Time to change. Oh, no, not you – you’re adorable! Time to change your clocks.  Again.  I usually forget which way to set them because “fall back and “fall forward” are equally plausible, as it is for spring.  Just a couple years ago I showed up at work and wondered where the heck everyone was.  (I finally figured it out.)  I blame this on way too many clocks to change.  Every thing has one! Even my space heater – why? And then there is my digital watch, which takes a nuclear physicist to change. Or my technologically advanced husband and children.  They probably work as a team.

For those whose inner Lewis Black surfaces at Daylight Savings Time change, I get it.  It seems to take weeks to adjust your internal clock. Except when it doesn’t. Recently I was in Michigan at a conference—where I barely survived (it got down to the 30s!!). Michigan is on Eastern Time and I magically just switched to that time zone. However, in those 10 days my body must have reverted to my default settings* because now I wake up routinely at 4 am and stay awake until 5 minutes before my alarm goes off.  Then Lewis Black wakes up.

On Tuesday, we can VOTE yea/nay on Daylight Savings.  Please VOTE of course on all of those other things – and there are lots of sites to help inform you on the issues – but this could be your chance stop the falling, springing, back and forth shenanigans and just leave your clocks alone.  For good.

One thing I learned at the conference is how most Americans have greatly UNDER-INSURED their homes. So, get on this.  There are an increasing number of natural disasters and the length, location and severity are shifting too, so make sure if something happens, you have adequate insurance to recover.  Consider earthquake insurance, too. An earthquake is inevitable, possibly a really big one, so please take the time to check your insurance.  Even if you are renting – protect yourself and your property.  Now. Please.

Lastly, nothing says “end of Halloween” like the immediate appearance of holiday decorations.  When I grew up, this time of year was all about family, family gatherings, marathon game sessions (usually euchre) and ice skating.  Because of the snow, outside decorations were usually just a few strings of lights.  Here, however, our always sunny (warm) climate, has allowed my creative side to blossom. This year I was a bit stumped-- at least until I saw (thank you Home Depot for having decorations out so soon!) it -- a beautiful, sparkly, winged unicorn.** And really, what says Be Prepared/Happy Holidays more than a unicorn?  All I need to add is a CERT vest (green) and first aid kit (red). Nailed it.

So, my friends, stay positive, laugh, enjoy your friends and family, vote, and above all, always be prepared for whatever happens.  You are important to me.

PS.  You are receiving this special message because you told me you enjoy my emails.  Whenever that changes, please let me know and I will tearfully remove you from my special email list.  ;-)

*I was born in Michigan where I lived for 25 years. Apparently, I was tougher when I was younger.  Or at least had a better internal heater.  I grew up on a 20 acre farm that had a pond, golf driving range, putting green and 10 acres of the best sweet corn I have ever eaten.

** https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Accents-Holiday-72-in-Cool-White-LED-Mesh-Unicorn-TY505-1714-1/305026004 (I know you all want one…)

The greatness of the Great Lakes State

Having been born in this state, the lushness, greenery and palpably humid summers are always comforting and familiar, yet momentarily shocking from the dry, adobe-colored pallette that is so So-Cal.  Although they are possible, earthquakes seem an unlikely and almost exotic experience here.  Thunderstorms, hail and an occasional tornado can and do appear to frighten and wreak havoc, but there is usually some warning--  flash of lightning, a clap of thunder or that characteristic odd-green sky and electrified air that occurs right before a funnel cloud arrives.

When I mention to my Michigander family that I got an extra roll of paper towels or a case of water for emergencies, I get the same response.   A smile and nod that confirms their opinion that I am a nut.  “Prepare for what?” their faces all say.  A fire? Flood? Tornado? And, you have to be kidding, an earthquake?  I might as well suggested that they prepare for an erupting volcano.

It is not like disasters don’t happen here.  Houses do burn in fires.  Snow storms shut highways and strand people in their cars.  Severe storms do knock out power, often for days, but I have yet to see any signs of preparedness.  OK, maybe it is m y family and their either ignorance of the unexpected or their unfailing faith that someone will come along and help them, but preparedness is just not on their radars.

Or perhaps it is that old pioneer spirit, or that people here are really nice.  People in Michigan manage to continue along just fine, despite the seeming lack of low fat food, and lust for things sweet and fatty.  Looked at from that angle, I guess, the biggest disaster ready to befall many people here is finding a close location of a cardiac medical center.  I am not trying to be harsh or mean, but physical fitness, at least at some level, IS a form of preparedness and a life saving/extending measure.

For those of you not familiar with Michigan, or any of those beautiful states surrounding the Great Lakes, I encourage you to go there.  It is beautiful and full of really lovely and very friendly people.  Just be prepared – you will very likely get called “Hon,” and even a light touch on the arm as they thank you for coming by.