Sometimes I Write

Those aren’t words you’ll hear me say often. I grew up in Wisconsin and had my fair share of snow – enough to last me a lifetime thank you very much! 😉 But today I’m grateful for the white stuff that is pouring out of the sky. North Denver has 6″ already and we’re expecting a lot more. We’ve already had the power go out for an hour this morning, so I’m typing fast hoping to get this posted in case it goes out again. The kids and I have already gathered candles and flashlights just in case. We cleaned their rooms so they wouldn’t step on toys in the dark, and had the talk about not opening the refrigerator before asking Mommy. We talked about electricity and how it effects our lives, and planned what we will eat for lunch and supper in case we can’t use the stove. A hot meal is still possible thanks to our gas grill on the patio and two extra tanks of propane. 😉 The kids are loving it, and looking forward to building a snowman later. I’m grateful for the forced rest.

I was absent from the blogoshphere last week because my Mom and Stepdad were here visiting from Wisconsin. As you know, when I have company at my house, I’m present with them and don’t spend time on the phone or the computer. But I’ve missed you all, both sharing my life through blogging and reading what is going on in yours. We had a good visit with my parents and did all the usual tourist stuff. They got some great pictures of the mountains and of the grandkids, and got to meet some of our closest friends here. They came to church with us even though it made them a little uncomfortable since our worship is very different than what they’re used to. They left Tuesday and are now spending a few days with my brother in Minneapolis before returning home.

There was a report on the news this morning about all of the power outages around the city. There are about 13,000 customers without power right now – mainly caused by heavy tree branches breaking and knocking down power lines. I’ve been thinking about how this effects those without power. People who have medical equipment that needs electricity to run it. People who are elderly or poor and already can’t afford to heat their homes any more than absolutely necessary. People who can’t get out to buy the needed supplies to be prepared for storms like this. The mayor has declared next week the “Be prepared” week. You know, get your 72 hour emergency kit ready for your family. The problem is that the storm is hitting NOW, not next week. If you KNOW winter is coming and it’s going to snow in October, shouldn’t you be ready for it? The stores are all ready for the Christmas rush already, yet people are scrambling to buy a shovel and some salt for their driveways. I view it as one of those insane behaviors we could avoid if we just plan ahead a little. Here’s my short list of plan ahead crazies that could be avoided, and how to avoid them.

The Holidays – you know they come around every year. Plan for them in advance. Budget money all year if you plan to buy gifts for others for Christmas. There is no excuse for credit card debt to skyrocket every Nov.-Jan. Like we need more stuff. Are you buying for people you don’t love because you feel obligated since they bought you a gift? Are you spending money on gifts when you’re struggling to pay your bills? Are you stressed out by the length of your shopping list every year? Simplify my friend. Simplify! Let people know you love them by telling them in person, or writing them a hand written letter instead of the overdone generic family newsletter everyone shoves in Christmas cards so they can sign their names and be done with it. (I’m guilty too.) The holidays don’t have to be as stressful as we make them out to be. Have you ever wanted to rebel against the phrase “Holiday Rush?” Me too. More on this in a future post.

Winter – During the big winter storm probably isn’t the best time to shop for shovels, extra batteries, and other emergency supplies. Why not prepare ahead of time – like in the Spring when winter accessories go on clearance or during the summer at garage sales? Even the Fall is a good time, when you know winter is approaching and you’re going to need these things. An emergency kit in your car is always a good idea, but one for the home is essential as well. I found a great list at TheEpicenter.com. It has a supply list for your car, home, and workplace, and includes needs for medical supplies, baby stuff, and pets.

Summer Fun – Same principle applies here. Summer happens every year and Fall is the best time to stock up on summer supplies – when they’re on clearance. Pool noodles, floaties, water guns, and swimming suits are always on sale at the end of summer so the stores can make room for Christmas stuff by their September deadline – I’m kidding…sort of.

Birthdays – with a little planning ahead, you can have a small stash of cards to mail to family and friends when special occasions arise. Buy gifts throughout the year when you see them and think of the special people in your life, and keep them in a box or tote in your closet or garage labeled “Gifts” or better yet, label it “cleaning supplies” and nosy children and spouses are sure to leave it alone. 😉 Whatever the label says, it will help you avoid rushing to find something at the last minute for those occasions you probably forgot to write on your calendar.

CALENDARS! Having a Master Calendar hanging where everyone can see it is a start. Actually using it is the key. Set aside an hour a year to write down everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries (including your own if applicable), and other special events and activities you know will come up. You can be as fancy or simple as you want, just do it. I have symbols on mine. For example, for birthdays I draw a small balloon then write the name next to it. For anniversaries, I draw a small heart then the last name of the couple after it. For my immediate family’s birthdays, I draw a big balloon around the date so they see that I think they’re really important. The kids love this because it helps them count down the days until their balloon. If you have school age children, include their monthly activities on the master calendar so you don’t have to keep up with more than one calendar – it increases the chances of forgetting about an important activity, fieldtrip, due date, concert, etc. Now here’s the important part, check your calendar DAILY and WEEKLY to see what is coming up so you’ll be prepared. Check it before committing to people to add something to your schedule. If you need to, schedule days on the calendar to make sure you have everything you need in your emergency kits for bad weather and/or accidents.

Living in the tyranny of the urgent is ridiculous and unnecessary. We all fall into that trap sometimes, but we don’t have to keep falling into it. Why would we choose to? Choose to be as prepared as you can be. It’s an easy way to add some peace to your life. It’s my version of “The early bird gets the worm”.