I have used this tip before, so a word of caution from my experience. I have found that some plants can not get their roots through the shell well enough. So as I plant them, I also crack the bottom to give way for the roots to get in to the garden soil better. I don't bother removing the shell, just crack the bottom. In side by side comparisons, the cracked shells grew faster, and produced a little sooner.

Good timing! If you are new to starting your own seeds, now is the time to think about it. I have been growing my own for many years (actually learned from my grandmother.) It is easy, and gives you varieties you may not be able to find in the stores. It is a great excuse to experiment with new varieties as well.

If you are new to gardening, or even if you are not, find out if any local municipalities/cities make compost. My city takes yard waste, and bio-solids (the final solids that come from the sewage plant.) and compost them for about two months, until they pass pathogenic tests, and sell them back to home owners real cheap. Yes there may be an odor at first, but blend it into the soil, and watch your plants grow. (Yes I compost my own yard waste, but I dont get enough for all my garden, and flower beds.)

Depending on what state you live in, your drivers license may suffice. Currently, four states issue Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDL New York, Vermont, Michigan, and Washington.) These cards meet the criteria of smart ID's and the passport card. So they are valid proof of citizenship, and can be used at all land and sea boarder crossings for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Currently they can not be used to fly international though, you still need the traditional passport for that. Other states are looking into this as well, notably Texas, and Arizona.

One word of caution with the EDLs and the new passports, and passport cards, they do contain an RFID chip, so be sure to keep them in the special sleeve so they can not be skimmed (read remotely by some one else) The chips apparently only have a coded number, but still one more thing to be aware of in the age of Identity theft.

Martha, this is a great way to get started! I am involved with two clubs in my area and we always encourage people to come who are just exploring. We have had people show up that knew nothing, and we still kept them interested and got them licensed. There are many great books you can check out from the library too! Just FYI if the people at the club talk about "Elmering" you, all this means is they want to mentor you through the process! Nothing else. If you have other questions before you go, ask right here!

We are a society that is on the move constantly! Like Lisa said in the OP, this was one of the first things I ever did...when I started driving. Living in the midwest, it is vitally important to be prepared for winter travel. The first thing I tell people is keep at least half a tank of gas in the car/truck/suv at all times. As for things, one thing I incorporate is a canned heater like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPABQW9gN2Q

As for water, I keep some in the vehicles knowing it will freeze, but I always bring some with me every time I go someplace. This way I have liquid water, and frozen water I can melt. Another thing to consider is something for yourself. Even if your passengers are all engaged in something, if you just have to wait it out, what are you going to do? I now have a kindle that I have loaded reference books into so I can use the time to read about new skills or tools to round out my preps. (Provided I am not playing a game with everyone else.)

On the flip side, being prepared like this has sparked conversations. I once got stranded on the highway for a few hours, and had friends with me, not family that day, and they were amazed that I had blankets, water, a heater, snacks, and games. If you travel with others, use it as a conversation starter!

This issue comes up from time to time. My question is how are you going to know how to "use it" when SHTF if you can't "use it" now? The point being waiting for a collapse, or other situation, to start practicing ANY skill is foolish if you ask me. Just because I can go buy flour easily right now is no reason for me to not practice with my grain mill from time to time. To practice with amateur radio, you need to transmit...listening is only half the equation. i hope no-one is offended by this, but weather radio, or grain mill, or food storage, the "tools" are only useful if you know how to "use" them. And there is no time like the present to learn how to use them.

Another related use is for sewing on buttons. Provided the holes are large enough for the large gauge needles. They seem to last longer with the inner core than they do with regular thread.

I have been active with Ham radio for a couple of years now, currently holding a General class license. I will be using this skill as motivation to move up, however having completed the process more recently I thought I would offer some insight, and some "treats" to help encourage others.
I completed all of my studies on my own, using books I checked out from the public library, and the various online tests. The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) publishes a very good series of books on the three license classes. In the back you will find the complete question pool. But a word of caution, if you follow my lead, double check the year of the books in your library system. The tests are re-written every four years. This year the Extra test will be re-done, so if you want to go all the way, try to finish and take the test by the end of June. July 1 will see a new extra test. (Technician and general are safe for a couple of years.)
Lisa offers some great tips, but I would recommend you look for a local club first! Hams are the best group of people I have worked with! Anyone I have talked to is more than willing to help teach new people, and give you help in getting started. Don't be afraid to tap this resource, as you will learn, they are already like minded. (I never have encountered a group that has such a high percentage of preppers in it. Most of the hams I work with have go bags, 72 hour bags, and well stocked supplies at home.)
Now for the "treat" Like Lisa said, what survival mom, or dad isn't interested in knowing where their family is at all times! One capability that you can employ with amateur radio is called APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) when connected to a GPS unit this serves to transmit your location over the APRS network. (This can be double edged I will admit.) So, if the Paranoid Dad is at work, and Survival Mom at home when a tornado hits. Phone lines are out, but she can see on her display that he is on his way home, she can focus her attention on the kids and the house! Just remember that anyone else with the same equipment can also see your position.
Now I will close with a word of caution. Guard your Call Sign when you receive it! Because you will be licensed through the FCC, anyone can go and look-up your permanent address in the FCC database. You don't have to list all your addresses, so if you have a bug out location, this may not be as great a concern, however, it is something that I don't think is clearly understood, nor told before you get the license. I sincerely hope this does not discourage anyone from getting started in Amateur Radio, just a tactical concern.
If any one has questions, I will continue to monitor this thread, and offer my insight.