My day starts at 6 a.m., (I know, same with a lot of you.) I get up, wash my face, brush my teeth, jump into some work clothes; consisting of a pair of thrift-store jeans and a Prepper Camp t-shirt from past events and high rubber boots (you’ll understand the boots a little later.)) and, oh yeah, “paint the barn” a little (i.e., put on some make-up) - and no the animals don’t care, but the ol’ goat appreciates it! I then trudge to the kitchen and make the dogs their food, and then move on to scrambling some eggs for the ducks and chickens. Then, after breakfast, the ol’ goat and me, along with some of the baby goats and the dogs take a run – it’s just nice know the old ticker and lungs are working going. After the run if over its time for the fun stuff, or as I call it “All things Poop”.
First, I start out in the duck barn. For those not familiar with ducks, they are walking poop projectiles. Anything and everything is fair game as a target. So, you can only imagine the morning stench from a night of who can shoot the farthest or, what has to be their favorite game “Hey Look Where My Shot Landed”, all played under the cover of darkness. As the ducks rush past me heading to the pond for a day of leisurely swimming, sunning and scavenging the garden (we keep all of our animals locked us at night), I proceed to wade through the poopy straw to gathering the duck eggs out of the nesting boxes. (Spoiler Alert: this is where the high rubber boots come in.) Next comes the scrapping-off of the tops to the nesting box lids where just a few hours earlier had apparently been home base to some of the night’s activities, followed by the raking out of the heavy yucky wet poopy-straw and laying down a clean bed of straw in anticipation for the night’s events.
Moving on, I tackle the bunny barn (cute how everyone has a barn, huh?). Now thankfully, the bunnies are a little less messy. Sure, there are little poop pelts scattered about, but trust me, it’s nothing like the “frat-boy” ducks mess (no disrespect intended to college frat guys – I’m just sayin’.) I rack-up the straw, change the watering can to fresh water, and give the bunnies a fresh bed of straw.
After finishing the two barns, I am left with a mound of stinky, wet poopy straw loaded into a wagon, which I then drag down to the garden berms (for those familiar with my hubby Rick Austin, I am referring to his “Secret Garden of Survival”) and disperse the mineral rich poop amongst the fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs. Oh yeah, and this is where the fun part comes in (not!) Wet straw is heavy and not easily manipulated. Meaning, as I am trying to pitch-fork the stuff out of the wagon and on to the berms, most of it ends up on my pants, boots and gloves. Nice.
Next, it’s the goat barns and the chicken coop. Once all the animals are out in their respective paddocks, munching, scratching, digging and whatever else they do out there, I then move on to the greenhouse to do a little plant pruning, transplanting, and watering before I head back into the house.
Inside, I hand-wash the breakfast dishes and pans, and attempt to find my furniture with a dust cloth (we don’t have central air-conditioning, which means the windows are open during the day, allowing for all nature’s splendor to enter and land on any surface of its choosing.) It’s an ugly task, but someone has to do it, said by the person who is just a tad OCD about the inside of her home.
That is my morning. The afternoon consists of all the number of projects that must be done for the upkeep of the homestead, eating our lunch/dinner combined, and then the evening chores before heading to bed at 10 p.m.
“That’s doesn’t sound so bad.” you say. “Why does this stop you from being on social media?” And my answer? It became a huge distraction from our original intent of creating a homestead. Don’t get me wrong, social media is fun, really fun. But, it is also a time sponge. It’s amazing how time can slip away just by you “checking in” on your social media accounts. So, I first got my priorities straightened out. I have a routine now, which allows me to better plan my days. Just as preparedness is about planning, so is your daily living. Making a plan of your day’s events and prioritizing allows for time for other things. Like say, writing a blog … and yes … maybe even a little homestead vlogging. I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience that poopy straw up close and personal?! Right?! Just sayin'!
- Survivor Jane
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I attended a pistol shooting training session - six hours’ worth in fact, at an IDPA sanctioned range a while back. At the time, I didn't have the faintest idea what IDPA stood for and, to me all gun ranges kinda looked pretty much the same. When I got to this range however, what I saw was a pretty cool setup. Sure, I had seen the set-up on the range’s website and thought it would be a lot more fun than just standing in one spot, adjusting my position for a few minutes and then shooting at the same target over and over – until my ammo ran out, or someone else was antsy to have a turn.
Not knowing what IDPA was initially, I just thought that the range had taken some creative liberties with their range target placements to make shooting more fun. Yes and no. It was fun, but more importantly, the range targets were placed in such a way that they emphasized the importance of moving and shooting under pressure. And, it was stressful. Scenarios were set up where your life would depend on the proficiency of your shooting.
When I said that I would never target shoot again what I meant was that with most traditional shooting ranges you stand in a certain spot, you raise your arms out stretched; holding your weapon firmly, you close one eye and look down the sights. You then aim, and aim some more, shift your feet and body, and then aim some more. When you think you have your sights lined up to where you want the bullet to land on the target (usually some sort of concentric circle that puts the focus on the bulls-eye), you pull the trigger, feel the recoil, and hope you hit at least something on the down range target. All of this is all well and good if that is what your focus is - target practicing - without movement, stress and pressure (well maybe a little stress.) But, this is not defensive shooting. For me the only reason I have a firearm is for the defense of my home, property, family, and me. Think about it. In a high pressure, life-threatening situation (usually at close quarters mind you), your target is not going to stand there for you while you get your feet planted, get your sights aligned, and then with body shaking try to fire your weapon. All of these steps take way too much valuable time.
Most of us figure that because we have our CCW permit, and carry our weapon on our person that we are ready to respond to a threat. What this training showed me is that kind of thinking is way off. Sure, it is stressful firing a handgun, heck any weapon for that matter, but when we do, it is usually in a safe non-threatening environment – and our targets, and us are stationary.
What I learned and now practice from my training is quarter second step draws. One quarter second to un-holster your weapon, one quarter second to chamber your weapon, one quarter second to raise your weapon, and one quarter second to fire your weapon. A total of one second. One. Oh yeah and while keeping both eyes open. Sounds easy enough, right? Now add in that stress I was talking about earlier. The way I practice this drill is by dry firing my weapon. I unload and clear my gun and then randomly aim at set points around the house. (Caveat: always treat your weapon as though it were loaded. Keep it down in resting position when not aiming with your finger off the trigger; never point your weapon at something you could destroy or someone. Oh, and check with your owner’s manual to see if dry firing is acceptable to do with your weapon beforehand.) Dry firing helps you hardwire your mind’s muscle memory to moving, aiming, pulling the trigger and shooting.
I also learned to clear a whole house (not just a room) and shoot bad people targets while doing it (trying to avoiding the civilian targets.) Notice I said targets? No one was actually shooting back at me and there was still pressure! I also learned how to shoot from inside a vehicle, get out of the vehicle while still shooting, and cover myself while reloading and shooting more bad people targets around the vehicle. Talk about an adrenalin rush! And this was all while live firing. (I also practice my room clearing at home using dry firing.)
So what is IDPA? Well, it stands for International Defensive Pistol Association. Their website (idpa.com) states that IDPA is a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. Some of the things you will learn is:
Scenario / Stage Strategy
Drawing from Concealment
Shooting on the Move
Use of Cover in IDPA
Engaging Reactive Targets
Emergency Reloads
Tactical Reloads
I would highly suggest you look into your local or regional IDPA and see the schedule for their matches. I know the word “match” may sound a little intimidating and out of your league, but you would be wrong. IDPA’s focus is toward the new or average shooter, with the main goal of testing skills and ability – not equipment or competitiveness. Everyone is there to learn and have fun while shooting. There are safety officials around at all times, and with you while firing, so it is all good. - Survivor Jane
If you liked this ... then you will love my book, "Emergency/Survival Hygiene: A Prepper "Cookbook" for Survival Personal Hygiene Products", "What Could Possibly Go Wrong??? How to Go From Completely Clueless to Totally Prepared" and my NEW Book "Puzzling Over Preparedness - Survivor Jane's Prepper Word Search Puzzles"
If you have any questions, or would like to see a specific article addressing survival preparedness for women on Survivor Jane website click here > editorial@survivorjane.com)
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Okay, so it’s a given – the other gem - to some of us is … well, is a four letter word (with one letter knocked off that is). Even though we know our bodies need exercise to be strong and healthy we shutter at the thought of going to the gym. (Yes you do.)
Of course that wasn't always the case. We've all had that time in our lives when we did the ‘cute little gym number’ and new make-up thing - thinking to our self, "hey if I look good that’s half the battle, right?"
You make your entrance in to the gym and head straight for the stationary bikes - pausing just a moment to catch a glimpse of yourself in the glimmering silver metal of the workout machines - making sure hair and make-up are intact (and possibly catching the eye or two of someone as you walk by as an added bonus).
As you hop up on the bike …er rather glided on it as if you were entering a limousine – you make sure to keep both legs poised until fully seated. Then once feet are firmly planted, you peddle away for maybe 60 seconds (but feels more like an hour). As you dab your forehead with your designer towel you exclaim for all within earshot, “Whew …that was a work-out”.
Swinging your legs off the bike, you grab your phone and proceed to go down the list until you find someone available for lunch and conversation, making sure, of course, to mention you will be coming straight from the gym so please excuse your work-out attire.
Ah, for the day huh?
Just a little hint. Those days are still here. We all need exercise to stay healthy and 
happy. There are a few of us however who have a mindset that because we can’t get out of work early enough or can’t get away from the house that we can’t exercise.
Well good news girlies! I have a few exercises to cure that mindset; okay let’s change it to ‘routines’ that you can do to get you on your way.
I dug around to see what others are doing and came up with some well mindless routines that have great results.
Wanna a million dollar butt for … well free? While watching television or a movie, reading a book, or even driving, flex your abs and butt muscles. Time the flexes for the length of a commercial, a couple of pages read or street signs passed. Make a game out of it. And before you know it, wha la - bubble butt here you come! And, as an added bonus your abs will be as flat as a pancake too (well depending on who makes them that is).
For those awesome biceps (the Popeye muscle) lift something 3 to 5 lbs with one hand by pulling the item towards your shoulder then back down, then switching to the other arm and repeat the move. When you get good at that, you may want to try and work on what I call the ‘hanging participial’ - that part of your grandmother’s arm that hangs down and wiggles when she lifts her arm up (and looks like it needs a sling to hold it up)? You know what I’m taking about. Well take your 3 to 5 lb item and instead of bringing it up, swing it back behind you (not literally) but hang on to it like you were going to throw a bowling ball, keeping your elbow bent a little, then bring it back down.
Heck anything you pick up these days weighs at least 3 lbls (you’d be surprised). Do these routines 10 times each and work up to 3 sets. Promise you will have some awesome arms for those sleeveless numbers in no time.
Next for legs and an all over cardio work-out. Put on a few Lady Gaga songs (or your fav heart thumping-can’t sit still-one you sing to at the top of your lungs with the windows rolled up when driving-artist) and, while vacuuming, washing the dishes, cooking or whatever, crank that baby up and dance like the inner dancer you know you to be. Or watch some music video and mimic the performer’s moves (they’re harder than just watching them). Caveat – yes you will be totally embarrassed if someone walks in on you – but hey we are talking all for the sake of looking good right?
Now about the not-so-cool stuff - the health benefits talk of doing these routines. Which, there are tons of and too many to lists, but just to name a few, it reduces the risk of; heart disease, developing diabetes, developing high blood pressure, developing colon cancer, or depression and anxiety, it also helps control weight, builds healthy bones and strong muscles and over all really makes you psychology feel better.
Exercise er … I mean doing the routines and health will greatly improve your odds for survival of anything and everything that comes your way. And maybe, just maybe you'll find your self back in the gym (oops I said a bad word).
Remember it all started for free.
And if it’s free it’s for me!
- Survivor Jane
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I was so excited to learn that Survivor Jane was named in the Best Survival Websites - Top 25 Sites to Keep You Safe When Disaster Strikes in 2017 by LiveOutdoorsy.com; a website that lives up to it's name by bringing articles and information on outdoor living, hiking, crossfit, camping, hiking, and athletic gear. I am both humbled and honored to be mentioned with these other great educators.
The editors at Live Outdoorsy, began their quest by asking themselves the question, "When a natural disaster or life crisis comes your way do you feel prepared to protect you and your family? Its a question, that they self-admittedly have wrestled with from time to time; as have most of us, if we're honest with ourselves.
They go on to say, that often there are fears of such things as terrorism, to tornadoes, to deep economic depression or inflation. Again, most of us have had these fears too, right?
But, with all negatives considered, their recommendation as the best way to combat these fears is with proper preparedness and practice for, if and when, that worst case scenario
comes.The main concern Live Outdoorsy had when they embarked on their quest to find the top 25 survival websites on the web today, was whether you are a seasoned survivalist or a novice learner, you would be able to find just the right site for your particular situation in these named websites. Whether for the average Joes, hardworking moms, and grandfathers fearing economic disaster on our coming generation, these websites will provide you with the information you need to prepare successfully.
And I agree, survival and prepper websites are not all the same. In fact, that is why I initially created SurvivorJane.com, because a lot of the sites available at the time I began my preparedness journey were a little to "man-sy" and dark for me, and focused more on guns, ammo and gear, which by the way, there is nothing wrong with any of these, but it was a little confusing to those of us who are just learning and have to spend more time looking things up than actually learning anything. What I try to do on SurvivorJane.com, is to share the information I have learned or my trials-by-fire, in a more conversational tone. To me, its a little more "non-threatening".
As most know, preparedness education is my mission and passion and I am very grateful to and to all the many supporters of SurvivorJane.com for making it one of the sought out preparedness websites for preparedness and survival information.
After all, "We're All In This Together!" - Just sayin'.
- Survivor Jane
If you liked this ... then you will love my book, "Emergency/Survival Hygiene: A Prepper "Cookbook" for Survival Personal Hygiene Products", "What Could Possibly Go Wrong??? How to Go From Completely Clueless to Totally Prepared" and my NEW Book "Puzzling Over Preparedness - Survivor Jane's Prepper Word Search Puzzles"
If you have any questions, or would like to see a specific article addressing survival preparedness for women on Survivor Jane website click here: editorial@survivorjane.com
For Sponsorship/Advertising Contact Information: sponsors@survivorjane.com
If you were to ask people who have survived or experienced a catastrophic disaster they will most likely tell you nothing was the way they would have expected it to be.
Why? Most of us have only seen disasters through a keyhole picture on a television set.
It doesn't matter how big your TV screen is either, it can never match the magnitude of a catastrophic event up close and personal.
Growing up in Florida I have seen my share of catastrophes. 
I remember March 31, 1972 like it was yesterday.
I was washing my hair in the bathroom sink when I heard an unusually loud plane go overhead.
Planes flying over my house were no big deal - in fact - it was an every day and night occurrence – we lived right in the flight path of the McCoy Air Force Base home to Strategic Air Command (SAC) 306 Bombardment Wing and the B52 bombers – the longest lived front-line military aircraft.
Growing up with planes flying overhead you got used to hearing a certain sound and could actually tune them out at night to sleep.
What was odd about this plane was the noise it made.
Overhead was a huge, eight-engine B-52 Bomber with a fuel load of about 44,000 gallons, with one engine on fire and multiple engine failures.
The bomber was attempting to make it back to the runway after take off but fail short on the approach (too high and to the left they said.)
It hovered for a second, then rolled to the side and went directly into the ground and residential houses.
It seemed like every ounce of fuel went up in a second like a bomb, covering a two-block housing area. My home was facing the crash and it looked like the whole neighborhood was on fire.
To me, it resembled the classic nuclear mushroom as hit the ground carving a 150-foot crater in the field where it slammed.
As I ran outside, I remember feeling the intense heat from the fire on my face and the overwhelming smell of burning fuel in my nostrils.
The place looked like a war zone, debris everywhere, but I had survived.
There was no real aircraft left – that is - other than the landing gear in the middle of someone's living room and the tail section (where the only recognizable body of a crew man was found).
There were aircraft pieces of all sizes everywhere. And fires - car fires, several 
house fires, tree fires, fence fires, and fuel fires.
Within hours, as the smoke was still smoldering, little yellow flags began to spring up where human body parts had been found and then marked. They were everywhere. In the trees. On bushes. Everywhere. Not bodies. Body parts - of the crewmen.
Seven B-52 crew members died instantly that day, and one 10 year old boy died three days later. 8 others were severely injured.
As tragic and surreal as this event was as a little girl it has always amazed me why more people weren't hurt or killed that day.
It was Good Friday.
No school that day...
- Survivor Jane
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If you have any questions, or would like to see a specific article addressing survival preparedness for women on SurvivorJane.com click here
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