What If The SHTF?

 

With all of the crazy crap that is going on in our world right now you may be wondering what if the $hi! hits the fan and things get really bad?  I personally am not wondering what if?  I’m watching, and wondering when and I don’t think it is far off into our future.  All you have to do is pay attention with eyes and ears wide open and use common sense to realize things aren’t good.  The rest of the world sees it, but a large portion of our population has been in denial and that is the part that worries me the most because ignorance creates chaos.

 

My home is my sanctuary and I relish the time I spend in it  Quality time spent with good friends, creative endeavors, writing and journaling as well as relaxation and quiet time is my focus.  While I am using a lot of what I already have on hand I am also adding a few more items and restocking my supplies like ink, tape, glue and copy paper to make sure I am able to continue my creative activities.

 

I am also trying to eat well (I tend to be an emotional eater) and get good sleep, although I must admit my sleep has been compromised these days as I often wake up with a busy mind.  I’m rolling with it by taking a catnap (literally, there is usually a cat in my lap) here and there when I feel tired.  I am also putting a lot of focus into stocking my home with wholesome, good quality whole foods, enough food to last me several months to a year should I need to, the same thing with pet food and supplies, toiletries and cleaning products.

 

This is not a political post, it is a reality post.  I feel strongly that it is time to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.  It is easy to feel helpless and give into despair and depression, but we can’t do that.  I’m doing all that I can to protect my physical and mental health in the while battening down the hatches and making sure I have everything I need to weather this impending storm.  I feel very uneasy about the future of our country right now.  With proper planning and preparation I hope it will be enough to make a difference and give me the peace of mind and confidence to make it through.  How are you feeling?

 

My Simple Thrifty Kitchen

This year, as in years past, I am focusing on keeping a simple and thrifty kitchen.  At the first of the year I went through all of the cupboards and drawers to declutter items I no longer need, want or use and to take an inventory of what I have left.  Taking an inventory allowed me to also make a mindful decision about my needs for 2026.

 

One of the items I knew I would need soon was a new set of potholders.  This time, rather than go to the store or hop online and purchase new potholders, I pulled leftover yarn I had in my craft room and crocheted myself a new set.  Not only did I save money by not purchasing something, but I used up something I already had on hand plus I had the added benefit of enjoying a crafty project while being resourceful too.

 

After going through the refrigerator and freezer, cleaning it out and reorganizing I had a good idea of what I had and what needed to be used up.  I also went through the pantry the same way.  With an inventory of what I had I focused on pulling items I knew needed to be used up and created my meals using those items so they did not go to waste.  Along with preventing food waste this tested my creativity to make some delicious meals and saved me from needing to spend more money at the grocery store to replace wasted items.

 

I cleaned the cabinet underneath the kitchen sink where I keep my trash bin and a plastic bin for storing my kitchen cleaning supplies and tools.  I refilled my dish soap dispenser as well as the hand soap dispenser using up the last bit of soap left in those refill containers.  I used a bit of water and a good shake to make sure I was able to utilize every drop prior to adding those containers to my recycle bin.  After restocking the cleaning supply bin I took an inventory of my stock I keep in the linen closet and came up with a mindful plan for purchasing cleaning supplies in 2026.

 

As I move forward this year I am focusing first on using the items I already have, including the appliances, and making sure I am no longer keeping and storing things I no longer need, use or want.  The same goes for food.  I am making sure I only purchase what I need, mainly to replace the items I am using to cook or bake with, so I maintain my inventory without over purchasing.  Meal prepping at least two main dishes at once allows me to simplify my cooking and clean up routine as I find I only need to cook about every five days.

 

Canning my own convenience items such as soup, meat, sauces, condiments, jams, jellies and syrups allows me to control the ingredients while maintaining a shelf stable food supply.  I also use a vacuum sealer to keep my frozen foods better protected so they last longer in the freezer.  Both practices also save me time and money over the long haul, especially as I am able to buy in bulk at a lower price per unit or weight.  I only buy in bulk items I use and consume on a regular basis, in particular meats and produce.

 

I keep my kitchen simple by eliminating clutter and making sure items are rotated in and out on a regular basis.  By keeping things uncluttered it makes it much easier to navigate and see what is inside my cupboards and drawers as well the refrigerator/freezer and the pantry.  It is also much easier to keep my kitchen clean and tidy too which makes cooking and baking so much easier and more enjoyable.  Saving money is important as well.  I love my simple thrifty kitchen.

  

Low Carb Almond Butter Cookies

 

If you are in need of a nice, easy to make and tasty low carb, gluten free sweet treat look no further than this recipe.  I often make these at Christmastime as well as to give as gifts to my friends and loved ones with dietary restrictions.

 

Low Carb Almond Butter Cookies

 

1 cup almond butter

3 Tbs. melted butter

1/2 cup sweetener of choice – monk fruit, allulose or stevia or a blend

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. almond extract

 

In a large mixing bowl use a mixer to combine almond butter, sweetener and baking soda.  Add egg, vanilla and almond extra.  Continue mixing until it dough comes together.  Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.  Flatten each ball with a fork to form a crosshatch pattern.  Bake at 350° for 10 minutes until lightly brown.  Let rest at least 5 minutes before removing to a rack to cool.  Makes 18 to 20 cookies.

 

Variation – melt 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips.  With the tip of a knife light frost the top of each cookie.  Add a sliced almond on top of the melted chocolate, if desired.

Peanut butter variation – substitute one cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky, for the almond butter and omit the almond extract and the butter.  Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips added to the batter, if desired.

 

I like the flavor of these almond cookies, especially with the melted chocolate.  The almond extract makes it.  The peanut butter variation is really good also.  These are so easy to make and very yummy.  I hope you will give them a try.

 

 

My Tireless Retirement - Week 205

 

Good morning my friends!  Another week in retirement is in the books and I’m happy to report it was a pretty darn good one.  I have the best circle of friends and loved ones and for that I am truly, truly grateful.  To lend a bit more context as to why I am hesitant to leave my part-time job I have “work kids” now that I absolutely love and it would be difficult to leave them behind.  It was totally unexpected that I would have this opportunity to mentor and advise, offer moral support or simply just listen to my younger co-workers and it has been such a blessing.  One of them even calls me “Mama”.  While I am filling a need for them they are also filling one for me.

 

I worked Friday (the one day of the week the toxic one does not) and took a group of seniors out to lunch at a local restaurant in the next town over, which was fun.  After returning I had the rest of the day off along with the weekend.  Admittedly, I had zero motivation to do much of anything over the weekend so for the most part I didn’t.  Laundry and dishes got done as well as the vacuuming.  I called that a win!

The weeds are abundant this year!

Due to the warmer weather this winter the weeds have been growing like crazy.  I was able to get outside and pull up a bucket full and feed them to the chickens.  They were super excited for some freshly harvested greens.  I don’t complain about the weeds when it means FREE chicken food.  The rain over the weekend makes them easy to pull too.

 

I was back at work all day Monday, a half day Tuesday afternoon.  Monday I arrived at work planning to update HR and serve my resignation, it had become that bad, however my manager intercepted me on the way to the scanner and we had a tearful discussion in the printer room.  I agreed to hold off and before I knew it I was being approached by the toxic one and a change in her attitude complete with apologies and ownership of her behavior.  We are now taking it one day at a time with the agreement that I am to call her out whenever she starts her toxic behavior up again, which I expect she will.  We are two for two as far as good days, but I remain cautiously optimistic.  It’s a start.  We shall see. 

I got some seeds started

I was off Wednesday and Thursday.  Wednesday I did a little meal prep, some home administrative tasks like shredding paper and paying bills, as well as some writing as I stayed inside and hunkered down while the rain poured.  Time spent in my kitchen always makes me happy, especially when I make something fabulous, which I did.  Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and streamed broccoli.  I will be sure to share the recipe soon.

So good!

Stella is sitting a little too close to the TV

 

On Thursday it was cloudy and chilly so I puttered around the house tidying up this and that, emptying trash and the recycling collection bin I keep in the garage, watched some TV and relaxed with my kitties.  I did some financial planning and got busy planning my next get together with friends.  I’d say it was a pretty darn good week!

 

Add A Little More Luxury To Your Life

 

I add simple and inexpensive little luxuries to my life to enjoy on a daily basis.  Many of these things may seem like no brainers to many, but for me it has been a long time in the making.  After a lifetime of scrimping, saving and making every penny stretch so I could raise my children and give them a good life, keep a roof over our heads all while making sure I had savings in the bank for emergencies and a retirement to look forward to I am at the point in life where I can indulge myself a bit.  What a true blessing that is for me.

 

Good Quality Coffee 

One of my greatest pleasures is the one thing I look forward to most every single day and that is my coffee.  Despite the rise in coffee prices I am able to make sure that I have plenty of good coffee choices for me to enjoy.  Most of my coffee these days is gifted to me, but if I find something I want to buy I am fortunate to be able to afford that extra luxury in my life.

 

Good Meat & Produce 

Recently I decided, after much thought and research, to subscribe to Butcher Box and enjoy good quality grass fed beef, wild caught seafood and higher quality cuts of meat.  I also eat more meat than I have in the past as it is important as we age to make sure we boost our protein intake.  I am also spending more for better quality produce, either fresh or frozen, and using vacuum seal bags to store and better keep my frozen meats and produce.

 

A Simple Wardrobe 

One of the best decisions I have made since retiring was to completely go through my wardrobe and really simplify it.  I got rid of everything I did not like, was worn out and anything that was uncomfortable or did not fit.  Now it is super easy to get dressed each day and because I keep far less clothing on hand even the laundry process is easier too.  Each year I plan for and purchase one new outfit and replace any worn out under garments or socks.  I also go through and declutter anything I no longer like or wear as well as anything that has faded and worn out.

 

Matching Hangers 

Several years ago I pulled out all of my hangers, collected together all of the hangers that matched and got rid of the rest.  I was amazed at how much that changed the look and feel of my closet.  It was surprisingly calming.  Once I retired and culled my wardrobe I kept only enough hangers to hold my current wardrobe and let go of the rest so I am no longer allowing “clutter creep” to occur in my closet.

 

Nice Bedding 

Good quality Egyptian cotton sheets are my go-to when it comes to comfortable sheets in the warmer months and good quality flannel sheets in the wintertime.  I also have really nice and comfortable pillows that are washable as well as a thick washable mattress pad.  Nothing provides me with a better night of sleep then the cozy and comfortable feel of good quality bedding.

 

A Little Analog In My Life 

Unplugging and disengaging from digital life is key to improving my daily quality of life.  Unlike most people I, in no way, need to know what is going on all day, every day.  I just don’t.  I do not take my phone with me when I go to bed or to the bathroom (eww), in fact I treat it like a landline and keep it in a specific place in my home.  I read actual books, listen to CDs and watch DVDs.  I go outside and breathe fresh air, I enjoy my pets, I sit in silence and spend time alone.  My favorite places to be are wherever there is no cell service so I try to go camping and take daytrips as much as I can.

 

Simple little luxuries don’t need to be expensive or even take up much time.  But having them enhances my life and makes me feel good.  I am very fortunate to be able to have what I do and I feel very blessed.  What are some of your luxuries?

 

 

Please Protect Your Mental Health

 

Nothing is more important to our overall safety and wellbeing than to protect our mental health and sometimes we need some help to maintain that.  There is absolutely no shame in that whatsoever.  I want to make that abundantly clear.  It doesn’t make us weak to reach out and ask for professional help, in fact, quite the opposite is true.  By seeking help you are acknowledging how strong you are by recognizing when you are in over your head.  We wouldn’t perform our own surgeries or a tooth extraction.  No, we would go to the doctor or dentist for that type of care, right?  So no one should ever feel that it is up to them to take care of their mental health on their own either.

 

I have shared with you lately that we have been dealing with a toxic co-worker and the damage that has been done by this person is immense.  I personally have never dealt with someone this extreme and while I was able to stave off a lot of the abuse she was dishing out, unfortunately I had to witness a lot of the damage done to my co-workers, especially the aftermath of emotions, confusion and utter disbelief.  That takes its own kind of toll on a person, especially if you happen to have even an ounce of empathy for your fellow humans.

 

Because I have been in therapy the entire time I’ve held this job I had the benefit of dealing with this stuff from the get go and I had the tools to deal with most of this crap.  However, things began to escalate back in August as this person became much more aggressive and manipulative making her far more abusive, not to just one at a time as in the past, but to all of us at once.  She was out of control.  Thankfully, my therapist was able to advise me on what to do and helped me get the ball rolling as far as putting an end to the abuse.

 

And!  Because I keep a daily journal, and have been for four years now, I was able to go back through past journals and pull out dates, names and details to write up a fourteen page document to back up what I was reporting when I ended up meeting with our HR department.  My own human resources background came in clutch as well as did my BFF’s professional credentials along with my therapist.  It was definitely a combined effort.  Needless to say, when I showed up at HR I had the goods.

 

Journaling didn’t just help me to document the bullshit, but it was super beneficial in that I was able to write it all down and get it out of my head so I didn’t’ ruminate on it the entire time.  Between my journaling and therapy sessions I was able to keep my own emotions in check and see things with clarity and that allowed me to be the voice of reason and credibility while also being able to be supportive of my fellow abused co-workers.

 

I recognize that this toxic co-worker has issues and that she needs to own that.  I do not take any responsibility for her abusive behavior.  She is on her own.  I also have the tools to deal with this situation and do or say the things I need to in order to protect myself.  With coaching from my therapist I was completely prepared when the toxic one attempted to pick a fight with me (ironically the same day as my appointment with HR) and things came to a head.  I was able to use these tools which netted the expected results.  It worked!  I was then able to go to my meeting and present myself in a professional and pragmatic manner.  My credibility was not even questioned, especially when I presented my detailed and well composed documentation to further support my claims.

 

Regardless of whether you are dealing with abuse, grief, insecurity and worry or whatever, it doesn’t matter.  If you were in pain you would go to the doctor for help.  It you are in emotional pain seek help for that as well.  I have far more clarity and understanding of so much I have experienced in my life and the tools to go forward to enjoy a far better quality of life in the future.  It is well worth it!

 

2026 Grocery Shopping Goals

  

While this year I am trying out not having a set grocery budget I do want to be mindful about my spending.  I’m not going hog wild or anything and I don’t want to get myself into a situation where I end up with a lot of food waste.  This year I am focusing on better quality whole foods as well as trying out a Butcher Box subscription.

 

I really like Butcher Box and their meats are fabulous, however I may at some point have to put my subscription on pause for a bit as I’m nearly out of freezer space and I am not eating as much as they are sending me before my next box arrives.  I know, first world problems.  If you have room in your budget and want to give it a try I think you would really enjoy it.  They get an A+ rating from me.

 

My pantry list has allowed me to make sure I have at least one of each items, more likely two or more, on my shelf and in my fridge and freezers so I am blessed to be very well stocked up.  After my most recent inventory I was able to sit down with my list of my basic 20 items I tend to purchase on a regular basis and highlight all of the item categories (in pink, because why not?) I will not need to buy this year.  How about that?

 

This year I don’t need to purchase anything for myself in category 10 or 12 through 20 because I am very well stocked up.  Knowing this I am able to simply focus on the remaining categories, in particular, 1 through 7.  The remaining categories, 8,9 and 11, I am well stocked up too, but I imagine I will need to purchase replacements for these items as the year goes along (pull and replace).

 

Having solid goals and a strategy for my 2026 grocery shopping this year helps me to stay on track, save time and save a lot of money while in the process curbing potential waste.  More importantly it allows me to create delicious and healthy meals I enjoy eating.