTI, kidney infection or the dreaded toxemia. Eating as healthy and balanced diet as possible is essential. Compression stockings are an excellent way to combat edema in the feet and legs and of course reduce the risk of a dangerous blood clot forming. I have extras on hand from surgeries in the family, and store them in a air-tight container in my storage. Also, be alert for excessive moodiness or strange cravings, these can be warning signs that something else is going on with momma. Of course if complications develop, seek out any medical help you can find.
Next time, how to have a baby the old-fashioned way. It's easier - and safer than you think!
ripping off Creekmore, aka 17 things about me.
1 I'm the oldest and middle child at the same time. talk about a complex.
2 my eyesight is really craptastic.
3 one of my favorite words is craptastic.
4 i have a TON of acquaintances, but very few friends.
5 i'm happiest on junkfood/movie night! as a family we eat a bunch of unhealthy crap and camp out in the living room in our jammies watching movies together. too bad we only do it maybe once a month.
6 i can count only 4 people in my life that i've loved that haven't betrayed my trust to the point of not speaking to them. 4 - sad huh. sadder still, three of them are under the age of 15.
7 the last time i saw my natural hair color was 1992.
8 my idea of a vacation involves the mountains, a tent, nicely broken in hiking boots and a good book.
9 i'm a better shot than my husband
10 i love gardening but hate being hot
11 i'm really not sure what the future holds. the earth will go on, us people however...
12 i'm good at sports, not because of my natural athletic abilities, but because of my work ethic.
13 i secretly play video games when noone else is around
14 if i had to guess about the future, i'd guess something along the lines of the fall of Rome. decadence, apathy and laziness led the way to demise of an empire. i see striking parallels.
15 none of my friends or family know i have a blog. i can imagine the ridcule now.
16 i didn't cry for 10 years. that part of me was so well defended, i didn't need to
17 i despise my own mother - for reasons I can't even begin to explain.
2 my eyesight is really craptastic.
3 one of my favorite words is craptastic.
4 i have a TON of acquaintances, but very few friends.
5 i'm happiest on junkfood/movie night! as a family we eat a bunch of unhealthy crap and camp out in the living room in our jammies watching movies together. too bad we only do it maybe once a month.
6 i can count only 4 people in my life that i've loved that haven't betrayed my trust to the point of not speaking to them. 4 - sad huh. sadder still, three of them are under the age of 15.
7 the last time i saw my natural hair color was 1992.
8 my idea of a vacation involves the mountains, a tent, nicely broken in hiking boots and a good book.
9 i'm a better shot than my husband
10 i love gardening but hate being hot
11 i'm really not sure what the future holds. the earth will go on, us people however...
12 i'm good at sports, not because of my natural athletic abilities, but because of my work ethic.
13 i secretly play video games when noone else is around
14 if i had to guess about the future, i'd guess something along the lines of the fall of Rome. decadence, apathy and laziness led the way to demise of an empire. i see striking parallels.
15 none of my friends or family know i have a blog. i can imagine the ridcule now.
16 i didn't cry for 10 years. that part of me was so well defended, i didn't need to
17 i despise my own mother - for reasons I can't even begin to explain.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
So what am I doing to prep today?
Well, for starters. I decided to get off my rear and get back on it.
Today, I'm spending my free time cruising the news and blogs to figure out what all I missed during my month long pity party. It's not terribly active, but a good way to ease myself back in to the swing of things without swamping myself - again.
Also today, I'm redoing my weekly schedule. It's spring and I need to spend time outside each day. I) for food production 2) for sanity! I have to manage to find time for work, kids, chores, church, volunteer activities, and well, me. Not an easy task and I usually think I need a clone. But, I'm changing up a few things, and finally learning how to say NO to new responsibilities. I am also starting a journal to record my duties so that I have an accurate account of what the heck I'm doing. The blog format is great. BUT, when the SHTF, I'm pretty sure all of this information will be lost forever. A journal however, I can keep.
Today, I'm spending my free time cruising the news and blogs to figure out what all I missed during my month long pity party. It's not terribly active, but a good way to ease myself back in to the swing of things without swamping myself - again.
Also today, I'm redoing my weekly schedule. It's spring and I need to spend time outside each day. I) for food production 2) for sanity! I have to manage to find time for work, kids, chores, church, volunteer activities, and well, me. Not an easy task and I usually think I need a clone. But, I'm changing up a few things, and finally learning how to say NO to new responsibilities. I am also starting a journal to record my duties so that I have an accurate account of what the heck I'm doing. The blog format is great. BUT, when the SHTF, I'm pretty sure all of this information will be lost forever. A journal however, I can keep.
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