Prudent Prepping: We Are Safe And Sound

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping. 

I got some groceries, some peanut butter,
To last a couple of days
But I ain't got no speakers, ain't got no headphones,
Ain't got no records to play

-- Talking Heads, Life During Wartime

It's been a weird couple of weeks around the house. Two people here are locked down, one is working almost full time hours, and I am getting extra pay per week, more vacation days if I get sick, and any overtime is getting counted as double time. The old guy scores again!

While dealing with all this, We have all been trying to keep a level head and not stress anyone or ourselves any more than necessary. There has been a lot of house cleaning, closet reorganizing, shelf rearranging, and cooking, lots and lots of cooking. You have to understand that this is driving my friend's girlfriend crazy: she is a driven woman, used to being in control of what is going on, now at home for almost 3 weeks. She is used to working a minimum of 5 days a week and at least 8 hours a day. Stress is here, and it needs to be recognized and not ignored.

What To Do
Don't ignore your feelings. What you feel may be different from your neighbor, but your feeling are your feelings and they are valid.

• Talk it out with your friends. They want to hear from you and, more than likely, would like a friendly ear also. 
• Figure out what you can do while obeying your local regulations.  Everyone needs to do what they feel comfortable doing. Get some exercise, just don't paddle board in Malibu or your equivalent hot spot for ticketing.
• Eat properly. My last two trips through the grocery store have seen me get 90% of the food items I wanted to buy. Pasta was available, most cuts of meat, and all the fruit and veggies you might want. Yes, we are supposed to be prepared for a disaster, but fresh food is available so ignoring normal items is foolish.
• Protect yourself. If you do need to go out, cover up as best you can. Unless you had a stash of masks pre-virus or were lucky to buy something as they became available on Amazon, you'll need to improvise. I'm not in a position to show anyone how to do masks, but there are many folks on YouTube to watch. Gloves are in short supply too, so wash your hands all the time.
• Shop and take care of other chores for friends or family that might be at risk.

Recap And Takeaway

• I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary; my work gets me walking on average 2 miles a day, and I am getting outside as often as I am able and as the weather allows. 
• Food isn't a problem and paper goods are holding up so far. 
• Nothing exceptional was purchased or planned for this month, but that can change overnight.
• Be smart and safe. Things could get silly.

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NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.