... and then something surprised me!

They say you'll learn something new everyday if you're looking for it.  I stumbled on a new blog yesterday and poked around for a few minutes.  I was particularly interested in the unexpected graphic at the top of the page. The white cross on a green background was reminiscent of the Red Cross logo. (The Red Cross is actually a trademarked logo; it's theirs and a person needs permission to use it.) But this green cross of sorts was new to me.

Christmas Gifts: Flashlight and Batteries

The beauty of flashlights is that someone is always asking for one.  It's an easy gift, and with so many ultra-modern tweaks on the old-fashioned flashlight, you are sure to be able to suit everyone on your list.

• Children love flashlights!  And many companies are making child safe versions (unbreakable, locked battery compartments).
• For the office gift exchange, buy a flashlight someone could leave in their desk or use on the job.

Functional Friday: 10 Things to Schedule RIGHT NOW for This Fall

As Labor Day week-end arrives, tipping us into the unofficial start of autumn, my mind is busy concocting all sorts of fall fare.  As my own favorite season, fall enjoys prestige and privilege in our home. Today's list includes ten fall-ish festivities that I am making plans for right now.  Call a friend, make a plan and save the date now to enjoy the season's best. 

Functional Friday: 10 Things to Keep Kids Occupied, Entertained, and (if you're lucky) Learning

Many of these ideas are old-school.  But I find that I need reminded of some good ideas, and I hope these help you, too.

1) Write a letter to someone.  Kids still find the postal system a wonderment.  Let them write a letter or just color a picture or two.  Then address and stamp an envelope (You'll need to do this for little ones, but let them watch.), and let them slide it in the mail box.

2) Give them a box of office supplies.  Tape, a stapler, colored papers, card stock, all sizes of envelopes, a whole punch, binders, pens and markers, Post-It notes... whatever you have (and seems age appropriate) will likely entertain them for quite a while.

A Half Tank of Gas

How often do you come dangerously close to running out of gas, stretching the fumes to run that last quick errand? It's a worthy goal to be sure, but keeping your car at half a tank or more could make all the difference. Here are a few benefits to making a half tank your new cue to fill 'er up.

• You'll never run out of gas. (I know it's obvious, but I've done it at least once... in the drive thru of a restaurant, no less.)

12 Practical Ways to Beat the Heat

It's a scorcher here in the Midwest! Daily highs over 100 and humidity boosting the heat index even higher... everyone must find relief.  If you can simply hide out in your air conditioned home for a few days... perfect!  But if you cannot, here are a few tips to keep you safe and sound.

• Avoid spending time outdoors when the temperature exceeds 95. If you must be outdoors, drink plenty of water and/or electrolyte replacement (up to a pint an hour if you are working hard and sweating),

10 Things: Prepare to Use Technology in a Disaster

9/11, Katrina, Haiti... these events changed the world.  They also changed the way we think about using  personal technology during a disaster.  Although we ought to prepare for a day when utilities and communications come crashing down, the truth is that some towers will stand, some messages will get through, and some connections will endure.  So taking a little time to anticipate what technology resources you might want and need in an emergency setting may be time well spent.

Make Your Own Basic First Aid Kit

Sure you can run to the store and grab a boxed first aid kit.  Go for it!  But with four young kids I'll use every last bandage on the first outing. I decided this summer to put together my own kit for the car that could last through a busy, fun-filled week and will suit our needs better.  I also found it's easier to restock using standard sized packages. (And my kids prefer pirate or princess bandages, anyway!)

Japan's Quake Should Shake Us Into Action

www.news.com.au

I just got an email from a friend of a friend.  John P. is stuck at the airport in Narita, Japan.  Apparently the earthquake struck just as his plane landed.  He's fine, but for over five hours he's been standing in the airport shoulder to shoulder next to thousands of others with no provisions.  Hundreds (if not thousands) of victims lost their lives today, and the aftermath of this morning's 8.9 quake and tsunami will last for days, weeks, months, and years into the future. 

Help! As members of a global community, we all have the ability and (I dare say) obligation to lend a hand to our fellow man.  (Red Cross, World Vision)  For some of us prayers are the most precious gift we are able to offer.  Certainly financial gifts will be needed to restore that region.  Some Americans will have an opportunity to travel to Japan and assist in the restoration.  Whatever your situation, I urge you to do something right now.

Learn!  I also want to remind you that most of the United States' population lives in seismically active areas.  The US Geological Survey's website offers a lot of useful information.  Check to see what the risk is in your area.  (Remember that areas you travel to for business and leisure may be affected as well.)

Prepare!  As we watch the recovery in Japan unfold, be reminded of the steps that you might take to reduce the panic, heartbreak, and devastation if this happened in your community.  Take measures to quake-proof your home.  Know (and train your family) on what to do during an earthquake.  Prepare an emergency kit - with flashlights and other supplies you may need immediately after a quake or other disaster.  Keep supplies on hand to ride out inevitable post-disaster shortages.

Plan ahead!  Finally, when you travel, keep a few supplies right with you everywhere you go.  I hope John had a bottle of water, a granola bar and a pen light in his carry on bag.  I also hope he has a designated emergency contact here in the states.  Although he was able to get some information back to the states, he may have had his only opportunity to call.  His friends and family need to know who to contact here to check on him.

Related Posts:
Functional Friday: Preparedness Project - Evacuation Bag
Preparedness at Night
Disaster Cycle
Functional Friday: Go-Bag Part I - The Need

Air Travel Safety Preparation

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I wanted to briefly review some air travel tips.  I am not generally a fearful person, but I remain very aware of my surroundings.  I am not a suspicious person, but I am alert when someone seems too friendly, too uptight, or too alert.  I am always concerned (especially in a very public place) about any unattended bag or box.  I am more worried about traffic accidents than plane crashes.  Keep your head in the game, and everything should go well.

• Prepare your mind and your schedule for waiting.  Pack with screening in mind.
• Whether you are for or against x-rays, metal detectors, pat downs and full body scans, they are going to do them.  Plan ahead to comply and breeze through.
• Always tell the truth.  Even a harmless lie to the TSA is a crime.
• Keep your group together.  Watch out for one another.
• Don't try to carry-on more than allowed.  It will most likely weigh you down anyway.
• Check questionable items, or leave them at home.  With baggage fees you'll want to trim down anyway.
• Review baggage and carry on rules. Leave your pocket knife and water bottle at home.
• Use TSA compatible baggage locks. Otherwise, they may need to cut it off to check your bag.
• Put OBVIOUS markers on your luggage. You might catch it walking off before it's gone.
• Keep things simple. The less you have to keep track of, the better you'll be able to do so.
• Keep your bags and packages at hand. Don't let anyone you don't know handle your stuff.
• Don't get distracted by conversation or spectacles. Distractions can make you leave or lose items.
• Keep your eyes open and stay alert.  If you are concerned about something you see, say something to an employee of the airline.

Functional Friday: Holiday Safety Tips - Travel

Are you going out of town this holiday?  Whether it's a quick overnight trip or a trek across the country, any trip can be improved with a little planning and preparation.  Planning ahead will provide peace of mind and may help avoid the pitfalls of modern travel.  Here are a few ideas to help keep your time away safe, happy, and healthy.

Prepare your home - 
Have a trusted friend or neighbor check on the house once a day.  They can pick up the paper, put out the trash, get the mail, check your messages, make sure things are secure.  Make sure they have a key and alarm codes, contact information for you, your destination, and an alternate emergency contact.
Stop your mail at the post office.
Set some lights and a radio on timers to create the appearance of someone being home.
Set your heat (or A/C?) for lower energy consumption.
Make sure pets are boarded or cared for.
Check that windows and doors are locked.

Prepare your family/travel companions -
Discuss ahead of leaving when and where you'll stop for meals and breaks.
You might want to talk about paying speeding tickets, if you're traveling with friends. I received a shock to learn that a friend expected us to split the cost of any tickets, regardless of who was driving. 
What about unexpected car repairs?
Take along some snacks that everyone likes. 
Agree ahead of time on who gets to pick the music.  May I suggest driver's choice?  Bring your own music.
Talk with kids and let them pick one or two things to take.  Help them use their imagination to entertain themselves on the road.

Prepare yourself - 
Start packing early.  Get a full night's sleep, breakfast, and a cup of coffee before you leave.
Keep a list as you think of things NOT to forget, and check it.
Plan your snacking. Some prefer to take it along and avoid inflated prices, others are willing to pay $4 for a soda and not worrying about toting it along.
Keep your packing light but thoughtful.   Overpacking is a burden. 
Exception - take more than you need of prescription drugs, medical supplies, and special dietary needs, all in original packaging, of course. 
Take versatile clothing and minimum toiletries.
(Don't forget TSA rules for flying with liquids.)
What can you possibly forget that can't be replaced at Wal-mart or the hotel gift shop?
I ALWAYS take my swimsuit and one "dressy" outfit... just in case!
Dress as nice as you can and still be comfortable.  My own experience says it can make a difference.
There are many great insights on traveling with pets and children, too.

Hopefully your trip will be more peaceful than traveling 150 miles, nine months pregnant, on the back of a donkey.  That trip required an eternity of planning. 

Wishing you much joy and peace during this season of celebration of the perfect gift!