Hello (zaibatsu.circumlunar.space), 03/02/2020
------------------------------------------------------------
Hello gopherspace.  You're wonderful. Just  because I'm too much  of a
wreck to appreciate you sometimes doesn't mean you're not wonderful!

Life is good. This  last year was the first time  ever that the winter
solstice meant  something to me-  I was really  eager for the  days to
start getting lighter. The winter was getting me down.

Now, spring is almost here, and things are really looking up.

   INTERRUPTION FOR  BRIEF COMPLAINT: Daylight savings  time is almost
   here, as  if to kick me  in the stomach for  enjoying spring. There
   goes the circadian rhythm again.

Of course, this  COVID-19 thing is going around, throwing  a wrench in
all our plans for greatness. I  feel really bad for China. Saving face
is a  huge deal over there,  and this has to  feel like a slug  in the
gut. I  feel bad for  us Americans  too, since we're  mostly concerned
with whether or not we can buy stuff, rather than being prepared...

   INTERRUPTION AGAIN: You  know, messing with the  circadian rhythm is
   horrible for the immune system. If the overlords cared at all about
   the herd, they'd do away with daylight savings time posthaste.

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'd like to mention that this
has been a great opportunity for me to  get some of my act in order. I
always used to have a pretty decent emergency supply, 72hr kits, food,
etc. With the recent move, things got  a little out of sorts. This has
kicked me  into gear, and I'm  glad for that. Of  course, news outlets
are talking about "hoarding food"  now, which I resent. Seriously? You
want to vilify preparedness?? But all their mean words can't stop me!

The old approach focused on bulk grains and other commodities. This is
fine for very-long-term issues, but it doesn't solve short-term issues
(like a  covid-19 quarantine.)  So, this time,  I've been  focusing on
creating a "home  store" of sorts, that even the  kids can understand,
and that the whole family uses as a matter of course, rather than as a
backup plan.

I  started by  purchasing  metal  shelving units.  I  had started  the
process before COVID-19,  but have moved it into full  tilt since. The
units  I got  have 5  shelves each,  and hold  a reasonable  amount of
weight. There are currently 3 units,  which I've placed in the utility
room area  of the  basement (I  haven't built all  the walls  yet, but
there is progress in that area too!)

Step 2 was to fill the shelves  with the things that we use regularly.
Not  *all* the  things,  but the  basics. I  started  with beans,  for
whatever reason (my wife is mainly  vegetarian, so we eat our share of
beans.) I  expanded to veggies  (including canned potatoes,  which are
awesome to  cook with when  you're feeling lazy.)  Next I added  a few
other  things  like  tomato  products, fruit,  and  fats.  We  already
have/use grains in bulk. We also added some #10 cans with freeze-dried
goods, which are nice to have.

With the virus, I filled out all of these supplies. First it was about
a 1 month supply, but that aim is  now 2-3 months. I didn't buy it all
at once,  so no one  can accuse me of  robbing the store  shelves when
everyone else has needs; plus, I'm aiming for an amount that would let
me share with neighbors (I'm not  heartless!) Also, I've added a stock
of toilet paper, soap, Tylenol, etc  etc etc, because those things are
important too.

So, even  with the COVID-19, and  the even more evil  daylight savings
time, I'm feeling  good about spring, and about life.  Mostly. I mean,
nothing is ever perfect.

More updates to come, hopefully. Be well gopherspace!