Creating Your Own Energy

The whole energy issue throughout our nation has created great controversy.  It can overwhelm the average person seeking to make a difference. Where does one begin? If you do the research, I'd swear you need an engineering degree to understand it all. And of course, it's never in simple language that the average person can comprehend! There is sustainable energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, solar energy, hydropower energy, nuclear energy, and coal energy. I'm sure I've missed a few. One of the controversies that lies within the industry is cleanliness and sustainability. Some argue that the resources used to create energy are polluting, therefore making it unsustainable. Others argue that we fail at being sustainable when we are rely on other countries to meet our own energy needs. I personally have made the choice to keep it simple. I am going to create my own energy sources!

I got to thinking about all of the energy I have lost since being unemployed; poof; right out the window it went! I was becoming a slave to my computer while the rest of the world has been passing me by. Laundry piled up; dishes in the sink; thousands of pictures unorganized; my desk looked like a bomb hit it; my upstairs office area could use a good painting, etc. Then it hit me; I have no energy! So in my effort to jolt myself back to reality, I made a very quick decision to join a local fitness outfit. Not a fancy one either; no bells and whistles, saunas, basketball courts and jacuzzi; just good ol' state of the art equipment to get my butt in gear! I spent no time thinking about it either because I knew that if I did, I would talk myself right out the door. It has been the best decision I've made in a while.  I've also started making subtle changes in how I eat.

You see, we are a family of hunters. It's a passion in this house and I have not participated in the winter hunts for quite some time. My husband, my kids, they all hike and snowshoe for miles up the mountains; and me? Well, I've been slacking. I use to be right there beside them and now make every excuse not to go. Simply because I have no energy. Does that sound familiar? The mission here is creating sustainable energy.

Sustainable energy can be defined as usable energy that can be stored well in to the future without causing harmful repercussions. Our personal energy comes from diet and exercise. Unfortunately, we are all guilty of eating foods that cause harmful repercussions in our later years and many of us are not physically active enough. Therefore, we must create renewable energy; energy that is natural; fueling our bodies with more natural foods that provide us with the necessary nutrients and vitamins we need for energy. So why isn't it that easy? Creating renewable energy takes a great infrastructure to draw appreciable power. Just as turbines need wind, solar energy needs the sun and water energy needs dams, our bodies need the right foods and resources to sustain and there is an initial expense to creating it. Taking the necessary steps to make the transition requires purchasing in a different way. When one first looks at the cost it takes to become healthy and create that energy, they become intimidated and return to their old habits. But in reality, as time goes and one begins to rid their cupboards of foods that flat line their energy, it levels out. Simple switches over time can put you on your way to generating your own renewable energy source and getting rid of the pollution (toxins) you have created  within yourself over many years.  The same great resources needed to generate good, clean sustainable energy for our world are what need to survive.

Use the sun to generate the Vitamin D your body needs by getting out in it!  Challenge yourself to take a walk every day; even if you can't make it very far.  In time you'll find yourself going further and further.  Take in that fresh air your body needs to survive and appreciate every breath.  Drink lots of water and improve the overall appearance of your skin by staying hydrated and maybe even lose a few pounds!  Make subtle changes in your diet by eating more natural and raw foods.  Try buying from your local farmer's market for a start; put it on your schedule to challenge yourself everyday to try something new.  As you become more physically fit, your new found energy will put other things in your life in perspective like getting organized; therefore becoming energy efficient....less time spent looking for things.  Go for a swim!  Use the water to work your muscles by taking a water aerobics class.  Find something that works for you.  Soon, you will have created the renewable energy necessary to sustain for many years to come and be around to be an example for future generations.  Don't rely on others to pull you through life; fulfill your own energy needs.  It must come from you; you have to want it.  Start with yourself in your efforts to understand sustainable energy as it is in our world of technology and the rest will follow. 

 

Change: The Double-Edged Sword

A few years ago I learned that my great grandfather was buried in Chinook where he homesteaded.  While his dream was short lived, his heart was here and now my roots trace right back here to Montana!  Who would have thought a southern/sort of city girl like me would have had roots here?   It explains a lot about me now that I think about it.  I’ve often wondered why I think the way I do; why I’m so inspired by the pioneers of this land; why it was so easy to let go of the city slicker mentality and settle in to a life without bells and whistles but a whole lot more!  It’s the quality of life I’ve learned about; that family is everything; that having a few great friends is better than a bunch of phony people who won’t show up when you really need them; that working together harvests great reward.  Still, this little town on the west side has brought many others like myself from the city that say they want to leave that former mentality behind, yet move here and try to change everything to “a city with a view”.  I suddenly feel as though what once seemed like “the country” to me has become just that "city with a view".  I’m removed from this fast paced world where no even knows my name; where neighbors don’t talk and friends are friends as long as you have something they want.  Now I long for the prairie more and more; getting back to the basics of daily living.

I dream of the day my husband and I can move away from this place.  In three years, our youngest will graduate high school and the opportunities for more land and a smaller home will become a reality.  Of course, still room for the kids and future grandchildren to always come home for a visit.  But for now, we are no where near retirement age and still must find work.  Therefore the prairie life we envision seems to take back seat as a result.  My husband looks forward to returning to the quality of life he once knew growing up in a farming community and I long for a life I never had and only dream about.  However, the cost of owning such land has skyrocketed in some places only to be sold as recreational land and there is not enough work in these small towns to make ends meet otherwise.

Farming and ranching communities throughout eastern Montana have taken a hard hit over the past several years as the younger generations show no interest to return home and carry on what their forefathers worked so hard for.  As a result, these small towns are shutting down.  The only hope now is for another oil boom; therefore bringing revenue back to those who have stuck it out over the years; but only for a short time as history repeats itself.  What then?  What will happen to the current farmers when there is no one left to take over?  What happens to all the old homesteads where rocks were picked by hand day after day?  How did these places become ghost towns when they once thrived with fewer resources than we have today?  How can we rebuild these communities and the question is, do they “want” to rebuild?  These are the questions that must be answered as a community in an effort to rebuild small farming and ranching towns across the Hi-Line.

Change is a double edged sword.  We don’t want it, but yet we need it; in moderation that is.   It has helped, yet at the same time, has hurt farming and ranching communities across the Hi-Line.  The change I am talking about came by way of technology, the deregulation of communication, televisions and the travel industry.  With technology came greater crops, more money per bushel, yet the need for more land; more cattle; and finally the need for more money to purchase it all.  If you think about it, homesteaders didn’t have anything of the sort back in the day.  They  traveled only when they needed something; words were used for negotiating and an occasional get together down by the creek; and radios were used if they needed to hear anything important coming out of the White House or the weather forecast and a nice song now and again.  Their time was spent focusing on what needed to be done and the rest was for family and friends.  Worries were focused on crops, the weather and providing for one’s family.  When darkness came, everyone went to bed for a good nights sleep; they lived with what we now call “the basics”; what a hard, but wonderful life it must have been. 

Today, we can’t seem to sit still; so many choices; too many.  All of which have created stress, broken relations, crime and corruption, greed and the loss of what once was; now everyone wants it back.  They say they want growth in these small towns, but without the youth returning after college or sewing their oats, who would be welcome?  What would they do to make a living?  The farmers and ranchers who are dying off are selling out to other locals that want to expand; that's understandable.  So how can one make a living otherwise? 

I recently read an article about a community in North Dakota where they had offered cash incentives and land (lots) for families to move to their town.  A family from Florida decided to take a chance, but failed as a result of many things; feeling unwelcomed; competition with other businesses, stereotyping, etc.  While they understood the reality of harsh winters, high winds, hard work and were willing to make sacrifices in an effort to fulfill their dream of a better quality of life, they were not greeted by a town that claimed they needed them; a town that needed revenue.  I’m sure there is much more to the story than I know.  Unfortunately, these same types of issues are real for small towns along the Hi-Line as well.  Buildings are being abandoned and old homesteads becoming a haven for mice and rodents at a rapid pace.  Towns cry out for the way things “use to be”, yet little are willing to participate when push comes to shove and it’s time to roll up the sleeves and explore new avenues to generate revenue.  What are needed are families; therefore the need for housing, food, clothing, etc. and an increase in revenue as a result.  But they must feel welcomed; wanted.  It’s only natural.

When my husband and I find that piece of heaven out on the prairie somewhere, I hope that whatever town we end up in will welcome us unconditionally so that we might contribute in the efforts of rebuilding their town.  But they have to want it; they have to be willing to accept outsiders and know that our hearts are in the right place.  After all, no one is going to sacrifice and make such a move to destroy such a town already dying.  All one is seeking is a chance to get back to basics and add quality to their life.  I have no doubt we will make it happen one day, perhaps it might even be your town.  Until then, I continue to research ways of making an income online to make it a reality so we can live anywhere we want.  After all, I would follow that man to the end of the earth to see him reliving his dream; somewhere I can cook for my grandchildren, grow my garden, welcome a neighbor and get back to “the basics”.

Getting Out of Debt

Doesn't it just sound like a dream? Debt can make a person physically sick inside; cause insomnia; anxiety and depression.  We all have some sort of debt.  I personally, become sick over the tiniest amount that extends beyond my control while others wait until they are so far overextended on major debt such as their homes, cars, and credit cards until they seek help.  We were not made to think and react the same; that's what makes us unique.  Some consider themselves broke when they still have a couple thousand in the bank and others considered themselves broke when they are red lined.  One is not better than the other and neither should be judged; the one fear that keeps many from seeking help in the first place.  Mismanagement of money is everywhere we look and it takes education and the right resources to stop the cycle. What I have found though, is that getting on track is easier than staying on track. It takes a great amount of discipline, but it can be done.
It seems as though television companies are filling every possible vacancy with debt management and consolidation commercials as a result of this recession. They know that society is struggling financially to make it through. These companies want you to believe there is no way out.  Some encourage bankruptcy right off the bat.  But beware, just as there are predators in lending, they lurk among debt management and consolidation companies as well. Not to say they aren't legitimate, just know what you are getting yourself into.  Do your research as I have.
Many years ago, after going through a divorce, I found myself seriously in debt as a result of terrible, unnecessary spending habits. I wasn't purchasing big ticket items like televisions, computers, etc. I was buying "stuff"; clothes, shoes, things for the kids. All unnecessary items that I could have gone without. Nonetheless, there I stood owing money that I did not have or the means to pay it back. I knew better as the job I had just left was teaching military service members financial counseling; how to save money during their short time prior to exiting the military. I taught these financial briefings almost weekly and did not apply them to my own personal life, then found myself in a world of hurt; all self inflicted.
No longer a part of the military community and without a job, I recalled a civilian organization that I mentioned in my briefings and contacted them for an appointment. It was the best thing I have ever done.  Now, many years later, I have found myself in a similar situation as a result of my unemployment hanging in limbo for six months.   I am excited to say that this time I am actually able to manage my debt without the help of that organization.  It is important to me, that I share this with you.  No matter where you are with your own finances, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel for you as well; if you take action. Having the knowledge of its existence saved me.  Pride does not matter when you really need help. You're not "broke enough" if your pride is still standing in the way and you continue to get deeper into debt.
Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) is a nationwide non-profit organization offering financial advise and education, debt management plans and bankruptcy counseling.  A majority of their income is derived from creditors; allowing their services to be more affordable.  In a nut shell, their fees are generally ten percent of whatever they determine your monthly fee to them is.  Say it's a hundred dollars a month to cover your debts, your fee taken from that would be ten dollars.  They sit down with you and determine your monthly obligations verses your contractual obligations such as a mortgage, car loan, credit cards, etc.  While they work with creditors to reduce interest, finance charges and eliminate those annoying phone calls, the debt remains yours.  You are responsible for the debt owed; they simply help create a debt management plan that is "do-able"; realistic.  If and when your income increases and you are able to pay more, you're on your way to financial freedom much sooner.  It usually takes about thirty days for the phone calls from creditors to stop and what a relief to feel that you are still in control.  Provided any of your debt is credit cards, you are required to turn over those cards and CCCS will close those accounts upon the pay off.  This is where most people cannot part with the one thing that has gotten them in a such a mess.  It's a vicious cycle.  Chances are your credit has already been affected, so closing such accounts is not going to matter at this point. The nice thing about using such an organization is having someone who is neutral to bounce things off of.  Be honest about your debt and lay it all out, no matter how small. 
Should you choose to fight your way out of debt on your own, there are volumes of self help books and online sites available that will guide you.  However, depending on your financial situation, you need to consider one thing.  If you haven't been disciplined enough to manage your finances up to this point, will you be disciplined enough to follow a "self created" budget without guidance?  Chances are, you will find some way to manipulate the situation to your liking and remain in a financial crisis.
While the goal is to get out of debt and never return to the same situation, the reality is you more than likely will at some point.  Hopefully not to the extreme as it is right now, but you will be better prepared.  We all have life events that happen and call for money that we do not have on hand; funerals; doctor's visits for those with no insurance; the unexpected.  This is where self help books become your best tool kit. Once you've been taught the discipline you needed through the guidance of a professional, the foundation is set.  Use the tools from these books to build your confidence and the ability to recognize when things are getting out of hand.
Financial guru Suze Orman says it best in her books the "Young, Fabulous & Broke" and "Women and Money" where she talks about "good debt" verses "bad debt".  She describes "good debt" as assets such as a home, vehicle loan, etc. and "bad debt" as things we "want".  My debt sixteen years ago was definitely bad debt; nothing more than "wants".  Today, it is what I consider good debt although there are no assets to show.  It was a matter of covering additional monthly expenditures that my unemployment was not covering; an emergency resource if you will. Her books provide a wealth of knowledge and are written in layman's terms for anyone making an effort to pull themselves out of debt and move forward in their finances.  There is also an online site called Mvelopes.com; if you are disciplined enough.  It is an awesome site that offers several money management tools to help you keep track of your spending and ways to create a budget that is realistic.
Getting on a good track, being accountable and becoming disciplined will be rewarding, I promise.  I am happy to say that of the three credit cards I currently have, one will paid off next week, the second within two months and the third in six months.  If I had utilized CCCS this time, I would not have the third one paid off until 2014. In an effort to be financially free of unnecessary debt sooner and to maintain my good credit score, I made the choice to discipline myself to a fairly strict budget for the next six months.  I managed to pay the minimum payment on time every month during my lowest time with unemployment and was never late (something I learned from Suze Orman), so my situation is a little different this time around.  What a wonderful feeling it will be to simply get back to only monthly obligations.  The debt management plan that I had with Consumer Credit Counseling Services years ago taught me discipline that was desperately needed and the books gave me the money management tools for the future.

Don't allow yourself to become sick, anxious and weak over debt.  It's not worth it and you will only end up with health problems as a result; therefore more debt.  Take the initial steps of admitting your in debt and be accountable.  Filing bankruptcy seems like the only answer to many simply because they do not realize that there are many other resources to help them.  Seek out non-profit organizations that have your best interest at heart rather than the goal of making another buck off of you.  Get proactive about your financial situation and know that you are not alone; that there are solutions; a light at the end of your tunnel and begin experiencing financial freedom!

Emergency Preparedness

I use to think of people that put together emergency preparedness kits as either being paranoid individuals or backwoods militia men that anticipated war or the world coming to an end.  That was before I became interested in a more frugal lifestyle and getting back to the basics of living; being more self sufficient if you will.  Since becoming unemployed, my income level has dropped beyond significant to flat lined, back up again and then nothing.  Nonetheless, I am able to hold my head up.  I want for nothing in regards to food, water and shelter and it is all possible due to being prepared. How prepared are you in the event an emergency happened where you are?

We don't relate unemployment on a daily basis to that of an "emergency", however when the food runs out and no sight of a paycheck anytime soon, one quickly goes in to survival mode; seeking anything in the pantry that could possibly make a meal; rationing the toilet paper, paper towels, etc.  Don't laugh, it's true.  We rarely consider emergency preparedness at all until we see countries like Haiti and Chile and the total devastation they have experienced.  Why is that? Is it the same type of fear just as we were afraid of talking about death in my one of previous blogs?  Is it the fear that should we reach the point where our lives switch over to survival mode, it might really be the real end?  It doesn't have to be like that.  I promise, you aren't going to  be viewed differently; you won't be called a "hoarder" or anything of the sort.  In fact, you more than likely will be admired for being proactive just as I have learned to admire those who have taught me; some young, some old.  Stereotypes such as these prevent us from being proactive and as a result, we rely on others who are prepared their resources rather than our own.  By doing so, however, could result in an emergency of its own should they die or not be able to get to you.  It is important that each of us take steps toward self sufficiency simply for that reason.  While I am constantly learning, I am becoming more proactive in my daily life and gaining confidence in being prepared for the smallest emergency as temporary as it may be.
Another example that is easier to relate to is something as simple as a winter storm with no heat or power for hours; days even.  This is more of a reality as we have seen this across the nation lately with nontraditional weather patterns as we enter what should be "spring".  While it's more typical where I live in the northwest and living in a rural area, most inner city folk are not prepared.  They can't be blamed as weather patterns like this do not occur regularly, but nonetheless it puts them in "survival mode"; a temporary state of panic; relying on road crews, power companies, grocery stores and agencies to do whatever it takes to get things back to normal . It's only natural for us in a crisis situation to make comments that "next time", we'll be prepared only to find ourselves integrating back in to our daily lives and never making the effort.  Finances are a good example of such.

Being prepared for any sort of emergency builds confidence and can reduce the stress and panic one might experience in such a crisis.  Food seems to be the main focal point and the most intimidating item when preparing an emergency preparedness kit due to a lack of knowledge in how to prepare dehydrated food.  You would actually be surprised just how much you already cook with it and how you can have fun creating meals that you will enjoy.  Many have the preconceived notion to think that should an emergency occur, there they will be with a box filled with bland, boring meals for survival.  Not so.  I came across the blog Trail Cooking & The Outdoors that appears to market to back country trail hikers.  But what I found is that there are volumes of recipes that are fun and made with everyday food items you probably already use; and they're dehydrated!  For the average spouse that has children, you can't go wrong with their recipes and may even find yourself trying some their cooking ideas for fun.  There are videos, tutorials, and alternative cooking ideas.  This has been my site of preference.

Depending on how involved you want to get, there are many sites regarding emergency preparedness.  Through my research, I have found that the FEMA website is another great resource for  anyone considering their own emergency preparedness kit, but it is not an easy read compared to the Preparedness Pantry blog I found.  It is an interesting site with more information than one could imagine including recipes for food stored items.  It's really a matter of preference and how detailed you want to get.   The idea behind it all is to have fun with it and determine whether you are looking to create a long term storage plan to last for up to twenty years, or one that will provide the basic essentials for a shorter period of time.

While water and a heat source are essential for food stored items, there are also non-food preparedness items that one needs to consider as well; especially if you are considering emergency preparedness kits for long term storage.  A detailed list of such items can be found in the Just Add Water book  written by Barbara G. Salsbury advertised here.  She is by far one of the best pioneers on studying dehydrated foods; developing and testing a variety of recipes and speaking at functions regarding food and water storage and usage.  I highly recommend this book for anyone working with churches and community organizations considering an emergency preparedness kit for their group. For the average person, I found it a little more than I cared to bargain with.  It does, however provide a wealth of knowledge and recipes to boot.

Should plans such as these be too overwhelming, consider starting by simply adding a few extra items to your plan over the course of a few months each time you go to the grocery store.  Regardless of who you are or what status you may have in the community, I hope that you will take the initial steps toward being proactive; self sufficient.  Never rely on outer resources to be able to get to you in the state of an emergency; no matter how small.