Forum: This is just the latest post in my series for the newbies.

If you are new to Y2K you may be feeling quite overwhelmed by it all. So much uncertainty, so many things to consider and try to understand. Patience! You will get there. Take that first step and keep moving. Dont stop. The message is slow and steady preparation is better than inaction.

I remember reading the old story about the turtle and the rabbit to my children. It was about a race during which the rabbit quickly ran ahead and decided to take a little nap, since it was so far ahead. Well, the turtle won the race since the rabbit didnt wake up it time. It kept moving forward, slowly. The moral is slow and steady can work. It can also work for your Y2K preparation. Nobody knows exactly how much longer we have to prepare, so going slow and steady without stopping is better than not starting.

When it comes to Y2K, so many folks are sound asleep. They are not preparing, or are procrastinating (taking their nap). Dont be one of them. Do as much as you can to get ready for the uncertainties we are all faced with. Preparing slowly, with thought, is better than just rushing ahead in a fit of irrational exigency. If you can prepare quickly and prudently, based on your own expectations and means, then do so. This is not an option for some though  those who need to watch how each of their preparation dollars are spent, for example.

Uncertainty can cause some people to hesitate or do nothing. Others may have an overwhelming feeling that they must act NOW, without even thinking first. Certainly, the clock is ticking and the quicker we get prepared the better. This does not rule out however taking into consideration the turtle and the rabbit. Pause to think about how you are preparing, and keep at it  dont be caught napping. If you are going slow and steady, or racing ahead, do so thoughtfully and keep going. You will get there. Winners never quit. Quitters never win. People who are taking a Y2K nap will pay a price only time will tell.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 19, 1999

Answers

Rob,

If I may add to your post...for the newbies...don't get overwhelmed. Just start the next time you go to the store. Just buy extra toilet paper and tuna fish for now. As you begin to accept the fact that there is a possibility you will need certain items, your brain will wrap itself around that reality and you'll move in the right direction. It's my mantra to the unbelievers...just buy extra tuna and toilet paper..what can it hurt!

pamela ;)

-- pamela (pamela4@hotmail.com), May 19, 1999.

Rob,

Late rabbit here. Caught on in December. Bought generator, lotsa canned food, buncha barrels for H2O & gas and renewed my (not used in 20 years) camping stuff. Then realized that Riverside, CA. wasn't gonna a good place to be. Am finishing better thought out preps as a long legged turtle.

-- Carlos (riffraff1@cybertime.net), May 19, 1999.

Carlos - one thing to remember is that most of us can't carry as much as we could twenty years ago never mind the distance... :-)

Arlin

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), May 20, 1999.

pamela: Thanks for adding your two cents for the newbies. I remember how overwhelmed I felt after I "got it". People new to Y2K come here everyday and so anything that can help them get over being so overwhelmed and get started preparing thoughtfully belongs on this thread, and ones like it. At least they will know that they aren't alone in these feelings and reactions. That in itself may help some who visit here.

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 20, 1999.

Arlin, speak for yourself! I would find the canoe trip I did ten years ago a killer (probably literally!). This is something that is slowly being addressed, within the context of a sedimentary job and an odd schedule and specific eating requirements.

Chuck, of whom there is so much more than there used to be ;-}

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), May 20, 1999.

Rob:

With all due respect to your obvious good intentions, newcomers may be a bit green but I suspect few of them are 3-year-olds and may very well resent being talked to as if they where. Just a friendly suggestion.

-- Yan (no@no.no), May 20, 1999.

This is Yard Sale time! Think both in terms of what you can clear out of your basement or attic (if you are short of storage space), and what might be available cheapo at the neighborhood sales. Estate sales might also be the place to pick up non-electric equipment at a great price! Also, look for used bookcases or shelving for organizing your supplies.

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), May 20, 1999.

Identify and Get to Worthwhile Yard (Moving) Sales and Estate States

I used to buy everything new... until last weekend. One neighbor was having a yard sale (this newly retired NRC man is heading out and leaving us behind) and this is what I got from him: an unusual and super-efficient fireplace insert that cost him $US 800 (free), shovel ($US 5.00), wood splitter ($US 5.00), 5 gallon metal gas can ($US 5.00), a 20' metal ladder ($US 10.00), a cord and a half of cured fire wood ($US 20.00). Total spent: $US 55.00 and total savings: approx. $US 1,100. I GOT OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF PREPS FOR FIFTY FIVE BUCKS after about two hours (total) of friendly conversation with him.

It's not going to happen every weekend, but keep your eye out for the yard sales where people are moving after 10 to 20 some years or the estate sales (more expensive usually as someone is trying to get as much money as possible). Spend half an hour on an early Saturday morning reading the listings in your local newspaper, identify the right kind of yard and estate sales (if you can), and take your friendly smile over to those worth your time and hard-earned cash. Likewise, know someone who wants to clean out their barn or storage space? Lend a helping hand. Also, contact storage places for auctions on unpaid storage spaces. Everything will be sold dirt cheap as a lot.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (info@giglobal.com), May 20, 1999.

Carlos, Arlin, Chuck: LOL.

Yan: I have a thick hide and after reading my post can see your point of view. Friendly suggestion accepted. :)

Brooks, Stan: Thanks to both of you for throwing your two cents in for the newbies and bringing up the subject of yard sales. It is good advice which not everyone may be taking advantage of. We are always picking used stuff up that is in good condition for hardly anything, especially in Spring. Great suggestion!

-- Rob Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), May 20, 1999.