Sometimes, we may just have a few moments notice before we are forced to leave our home. In this case, here is a list of things you should have ready and grab on your way out of the door. *

· Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures. · Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water

· Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member

· Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or relative’s home)

· If you own a laptop computer and cell phone, this is the time to take them with you. Make sure they are always kept in an easily accessible place in your home so you can just grab and go.

Supplies Needed:
Flashlight and extra batteries (at least one per family member)
NOAA Weather radio
Lanterns
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries (Check that it works and that batteries are the right kind.)
Portable, battery-operated TV/extra batteries. You can find these for $20.00. (Optional)
First Aid Kit
Food (non-perishable) — See Below
Water (one gallon of water per person per day) — 2 week supply
Water — Also full your bathtub for extra water for additional purposes. Water is so important. You can’t have too much!
Bleach — For water purification
Ice
Non-electric can opener. Also, try and purchase most cans that have pop open tops.

Cash — Get cash out in case the ATMs are down. Do this in advance. Often in times of crises the machines run out of money. This has happened in two hurricane preparations in my area. Temporary problem, but stressful.

Essential medicines — Prescription and non-prescription. You should have at least a two-week supply. Keep this in a secure location. Make sure you have noted somewhere exactly what you take, dosage, time of day, etc. Also, note your doctors. We have this in the list.

Baby supplies (diapers, non-perishable milk, baby food, formula, diaper rash medicine, any medication, and cream for bug bites or cuts.).

Pet supplies (Food, liter, etc.). Make sure your pet has a tag on them with their name and address on it in case it gets lost.

Personal items, such as toilet paper, toothbrush, towel, soap, etc.

Bug Spray — Good amount. Extremely important. I recommend at least two bottles. And also Avon’s Skin So Soft.

Generator if possible.

Rain Gear (for each person)

Fill the gas tanks in all cars. Put extra water and food in car. (I leave in my trunk a small box of can goods, and a jug or two of water all the time.) While preparing though, I’ll add a couple more in case I get stuck in traffic. With three kids, I have snacks.

Activities for kids. Age appropriate. You can be locked in your home for a couple of days. Get creative.

Sturdy shoes

Charcoal for grill. Buy extra even if you have a gas grill. In case something happens.
Charcoal Lighter Fluid

Matches.

Gas Grill — Make sure it’s full and working.

Important telephone #s

Denture/Eye Glass Care

Clothing and Bedding - Have your clothing and beddings items protected by placing them in waterproof boxes, plastic bags or other suitable containers. Include at least one change of clothing and footwear per person. Some items to consider are work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, towels, hat, sunglasses.

Food: — If you are without power for a long time you will need some variety, especially with children. Peanut butter and jelly is great, but the kids will get bored fast. Variety is the key. Here we have included some of the basics to have and then some ideas as well. It’s recommended to have a three-day supply. Here in South Florida, they tell us a two-week supply. Know your kids and what they will eat. This isn’t the time to try something new on them, just because it’s in a can. (Believe it or not, I’ve seen a mom do this!).

You normally will be able to grill. Get several bags of charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill. Also, if you have a gas grill, make sure you have plenty of gas. For cooking on the grill, get the Reynolds Hot Bags. This will allow you to grill about anything. Also, Reynolds Wrap Release Non-Stick Aluminum Foil makes cooking sticky things over coals easier. No problem with cleanup.
Foods/Beverages Dry Cereal or Granola Protein or Fruit Bars Peanut Butter/Jelly Nuts Canned Juices Crackers Non-Perishable Pasteurized Milk Bread/Bagels/Dry Toast Canned Fruits Ready to Eat Soups Quick Energy Snacks Tuna Canned Foods–Kid’s Favorites White Chicken In Can Chips/Pretzels/Snacks Packages of Ketchup/Mayo, etc. Noodles for Cooking Velvetta/Cheese Fruits/Vegetables Coffee (Instant) — Gotta have! Trail Mix Water / Juice Boxes for kids

Pet Food — Not to eat naturally.

FOOD IDEAS
You will be able to boil water with a pan. So consider some of the following ideas. Also, many use a can of sterno. Again the thing is to be creative now!

Velveeta Cheese (Stores well) — (Crackers/Tuna Sandwiches/Top of Rice & Vegetables/Mac & Cheese Noodles — Spaghetti/Mac & Cheese Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice (simmer the boil-in-bag 4 minutes) — Different flavors Can Fruits/Pop Open Tops — Can mix with Jell-O if you have plenty of water. Different dessert for kids.

Food safety: Food kept under minimal refrigeration (in an ice chest) is prone to food safety issues, so be very careful how you handle it. At a time like this, food safety rules are very important. Use the disposable food cutting sheets for preparing meats and vegetables. And wear disposable gloves.Rinse once: When using a variety of canned beans for one meal, place them all in a colander and rinse them all at one time instead of one kind at a time. This saves water.Buy cookies, chips, pretzels, crackers with processed cheese in single-serving snack packs so that they don’t succumb to humidity and get soggy once opened. For a sweet treat, stock mini candy bars.To go with those chips, purchase pop-top cans of dip. They come in a variety of flavors including onion, bean, mild cheddar and jalapeno cheddar (Wise and Fritos). Sitting with the family enjoying these as you heat the grill for dinner is a good way to help everyone relax at a trying time.

FIRST AID SUPPLIES Sewing Needle Sun Screen Thermometer Tweezers 2” Sterile Gauze Pads Latex Gloves Moistened Towelettes Safety Pins 4” Sterile Gauze 2” Sterile Roller Bandages First Aid Cream Personal Items Hand Sanitizer Gel Pain Relief such as Tylenol

ESPECIALLY FOR MINORS
There are many things you need to have prepared in advance for your children.

In the unfortunate events of 9/11 and others we have seen many times where the children were left with no parents. Never would we want this to happen. However, if this were to happen, let’s make sure that you have done everything possible to secure their future.

First and foremost we need to know who to call. Let’s get information on your family.
Members of Family:
FATHER:
MOTHER:
GUARDIAN:

CHILD’S NAME (#1) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:

CHILD’S NAME (#2) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:

CHILD’S NAME (#3) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:

CHILD’S NAME (#4) :
AGE:
SEX:
SS#:
ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
CHILD’S DOCTOR:

FAMILY MEMBERS NAMES

Grandparents Names & Phone:

Aunts and Uncles Names & Phone:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN:

Diana EnnenVirtual Word Publishing, Inc. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/

One of the effects of Hurricane Katrina for those of us who were fortunate enough not to live in the affected areas, is an increased interest in disaster preparedness.

The newspapers are full of advice about what to pack under your bed and in weatherproof boxes–everything from water purifiers to matches to copies of prescriptions and extra pairs of glasses. Great advice we should all follow.

But these directives fail to take into account a vital survival tool–our emotional health. What if we make it through the worst, but forever after feel dead inside?

So I say that along with a couple week’s supply of water, clothes and canned goods, we should pack an emotional disaster relief kit. Its primary component is resiliency, the ability to bounce back from and even thrive after trauma or adversity.

Over the last 20 years, a great deal of research in psychology, sociology and related fields has focused on the qualities of resiliency, especially in children. Why is it that some youngsters can survive the most heinous crimes against them yet turn out to be competent, well-adjusted adults, while others disintegrate and never recover?
The answer is resiliency.

According to Al Siebert, Ph.D., author of The Resiliency Advantage, resilient people:–Are optimistic–Tolerate uncertainty–Quickly adapt to new situations–Can laugh at themselves–Know how to express feelings and are willing to do it–Have a healthy self-concept–Learn from experience–Are problem-solvers–Are flexible–Have friends they can count on–Are empathetic–Are non-judgmental–Listen to their intuition–Enjoy life

Many of the attributes that make up resiliency may be inborn, but they exist on a continuum. Some of us are naturally better problem-solvers than others, for instance. But fortunately, we all have the ability to develop our innate abilities.

We can practice improving areas that will help us in traumatic situations by focusing on daily stress. How we react when someone cuts us off on the freeway or we don’t meet a boss’s expectations, are mini indicators of how resilience is functioning in us.

To become more resilient, take Siebert’s list and practice improving in areas where you are weak. Fake it ’til you make it. Next time a friend starts moaning about something that appears insignificant to you, practice empathy. When you make a mistake, ask yourself what you’ve learned. Make a joke or two at your own expense. Be a good friend. Share your inner life with someone you trust.

Doing so may be just as important to your survival as packing that water purifier.
And now for all you literal types…There are some items you might add to your physical emergency preparedness box that may help you move through the immediate grief and loss you will inevitably experience if faced with disaster. If you have additional items that might be helpful, let me know.

1. Books or messages that inspire you. For some people this will be a Bible or other religious book. For others, poetry or song lyrics. Whatever speaks to you in times of grief or fear could be included.

2. A small object that soothes you. Choose something simple, not expensive. It might be a rock you can run your thumb across or a vial of perfume.

3. A list, as long as possible, of intangibles for which you are grateful, i.e. the love and support of specific friends, the ability to feel, see, hear, memories.

4. A photo that shows people you love laughing. This might include friends or family members who have passed on.

5. A small object that represents who you are today. Know that even after disaster strikes, while you will be changed, the core you will remain.

Seeking new subscribersIf you enjoy, appreciate, laugh at and find inspiration in this newsletter, I would love your help. My goal as always, is to inspire as many people as possible to live their best lives. This newsletter is one way I do it.

Please send a note to a friend today and ask him or her to go to www.bloomngrow.net and take a look at the current edition of the newsletter or forward this one and encourage them to sign up. Thanks very much.

They did it! Stacey Kanneberg’s dream job turned into a dud, but she let it go and discovered her real dream job lay closer to home

“I had my dream job selling a line of French skincare products for the only USA distributorship. The high end products sold themselves and had already received press in major magazines like Elle, Vogue, and many celebrities, including Arnold & Maria endorsed the product line. I had been hired to increase sales via the phone.

My boss was a Ph.D. Wellesley graduate. I thought I would learn so much from her. Unfortunately, she was so rude during her appearance on an Oprah show that they asked her to leave and never return! She had us in tears most of the time but I was still able to increase sales.

My first week, I increased sales by 300%, the second by 500%, the third by 800%. One day my boss called me in to her office to say that sales were going through the roof and asked if I could prepare a presentation to other members of our staff the next day.

I made my presentation to a standing ovation, was called into the office an hour later and was fired. My boss was trying to purchase the USA distributorship and with sales going down the tubes, the price had been going down too. Unfortunately my sales showed the executives that something was going on and they wanted to reevaluate her offer.

I went on to find my own dream job.

In 2004, my neighbor and I founded Cedar Valley Publishing. We were inspired my Oprah to write and self-publish, Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten!, a book that is getting national acclaim.

Now, I’m the boss and I will never, ever treat someone like I was treated. You get what you give.”

You can see Stacey’s book and get in touch with her by going to www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

From my ego to you with a stop at a terrific bookStephanie Chandler has written an excellent manual, The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide that features an “Entrepreneur Profile” of yours truly.

If you are considering going into business for yourself or know someone who is, I suggest you take a look at the book and not because I’m in it. It’s filled with ideas and suggestions that will nurture anyone who wants to jump into entrepreneurship. You’ll find the profiles interesting and yes, even inspiring.

Check it out at www.businessinfoguide.com

Leave ‘em laughing: Signs of our timesIn a Paris hotel: Please leave your values at the front desk.In a Bangkok dry cleaner’s: Drop your trousers here for best results.In a Vienna hotel: In case of fire, do your utmost to alarm the hotel porter.An ad by a Hong Kong dentist: Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists.In a Norwegian cocktail lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar

You may freely distribute the articles in this newsletter as long as they are accompanied by the copyright notice and a link to www.bloomngrow.net.

The Christian Work-At-Home Mom’s Internet Radio Show – Podcasting at It’s Best

Nebraska, September, 2005. With a computer in practically every home, iPods definitely hot on the holiday gift giving list this year, and more and more people seeking expert advice via the computer, Internet Radio or podcasting is hot. Online listeners can’t seem to get enough of the great how-to information available and inspirational messages that are out there. One that stands out among the rest for quality programming is Jill Hart’s Christian Work-at-Home Moms Internet Radio show.

Founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, Jill Hart offers a unique combination of spiritually uplifting Christian messages along with sound work-at-home advice. Her biweekly Christian Work-At-Home Mom’s Internet Radio Show was created for all parents who have the desire to work from home. Hart states, “Helping other parents find a way to work from home and be with their families is one of my passions and also one of my husbands who created Christian Work at Home Dads, http://www.cwahd.com/.

So what exactly is a podcast? By definition, it’s a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player.” What are the advantages? Here are just a few:

· The ability to listen while you work or play on your computer. The broadcast can play on the background of your computer while you continue with your normal workload.

· The ability to download to an iPod and listen while you exercise or drive.

· The opportunity to re-listen to parts or hear the entire broadcast again.

Never listened to a Podcast before. No problem. Here’s the latest

September 9, 2005 - CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! — Topic: Hurricane Relief Efforts. Devotion – helping those in need and Verse for the week – Proverbs James 1:26 & 27 & Interview with Diana Ennen of Virtual Word Publishing, Inc., http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/.

Ennen will soon be teaming up with Hart to present the “Success From Home Segment.” Ennen states, “This is a great way to provide valuable inside secrets to starting a business. We will be discussing getting publicity for your business, choosing the right business, and everyday tips for success, plus so much more.”

The 30-minute show airs bi-weekly. It includes an interview, a devotional, a memory verse and other informational topics. Stop by today and listen to podcasts from the past and sign up to subscribe to the podcast. Here’s the best place to get spiritual inspirational and sound work-at-home advice right from your computer.

*******
Media – Jill Hart recently presented at LifeLight. Her articles appear regularly on Dr. Laura’s website and she also writes a monthly column for Wisconsin Christian News. Her website, Christian Work-At-Home Moms gets over one million hits a month. Contact Jill at jill@cwahm.com or 888-241-0990 to schedule an interview.

Many families today rely on two incomes to pay their bills not being able to make ends meet month to month. They face several options to secure that extra income they need, one being obtaining a part-time job and the other a home-based business. It’s a decision with advantages and disadvantages to each. I want to provide some suggestions to help you make the right choice.

When deciding between a standard second job and a home-based business, it is important to consider the expenses incurred in both. For those considering a second job, many do not take into account the numerous extra expenses that go along with childcare, clothing, gas, etc. Crown Financial Ministries offers a worksheet online (http://www.crown.org/Tools/mommake.asp ) to help you determine how much you will actually make once these expenses are deducted from your income. By breaking it down and seeing the guideline, you can see just how much extra you really bring home each week.

A home-based business also incurs expenses, but most of your business related expenses will be at least partially tax deductible. The IRS looks favorably on home-based businesses. The more money that you save with legitimate tax deductions, the more finances you’ll have to increase the size of your business. This in turn creates more revenue for the IRS.

A home-based business can also offer flexibility that a second job cannot. You can work from the comfort of your home – often in your pajamas if you choose. You can work the days you want and the hours you need. Your schedule is up to you! For example, Diana Ennen, author Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA
http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com, states, “I enjoy the flexibility my home-based business provides. You can easily wake up at 5:30 a.m. to work or work until 2:00 a.m. whatever fits your personality. Many people enjoy it because they can start work after they have put the kids the bed and work a couple hours and earn extra money without having to hire a babysitter. Plus, it’s all in the comfort of your own home. No costs on dry-cleaning, travel to work, gas expenses, etc., and you can’t beat the one minute commute to the office!”

Allowing your family to be a part of the business is another benefit that not many jobs can compete with and thus another positive benefit to home-based businesses. Depending on the type of home-based business you choose, there may be small jobs that your children can assist with in the daily operations. These include: Helping prepare your mailings, preparing packages if you have a direct mail company, or even answering the phone - depending on their age. Your spouse can also be a part of your business and may be able to help run the business when you are not able to be at home.

Helping others be successful working from home is another great perk of being a part of a home-based business. Most home-based businesses allow you to build a team of people to work along side you. Finding other people that are interested in owning a business and then helping them succeed is satisfying and can be financially rewarding as well.

There are, of course, negative aspects about working from home. The success of your business depends solely on you. You need to be determined, efficient and organized to be successful. You must take the time to work at the business or you will not see the additional income that you desire. It can be very easy to let your business slide when you are tired or feeling discouraged. However, if you are aware of these temptations, you can create a plan to overcome them when they arise.

The benefits of a home-based business can many times override the work and time you must devote. When compared to the expenses occurred by taking a second job it is a great alternative. Because of the tax breaks when operating a home-based business, it is many times a more profitable option. You may not make a million, but it may allow you the freedom and income that you need to make life a little easier. Even with the disadvantages, many who work-at-home wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope this helps you make the right decision for you and your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jill Hart is the founder and editor of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, and the author of the e-book, The Two Week Devotional Journey for Christian Work at Home Moms. The CWAHM.com website is dedicated to providing moms with free resources to aid them in their work at home search. The site also provides current work at home moms with opportunities to promote their businesses while at the same time providing them spiritual encouragement and articles