So I headed off to Wal-Mart with my list in hand. First I found the clearance isle for backpacks to make a new kit. This is really the best time to buy backpacks--all on clearance, left over from the big back-to-school sales. I found a nice one for $10. In previous years they were marked down to $8, but I am guessing the economy has taken its toll. Too bad they didn't have this Chewbaca (sp?) pack-pack I saw online! My DH and kids would have loved that in an emergency!
Next I headed over to the food isles, where I made sure to buy duplicates of everything needed on the list:
Peanut butter crackers
Cheese crackers
Granola bar
Tuna lunch kit
Fruit snacks
Beef jerky
3 Chef Boyardee microwaveable meals
2 Chicken noodle soup
Fruit cup
Applesauce cup
Snickers marathon bar
Protein bar
2 juice boxes
Gatorade
Starburst
Gum
Altoids
Water
They did not have the Altoids at Wal-Mart, so I had to substitute with another brand. But otherwise it was a quick haul, totaling about $44 for the food and new backpack.
Next I was off to home where everything was sorted into the old backpack and the new backpack. And this year I added luggage tags to each backpack with the phrase "odd year" and "even year" on them so I would remember which ones to rotate (yes, I am getting old).
It feels good to get this annual ritual taken care of and off my mind. I feel good knowing I am a little bit more prepared for an emergency and I have heeded the words of the prophets. No guilt feelings during conference!
Scripture of the Day: Exodus 23:15-16
I've been making this same realization as Conference weekend approaches. Love the idea of the luggage tags. I'm going to have to add that this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas!
I also love the Chewbacca backpack. What a bummer not to have him with you in an emergency. Could double as a pillow and a stuffed animal. Good ol' Chewy! I think our family would fight over who gets him. I'm betting I'd win *evil grin*.
Thanks for the reminder! I always say I'm going to do this at conference time and I always tend to forget. I'm digging them out tonight to rotate out the (I'm sure) rock hard granola bars!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. last year in October the fires rolled through our neighborhood. After having to literally use them - I learned that I would encourage more chocolate, and a bar of soap. . . and a map of your town. The soap was like manna from heaven when we finally give a bar at Qualcom stadium.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, I had totally forgotten about this. We made some up at conference time about 2 years ago. I guess it's time to update them :)
ReplyDeleteMarc was hoping you really found this, he is in love with star wars! Maybe I will have to track one down so he can have it but our kids can use it one day!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! I find all my replacement items at Wal-Mart too. It is so inexpensive. I waited about 2 1/2 years between replacing one time and all the food was soooo nasty. I wouldn't have wanted to eat that food even in an emergency.
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