WEEK 21
Entertainment
In the wake of many types of emergencies, you may end up with time on your hands. Without power, you won’t have ready access to television or the Internet to distract you. Sure, you may be spending more time than usual with meal preparation and other chores, as well as possibly cleaning up from the disaster (downed trees and such), but remember, even the pioneers had some down time.
It’s a good idea to think about how you and your family can spend those hours, rather than endure endless circular conversations centered on “I don’t know, what do you want to do?”
Board games are something almost everyone has stashed in a closet or cupboard. But does Clue still have all the pieces? Go through the games and make sure everything needed is there. Replacement pieces are something you can pick up for spare change at rummage sales and thrift stores.
There are a ton of different games you can play with decks of cards, too. You can stock up on several decks for just a couple of bucks. Maybe show the youngsters in the family that it’s indeed possible to play solitaire without a computer. It isn’t the worst idea to pick up a book on card games, to learn at least one or two games that are new to you and the family.
Dice can also be used to play several different games, both by yourself and as a group. By having a few sets on hand, you have the bonus of being able to use them with the board games if you lose the dice from the game. As with the cards, there are books available that explain the rules for many different games.
My wife and I are both voracious readers so, naturally, we have a house full of books. While recreational reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, if you or members of your family enjoy the solitude of digging into a tale of intrigue, romance, or adventure, stock up on reading material. You can also have family reading time, where you each take turns reading sections of a book out loud. You’ll find interesting books at rummage sales, thrift stores, and library sales, often for less than a dollar a book.
Especially for the younger family members, arts and crafts can help the hours fly by. You can find construction paper, scissors, glue, glitter, and other tools of the trade on sale during back to school season. If you bring out a box of these goodies, children’s eyes are sure to light up. Toss in a couple of notebooks and pens for the older children (or adults) to keep journals about their experiences during the crisis. Not only does this help time go by, but it can be valuable psychologically to get thoughts down on paper to help with healing emotional trauma or stress.
If you or family members have musical abilities, an evening or two could be spent playing instruments and singing. You might never reach Partridge Family skill level, but as long as you have fun with it, that’s what matters.
Boredom can actually be rather stressful. We live in such a go, go, go society that sitting still and doing nothing feels somehow wrong. While there’s certainly something to be said for quiet contemplation, even meditation, that’s hard to accomplish when every five minutes you have someone whining “I’m bored!”
WEEK 21 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
Take a look around the house and see what you might already have on hand for boredom killers. Check the board games and ensure that all the pieces are present and accounted for. Consider picking up a few other games, or the supplies for some of the other suggestions listed above.
SAVINGS
Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
1 package of nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix
1 treat, such as a bag of hard candy, some candy bars, or bagged popcorn
1 gallon cooking oil (vegetable oil is preferred, for longer shelf life)
