I just finished writing my final thoughts on today and I mentioned Phase 2. I never explained that and I certainly don't want it to sound shady. So let me explain.
Phase 2:
Phase 2 is my "Urban Gardening" experiment. I would like to make sure I know how to grow fruits and veggies. Phase 2's space is about 2 feet wide by 6 feet long and 3 feet tall. It is a third story porch that gets decent natural light. I am continuing to study and gain as much knowledge about gardening as possible. I still have many questions about the whole process. Did you know that the ground has a pH? Furthermore, did you know that pH is incredibly important for some plants? Yeah, Neither did I.
Phase 2 - Stage 1 - Research and development
To maximize my area I'll start with 2 2-foot troughs, 2 large pots, and 6 hanging coffee cans on the banister.
I decided I would start with the standard plants:
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Green beans
Strawberries
Squash
Phase 2 - Stage 2 - Germination. (Current stage)
We kicked over a 2-pack greenhouse kit for $20 at BJ's Wholesale. As of 06/08/2012 72 plants are in the process of germination. I really only expect half to survive. After germination I'll transplant them into troughs, hanging cans, and pots for the heavy plants. Its only been a day so there is no progress. After typing that I have not planned on having a higher survival rate. I may have to do some extra R&D once I see progress.
Phase 2 - Stage 3 - Transplant
Once we get to this point it starts all over. I need to go back to the books and figure out where to go from there.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
06/09/2012 - Training Exercise Final Thoughts
Assessing my current situation is something I feel I should have done a while ago. It wasn't until the first exercise that I realized how unorganized and under prepared I am. After today's experience I can be sure that this will be an on going Training Exercise and may turn into testing pieces to see how they hold up.
I would like to revisit this exercise in a month to see where I stand. I would like to have a solid 72 hour bag completed by then.
After Bug-Out-Bag V.1 is complete, I will disappear for a weekend to see how it holds up. I'm sure corrections will be made as it is all tested.
But for now, I am terribly under prepared. However, I have focused my attention to my three major things: 72-Hour bag, Phase 2, and food storage. All are progressing at a decent rate.
I would like to revisit this exercise in a month to see where I stand. I would like to have a solid 72 hour bag completed by then.
After Bug-Out-Bag V.1 is complete, I will disappear for a weekend to see how it holds up. I'm sure corrections will be made as it is all tested.
But for now, I am terribly under prepared. However, I have focused my attention to my three major things: 72-Hour bag, Phase 2, and food storage. All are progressing at a decent rate.
06/09/2012 - Training Exercise Debrief
Date: 06/09/2012
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms. Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot
Actual: Sunny, Hot
Involved: Myself (Civilian)
Report:
Assessment of equipment:
1. Civilian urban-style backpack - Insufficient. Needs replaced.
2. LED flashlight - Sufficient. Will need to carry extra batteries
3. 550 Cord - Sufficient.
4. Knives - Sufficient, HOWEVER, a larger survival knife is needed.
5. Headlamp - Sufficient.
6. First Aid Kit - Sufficient.
Research and Findings:
http://uncrate.com/stuff/equipment-bug-out-bag/ - This was sent to me by a friend who is also involved in all this. I think I could model my pack after this. I needs some changes but it's pretty universal.
My next step was to decide where I could procure all my gear from. Just a quick list:
Dunham's Sporting goods - Could easily be used to get ammo, but that isn't what we set out to do. Wasn't overly helpful.
Dick's Sporting Goods - Lots of luck here. I found a plethora of gear and various prices that could easily be placed into categories like Good, Better, Best. I found a pack that I like that seems a little big, but well made and made for hiking. Its a simple pack with a light frame used for as a "Hiking Day Pack". Its a North Face pack and will run me $119.00. That is a little too high for me at the moment. I will continue to shop around. Also found standard light sticks at $1.29 a piece. I don't really know if that is a good price or not. I will look into that as well.
Wal-Mart - I do NOT liking shopping here. I find that quantity is more important that quality and this is a quality situation. They have some packs, but I don't know how well they'll hold up. Also they carry camel backs and tons of camping gear. It seems that most of this gear is Coleman or off brand. Last time I checked Coleman was still a decent company.
Internet - Obviously, I can find everything I want on the internet at various prices. But by buying online I can not hold the object to know exactly what I'm getting which is a big con in this whole ordeal.
Pricing:
I originally wanted hard numbers at the end of the day. I have decided that may have been a silly ambition. To decided what my pack will include in just one day would be silly. But I did grab some prices for things I KNOW I want.
The exercise was a success. No one was injured. Total Time was around 4 hours.
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms. Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot
Actual: Sunny, Hot
Involved: Myself (Civilian)
Report:
Assessment of equipment:
1. Civilian urban-style backpack - Insufficient. Needs replaced.
2. LED flashlight - Sufficient. Will need to carry extra batteries
3. 550 Cord - Sufficient.
4. Knives - Sufficient, HOWEVER, a larger survival knife is needed.
5. Headlamp - Sufficient.
6. First Aid Kit - Sufficient.
Research and Findings:
http://uncrate.com/stuff/equipment-bug-out-bag/ - This was sent to me by a friend who is also involved in all this. I think I could model my pack after this. I needs some changes but it's pretty universal.
My next step was to decide where I could procure all my gear from. Just a quick list:
Dunham's Sporting goods - Could easily be used to get ammo, but that isn't what we set out to do. Wasn't overly helpful.
Dick's Sporting Goods - Lots of luck here. I found a plethora of gear and various prices that could easily be placed into categories like Good, Better, Best. I found a pack that I like that seems a little big, but well made and made for hiking. Its a simple pack with a light frame used for as a "Hiking Day Pack". Its a North Face pack and will run me $119.00. That is a little too high for me at the moment. I will continue to shop around. Also found standard light sticks at $1.29 a piece. I don't really know if that is a good price or not. I will look into that as well.
Wal-Mart - I do NOT liking shopping here. I find that quantity is more important that quality and this is a quality situation. They have some packs, but I don't know how well they'll hold up. Also they carry camel backs and tons of camping gear. It seems that most of this gear is Coleman or off brand. Last time I checked Coleman was still a decent company.
Internet - Obviously, I can find everything I want on the internet at various prices. But by buying online I can not hold the object to know exactly what I'm getting which is a big con in this whole ordeal.
Pricing:
I originally wanted hard numbers at the end of the day. I have decided that may have been a silly ambition. To decided what my pack will include in just one day would be silly. But I did grab some prices for things I KNOW I want.
The exercise was a success. No one was injured. Total Time was around 4 hours.
06/09/2012 - Training Excercise Briefing
(I wrote this last night but didn't publish it.)
Date: 06/09/2012
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms. Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot
Date: 06/09/2012
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms. Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Review: Food Storage App
Food Storage App for the iPhone and iPad
By Long Term Glass Wares, LLC
I got the hit on this from a friend on Facebook, Bohica Survival. There is no clever naming of the app, there is no flashy crap, and zero advertisements.
This app is used to organize, plan, and prepare your food storage at home. I've played with it a bunch so far. It gives you the default food groups so you can add all of what you have already, set new goals, scan your barcodes, and set alerts when things go too low. It is a warehousing program.
If you are technology driven this is fantastic. If you would rather be pen and paper kind of person, then this isn't for you. This is super easy to use after you get used to it. Best of all, its total free.
The question was asked if it would work if the cell towers were down and the grid is down. The answer to those questions: Yes, this doesn't need to connect to the internet and If the grid is down and simple dynamo USB charger or a power inverter from a car battery will keep your device charged, that is if you choose to spend time making sure that stays running.
So when it comes to this, if you have an iPhone or iPad, this thing is free. You would be silly to not to atleast try it. Don't like it, delete it.
5 out of 5 - Easy to use, free, helpful, and it helps me organize information.
By Long Term Glass Wares, LLC
I got the hit on this from a friend on Facebook, Bohica Survival. There is no clever naming of the app, there is no flashy crap, and zero advertisements.
This app is used to organize, plan, and prepare your food storage at home. I've played with it a bunch so far. It gives you the default food groups so you can add all of what you have already, set new goals, scan your barcodes, and set alerts when things go too low. It is a warehousing program.
If you are technology driven this is fantastic. If you would rather be pen and paper kind of person, then this isn't for you. This is super easy to use after you get used to it. Best of all, its total free.
The question was asked if it would work if the cell towers were down and the grid is down. The answer to those questions: Yes, this doesn't need to connect to the internet and If the grid is down and simple dynamo USB charger or a power inverter from a car battery will keep your device charged, that is if you choose to spend time making sure that stays running.
So when it comes to this, if you have an iPhone or iPad, this thing is free. You would be silly to not to atleast try it. Don't like it, delete it.
5 out of 5 - Easy to use, free, helpful, and it helps me organize information.
Monday, June 4, 2012
The actual inventory
Over the past couple weeks I've been putting alot of thought into all of this and I decided that its going to be helpful to create a full inventory.
Physical Inventory:
Age: 25
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 330lbs.
Addictions: None - Maybe energy drinks.
Medications: Vitamin
Noted disabilities: Sleep Apnea.
So, lets break the first part down. I'm too fat. I'm enough muscle, but I am too big. A goal will be set for this. I will also add that my mindset is good. I am usually very happy. No noted mental illnesses. However some believe that I have a bit of paranoia.
Gear Inventory:
1 Urban Backpack - Use as a 24 hour bug out bag.
1 Duffel bag - Use as a full-size long term bug out bag.
Tool Kit - Has most standard tools needed for everyday projects.
1 Crowbar
Assortment of knives - Mainly consists of what could be used as "fighting knives". No "survival style" knives
2 2-quart canteens with bags
1 First Aid kit
1 headlamp with LED white and LED red
1 LED flashlight
Matches
Batteries
6 first starters
With this, I mean, when I break it all down I have alot of stuff but not a whole lot of it is useful. I will not mention actual weapons, ALL of my weapons are legal and registered. I also have an assortment of melee weapons.
It is always important to obey the laws. If you do not obey the laws and get caught, it will make prepping much tougher than it already is. Follow the rules, do not buy unregistered or stolen firearms, do not manufacture any kind of explosives, do not possess anything that is illegal. Have all the proper licensing before purchasing a firearm.
Food and Water Inventory:
2-3 weeks of food
No water containers
I feel that I have REALLY dropped the ball here. I don't think that my food prep is so bad, however, I have zero way of keeping water. This will be one of my next buys. If you feel the same way about your preparations look into The Prepper's Pocket Guide. It has a section for budgeting for preppering supplies.
Physical Inventory:
Age: 25
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 330lbs.
Addictions: None - Maybe energy drinks.
Medications: Vitamin
Noted disabilities: Sleep Apnea.
So, lets break the first part down. I'm too fat. I'm enough muscle, but I am too big. A goal will be set for this. I will also add that my mindset is good. I am usually very happy. No noted mental illnesses. However some believe that I have a bit of paranoia.
Gear Inventory:
1 Urban Backpack - Use as a 24 hour bug out bag.
1 Duffel bag - Use as a full-size long term bug out bag.
Tool Kit - Has most standard tools needed for everyday projects.
1 Crowbar
Assortment of knives - Mainly consists of what could be used as "fighting knives". No "survival style" knives
2 2-quart canteens with bags
1 First Aid kit
1 headlamp with LED white and LED red
1 LED flashlight
Matches
Batteries
6 first starters
With this, I mean, when I break it all down I have alot of stuff but not a whole lot of it is useful. I will not mention actual weapons, ALL of my weapons are legal and registered. I also have an assortment of melee weapons.
It is always important to obey the laws. If you do not obey the laws and get caught, it will make prepping much tougher than it already is. Follow the rules, do not buy unregistered or stolen firearms, do not manufacture any kind of explosives, do not possess anything that is illegal. Have all the proper licensing before purchasing a firearm.
Food and Water Inventory:
2-3 weeks of food
No water containers
I feel that I have REALLY dropped the ball here. I don't think that my food prep is so bad, however, I have zero way of keeping water. This will be one of my next buys. If you feel the same way about your preparations look into The Prepper's Pocket Guide. It has a section for budgeting for preppering supplies.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Review: The Prepper's Pocket Guide
The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do To Ready Your Home For A Disaster
Written by Bernie Carr
I had recently kicked this over at Barnes & Noble and in a thirst of knowledge scooped it up. Shelf price is gonna run you $12.95, online you'll save a couple dollars. I almost must point out that it says it's a pocket guide; it fits in a standard cargo pants thigh pocket.
Bernie sets this up by simple subjects with numbered headers. It starts with Getting Started that involves organizing and de-cluttering your home, planning, and easy things to do on a daily basis. The guide goes through that onto financial planning, procuring water, food, budgets, simple kits, and even recipes for home-made solutions such as water filters and disinfectant spray.
Bernie makes quite a few great points that after long nights and group conversations I would have never thought of. One of my favorite headers is under Chapter 3: Water Needs: 19. Learn to Empty Water Heater. Your home water heater could contain up to 30 gallons of clean drinkable water. I know you already know this but I'll reiterate, that's enough water for 3 people for 10 days with no additional space being taken up for preppering supplies.
Also, the writer makes lots of great points that aren't necessarily headers such as: Be selective about announcing your plans. Don't broadcast your activities or plans on social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook. While you may trust your friends and family, you don't always know who else may be checking you out online. Personally, I found that very simple statement to be incredibly helpful and often overlooked by young preppers.
This was clearly written for natural disasters not terrorist attacks or zombies. The subject of weapons is only grazed and moved over very quickly. Don't look to this book for zombie advice or to solve the question of whether you should buy and AK or AR.
All in all, your $12.95 is going to a great book that really should be read over and kept handy. If will be a great addition to your library.
5 out of 5 - Small, cheap book, tons of knowledge.
Well done, Bernie.
Written by Bernie Carr
I had recently kicked this over at Barnes & Noble and in a thirst of knowledge scooped it up. Shelf price is gonna run you $12.95, online you'll save a couple dollars. I almost must point out that it says it's a pocket guide; it fits in a standard cargo pants thigh pocket.
Bernie sets this up by simple subjects with numbered headers. It starts with Getting Started that involves organizing and de-cluttering your home, planning, and easy things to do on a daily basis. The guide goes through that onto financial planning, procuring water, food, budgets, simple kits, and even recipes for home-made solutions such as water filters and disinfectant spray.
Bernie makes quite a few great points that after long nights and group conversations I would have never thought of. One of my favorite headers is under Chapter 3: Water Needs: 19. Learn to Empty Water Heater. Your home water heater could contain up to 30 gallons of clean drinkable water. I know you already know this but I'll reiterate, that's enough water for 3 people for 10 days with no additional space being taken up for preppering supplies.
Also, the writer makes lots of great points that aren't necessarily headers such as: Be selective about announcing your plans. Don't broadcast your activities or plans on social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook. While you may trust your friends and family, you don't always know who else may be checking you out online. Personally, I found that very simple statement to be incredibly helpful and often overlooked by young preppers.
This was clearly written for natural disasters not terrorist attacks or zombies. The subject of weapons is only grazed and moved over very quickly. Don't look to this book for zombie advice or to solve the question of whether you should buy and AK or AR.
All in all, your $12.95 is going to a great book that really should be read over and kept handy. If will be a great addition to your library.
5 out of 5 - Small, cheap book, tons of knowledge.
Well done, Bernie.
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