I know that if you are reading and enjoying Busy Bee Lifestyle, it is quite likely that you already ARE a grown up and probably have children of your own! But for myself, it was only a few years ago after having encountered a number of difficulties while traveling, that I finally resolved that I would “grow up!” I promised myself I would not rest until I had purchased the items listed below! Perhaps you’ll be laughing to yourself and wondering why our family was without these things, or maybe, just like I did, you need a gentle nudge to help you “grow up!”
So, here are the grown up items that were missing from my household:
- A fire extinguisher (this needs to be actively maintained or it might not work when needed!)
- A set of car battery jumper cables
- A well stocked and self contained first aid kit
- An active (not lapsed!) AAA membership*
- EZ Pass – this item goes by different names in different parts of the country and probably isn’t available everywhere, but on the East Coast it’s invaluable. EZ pass is a transponder that you keep in your car and allows you to breeze through toll booths, IF you’ve taken the time to set up the account!
- A Coleman Window Breaker - this is a small tool that needs to kept in your car in an extremely handy spot. The tool is designed to be able to break open your car window from the inside should the car become immersed in water. It also features a flash light and seat belt cutter. If you drive over bridges, and I think that most of us do, this is an essential safety item. (About $25)
I don’t want to sound like the voice of doom, but once I took care of these issues, I felt a lot better! And in truth, of all these items, the only ones that we have used are the first aid kit, AAA membership, and EZ Pass! Thank goodness! So, what would you add to my “grown up” list? Let me know!
P.S. I really, really like my AAA membership – I use it on occasion for jump starts and flat tires. BUT, I regularly use it for its excellent fringe benefits like reduced rates for hotels, car rentals, prescription drugs, museum and zoo tickets and much more! You’d be amazed at what AAA offers its members! If you don’t have it already, check it out today!
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Safety kit is great for both the house and the car? It’s good to ask your doctor or nurse what the “essentials” for a well stoked medicine cabinet for children should contain. What about a fire escape ladder? Or CPR instructions on a flyer to be hung in a convenient spot? You can obtain them from the Red Cross or American Heart Association. Ours are hung on the inside door of our pantry in the kitchen.
love the tips. Keep them coming!
Thanks Monica! I’ve incorporated your suggestions in Be a Grown Up Part II! Also see Medicine Cabinet ABCs.