When I was in college, we all thought there would be nuclear war in our backyards, so we spent time – up late in the dorms, thinking about and discussing what we thought we needed for our “bomb kits”.
I remember my roomy Johnna and my buddy Brandon Ray and boyfriend Brent (now my terrific husband) discussing what we would need for survival.
“A still” Brandon suggested. “Good for distilling water, making booze for medicine or to sell.”
“A needle and thread!” Johnna suggested. “You can keep clothes in repair, or sew up yourself if you need help medically.”
“Aspirin!”
I think those were good ideas too. We had lists of what we might need. On some occasions we even started gathering supplies, although I never saw anyone construct a still. Knowing Brandon, he probably had the directions drawn and an idea how to do it “just in case”.
Those days are gone, thank goodness and we don’t worry about nuclear war as much as we used to. BUT if it happened, I already have in my mind what I would want to take with me. Because we made lists.
In these days of economic uncertainty, I think it might be a good idea to make a list… a job security list, if you will. I think it would be good to write down what you think you can do in case the worst happens and you lose your job. I know it isn’t your career choice, I know it isn’t what you were trained to do, but it is SOMETHING you can do until the crises passes.
My list would include the following:
- Do graphic arts for printers or individuals.
- Sell inexpensive “build your own” websites.
- Mow lawns.
- Clean dog poop out of yards.
- Wash dogs and cats.
- Wait tables (if a job can be found)
- Babysit.
We are from the U.S., we know how to be entrepreneurs. We know what to do. I heard that in places like Iraq, that if a woman is alone with children, she will sit and starve because she doesn’t know what to do.
I think that the folks I know in America would sell rocks rather than sit and starve. Why not try that? You could paint ‘em, make ‘em into souvenirs. SOMETHING. I guess my point here is that you need to keep your mind on what you CAN do, and believe me, there is always something you can do.
Suz
P.S. God Bless you Brandon Ray. I can’t believe you are gone. We were always going to get together. I wanted to know your family and be friends still. I can’t believe you don’t walk the earth anymore.