The Digital Homesteader (Beta)

Several months ago I came to a couple of important realizations. First, I don’t have a very good memory and need to write everything down. Second, if the power goes off I am in trouble because everything that I need is stored on my laptop and backed up online. This isn’t usually a problem because I happen to have several computers and if one goes down I can usually be back up in an hour or so with my backups.  But there are so many times that the computer isn’t convenient or available. I have this huge 3 ring binder that I usually carry around, but it is a real pain at times because of its size.

The solution was found in my desk, a small pocket notebook – The Moleskine. I had been using one for a while to keep various random notes. I would write down web sites that I want to visit when I was sitting in a bookstore, ideas for business, etc. Then it struck me. This is the perfect thing to organize my homesteading thoughts. I forked out the $9 and got a new one just for this purpose. I got some small sticky tabs and made sections so that I could keep it orgamized.

To me, the most important section is what I call the First 72 and the 72 Hour Countdown.  The government says that preparing for 72 hours is essential, so I have plans on what to do in those first 72 hours (3 days).  But the most important thing for me is the 72 hours preceeding that time. Be it a hurricane, run on the back, impending ice storm, etc., I want to have an idea of those items that we need but don’t have. The list is somewhat prioritized (mut moves around a lot) so that I will know where to go first and what to buy. I have some items that are purposely listed from places that are open 24 hours so that I can make sure that I get to the places that aren’t during the daytime hours.

This isn’t a panic list, it is a list that helps me focus on what I need to do if I know that we might be without power for a few days.  Of course running to the gas stations and filling up is priority #1. Then I have a systematic approach to getting the essentials.  When people are flocking to the stores to buy everything off the shelf, I want to know EXACTLY what I need and where to get it.  Eventually I will want to have all of these items in our storage, but the realities of life dictate that sometimes we use the money to do extravigant things like pay the mortgage.

For a simple investment you will be doing yourself a great favor by buying one of these little notebooks. They are durable and will help you organize your thoughts as you prepare for your homestead.