Yes, that really is me featured in a Newsweek story published online recently. I thought my blog readers might be interested in hearing the back story.
I was contacted by Jessica Bennett, the Newsweek reporter, in August and did a short telephone interview with her. She seemed interested in what I had to say, but when she asked to meet me in person and possibly do a video of me and my family, I was very, very hesitant. First, because our home was undergoing a major renovation at that time. The only place to sit in the entire house was on the bed in our master bedroom, and the floors were stripped down to bare concrete. We were scarcely in the position of entertaining two reporters from a national news magazine. You can read about my trials and tribulations during this massive DIY project here and here.
Another reason I hesitated is because we have always kept our preparedness efforts low key. There are very few people we share this with in real life, so why would we want to tell the world about our food storage and where we live? On the other hand, if we really believe that families need to prepare themselves and their homes for some potentially very bad times, why wouldn’t we want to share what we have done and encourage them to do the same?
Finally, I worried how a young reporter from New York City, of all places, would portray preppers in general and me, specifically. Would I be made to look foolish or ridiculed? Let’s face it. The two of us could probably not be less alike, although after her visit we had one thing in common. We had both shot a gun for the first time using a .22 handgun!
Well, if you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you’ve probably figured out that TheSurvivalMom is pretty damn fearless. I am very much the type to plunge directly into something and say, “Let’s just do it!” So, in late September, Jessica and a videographer, Jenn, flew into Phoenix. They interviewed me once, videotaped me in a (staged) shopping trip, and then came to our home. The last hour we spent together was at a shooting range where Jessica shot a gun for the first time. Both Jessica and Jenn were friendly, warm and non-judgmental, and I think you’ll see from their finished product they present a balanced view that actually encourages people to prep.
Was the report 100% accurate? Well, it states that I like to bake. Actually, I can’t stand to bake and only bake once a year, at Christmas. In fact, much to my family’s dismay, I really don’t even like to cook and only do it under duress. I’m referred to as a soccer mom, but neither of my kids have ever played soccer. I don’t like the term, “prepper,” all that much. I prefer to think of myself as simply someone who is smart, observant and can put two and two together, but I guess there’s not a catchy term for that. Other than those very minor quibbles, yes, it’s an accurate portrayal of me, my family, and our lifestyle.
It was a difficult decision to open our home and our lives to a national audience, but we decided to err on the side of sharing our experiences as a very typical suburban family in the hopes of reaching thousands of similar individuals and families around the country. Would I do it again? Yes, most likely. I believe the message of preparedness is an urgent one.
You see, years ago I was able to spend time in the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc Communist countries. I’ve never forgotten the empty shelves, stores that served no purpose other than to provide a roof for people trying to sell a bit of home-grown produce or a few handmade goods. I saw rusted out vehicles that were barely operational and lines of hopeless looking people waiting to buy whatever limited meat was available that day. I don’t know if scenes like these will become reality in our country. In fact, it’s hard to imagine, but we have a window of opportunity now to prepare our families financially, physically, mentally, and with stored goods for a future that is more uncertain than it’s ever been. As one old-time prepper said, “Preparedness buys you time and options.” That’s a message that needs to be heard by everyone.
While you're here, check out...
5 Prepper Errors That Make You Look Dumb
How Hollywood Got ‘Preppers’ All Wrong
Let’s Play Survivalist Multiple Choice!
Top Ten Excuses for Not Prepping
The Dutch Oven Survival Kit
Latest posts by The Survival Mom (see all)
- Storing Honey Long Term - June 25, 2019
- Ready for SUMMER SURVIVAL SCHOOL? - June 21, 2019
- Flood – Fire – Evacuation - June 20, 2019
- 28 Inconvenient Truths About TEOTWAWKI* - June 17, 2019
- 25 Things I Learned From Long-Term Camping - June 13, 2019
Jocelyn K. says
December 30, 2009 at 11:54 pmAwesome, Lisa!! I think it turned out great. Although, I wonder why they didn't mention your website on the video?? I saw it listed in the written article on their site, but it would've been nice if the video showed it as well. 😀 But other than that, I thought you did a GREAT job! Congratulations! 😀
We're "prepper" survivalists ourselves and proud of it. LOL! I actually hadn't heard of the phrase "prepper" until this article. 🙂
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 12:03 amWell, for everyone who reads this comment, Jocelyn K. is THE Jocelyn who brought my blog design to life. Cheryl, at imaginuitydesign.com, developed the illustration of the gal with the rifle, and Jocelyn put all the elements together. I'll have to get you one of my "Survival is a mom's job" t-shirts, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn K. says
December 31, 2009 at 12:06 amThanks for the props, Lisa! 😀 You have t-shirts now??? If so, I would totally love one! LOL
Lesa says
December 30, 2009 at 11:56 pmHey! – I just read about you on the internet and no – I don't think you're crazy. In fact, I am going to spend some time going over your website and some others as well. This is something that my husband and I have been talking about for quite some time and I think 2010 is going to be our year to start acting instead of just talking about it. Good luck to you all – keep up your hard work and God Bless –
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 12:00 amWelcome, Lesa! Thanks for the comment. From your email address it appears that you live in Fairbanks? As in Alaska? I would think that you would have ample reason to stock up on all types of supplies for those long Alaska winters. A LOT of people have been thinking and talking about preparedness but not doing much. I hope events in the past year, in particular, have been enough to push them into the Dark Side of Preparedness. LOL
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 12:08 amI have the silk screener lined up, the prices are definitely right and will include shipping, but I'm working on setting up that darn shopping cart. I still haven't figured it out and then got busy with the holidays. I hope it will be up soon, because I love wearing the two shirts I have. Very cute with a denim jacket. The rifle, of course, is optional. LOL
Tom says
December 31, 2009 at 1:01 amI think you did Awesome on that Interview! Great Job!
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 1:04 amThanks, Tom. I must have talked with Jessica for a couple of hours, at least, and it was interesting to see the quotes they decided to use.
Adri says
December 31, 2009 at 1:09 amI just read the article and LOVED it!!! Your approach totally resonates with me. Emergency preparedness has been my hobby (and obsession) for the last year or two. I'm definately going to suscribe to your blog, and just wanted to say thank you and…
AMEN, SISTER!
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 1:54 amHey, Adri! Welcome to the growing group of SurvivalMoms! I hope you share your own ideas and tips for preparedness. Thanks for the comment!
Vanna says
December 31, 2009 at 1:35 amThanks so much for the info. I have been 'toying' with the idea of being prepared. We live in Alaska, so volcano's and earthquakes are never far from our mind! I liked that you are not freaks about 2012, rather just using common sense in this day and age. I will definetly be setting you into my site favorites and utilizing all your
threads.
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 1:50 amHi Vanna! Welcome to my blog, and thanks for commenting. I think that when all of us SurvivalMoms first begin prepping, at whatever level, there's a feeling of self-consciousness about it. We mention it tentatively to a friend or two, but unless they're on the same page, we don't exactly get much affirmation that we're doing something sane! It's a huge relief when we finally do find someone who understands. I'm so glad you found my blog. Keep visiting and commenting, please!
Erich says
December 31, 2009 at 1:56 amLisa,
Great interview. It's always comforting to see normal everyday people (like you 🙂 ) helping others see the importance of preparing. You're a great example, keep up the good work!
– Erich
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 1:57 amHey, Erich! I was thinking about you and your blog the other day and figured that you must be incredibly busy since I haven't heard much from you. I hope all is well, and that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas.
Erich says
December 31, 2009 at 2:55 amThanks Lisa, we had a great time being together. Yes, I've been very busy as of late but will be posting more often again now that my work schedule is back to normal.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Christine says
December 31, 2009 at 2:00 amKudos for doing the interview for the article. Great to see there are other Moms out there like me.
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 2:01 amWelcome to my blog, Christine, and you betcha, there are thousands of us SurvivalMoms out there. I'm so glad you enjoyed the article.
Bob Mayne says
December 31, 2009 at 4:44 amWell, I'm a Dad, but good to see the Mom's getting fired up. Lisa, I must say, that was a great interview. Thanks for letting everyone know we are regular people. Not a bunch of freako's. I sure wish more people would wake up. Perhaps you've started a revival? A common sense revival…that is.
TheSurvivalMom says
December 31, 2009 at 4:56 amThanks, Bob. The story has been picked up at MSNBC.com and MSN.com, so it's getting a lot of national exposure. I would love to see a larger percentage of self-sufficient families by this time next year.
Lloyd Colston says
January 2, 2010 at 1:35 amEnjoyed the Time article! Thanks for being a Prepper. Your actions are just what http://www.ready.gov and http://www.fema.gov/areyouready are about.
Like you, I would love to see a larger percentage of self-sufficient folks next year. If NOLA had been prepping, the videotape would have looked a LOT different.
Lloyd
TheSurvivalMom says
January 5, 2010 at 7:09 amLloyd, anyone who didn't learn multiple lessons from Katrina is a nitwit. It was certainly a wake up call to the intelligent, observant people in my circle of friends. Lesson #1: you can't count on anyone but yourself! Learn it! Live it! LOL Thanks for visiting my blog and recomming those two helpful sites.
rightwingmom says
January 7, 2010 at 11:07 pmExcellent interview. You inspired me! You're so down to earth and "normal." 😉 I haven't shared my prepping with too many people because I'm intimidated by the stereotyping.
I have a frugal tip I've been using for over 15 years.
Homemade fire-starters: cardboard egg cartons stuffed w/ dryer lint. Melt paraffin wax (found in the canning section). When it hardens it will start a fire as well as the store-bought sticks!!!
TheSurvivalMom says
January 11, 2010 at 10:40 pmThanks, Cindy. I really am so ordinary it's not even funny. I try to stay informed about current events, try to separate hype from reality as best I can, and then take whatever actions I need to in order to take care of my family.
I've heard those egg carton fire-starters work great! I have tons of lint saved but need to start buying eggs in cardboard cartons.
LizLong says
January 25, 2010 at 6:04 pmI heard about the lint in the egg cartons but didn't know to melt paraffin wax on them. I, too, have had to buy eggs in cartons specifically to do that. I usually just get the "just eggs" or some such because they don't go bad as quickly.
Off Grid Survival says
January 25, 2010 at 1:37 amWOW that is really cool that they featured you in their story. Great Job!
TheSurvivalMom says
January 25, 2010 at 6:45 pmLiz, a friend of mine, Angela over at Adventures in Self-Reliance, said she tested various ways to start a fire and the lint/egg carton method was one of the best! She used whatever lint came out of her dryer and it burned for up to 20 minutes.