Being Prepared: Efficiency at its Earliest

by Cindy Naranjo, posted on 2009-02-13 15:08:35

By Cindy Naranjo

One of the greatest lessons mi mama ever taught me was: "Mujer preparada vale por dos",meaning: "A prepared woman counts as two". Everyone makes fun of me for my need to carry the world in my purse/be as prepared as I can be for anything and everything. Look, mockers, who was the one that saved every one's hair-and-hat combo at graduation because she had bobby pins in her purse? Who's the one that stitched her comadre's dress when it ripped up the side with the sewing kit she keeps in her car? You know when you go to Mexico and they want to charge you to use the toilet paper in the public restrooms? Guess who already has her own stash of paper towels in her purse?!Mmmhmmm. Yours truly! Therefore, I devised a compilation of what you should have in your car and workplace for whatever "emergency" may arise!

The Junk You Need In Your Trunk:

· Proof of Insurance and Registration

· Disposable Camera (for taking pictures at the scene of an accident)

· Flashlight

· Paper and pen

· Jumper cables

· Funnel (for pouring liquids into your car)

· Blanket and extra sweater

· Latex gloves (to help someone injured or to avoid getting your hands dirty)

· Bottled water

· Non-perishable food items (i.e. protein bars)

I know this sounds like a lot, but, as someone who has 1)had their car catch on fire while they were driving it uphill, 2)had their vehicle break down in the left lane of the 101, and 3)been a good Samaritan and helped out a stranded person, I think I learned my lesson. You'll rest a lot easier knowing that you're prepared than most just by having a few simple items with you. Hey, if you can keep a tote packed with a spare outfit, then even better! That's the fashionista in me talking!

Comments from members 1 comment
And the always useful... umbrella or plastic poncho! A must in the NW!
- Bella