- 10 Things to do in March 2022
March for us is a month of new beginnings. We look forward to it each year. But the current state of affairs seems to have the entire world on the brink of conflict. Google ‘WWIII’ and the results link to current stories of today.
Because of that, 3 of the “10 Things to do in March” are opportunities to do things we’ve talked about/listed in the past. Call it “hoping for the best, but preparing for less than the best.” We’ve learned that one can never be too prepared. For anything.
Here’s to March, and stay safe!
(Photo Credit: Max Kukurudziak)
Educate Yourself on Current World Events
We encourage everyone to read/watch the news from more than one source. Why? Because getting “news” has drastically changed. When we were growing up, and even when our kids were young, the news media more often than not reported the facts. That’s not necessarily true anymore. Media outlets sometimes blur the lines between fact and opinion.
We encourage you to follow/read/listen to Sharon McMahon from “Sharon Says So.” She shares facts. We have no idea what her political leanings might be, but she shares cold hard facts. She’s a former high school government and law teacher, and on a mission to combat political misinformation.
We follow her on Instagram and enjoy listening to her podcast. Her loyal followers are known as ‘Governerds’!
Conduct a Family Emergency Drill
We first discussed this in February of last year. Practice what to do in case of a fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, home invasion or whatever. Plan escape routes, safe places, and where to meet if going outside the house for an evacuation.
(Photo Credit: Ray Shrewsberry)
Stock Up On Essentials
We talked about this in December of last year. Now with war raging in Europe, it’s all the more important.
Don’t panic or spend money unnecessarily. Buy items that will keep awhile on the pantry shelf. And most importantly food that your family enjoys. Some items we have are #10 size cans of rice, a variety of beans, dehydrated carrots, etc., all with a 30 year shelf life. Not necessarily traditional holiday feast items, but in a dire situation we could survive quite a while on these staples.
Having emergency food storage can create a tremendous sense of peace of mind. And don’t forget water!
Make Emergency Kits *Affiliate link included
This is a repeat from last month, with more than a little nudging. No beating around the bush here. If you had to evacuate your family from home, are you prepared with Emergency Kits/Go Bags?
There are many reasons why you might need a ‘Go Bag.’ From natural disasters, to wild fires, an unforeseen disaster like a tree coming through your roof. And, well, even a war.
A family Emergency Kit or individual emergency kits will give you some peace of mind in a frightening situation. We, David and I, each have individual emergency kits in backpacks. We also have Emergency Car Kits in each of our vehicles. Be prepared for the expected and unexpected.
(Photo Credit: Sippakorn Yamkasikorn)
KEEP Your Gas Tank as Full as Possible
It might not be convenient or easy, especially in Southern California where fuel is over $5.00 a gallon in some places. But it could also be vital. When living in Florida for a few years we always made sure our gas tanks were full, especially during hurricane season. We never knew when we might have to evacuate. And that wasn’t the time to try to find an open gas station. And not easy afterwards when pumps were leveled and power outages were widespread for a time.
So when your gas tank is getting to the half way mark, fill it up!
I personally like to go to Sam’s Club or Costco early, like at 6AMish, when there are usually NO lines, and where I can get the best price in our area of Southern California.
(Photo Credit Josh Appel)
Donate Money to a Reputable Organization
Choose your organization carefully. Make sure they are non-profit and that your donation will go where you want it to go. A simple donation of even a dollar or five can make a difference.
We make regular donations through the Humanitarian Aid Fund with our Church. We trust our donations are going wherever in the world they’re needed.
(Photo Credit: Stark Tron)
Plant a Flower Garden
Our front yard has taken a beating over the last few years. We lost our thick green lawn to the drought some time ago and our efforts to revive it with seed and sod have not been successful. This year we’ve decided to make a flower garden out of the areas that refuse to grow grass. Wish us luck!
So… find your favorite flower seeds/plants and plant a flower garden.
(Photo Credit: Roam in Color)
Minimize Your Kitchen
Do you have dishes, glasses, pots, pans or anything in your kitchen you haven’t used for years? Give them a new home with someone that will put them to good use.
Minimizing and simplifying feels good!
(Photo Credit: Sosey Interiors)
Clean your Oven, Microwave, and Garbage Disposal
You can do it in one day! This is how I do it completely chemical-free!!
Garbage Disposal:
- 2 Lemons
- 2-3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- White Vinegar
- 1-2 ice cube trays
- Slice lemon into small pieces.
- Place each piece into each ice cube mold.
- Add pieces of rosemary.
- Fill ice cube molds with white vinegar and freeze.
- Store cubes in zip loc bags.
- To use place a few cubes in garbage disposal with cold running water and turn on disposal.
- Voila!
Microwave:
- 1 lemon cut in half
- 1 or 2 cup measuring cup or deep bowl
- Tap Water
- Give each half of you lemon a good squeeze into your measuring cup/bowl then drop the lemon in too.
- Place in microwave and heat on high for 3-5 minutes. Leave in unopened microwave for for another 5 minutes before removing.
- Carefully remove the hot cup/bowl then wipe down the inside of your microwave oven with a damp cloth.
- Pour the lemon mixture down your garbage disposal for a quick freshen up.
Oven:
This is an easy one for me as my oven has a self-clean setting. But still, I’m always always on top of wiping down the oven after each use. It’s quick and easy and saves a lot of time in the long run.
Check out Cha Ching Queen for How to Clean Oven with Vinegar, Baking Soda and Salt!
(Photo Credit: Niklas Weiss)
Give Yourself Grace
A lot of the world is quite simply in turmoil right now. Vladimir Putin’s forces have attacked Ukraine. Tomorrow is uncertain as world leaders the across the globe weigh options on what to do next. This can all be overwhelming. There is worry about what will happen next and what we can personally do to help.
Give Yourself Grace. Do something that makes you happy, be it going for a walk to clear your head, or calling a friend or family member for a pep talk.
Many of us have families and young children to care for. But set aside time to care of yourself also. Give yourself grace.
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And there you go! 10 Things to do in March 2022, including a printable for your fridge or bulletin board!
Be sure to check out all our “Things To Do” lists!
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