Every Day Carry Thoughts

I have been carrying the same items on my person for years.  Every once in a while I re-evaluate the items and decide what I want to continue carrying or how.  Recently with my renewed focus on physical activity I have realized a few things. First I need a carry method that is both sturdy but accommodates migrating carry items based on activity.  Second I need to rethink my carry items for certain activities.  For instance my EDC is too bulky to carry when I am running.  This makes me wonder if I should adjust my EDC around my most restrictive activities or have a subset for those activities.  One side of me thinks reducing EDC to minimal viable items would be grat.  However to do this safely would require compensating with additional skills and competences in critical areas.  The other part of me wonders how realistic it is for me to think with everything I have going on daily that I'd ever feel comfortable dropping to minimal items for EDC.  Definitely has caused me to seriously think about what and how I carry items on a daily basis.  It has also made me resolve to learn and practice skills so that as I can replac items with skills I will.

Weekend activities

Did some exercising over the weekend, to keep from back sliding on my commitment to getting healthier.  Also built the girls their own core extended capability personal survival kits. Covered the basics as well as some additional items. Next steps are to get them trained up on operation of each item and feeling comfortable and confident with using them.

Day three exercising

Today walked around a new recreation area near where I live. 4 miles in an hour and 10 minutes. Not bad! Feels good to be getting outside with some fresh air.  Now I have a couple rec areas to walk at which makes it easier since I tend to get bored just walking around the same place.

New workout program

Yesterday I started walking for an hour over lunch with a coworker. We are averaging 3.5 miles per hour. I also started doing some circuit training with my brother after work. We do another 3.5 miles in an hour plus some body weight exercises.  My arms and legs are sore but in a good way.  Two days in and I have already walked more in 24 hour period than I did in the previous month!  I just need to stick with it.

I'm Back!  More content coming soon.

Signed up for Bushclass USA

I just signed up for Bushclass USA on the BushcraftUSA forums.  I am very excited to start the basic course work.  The instruction is from people with real world experience.  The courses were designed by a retired qualified Air Force SERE instructor.  I will be posting videos to YouTube for purposes of certification as well as documenting with photos and journal via this blog. Stay tuned for all the updates.

2011 Prepping Goals - the year in review.

So after a long time away from blogging I am back to give an update on my progress towards my 2011 GOALS.  Here we go.

1. build a Go-BAG for all members of my immediate family - Basics are done, but constantly revising and improving.  I also added one for the primary BOV (my 4X4), and I am currently working on one for the backup BOV (wife's mini-van).
2. purchase at least $30 worth of preps each pay period - This was difficult to get past the wife on many occasions but as winter started to set in and as the outlook for the economy did not improve we have been getting things saved up pretty well.  We started with getting the cupboards full first, and are working on more long term and sustainable food, fuel and water options.
3. get first aid certified (completed)
4. get CPR/AED certified (completed)
5. take at least one training course per month (good so far) - I have completed more courses from FEMA as I had shown you via previous posts, but I discontinued posting the certificates as I did not feel it was necessary.  I also supplemented my training by following some courses from various bush craft sites.  They are not accredited but the classes are great.  I also began individual study of knots and rope skills.
6. exercise at least 3 times per week- I was going strong on this one for most of the time away.  There was a time when I was not able to get in as much time as I wanted to due to illness and work schedules.  However, I have maintained a healthier diet and I do get in cardiovascular exercise at least 3 - 5 times a week.  I am also working on Cross fit like exercises (not as intense) because I have limited space, time and attention span when it comes to fitness.
7. practice a skill at least once per week - I have been practicing knot tying and rope skills (lashing, whipping) along with some remedial wood working.  I also have been working on fire building and leather working off and on.  I know I still need to work on stitching and darning skills.
8. gather resources when available
9. work to pay off debt - I did pay off a 2 loans at the end of the year and with some of the savings I was able to begin paying off other debt faster.  This snowball affect will only compound as I make more payoffs.  I am using the extra money saved each pay period to purchase essentials and pay for classes and training.
10. get my family involved in prepping- my wife has started making more meals at home using long term preps for meals.  She is also doing sewing and quilting and more craft work.  She is involved in all the purchases as well as interested in taking some of the training.  This is a big step for her and I am very proud that she is willing to take it.  My daughter is always with me and I have taught her many of the skills I have learned and I involve her in the preparations as well.  She is all for it.  I think she sees that it makes sense to be prepared.