We had some friends over last night and while we were sitting around the kitchen table talking, my buddy asked me a simple question, "So what are you, a Off The Gidder or a Survivalist?"
It sounds like a simple question but it is one question I have never been asked before.
I thought for a couple of seconds and just looked at him. I had to really dig deep on this one and thought to myself, well what am I?
The best answer I could come up with at that time, save face and make it look like if nothing else I at least know what I am I simply said, "I am in between the both".
I went on to explain my answer as, I cannot afford to be completely off the grid but I try to do the best I can and as far survival, I just want to be ready for "It"
In a previous post I explained what being prepared for "It" was all about, but I told him anyway with "It" being whatever it is. Then I continued, as far as being off the grid, I priced everything out on what I needed to be completely self sustainable and it was around 40K. I am sure that if I made some major life changes and completely rehabbing the house's appliances I could do it for a little less.
That question also set me back and put me in my place a little. I could not believe I had to ask myself what I was and where I was going with all this?
If you were asked that same question, how would you answer?
I ended this conversation with my friend by saying, "Understand, I can not give a one word answer nor will I ever be able too. If I did it would be something like, "Survivoroffgridfamilymanredneckfarmerfriend" LOL
Here is the shortest answer I can give. I am a red blooded, blue collar American who is trying everything I know how to do so my family will be taken care of in case of "It".
If that means having a bedroom full of food, two big ugly tanks full of water behind the house, flower beds full of vegetables instead of flowers and a yard full of chickens then it is what it is.
What lable can I put on that?
Here's your label: Open Minded Thinker!
ReplyDeleteToo many people would rather put their heads in the sand. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. What's the worst that can happen? You'll have some extra canned goods to eat.
http://theschultzcompound.blogspot.com/
would not call you an off the grid or a survivalist like you said it is too expensive where you are to go off the grid same for me but you can slow it down a bit [the dial on the meter that is] nor are you a survivalist you are not like grizzly adams but you are a prepper which is someone who prepares for emergencies of any kind, if it be manmade or nature on the rampage you have prepared so your family can keep warm and have food in their tummies you put back what you can when you can like if you only need one can of coffee one week you buy two and put the other one back and so on and you keep it to yourself or you will have a lot of friends otherwise wanting to borrow this or that don't forget to put back for your animals too they will help you get through "it" also whatever "it" is that comes our way God bless and take care
ReplyDeletePersonally I dislike labels. I am what I am and do what I do because I love it and it's my way of living!*wink* It's not for everyone and nor do I try to push it on anyone, but rather share from our experiences and failures and let whomever decide for themselves. I guess if I had to put a label on it, it would be God Reliant Patriot, Glass full to overflowing,Opinionated Redneck Mom, LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kelle. I hate labels too. I put up a little sign on my blog that says "I yam what I yam" (Popeye) I'm just me and no one else. I do what I can with what I have and try not to keep up with the Joneses...whoever they are LOL.
ReplyDelete"What label can I put on that?"
ReplyDeleteSmart. That's what.
Keep on keeping on, for you and your family.
Red
I posted last year on labels and being called redneck and white trash or whatever the upper class wanted to call what I am and what I do. Now I guess I need to be a sub-catagory as well. So it would a Redneck, Off Gridder. LOL
ReplyDeleteI agree with yall on being labeled and that there is really no reason for it. I think that is a innercity thing.
Thank yall for the comments.
I'm going to agree with Kelle, forget the labels! Just simple be prepared for everything. Wait, that would mean you are a prepper!!!! I'm a prepper, he's a prepper, wouldn't you like to be a prepper too. lol
ReplyDelete