Over the last week I have watched a couple of newer movies with distinct apocalyptic themes. This got me thinking of my favorites and the ones I felt were the best. One of the reason I enjoy watching these kinds of movies is they get me thinking. I mean – putting myself in the situations involved gives me ideas on how to handle them. It is a good thing to envision and visualize situations and conditions.
Ask me next week and the list will likely be totally different. These movies entertain and provoke thought. The actions of the characters are certainly not a guide of what to do in various circumstances.
This past week has been busy ending with a winter storm blowing through my area over the weekend. I have a 2 door Jeep Wrangler – and love it. They are expensive and for many not practical. However, when you need to get somewhere in rough conditions where other vehicles fail they get the job done.
In addition to purchases I have been looking into a few things. I have continued my search for a parcel of land for building a retreat. My interests in essential oils has been peaked thus my ordering the book above.
I also have been looking at some firearms at my local stores not so much based on need but just because I love exercising my 2nd Amendment rights. I handled a Springfield XD9 Mod 2 and have to say it was the most comfortable pistol I have ever held. I also saw a Ruger All American in 22 Magnum. Interesting gun.
Lastly – I am looking at getting a suppressor and if so going to pull the trigger soon and create a trust.
I have messed around a lot with different foods for bug out bags, get home kits, and general backpacking. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type. While there is no one food that will fit everyone’s menu and needs I have come to a conclusion:
Freeze dried foods are the best foods for bug out bags.
Here’s why: If someone is bugging out they are likely traveling some distance on foot. Weight is a major factor and that is where freeze dried food really shines. Freeze dried foods are extremely light weight. I can throw in several meal pouches for just a couple poundsThey are also very simple to prepare and are very nutritious. Most of the freeze dried food that I have eaten has tasted no different than regular food although a few samples were on the salty side.
Drawbacks? They require water to reconstitute and prepare. If you live in a desert this could be a serious dilemma as carrying water is quite a task due to its weight. They also do not provide a ton of calories in the smaller pouch-sized packages. For longer term time periods this could be an issue.
MRE’s are another option and not a bad one either. Again – weight is the issue at hand as they are on the heavy side. Sure – a few cans of soup can be thrown in a pack as well as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or twelve but to me freeze dried foods make a lot better choice.
For many – including myself – the need to buy land and create a retreat/homestead/getaway is felt down to the core. Money – or lack thereof is the most common reason why it doesn’t happen. I came across this video from Becky’s Homestead with some suggestions on how to reach your goal with very little money.
Although the title suggests no money is needed obviously landowners are not lining up to give away their land. I have read the book Dirt-Cheap Survival Retreat and the author makes some similar suggestions. In the right circumstances it does work.
Today we face a daily torrent of troubling news. The world itself seems to be falling apart as in almost every hemisphere chaos is present. The Middle East continues to be a powder keg of violence and death. Terrorism is spreading across the planet with radical Islam’s touch going so far that teenage girls in modern societies are pledging loyalty. Troubling. Political dismay is running wild throughout Europe as well as the United States with division being a standard operating procedure. Mother nature is wreaking havoc in many areas and economic strife continues to inflict sorrow and struggle on countless millions – worldwide.
I’m not done.
North Korea continues their threats recently detonating a hydrogen bomb. Iran – one of the largest backers of terrorism – receives billions of dollars due to a “deal” headed by the United States. China’s economic struggles have the rest of the world’s stock markets on a roller coaster ride of unpredictability. Russia consistently flexes its military muscles totally disregarding the United States and its demands. The United States – once a valued and respected world superpower – is now looked at as anemic and passive. We have a leader in the White House who disregards the Constitution and bypasses Congress to achieve his personal will.
But wait….there’s more.
The US population continues to stray away from God and the core principles which once guided this country. Our morals are decaying and Islam is now the second largest practicing religion in this country. The “low information voter” continues to support politicians instead of leaders. Citizens are more in touch with what the Kardashians are doing and gossiping about their neighbors than critical issues that will affect generations to come.
That’s about enough.
So yes – it is all falling apart. I sit here in my living room wondering how it will all turn out and exactly what actions I should take in response. I mean…..what is an American Patriot to do? As a gun-toting, God-loving, Conservative believer in the Constitution it can be pretty frustrating.
Here are a few thoughts:
Accept that there may not be anything you can do to improve all these situations used as examples. It’s reality. As an individual the ability to inflict major change is limited and just not very realistic.
As individuals we are empowered to take responsibility for ourselves. Regardless of government intrusion and all the craziness in the world we can make decisions for ourselves that WILL have an impact.
We can reduce our debt to diminish our economic exposure.
Secondary sources of income can be sought to better handle job loss.
Grow your own food to decrease the dependence on grocery stores.
Become part of a survival group. In a group if one member falls on hard luck the others can help lift them up.
Save money. In almost any collapse cash money would continue to be used for some time. In a personal SHTF such as job loss cash reserves would extremely beneficial.
Vote. Yeah – I know. They are all crooks. It is easy to get down on the entire political process. Believe me I understand. There are some true leaders out there that are trying to do good. Those that are – vote for them.
Prepare. If it all does come crashing down put back food, water, firearms, and other essential supplies to weather the storm.
Concealed Carry. Take responsibility for your own safety and be armed. Get the training and become proficient.
Ignore it all. Yes – I know many people who just choose to exist in ignorant bliss and bury their head in the sand. They pay no attention to politics and watch no news. For them it’s all palm trees and ocean breeze.
No doubt this is not an all-inclusive list of concerning events nor methods of dealing with them. I don’t proclaim to have all the answers. It is not all gloom and doom and it is possible that everything will work out just fine. I can’t see how but it is possible.
The one thing that I find solace in is to surround myself with good people. People that are like-minded and have similar values as myself. That cannot be purchased with money but is extremely valuable.
Take care all –
JR
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