Mental Cleanout - Frustrations, Gen X kid, and More

It's time for some DEEP cleaning!!!

 

I don't even know where to begin today! I am beyond ticked about so many different things. My stupid cell phone was the catalyst to the frayed end of my rope lately. I work very hard to manage my temper and my moods. I'm talking dozens of notebooks of journaling to keep too many thoughts from piling up in my head or spewing out of my mouth. The minute amount that I share online doesn't even cover a small fraction!  I'm told I think too deeply, too much or whatever...maybe the real issue is others don't think enough.

I may think too deeply, but I can promise I am a "too much" kind of person. I love, care, think, give loyalty, and give empathy too much too. I'm not for everyone, especially the weak. I am honest to a fault, will argue what I know to be true, and I will research the hell out of things that I don't know or don't make sense to me. If you have any clue about who I am as a person, you will know my facial expressions will tell an entire story before I can even school them! One thing I can tell you from experience, there are more people that ignore or don't pay attention to details let alone anything else, than there are that do. When you have the character I do, you get taken for granted a LOT! 

I don't dislike who I am, it's actually quite the opposite. I have grown to love the woman I am, flaws and all! All the trials I have faced in my life, they did shape me, but they also made me a better person. I have chosen to rise above them, to learn from them and to push myself to become better. I could have easily taken the other path; becoming bitter, using them as excuses to not do/be better, to become depressed or oppressed, or worthless. I'm NOT! I am smart, because I was once stupid. I am strong because I was once weak. I am stubborn, hardheaded, set in my ways - because I was once run over, used, and treated badly. Meek, weak, frail, can't....THESE ARE NOT IN MY VOCABULARY. I have struggles that would be a bit less if I didn't buck the "system" at every turn, but I refuse to just live on my knees. 

My final thoughts on this line:  I am too much for many. I get that. Even when I am too much, I am worth it for the right people. The rest are not my people, they are just lessons to learn from. I am perfectly me, good, bad or ugly. I am happy to be unique, not like everyone else. Sadly, I wish I had learned this 40 years ago. Life, phases of life, people, and situations cause us to face reactions or responses to actions...and as we get older, we learn that when patterns repeat, you have to remove that toxicity from your life or you will be dragging an anchor behind you and you will end up going down with it. 

As I move on to more mental clean out, I know many will tune out or leave this blog. It's ok. I am only one person, I can't save everyone or even help everyone. I honestly don't want to. I want to give thoughts, experience and ideas to others that fall into the same "too much" category that I do. The world is experiencing what some are calling a spiritual battle of epic proportions. I feel this in my own gut to be true. The world is on fire. We are dealing with weak leadership, war mongering politicians in every country of the world, our fiscal irresponsibility have created an unrepayable debt, our children/grand children are being strapped with that debt, too many people are distracted by things that shouldn't matter yet are intentionally ignoring the things that should, consumerism has replaced capitalism, family units have been divided for decades but are being further divided by ignorance, greed has taken the place of empathy/responsibility/moral. While I am not religious, the understanding of a God, whatever name you choose to address this, has been replaced with worship of actors, sports figures, and a million other things. One area of trouble for me has been having a twenty something still living at home. So many people have looked down their noses at this. Has everyone forgotten that having multi-generational homes was NORMAL until about 50 years ago?! Why has this become such a taboo thing now? Sure, I get parents wanting to down size or spend time alone. However, in my case, that is neither one an issue. When I became a parent, in my mind, that is a lifetime job. That means I will always do, say and push for what I believe to be best for my kids. I don't care if they are 5, 35 or 75!! With the state of our country, the economic uncertainty, and even the multiple wars happening currently - it makes ZERO sense to push my kids to buy, let alone rent a house. ZERO sense to rack up unnecessary debt. Sure, we can all give advice that seems to fit the situation, BUT we do not always KNOW the entire situation...and encouraging debt at today's interest rates on everything is irresponsible and could potentially be detrimental to people and relationships. Realistically, relationships are in such turmoil in today's world...they do not need any more flames. Realistically, we should ALL be learning to be more fiscally responsible. What happens if you lose your job, lose your pension or retirement; do you have the cash money to support yourself until you can get another income? When 70% of this country depends on their job, pension, retirement, social security or disability....that also means the large majority of this country would be SUNK if they lost it!! American's especially, have become not only weak but debt driven. When it takes 20% down, 8-10% interest for good credit; to purchase a home 60% inflated above the average American income - NOW, is NOT the time to be spending stupidly. 

Most of you know my push to stock your pantry. This makes sense to me. We all have to eat...but what if you lost your income? How long could you make it on just what you have in your home currently? Could you survive a day, month, 3 months, a year? What will you do when you have to choose whether you eat, pay a utility, vehicle payment, or rent/mortgage to keep a roof over your head, have large vehicle repair bill, major home repair bill, a medical emergency? I do not understand those that keep pushing back against being stocked up for food, water and essentials. Common sense says that this is one area we CAN control, and we need to be. Yet, there are some that think food just grows on the grocery shelves, that they could never lose their income, or having a stock pile is for "weird people." That was a new one for me yesterday. The question, "are you one of those weird people? those dooms day prepper people?" LMAO!!! Nope, I don't have a tank in my barn, or an underground bunker with an old ham radio, or a complete arsenal. I believe in being responsible, doing everything within my power to never need anything from anyone, and to make certain my family would have what they needed in the event of an emergency - whether that is weather or man-made. I believe that God has won this spiritual battle, but it is my job to honor him, by doing all I can to help myself and anyone else that will listen. I do not believe we are expected to just sit back and depend on government or anyone else, or just "have faith," the thing is...I have full faith in God, not in mankind. There is a reason I was pulled to this life, that I never really understood until the last few years. That's a story for another time though. I grew up mostly in a town/subdivision. So leaving everything I had ever known behind for something so foreign to me...I'm sure seemed seriously crazy to my family. After an overnight trip here previously, I knew in my heart I was meant to be here. For what reason, would take years to make sense. Now, I can say that being here has pushed me to learn so much more than I could have ever learned, had I not moved here. 

I did not grow up learning how to prepare, preserve or even really protect. My Dad gardened for as long as I can remember but we never canned or froze anything...that I can recall. We didn't have a root cellar, or a basement with shelving for jars or potatoes. Many times there was barely enough food to get through a week. I was never around firearms or learned how to safely use them. I never learned self-defense until I was a young adult. I didn't learn how to cook or bake. Shoot, I remember eating a chopped beef sandwich with a single slice of the "meat," because that was all that was available to feed four kids. While I do have some good memories of my childhood in our neighborhood, and had some good friends there...I grew up with just enough. I was Gen X, that meant spending most of our time outside of school - OUTSIDE! We didn't have parents up our butts at every corner, even though at that time, all the parents actually watched out for everyone's kids. We truly did drink from garden hoses, usually the ends were covered with dirt and you'd get a mouthful if you forgot to wipe it off. We'd ride bikes, play, run around the entire neighborhood in groups. We had bullies, but they were handled with fights and if it got too bad, the parents stepped in - including the bullies parents to tan their backsides! I actually grew up without a cell phone, the internet, or even technology until I was basically in high school. At that time, there were repercussions for your actions - both good AND bad. Talking back to your parents, telling them "no," or to "shut up," meant a bar of soap or missing teeth. It wasn't abuse, it was discipline, so you didn't grow up to be an asshole. There was abuse, but I was not personally effected by that. We weren't allowed to be involved in everything under the sun. You picked one thing, and you stuck by it until it was over, period. You did not get everything you wanted. You got gifts for your birthday and Christmas - most of which was items you needed and a few that you wanted. You appreciated everything!! We never did the name-brand thing. You got what was affordable, or what was handed down. I know I always loved when my older cousin handed down her clothes. It was like a Christmas to me. Kids today, would not survive my childhood...my own included. 

I learned preparation by some of the most amazing women! My husband's grandmothers and mother were my guides. That was all he ever knew. They all grew big gardens, which were all divided amongst each family involved. He has told stories of one grandfather growing all the potatoes to feed, I believe, 5 families. They grew corn, and would all get together when the corn was ready to shuck, silk and work up that corn. It was then divided among the families. The same went with beans. Everyone worked together, like a well oiled machine, to preserve and divide them out to the families. Not only did it take the entire group to do this, but everyone working together to make sure all their families were fed until the next harvest. I was lucky enough to get to see a lot of this first hand, for many years. I learned to garden watching my Dad, but I learned to grow big gardens and preserve them from my husband's family. One grandmother, days after we got married, told me if I was going to be his wife...I better learn how to manage the family, keep up what he was "used to" and leave the "city girl" behind. Initially, I was a bit irritated by this. However, I learned quickly that my own short comings were vast and I have never stepped down from proving I can do anything I really want to do. So, my big journey began. That was nearly 25 years ago. I have since learned how to manage my family(although, that is a constant struggle), I learned how to read the garden soil, what additives to make a garden more productive, how to preserve anything and everything possible(not just vegetables, but meat, fish and so much more). I now know how to defend myself AND my family. I have my own firearms, and am proficient with them and many others. I can shoot a bow. I can prepare my household for a year plus, in most necessities. I took every excuse, and every "can't" that was in vocabulary and DID! I got out of my own way! I have learned everything from livestock to poultry, farm equipment to lawn equipment, hay ground to pasture ground, and learned to live on a single income(which I can tell you is one of the biggest challenges). 

While some may not realize it, but I walk the walk. I bust my ass for anything and everything I am involved in. My loyalty is firmly in place until I am given a reason to remove it. I give a lot of chances to others to do the right thing, but even I have a breaking point. Once my trust is broken, it won't ever be the same. I am flawed, and I will never seriously say otherwise. However, I become a better person each and every day. It took me time to get out of my own way, and to understand that there was so much I didn't know. I had to take a giant leap out of my comfort zone. The one thing one of my husband's grandmother told that applies to, not only gardening but life itself - "when you garden, you are taking a leap of faith. You patiently plant that garden, nurture it, pray that mother nature helps give it what it needs, and once all the hard work is put in - you reap the harvest. Then however, more work is in store to preserve that harvest to care for your family through the off season. A garden should be a labor of love." The life lessons through gardening, for me, have brought to me a place in life that I still get excited for and dread...every year. The patience, the work, the upkeep, the harvest, and preservation bring me a sense of pride, value, and a return to time when people understood what mattered most in life. I have felt like I returned to my own roots, and hope that my own grandparents and distant grandparents are smiling down on me. Even though my own children are in a struggle with modern life; the antique beliefs I have pushed for our family, brings many battles. One day, I pray they will appreciate, and strive to hold on to their roots and teach their own children. 

This week has been a very difficult one for me. I have battled with sadness, anger, anxiety, and a whole host of other emotions. As much as I love my life and my little farm, sometimes it does get lonely when you don't have a tribe that you share a common goal. I learned many years ago to cope. Sometimes, I just have to express what I'm dealing with. Life is difficult for most people right now, no matter what your situation is. All the nonsense in the world has all of us bouncing our heads like we are watching a tennis match...from one issue to another to another. I try to stay upbeat, positive and turn everything I can't control over to God...but I am only human, and will never be perfect. One thing I can promise, I will always be me; smart mouthed, sarcastic, opinionated, hard headed, strong willed, well researched, and constantly striving to do and be better than I was yesterday!!!

Coffee, farm, season changes

 

Seasonal winds have shifted around here. Let's visit.

Living as we do, we pay attention to the changes in weather, seasons, plants, and wildlife. Many times, those things are much more accurate than any meteorologist. The weather shifts are visible in not only the wildlife behaviors, but also in livestock/chickens/dogs/etc. Have you noticed the change in your pets when it's going to rain/storm? If you pay attention, you will see it. Animals get a little "squirrely," they don't behave as well, are racing around like their backends are on fire, or simply just don't listen. Wildlife and livestock, are the same way. Their behavior differences can alert you to an upcoming weather change. Typically the worse the behavior, the worse the weather difference, at least in my experience. The time of year, also indicates the weather pattern disruptions too. This could be rains, storms, snow, ice, cold, etc. 

Even though we have stayed warmer longer than normal, even the gardens have a built in radar. While I still had plants growing, some still producing, many of them had been dying off for several weeks. Our growing season here is typically the end of May until the end of September. We've had years when there is still snow on the ground in May, and years - like this one, when there is still some growing degree days in October. However, usually by the of September...you need to be finished with the gardens, as they do not produce much, if anything beyond that. This year we have had extreme droughts, and later than usual increased temps. My gardens have been officially put to rest for the winter. We spent our weekend on winterization projects. Thankfully, we had the help of our oldest son and my youngest brother, and that allowed us to get a lot more done. It's always sad to me when it's time to get the gardens ready for winter, and when the mowing is officially done for the year. 

Another area that seems like it would be the stuff of old wives tales, but it's not, is the persimmon seed predictions and the weeds going to seed. I will be perfectly honest here, almost all the weeds going to seed - this is my husbands thing. I do not know all the weed names, or the folk lore that goes with them. I just know that certain ones will not go seed until just before our first frost. As for the persimmons, this is fascinating to me. There are seeds in this fruit that have one of three "images" in them. A spoon, knife or fork. Each of them is supposedly a prediction of the coming winter. To this point, everyone that has shared them this year has gotten spoons. This typically means lots of moisture, which indicates warmer than average temps to allow snow fall. I honestly can't remember the meaning of the fork or knife as I write this. While some moisture in the ground would be welcomed, I am hopeful to not have a harsh winter. Over the next week or two, we will be watching the wildlife a little closer. The squirrels, the deer, fox, and even rabbits are telling, if you pay attention. 

As for right here...we did get our main garden put to rest for the winter. We got it cleaned out of any remaining produce, pulled/cut the remaining plants and weeds, and my husband even got it plowed up this year. We did some rearranging of my chicken pen earlier in the fall so the old area where no grass had grown this summer is also now plowed, and will become another garden next year. I am actually thrilled at having another garden area! My husband, son and brother were able to get a portable building put together to house square bales of hay and straw. This opened up our barn to allow for more lambing pens for the sheep this year. They also got the carburetor fixed on the wood splitter, my brothers garden plowed up, my son's hay hauled for his cows, my brother helped me finish cleaning out the floor of my chicken coop.  It was a very productive weekend on our farm. 

I personally have had some revelations. I have spent a lot of years jumping for everyone and everything. I've always tried to make life a little easier for those I care about. I don't do this for any reward, or even recognition. I do it because, in my eyes, this is what you do for your loved ones. Sadly, you put yourself in a position that it just becomes expected and others raise the bar to expect more and more. Last winter, I spent the entire winter seriously sick! It sucked!! Most didn't even acknowledge it, I was still expected to jump when anyone needed me, and the amount of help I personally got was almost zero. It's ok. I have honestly come to expect that. It just really hurt me for that realization to slap me, as it did. It took almost every ounce of energy I had last year just to get out of bed, make minimal amounts of meals, keep just basic cleaning up, and make sure laundry was done. Beyond that was a huge stretch. Anyway, it took this for me to realize a few things. First, my expectations of others, is my own issue. I have always believed that there is good in everyone, that people are inherently empathetic, and it just took someone believing in them for that to come out. You know, I believed I could help everyone become their best by helping them to the point of burning myself out. I was wrong. Second, this is basically the same as the first. I believed that people needed a hand up to better themselves, so I tried to do that; when in reality they were just looking for a hand out. This is not how I think, so it's difficult for me to understand. Third, burning myself out, did not help anyone or anything. All I did was allow my body to get run down, depleted of what it did need, and destroy my own peace of mind. Fourth, I let my own passions go. So much of what I have loved doing....I haven't done in a year or more. I haven't taken time to take any pictures with my good camera for a year or more. I have not built any new furniture for nearly 3 years now. I have lost so much drive toward even baking that it's sickening. This year, I am even struggling to find a hint of interest in anything Christmas related. I am burnt out with the rat race that has become of our lives, the disappointment of trying to help others and just getting burned every time. I am tired of trying to everything to everyone else and losing myself AGAIN in the process. 

I guess I've hit my terrible late 40's. I haven't cared what others thought of me for a LONG time, but now, I just ignore most. I have a lot of pet peeves that I have had for years. I've had to reach a point of "I love you, but it has to be from a distance for my own sanity and peace." People that love you do not manipulate you - verbally, mentally or physically. I don't make apologies for my blunt/no bullshit opinions. Sugar coating or mollycoddling is not how I operate. I have enough drama in my house to add any from outside of it. To be honest...I don't deal with drama well no matter where it comes from...so unless you want to be ticked, it's best I don't know about it. Anyway, I have allowed myself to get away from too much of holistic path the past few years, and I can tell. Not only in my health issues, but also in the arena of mind and spirit. There are a few things that I am doing that I wanted to do for me. Several years ago now, I went back to school to get my certificate in Natural Health Consulting. Although I do not do anything professionally with that, it has allowed me different avenues of holistic health options, having not only myself but my children, with severe allergy issues. I have recently become an ordained minister. I have considered this for many years, but the final push was to be able officiate my brother's wedding. I am also currently studying Reiki. I am a firm believer that God has given us what we need in every sense, but we have become too "busy" to pay attention. We have been told by modern medicine not to listen to our own bodies, and instead take some pills to fix problems. I believe this has continued to make society in worse health. Wellness does not come from synthetic, factory produced pills. Pharmaceuticals lose money if someone is "cured," so why would they do that? If you believe they are all trying to find "cures," I am probably not the person to follow. 

Most times anymore, you could tell me that 1 plus 1 would equal 5, and I will say "whatever works for you," and move on! I am not dealing with nonsense anymore. I get people are too "busy" and too broke to pay attention most of the time. However, when people have taken the time to research, they have taken the time to learn...do not discount what they are saying just because you have not. Too many people today are too hypocritical. One that sends my blood boiling, "follow the science." Ok, let's follow the science, but they only want you to follow the science they want to believe...not the science that goes against whatever stupid thoughts they have. A great example, follow the science with the illness but NOT the science that says there are only 2 genders. I think we really need to be following the money on all of it...who is making billions off all the bullshit we are being fed?! Anyway, I am not going any deeper in that rabbit hole today. I follow facts, the ones I have researched and know. Many times, I have learned how wrong my thinking was. That is called education. To learn what you don't know, you don't know. 

Finally today, I have had to push past a lot of my thoughts as I read through social media. People have become weak, needy, insecure and frankly...a bunch of whiners. Myself included! We are allowed to have opinions, for the most part, but sure seems like the age of technology has brought about the age of insecurities. No one can do anything without technology anymore. Yet, spouses get all up in arms over who their spouse is talking to online or on the cell phones. God forbid you have a friend of a different sex. I can tell you, no one is going to tell me who I can or can not talk to. Nor am I opening up my phone for "inspection." I wouldn't be that disrespectful to husband, and I will not be disrespected that way either. If you don't trust your partner, you don't have a relationship worth being in. Period! Putting on a show of how great life is online, while your real life is in shambles is pathetic. So many have to be continuously "reminded" online of their "love," and that just makes me shake my head! I swear, if I roll my eyes any harder, I will be able to see my own brain! Where the hell did the confident, independent, secure, decent and productive people go?!

Coffee Break

 

Coffee Break Conversation

It's a beautiful Fall, rainy and cool morning! We have spent the better part of Spring, Summer and early Fall in a serious drought here. I am welcoming the sounds of rain! While the winds have ripped up most of my plastic on my deck, that is on next week's agenda, it finally feels like Fall. Now the fun begins...being sarcastic here. 

I am not a fan of October. For years, I understood the lure of Halloween, getting to dress up and pretend for a night, the kids getting candy, and for those that like to be scared...the haunted houses. Now, I find it appalling. Evil people have turned the fun into more evil. Kids have to worry about candy laced with sharp items or drugs. There are a lot of children that go missing on that particular night. We are now expected to pretend daily with all the B.S. of people believing themselves to be something they are not. The luster of all of it flew right out the window for me! For several years, the only reason I look forward to that day is because it had been the day I start putting up Christmas decorations, to counter act the evil. I hate being scared. I refuse to watch horror movies or go to a haunted house. I have relented this year to dressing up and handing out candy in our local town's trunk or treat time. I am not a "pumpkin spice" person, I prefer Apple Spice, even though I love pumpkin pie...that is a Thanksgiving only thing for me. This year has already proven to me, it's going to be a big struggle to get into the Christmas swing. 

November and December have been my favorite months for as long as I can remember. It's typically a time when we have a lot of family gatherings, it's decorations are truly beautiful, and Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I get a lot of static every year, for my countdowns, and take them in stride. This year, I just am not feeling it. I've tried to start planning our usual gatherings, but my heart is just not in it. I can't bring myself to do much on countdowns, my schedule is already overwhelming me. Adding in 2 weeks of decorating, having to shop - since I have done ZERO to this point, my kids are older now so that is adding to the mix, my boys - one married and one living on his own - have their own lives and my baby is just not as into Christmas as she is to Halloween. We don't see many little people anymore, and really they are so much fun with the excitement of Christmas. It has been an annual battle for years to get my decorations out of storage, get them put up, and the amount of flack I get every year has kind of broke my excitement. I'm hopeful this changes soon. 

We have a local Fall festival here this weekend. I participate every year, 6 years now. I look forward to it. The festival highlights the fall foliage in a series of little villages(towns) in Southern Iowa. There is several miles of trees that show the beauty of Fall, and each of the villages showcase their uniqueness. I love each of these villages. I spend most of my time between 4 of them. I do 98% of my shopping, business, veteran coffees, and this festival between the 4. The village I will be in this weekend has the greatest little restaurant, that was once a grist mill. So many of the little villages, not just in Southern Iowa, but nationwide, are disappearing. People leave these little towns for many reasons, from money to their need for convenience. The one thing about small towns/villages, they are so friendly and welcoming. While this can also be a problem when people transplant their and have ill-will, it is an attribute that I personally love. Yep, the streets roll up at 5, and everything is closed on Sunday...but I don't see a problem with that!I prefer rural living, when you still know your neighbors by name, your children are relatively safe and everyone looks out for each other and their children, and for the most part - family values are still in place. Most of these small communities, your word is still your bond, and something you can still take to the bank as having meaning. 

As I get my butt moving today, I am so grateful for the amazing people in my life. Taking the time to count our blessings, is sometimes difficult. We get barraged with negativity from many different angles. So, I am taking a little extra time today, to count mine. I truly am rich in the things that matter. I have a beautiful, healthy family. A wonderful home to provide us shelter. I have enough food to keep us nourished. We have the most amazing friends, who show up when we need them and are always supportive. Through every blessing AND every lesson, we know that our biggest supporter is always God. With his support, we can do all through and with him. Take some time today to count your blessings, and then go out and be a blessing to someone else...not a lesson!!

Coffee Chat

 

I am going to kick off with a rant, before moving on. 

Sadly, our world is on fire. There are numerous countries all battling against another, our own funding many of these battles in one fashion or another. Our own homeland is in constant division, constant deprivation, and is being dismantled from within by design. The weak leadership amongst Republicans AND Democrats in our own country, has left our borders open, our allies wondering where the hell we are, and God forbid you throw in any religion! I am so sick and tired of watching our government fund both sides of every war, watching weak leadership destroy our country, allowing who knows what into our country - in turn putting every single American citizen in danger, while villainizing American's who are patriotic, watching our dollar devalue by the day, inflation rise and lying to the American's about everything, all the while making everything classified so American's are kept obedient and stupid.  I am completely disgusted by what has happened in Israel. There are no amount of words for the contempt I have for the spineless cowards that have harmed or killed the innocent people of both places!! After all, if we continue on the current path of reporting, we are hearing it's a slaughter of Jews. That would make this current battle into a religious battle. The fact that our own leadership has neglected to address anything, and the ones who have - have focused on the Jewish back ground and the women & children. How about this:  "What has happened in Israel and Gaza, by terrorists, on innocent lives - is unacceptable." Leadership and intelligence failed all our people. Those focusing on religion, women & children, and not on humanity are just as spineless. This recent attack was on PEOPLE, who were innocent. I don't care if they were Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or Atheist!!! They were people, who ALL bleed red blood. 

Before I move on, I am going to touch on this religious thing. I do not believe like most, which I suppose it's a good thing I am an ordained minister. I have read the Bible, several versions, cover to cover....and while much is the same, there is a lot different too. Here is my take, WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD. Yes, there are plenty of fallen angels that are pure evil. By classifying a specific religion, race, nationality, sex, etc. you are deciding that one group of people or another is superior, and that goes against the basic teachings, that we were all created by ONE GOD. So, you will never hear me focus on religion, because in my eyes, we are all God's children. 

Moving on, we are living in scary and unquestionably weird times. Within our own country, you can't get through one day without some news story talking about recession, inflation, jobs numbers, the surging debt and repossessions, some new hair brain theory about climate change being our biggest threat, a 2 party system that is in complete disarray and corrupt to the foundation, you've got people in $2000 suits telling you to pay high interest and buy a house or car, or that those that support America and our military are bad. You want a voice, get registered and actually vote, go and actually serve your country, go out and become a productive member of society. Until you are prepared to sign a blank check to the military to serve this country, with the chance your body will come back draped in a flag...supporting war is spineless. This country is $34 TRILLION dollars in debt!! We Are BANKRUPT!!! Why do you think our government is pushing so hard for war?! Use your heads! Did you not learn anything from History?! 

 

I am mad! There are 92 nations, world wide, that have spent years now stock piling Gold, Silver, and other precious metals. All while American government continues to run the printing presses and pulling Monopoly money out of their asses.  The Fed buying up junk bonds to funnel through their balance sheets, selling our debts to other countries, and our country...is dependent on Imports, because all our industry left the high taxes, and can make millions by just importing these foreign products and paying less to America. We have this green energy bullshit being shoved down our throats, all while our grids crash under regular use across the nation. Our grid can not handle all this extra crap. These electric vehicles are combusting without any logical reason. They can not travel any real distance. We now have AI driving vehicles and farm equipment...that is a major disaster just waiting to happen. It's bad enough farmers can no longer farm unless have GPS, and thousands of dollars of technology on their equipment. They would be screwed if the grid and internet went down. Think about what we all use in our everyday lives. How would you survive without electricity, internet and water? Now, think about those living on top of each other in more heavily populated areas. It's quite terrifying. 

I may be projecting fear, I hope so!! Maybe that is what it's going to take for people to actually open their eyes. I pray everyday that can still pull out of the chaos our world is facing. However, in reality, that chaos seems to get worse everyday. I am talking to and reading about what so many good people are being faced with, nearly everyday. People can't afford the medications they need to survive, drug overdoses by those stuck in that cycle, people having to only eat one meal a day because they can't afford to buy groceries. People have had to start surrendering their pets because they can't take care of them and their selves. When did America, supposedly the richest nation on Earth, become such a cesspool? WHY did American citizens allow this to happen? We became complacent, lazy and dependent on a corrupt government. I know we can't control everything, and there have been things beyond our knowledge...but here is what we can control: OUR OWN PERSON! It's called living below our means, not living on too much debt, being self-sufficient. It's taking care of our local communities, supporting small local businesses, and demanding accountability from our local elected politicians. It's being involved and pulling our heads out of the sand. Yeah, it's kinda ugly right now...brushing it off, will only mean we are kicking the can down the road for our children and grandchildren to deal with later. The time to fix this mess is NOW!!! 

Prepare like your lives depend on it. They may! Make an emergency plan. Whether it's because the world is a mess, you have bad weather or an emergency in your home...have a plan! Have a back up plan, multiple if necessary. Back up the back ups! Do you have a meeting place for you and loved ones if you get divided? Do you have a place to go to be safe? Does your back up location KNOW they are the backup? Have you stocked up your pantry? What about water - bottled, gallons; enough to clean yourself, flush a toilet, cleanse wounds, etc? Do you have emergency lighting? Do you have a means to cook food, open cans, cookware? Do you have enough food? Do you know how to treat illnesses without medication or access to doctors? Do you have extra fuel sources - gas, propane, diesel, charcoal, firewood? Do you have fire starter - lighter fluid, matches, kindling? Do you have enough cash on hand - small bills and coins, to be able to barter? Don't forget to have something to keep yourself busy - books, playing cards, board games, etc. While we are all guilty of having too much stuff, not enough space and spending like drunken sailors...we need to STOP!!! Focus on what you NEED, not what you want. Needs are food, water, shelter, etc. Beyond that is a want. 

Other countries have told their citizens to keep 3-6 months worth of needs in their homes at all times. Our country has been mute. I don't care if you have to store these things in a closet, extra bedroom, garage or basement...PLEASE stock up! What one person needs for that time frame will different greatly from what a family of 6 or more needs. So, you need to understand what you would require daily for that time frame. 90-180 days, minimum, would mean a minimum of that many cans of soup, 5 times that amount of drinking water, and that does not include medications, pet supplies, paper products, etc. If you are accustomed to eating full meals, could you learn to ration? For example, do you need meat, potatoes, and vegetables for every meal? Could you survive on the equivalent of 16 oz. of food per day? Just a heads up.... if you are used to drinking sugary drinks(sweet tea, soda, energy drinks), nicotine, alcohol, sweets, etc. if you do not have them, you will go through some serious withdrawls. It will lead to migraines, jitters, bad attitudes; just like someone coming off a hard drug. 

Do you possess a skill that could help you if all hell breaks loose? Do you possess "security tools?" Do you have enough fire power for that tool? Do you even know how to use one? Do you know self defense? Are you physically capable of fighting off an intruder? 

You can believe whatever you choose to believe. I know I am following my own gut on this. The past 3 years have shown me things I never thought possible in the America I love. Our country going into a lock down, over a man-made virus. Our government deciding what jobs were essential. The insanity of the toilet paper debacle of 2020. Spending 3 years watching store shelves empty, prices increase three times what they were, seeing people divided by that government, being told that what we are seeing with our own eyes isn't the truth...the truth is what the media and government tell us it is. That is NOT how a Constitutional Republic works!!!!! We have allowed the government to become our masters. WE ARE ALL SLAVES NOW. Slaves to debt, government whims, division, and their greed/power. You see, because we have allowed this craziness, this division to continue, they just keep getting more delirious with power. 

This is my personal thoughts. You have your own, and I respect that. We were never meant to agree on everything. America has been a melting pot of culture, freedom, and independence. We are on the verge of losing this great nation because too many are jumping on the division bandwagons. We The People have choice. We can choose to make choices to better ourselves, while coexisting with others trying to do the same. We can choose to focus on being of the human race, without all the divisive labels. We can choose to take responsibility for ourselves. I suppose the choice belongs to each one of us. I know what my choices are. Do you?

News Updates

 

After taking some time away from the internet for a few days, catching up last night was shocking. I do not watch television, and haven't for about 12 years now. I read news stories online, or catch highlights on Youtube. I can't stomach the lies on TV or in journalism anymore. That being said, I've done minimal digging into the latest conflict but I have my own take - as usual. I refuse to be a tool for government OR religion.

I stand with all the innocent people of Israel, AND Gaza, as well as the actual people of this world. Sadly, just as in America, the leadership is the culprit of most conflicts. It's amazing to me, how the world screamed that the last administration was going to start a war...yet, not only didn't start a single one, but ended up with peace agreements. Sure, our last President was not a politicians...he was a business man, that didn't mince words, didn't put up with crap from anyone, and even though he was extremely rough around the edges...it WORKED! Now, we have a complete shit show with supposed leadership that falls up stairs, off bicycles, and over sandbags...while not being able to string a sentence together, and has become a laughing stock for the ENTIRE world. Our country has become weak. In just 2 1/2 years, we went from affordable fuel, getting back on track with American production, putting Americans AND America first, the ONLY President in history to refuse a salary for his entire term, tough laws on child and human trafficking, reduced regulations, tax cuts that actually helped the middle class, the lowest black unemployment numbers in decades, a 1.4% inflation rate, strong international relations that lead to America actually getting paid what it was owed for the first time ever. In 2 1/2 years, we have the mess between Russia and Ukraine, China and Taiwan, and now Israel and Gaza. Every single news story is touting the killing and kidnapping of women and children. I am going to stop right here to say, THINK ABOUT THIS!!!  Every single time these elite classes want a war, what do they spoon feed us?! Every single time they are positioning for war it's the same things....democracy. They even have some of the smartest in America believing WE are democracy. Did so few pay attention in History class to understand WE ARE NOT A DEMOCRACY, WE ARE A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC. 

Why is it, that every single country we have gone to war with, is strangled with the term democracy? Did these countries and their people actually WANT us to put our noses into their business? Why exactly are WE policing the world? Take the time to do your own research, beyond just watching the noise box! Every single country that has been invaded resulted in only a handful of endings...they did not want our fiat money(theirs was backed by gold/precious metals), they wanted their own freedom of religion(whether we agree with it or not), they had something our elitist corrupt government wanted(oil, diamonds, etc.), or the country had a government that wouldn't sell their souls to the elite and wanted to keep their land/people free from the corruption. It's ALL in our history books. It's the same playbook, used over and over for hundreds of years...yet, WE THE PEOPLE keep allowing it. We want to force the world to conform into some demented democracy, that allows corruption, tells people what religion is acceptable, how to spend their money, that living under the veil of debt is productive, and that the government knows best. 

Going back through History, people fled from Europe to the America's for religious freedom, and freedom from persecution for their beliefs. Yet, to this day, you hear Christians persecuting those who believe differently. The very pretense of England demanding a straight and narrow religion, demanding insane taxes, being ruled by a class that incorporated not only paedophilia, worship of a God many Christians today refer to as Moloch, Baal, or Satan, and persecuting the Protestants, the Pagens, those accused of witchcraft - which is now under a giant umbrella that includes not only Pagens, Witchcraft, Native American beliefs, and anything that is now coined "holistic." I see the religious wanting prayer back in schools, and that is fine...BUT if you are going to allow prayer, are you going to allow ALL forms of prayer - for every religion or just Christianity? I may not agree with most forms of religious belief, but I don't believe in ridiculing people for their beliefs...aside from the sacrificing of children to Moloch/Baal. That I have a major issue with!!!

So, before we get too far up in arms, let's take a step back. These government officials and media talking heads are playing us - they play our feelings and emotions. Why do you think it's ALWAYS pushed about women and children?! While another war is breaking out, what do you think has been happening in our country for 2 1/2 years? We have been literally invaded from our southern border. This administration has not only allowed this BUT ACTUALLY ENCOURAGED it!!! We do not know who these people are coming into our country. The cartels have financial ties to our corrupt officials, they make sure these immigrants cross the border and then the immigrants either pay up or are murdered or the cartels murder their family. Children are being openly trafficked across that border. If you can't feel absolutely anger about that, you have serious issues! Anyone using or abusing children not only has a special place in hell, but deserves to suffer the most horrendous death possible! Leave the kids alone!!! Our own current leadership roles, in all 3 branches of federal government and most states too, has collectively made America into a 3 ring circus, and a laughing stock. 

Since the dawn of time, people have battled over land. Right here in America, we have the divisions to prove it; even though we are a young nation. Settlers coming to America, taking from the Indian tribes, the Indian tribes taking from other Indian tribes, the original land dwellers losing to the Indians. It's been a constant battle. Governments have sold their people out for thousands of years. They have done everything in their power to use divisions to keep people from uniting, and it's worked. As I said, right here in our own country; the governments have continued the game of divide and conquer. We are constantly being led by race, gender, religion, political party; straight, gay, black, white, male, female, Christianity, Pagan, city, rural, and once again they come after our children.      LEAVE OUR CHILDREN ALONE!!!!

 

In other areas, our economy is in some strange twilight zone. Just this year alone, the government numbers issued for the job creations, income, etc; keep getting revised down...until last week. The jobs numbers were up, debt nationally and on the individuals is increasing, the stock market is not reflecting the dire straits we are facing on Main Street USA. If you have bought food, fuel, or pretty much paid any bills; and haven't noticed the significant increases, you need to wake up! While the entire world is connected now, understanding what is happening right here in our country is imperative! While we may have differing opinions on some things, wanting everyone to have what they need should be the priority for our government...NOT nosing into other countries, sending our tax dollars to support other countries while our own Military members are homeless, we have homelessness increasing by the day, and unless you want to work in a bar, restaurant, or such...getting a good job is nearly impossible. When 70%+ of GDP is consumed, so we are no longer producing, manufacturing, or creating. We went from a Capitalist nature to one of mostly consumerism and imports. 

 

We as a people AND a country are better than this, and deserve better too! All of us!! We are not all going to agree on everything...that is what makes America such a unique melting pot of cultures. One issue we face is the constant game of dividing our people to battle each other instead of holding our elected officials to task. Instead of demanding accountability from them, they pull out all stops to divide, and keep American's from realizing who the real enemies are. America is not unique in this game though. Most nations around the world are dealing with the same corruption. Sadly, it is the innocent people that are the ones hurt in this. The wars between governments, kills our soldiers, pilages a countries assets and allows take over by other governments, and forces the citizens of every nation into slavery whether that be in physical sense, mental sense or financial sense. Whether you want to see it or not, is of no consequence. We have ALL become slaves to the governments. Their corruption has conquered our people...and we the people have been battle between each other and didn't pay attention. We became complacent. 

 

   Here in America, we are NOT a Democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic. Learn and know the difference. This is where these corrupt politicians have been feeding a whole bunch of lies. If they can change definitions to fit their narratives, why would you be surprised by this lie? We've been in a recession by the original definition since 21, yet they changed the definition pushing the goal post back to avoid being realized by those with their heads still in the sand! Sadly, as so many are trying to point out truth, the backlash has been atrocious! 

 

While we are still somewhat able, I encourage you to get prepared. Stock your pantry, get your "security" in place, have an emergency plan. We are being constantly distracted, every single day now...and we are just now entering the election year cycle. Scary!!!  Imagine what this winter will bring with repeat talk about lockdowns, illness, severe winter weather, and shortages. Not to mention the true wage shrinkage, increased taxes, increased repossessions, crashing commercial market, every other nation facing huge recessions and inflation, increased police states around the world, and shrinking full-time job markets. While I recommend a minimum of 2 months of necessities on hand at all times, having a year or so is definitely better!!! Take inventory of what you use on a weekly/monthly basis. Have plenty of food, water, medicine, pet needs, first aid, etc! Beans, Bullets and Bandaids folks!!!                              

Is the sky falling, really?

 

There is sure a lot of conversations that are overpowering. "The sky is falling," or "the boy who cried wolf," both phrases come to mind as of late. My own research has lead me to believe there are a lot of strange things happening in our world, and I have preached about stocking up and doing your own research for many years. However, for a year or two now, it seems like we are constantly being diverted in a million directions, and why?! 

If you think back to History class, and remember the Roman times, it's a reminder of the diversion tactics even then. The Coliseum, bread, and entertainment was the distraction then. The distractions removed the attention from the fall of the Empire to anything but that. This is the same play book being used today. We are distracted and desensitized to most things now. Our politics preach that no one is above the law, yet the only ones this applies to is the conservatives. The political parties that are challenged by We The People, are now considered domestic terrorists. We are being fed propaganda by our media, the press secretary, and a large majority of our politicians...and it's being done legally, with the changes made to the Smith-Mundt Act under the Obama Administration. We are distracted by entertainment - concerts, professional sports, aliens, threats of a world war, and border invasion. Yet, we have become so desensitized that we basically ignore everything to just keep trying to live our regular lives. We ignore violence, have become too weak to accept the human trafficking issues, many don't understand how our system is supposed to work anymore, most don't even know enough about their rights to defend themselves. We have a resident that can't string together a sentence, falls going up stairs, falls off a bike, and is laughed at by every other world leader. Our Congress and Senate has a 19% approval rating because they have lost a large portion of American's trust. They are not capable of doing what is right for America because they are bought and paid for, so they will only pass legislation that will benefit whomever lines their pockets more. Our VP, aside from being completely incompetent cackles her way through word salads and incoherent conversations. Most of our politicians have served for 20 plus years, and have used their positions as a retirement fund, instead of being Statesmen and women. These same politicians are doing all they can to continue to create class warfare among our people. Dividing our people by class, skin color, gender, political preference, and anything else they can find. They do not want our people to understand that even having difference of opinion, if we all came together, they would lose their power over us. The saddest part for me, there are just enough weak people that can't accept the we are going to have differences but that is what has always made America great. We have always been a melting pot of cultures, and until we had all these differences crammed down our throats, labels forced on everything, and bringing private lives into public. 

I am all for "to each his own." I have an issue when other beliefs are forced on me, and I am being labeled as something because God made me female, and white. God does not make mistakes. I may not believe in religion, but I have no doubt in God. Whether we evolved from monkeys, who made the monkeys?! or humans were just poofed into existence, is of little consequence to me. We are here now, and because of the constant division from our politicians, we are battling each other instead of them. It's not a two party system, I hate to break that to some. It's a delusional illusion. No matter what division is pushed on us, we all bleed red. We are all the daughters and sons of a much higher creator. 

Here in America, we have many issues threatening us. I know many people do not want to look at things head-on because it is overwhelming. I get that. The part that hits me, is because we are choosing to overlook so much, it's all going to come crashing around us. Those in DC, have neglected their jobs for so long, we have mortgaged the futures of multiple generations and the can just keeps getting kicked down the road. The Congress has passed yet another bill to print more money. We are already $33 TRILLION in debt and it climbs daily. Our taxes, that were supposed to be temporary, have increased dramatically since 1913....all while our infrastructure has gotten worse, the Social Security fund has been raided, many unelected installed agencies have been put in place - illegally, the politicians keep voting themselves raises, and the tax monies are paid as interest payments on the out-of-control debt...not on America. The Federal Reserve, which is neither Federal nor has any reserve, has allowed for out-of-control money printing, which in part has caused this inflation we have experienced the past few years. The politicians that have their "pet projects" keep utilizing that never ending printing press to fund whatever projects they are bought off for. The bills sent through the Congress and Senate are not single subject bills, but have hundreds or even thousands of pages, and NOT A ONE OF THESE REPS actually READS them! So, a bill may be for healthcare, yet it has a ton of regulations for auto makers or new tax increases or a million other options...yet we complain if a party doesn't vote for a bill. Isn't is just as much OUR responsibility to read these bills, as it is for our politicians, and to MAKE our representatives work on our behalf?! We have gotten lazy, complacent. When is the last time you have read Executive Orders? Did you know, an Executive Order, is an automatic law? Did you know, there were 3 Executive Orders under the Trump Administration, that contained National Emergencies...THAT WERE NEVER ADDRESSED?Did you know, when a National Emergency is issued, the Executive Order that is put into place, makes a President, a war time President...even more so when those National Emergencies are not addressed by the Congress in place at the time of the National Emergency? Did you know, the United States Army was formed BEFORE the Constitution? That even though separate from civilian law, Military Law trumps civilian law under National Emergencies. Did you know, the jobs of President and Commander-I-Chief, are two separate jobs...even though they are framed as one? 

So, while the politicians keep playing their delusional games, average Americans are losing everything. Interest rates have steadily increased over the past 2 years. Getting a loan has become more difficult. If you have a loan/credit, the interest rates continue to increase. Seriously, if you have bought groceries, put fuel in your vehicle, paid any bills...you have surely seen the prices going up. If you are truly in a position that none of this effects you, I am thrilled for you! For the rest of us...we are struggling! Young people starting out have zero chance of getting anywhere. In my direct area, land prices have risen to a point the only ones able to purchase it are the Mennonites with their 100 year loans, or the big farmers that the banks can't afford to shut off their credit. Everyone else is just totally screwed. Those that fall in the 20-50 year old range, can't afford to buy land, or a farm. Between the cost of land, the cost of homes(new and used), and the interest rates....we are upside down before we ever get started. Even renting land has been driven so far up, again by the big farmers and the Mennonites, that it's nearly impossible to do. It becomes pretty depressing for many of us that want to grow, not massive, but grow none-the-less. The job market is scary too. There are jobs, most are in the service industry(restaurant, bar, hotel) and many claim full time...but you are lucky to get 30 hours a week. With the increase in minimum wage, that has lead to another big issue. When people working in the service industry are making $15-$20 hourly, and those working in skilled trades are barely making $30 hourly...there is a problem. Here is a good example...A skilled laborer, with 30 years experience has to struggle to make $30 hourly, has to pay an arm & leg for benefits, gets limited time off, and is expected to keep up with continued education. A person working in the service industry, is now able to make around $20 an hour, just starting out, has benefits, gets time off and many times doesn't even attempt to do quality work. When an unskilled worker goes into a trade industry, they expect to make the money they would in the service industry, and they are just not qualified, so the trade industry is starving for laborers. They end up offering several fringe benefits or "sign on bonuses," while the skilled laborers end up having to do twice the work to cover for those untrained, and making a lot less. 

I understand that every job is important. We all like to eat out, even if it's only on occasion, so restaurant, bar, fast food, etc. they are all important. Many people travel, so the hotel/motel/Bed & Breakfast industry has it's place. However, skilled trades have severely dried up! In my area, trying to find carpenters, concrete laborers, masonry trades, plumbing, electrical, cabinet builders, mechanics, etc. is nearly impossible. Then you have to find the trades that do a good job, and that is even more rare. One thing that really rubbed me the wrong way during the lockdowns(one of MANY), was the idea of "essential workers." That was such rubbish!!!!!!!  Every single worker is essential! It takes every able body working in America, to make America work. If you think about it, here we are 3 years after the dreaded flu, and how many business are not back to work?!! Washington DC, still has a majority of its business district closed. Many of the malls, and city businesses are still shuttered. I know I keep hearing that many are working from home. Well, all the businesses that have been trying to hire for the past 2 1/2 years, can NOT get help. Or they hire people that work until they get a paycheck and disappear. There is no work ethic anymore. I can not blame this on an age group...it's across the board! From 16-90, more people want everything handed to them but refuse to work to get it. Then you have people like me. Those that have so much life experience, a degree...even if severely outdated, but can't get even a part time job because of being "over qualified." Seriously, if I am applying for a job...it's because I'm willing to work, not because of my qualifications. Many jobs now, they demand a degree..which is pointless. I have an Associates, but it's useless. Unless I'm willing to spend over $40K to upgrade to a Bachelors now, and take the time to do more education...most of the jobs won't even look at my resume. I paid off my student loans YEARS ago, we are still paying on my husbands, and I REFUSE to take on more debt to become an educated idiot, just so I can work in an office to file and answer phones. You only need half a brain to do that job, not a Bachelors degree. 

Our economy is in shambles. Our country has gone from Capitalism to Consumerism. There is a BIG difference and there are many that need to learn it. More than 70% of America's Gross Domestic Product(GDP) is from Consumerism. It is all the products we now import from other countries instead of producing here in the states. A great example, go look through a single room in your house, look at the ratio of Made in America versus Made in...any other country. We have become addicted to the cheap, and cheap quality of products made outside our country. We spend hard earned money, on things we don't need...it's called Consumerism. Your iPhones, made in China, are imported...not made in America by American workers. Just a brief example. Do you really need a new cell phone every year, or is it only because you think you need the latest and greatest? Again, my personal push of learning the differences between needs and wants. How much crap do you have just sitting around, or in storage units? Do you really need to buy more? Probably not. So, what is your drive to keep consuming? All the TV ads pushing you to keep consuming? A friend pressuring you to get the latest and greatest? Or is it the simplest thought of I "deserve" this because I work hard? Here's a thought....don't you deserve to be debt free, to have money saved, to have extra to be able to help those less fortunate? Anyway, that is just a personal pet peeve. Those pushing for you check off the boxes; college, marriage, family, home, new car, etc. they don't have a dog in your fight. They will not be affected in any manner, if you lose your ass! 

Back to the economy. With inflation, even by government numbers, being stupid high...it's killing American's. The core inflation, as per the Fed, is around 7-8%. This does NOT include housing, loans, food, fuel or utilities. When our food inflation alone is pushing 35%, how exactly does this economy manage? Fuel prices are double, or more, what they were 3 years ago. The year-over-year home prices have increased a minimum of 25%. The biggest lie our government has fed us for many years is not all this inflation/recession crap. It's the fact that our wages have not kept in line with growth of everything for decades. Just in my lifetime, we have had several financial issues. The 70's, 80's, 90's, the '08 "Great Financial Crisis," and now we are living in a silent Depression that our government refuses to acknowledge. You had the gas lines, the FHA loan recall program that killed farmers, the recession of the 90's, the housing bubble in 08, and honestly right now... we have a housing bubble, a commercial loan crisis, out-of-control inflation, the job market is weak, we are not producing enough in America, we are dependent on imports from China/Thailand/Taiwan/Saudi Arabia, and many more. So tell me again, WHY WAS PUSHING AMERICA FIRST SUCH A PROBLEM?

In my eyes, common sense says the problems should be clearly visible to everyone...especially those in the older generations. Reality, is proving me wrong. When it takes me $600 per month to buy food for a family of 5, going out to eat is such a rare treat because that will be about another $90, when it now takes about $90 per week to put fuel in our car, our utilities have increased by nearly $200 per month, my mortgage increased by nearly $200 per month, nearly 35% of gross income is taken to pay income tax yet, we are taxed on food, fuel, farm use items, roads, schools, nursing home, fire/police, property, personal property, clothing, and utilities... How in the hell does ANY of this make sense?! Our roads suck! I don't have and haven't had children in the schools in over 10 years, the fire department can't find us, and we are in part of the county that only wants to claim us at tax time. Even our state government never finds its way to this part of the state. We get the automated phone town hall meetings, but the reps end up giving brush off answers because they can't be bothered to actually show here and be forced to answer. God forbid you be someone actually educated in the real world, because they will NOT even talk to you! 

So, I guess in some ways, the sky is falling. For those of us that have chosen to get educated, the veil has been lifted and we are asking the BIG questions. We are not settling for the brush off answers from EITHER party. We are not arguing or buying into the divisions, with our Brothers and Sisters....we are demanding real action FOR AMERICA and her citizens. These politicians are no longer being given a free pass because of their "party" affiliations. We are brushing off the insults from those still living in their delusions. We are no longer turning the other cheek. After yet another insulting call about polling, that doesn't allow for more than "this party or that party" answers...I am angry. I can look back and see about 3 notable people in our history that have attempted to do good for America. Sadly, 2 of them were assassinated for it, and the 3 has faced constant battles for 8 years because of lies and weak minds. I do not support EITHER political party, and that has allowed me to dig into what these politicians and elected people have actually done. I am not blinded by parties. 

I am going to end today with this: take some time to dig into some research of your own. Go check out executive orders, what these bills going through our Congress actually say, learn about the politicians and what they have ACTUALLY done for America. Pay attention to how your life is being affected by the current economy, and how much you are actually paying in taxes(income, products, food, etc.). Try to contact your local representatives and ask questions...that'll be fun. Stop consuming! Plan on taking 25% of your income and saving it...can you live on the rest? If not, you are not living within your means.