My first
 

full fledged anxiety attack over all this.:bear_w00t:
Anyone else awake?

Re: My first
 

Re: My first
 

well that didnt help.. :confused_ma:





how about this

Re: My first
 

Over what?

Re: My first
 

Yeah, it's overwhelming, isn't it? The more you do, the more you realize there's still other stuff to get done, too.

All you can do is hope and pray the system continues to defy gravity long enough to dig in reasonably well. Welcome each paycheck as another opportunity to prepare. And take comfort in the fact that only a handful of people here have all the bases covered - and note that even those folks are still prepping!

Finally, at least you have the advantage of being aware of what's going on. In person, I can count on one hand the number of people who have the remotest idea of what's coming. You're ahead of 99.8% of the people out there....

You're not alone. Hang in there!

Re: My first
 

over the very real possibility we may see this country fall.

Not being ready for that on a physical , emotional or spiritual level..

Worried about the mess it will leave behind for my kids and everyone else's.....
Its a long list...

Re: My first
 

Its just a cycle, and this one is coming to an ugly end.

We got too fat and lazy, and spent all our effort and energy consuming and playing games, and borrowing to fight wars against nobody in particular. Almost like Rome with its Empire to support, spending 2/3 of the days with everyone at the Circus. Eventually someone must endure tremendous pain for all the excessive stupid wastefulness, wasting beyond what there was to even waste.

Sort of like how the depression resulted from the excesses of the roaring 20's, except this time its much, much worse. In the 20's PEOPLE had lots of short term debt, and when it couldn't be refinanced, the depression ensued.

This time people have debt, true, but the government has *DEBT* of a magnitude that is just unprecedented in the history of the world, and deficits that are completely structural in nature, so there is no way out other than a total collapse, and this time there is no gold that they can grab out of circulation to back whatever devalued value anyone could want to assign to what's left of the nation.

Re: My first
 

Avalon,

The reason we are here on the planet earth is to experience pleasure before we die, and aside from that, to procreate. Making sure to provide for the future so we can enjoy life and provide for our families is important, but don't spend so much time preparing for the future that you forget to have fun in the present! We talk about a lot of depressing stuff around here, but it's really about living. Perhaps a vacation is in order?

Good luck,
b_01

Re: My first
 

Im not normally this uptight but its really hit me this last week because I can see things moving faster then expected. In a way I envy people who are oblivious.

I do need a vacation..I am headed for a camping trip at my alternate bug out spot this weekend. :rolleyes_m:

Re: My first
 

Mornin Possum, sounds like you got a knot in your tail.

Just a couple things.

Let go of the list girl. You have shown you have great intuition. Trust it, rely on it. But don't keep dragging things around that you have no control over.

Your/our children are/will live their own lives. You can only do the things you can do. Worrying won't help, but you know that. I know, your a Mom and it's your right to worry. Remember, they volunteered for this life.

Camping, cool, if you have had an intuition about pending doom try to listen to it. Maybe you should take a small bugout bag with you. Just don't take the kitchen sink.

But as someone else already said you've got to enjoy life; smile, laugh, do something crazy and unexpected like going skinny dipping (that usually does it!! hahaha)

Dr. s

Re: My first
 

Sounds like you've got nothing to worry about. But it's good to keep the urgency alive- it means you will likely push yourself to complete more tasks quicker than if you were more laid back as I am.

I just started buying some emergency food this past week. Don't have any bug out location. Only have about 1/3 acre to live off of, much of which is steep wooded hill on a north facing slope- not prime growing conditions. But I'm as laid back as ever. What happens happens.

I will be going camping next weekend though. Public land. Will get to test my new boat! :) It's a 12' folding boat. It folds down flat to almost a surfboard size. Should be good for when TSHTF

Re: My first
 

I've always said "the best thing you can prepare is your mind".

Now for some anxiety help...
1. Remove your favorite rifle from it's case
2. Apply Birchwood Casey gun stock wax liberally to the stock
(more than one coat may be needed)
3. Polish with a soft cloth and wipe vigarously to finish shine.
4. Apply BreakFree lubricant/preservetive to all external metal surfaces. Wipe to remove excess oil.
5. Repete until you are feeling better.

Hope this helps
EE

Re: My first
 

Thanks SB :) Yeah, I got my tail in a knot, that's for sure.
Im sort of having a crisis in faith over how much of this I should try and control and plan for and how much I should turn over.. If I could make peace with that I would be OK.
I know the kids volunteered for this just like we did but its hard to let go...
I think my coworkers got me stirred up this week. There has been a lot of WTSHTF talk at work.. Its like you said in the other post. Lots of talk and no action on their part.
Maybe Im just angry because TPTB are playing with us.

Re: My first
 

I would find polishing and counting my Pm's a lot less stressful. :s9:

Re: My first
 

Hi Avalon & all- this forum is a good... no, an excellent support team.

My father talked about these days more than 40 years ago. He saw what was happening in the world and how the bankers got control of our world. He was a member of the John Birch Society. They were labelled as nut cases.

Knowing what is coming is not always comforting and it does bring along the responsibilities of preparation and being the nut-case who will likely be ridiculed by the sheeple. I think that if we look into the far future, we can find the peace that transcends understanding.

Why a ONE-world government? Why all the controls? Why the delays? Timing? Why is there corruption? What happens in the end?

I can tell you the answers to these questions because I have a source that is reliable. And that source can give you assurances that will wipe away every tear, replace fear with courage & love, and provide everything you need to accomplish what you must- regardless of our preps.

Anxiety? Yeah, I admit that now and then it hits me.... probably because I know that there have wasted times, opportunities and energies that I squandered. OK. Beat yourself up over it once and move on.

Re: My first
 

Read that over and over until you believe it, deep inside. You can crush yourself with externalities and what-ifs. My generation called it "letting go". You can only control a small piece. Trust your wisdom to get you through what-may-come. You're paying attention, and that puts you light years ahead.

Re: My first
 

being a part of GIM
you're miles ahead of the sheeple
from varying opinions from different walks of life here
you know how bad it could get when TSHTF

the best we all can do is just prep a little bit everyday
and don't be afraid to ask " what if? "

as for the here and now, stop and smell the roses, enjoy life
because when TSHTF, i'm not gonna be planning anything to far into the future

think positive
one day at a time

Re: My first
 

That is so ironic just today while I was walking my pooch......I did some quick math and figured something out

In just a 1672 days from today it will be Dec 23,2012

and from that I can take away 365 days as being pure hell with all the chaos that will be unfolding from the very earth herself going through convulsions.

which gives us 1307 days before every body wakes up that .... there is some serious chit going down

Take away another 365 and that will leave with just about 942 days. 942 days is the "silver window" that people like us can get prepared before it starts the elite start to strip away the illusions that "America can never fall"


So 942 day is all the time you will alloted to do the things that you enjoy and take for granted

I am so far behind what I need to be ready to face this it is not even funny ... if I dwell on hard enuff it would only take a feather to push me over the edge.

But when the smoke clears....... If I get the help from the Universe ...fine.... if I dont .....EAT ME CHUMP didn't need your help for jack anyways.


I am trying to make peace within my self to accept either of those outcomes.



T

Re: My first
 

I feel like Conan at the last battle asking aid from Crom....

Re: My first
 

One of my favorite movies- I could probably recite most of the lines by memory :D

Re: My first
 

I swear..... from the first time I saw I that movie I could repeat that prayer..


When I think about everything ...long term realtionships failing, jobs that wont appear that were "promised", real estate deal turning sour, nasty bills coming due at the worst time, Finanaces reduced to a dribble, promises that I have to fufill cause there where made in good faith.


I feel like Phlasa doom and his minions are bearing down on me with the hordes of hell at both sides.


But here I stand......in absolute definance....... seething with a crimson rage that has pent up since the day I have awoken from my slumber at all that has be taken from me because I was ignorant and afraid......

and in my right hand I wield a Silver blade with the inscription on the hilt I AM SOVEREIGN


All I ask it that Universe grant me aid in the my request for JUSTICE and if not ........

BAHHHHHHH!! THE HELL WITH IT THEN!!


I will split the earth in half with silver blade alone!(last battle music playing in the back round)



T

Re: My first
 

You want a good chance to make it though you're going to need to get a lot tougher, like the Turks.

Gas prices too high they shrug it off and walk or ride a bike or use a donkey to haul what needs to be hauled.

Food prices too high raise more chickens for eggs and meat along with some goats for milk and meat.

Fix it up, make do or do without.

They don't complain they just do what needs to be done whether its slaughter an animal to eat or make a coat out of its hide if its too cold.

Like Bob said Americans are fat and lazy and a great culling will happen on this American continent.

Be like the Turks, if you can.

Re: My first
 

I cant believe you told a Greek to be more like a Turk.. My Ancestors are rolling over in their graves... :rofl:

I do hear you though. People are adaptable.. Im not so much worried about hardship as I am violence and Government intervention like being rounded up for camps..

Re: My first
 

Thanks for all the responses..Im feeling better. Im headed to the alternate bugout place for a few days.. Im doing a dry run on some new camping supplies and going to try some mountain house foods..

Re: My first
 

God,
Grant me the Serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.
The Courage to change the things that I can.
And the Wisdom to know the difference.

^^^^^^
Works for me every single time.

Re: My first
 

It will do you good, Avalon, to get out into nature. I have had a number of anxiety attacks over all this too, and got myself totally overwhelmed physically in terms of miring myself in preps. I am just glad that you started that 'woo woo thread' of yours, as it caused me to think about prepping in other, more spiritual ways. I had more or less forgotten that aspect. Well, if not forgotten it, was at least neglecting it. We all need to do both.

Max

Re: My first
 

SVL, I love the serenity prayer...
Maxine when I get back some of us need to talk about prayer surrounding the upcoming event. Things can be changed softened and lessened with prayer. Maybe those that believe could start working on that aspect of it with some group prayers..

Re: My first
 

Good idea Avalon. I think SVL has already got us off to a good start.

Re: My first
 

Don't you have a husband you can talk with? Sounds like you need to spend more time with him than reading doom & gloom on GIM.

Re: My first
 

This helps me, Avalon, as crazy as it sounds:

You will never be ready.

We're preparing for the end of the world. The end of civilization. The end of everything we've ever known. How can you ever be READY for that? How can you ever get to the point where you'd say, "I'm all set--you can start now"? :wink:

We are preparing. We are readying. In doing so we are ahead of 98% of the population. Five years ago I would have said 99.5%, but more people are waking up. Even those who haven't "swallowed the Red Pill" suspect that something is wrong. They can feel it.

I've been doing this for longer than you, and I understand how you feel. I'm in the 2%, but I've seen and heard what others have done--some are so prepared that it could make me despair. There are some here whose preparations and progress I'll openly admire (Tn Andy, for one). I've been on the internet from before there were pictures, and there are places where I'm not qualified to contribute--look up ALPHA RUBICON sometime when you are feeling smug. It can make me feel like I'm in the BOTTOM 2%.

But here's the part we so often overlook as we count our gold, rotate our food, clean our guns, and all the other seemingly endless attentions to the tools of survival: We want to live, and we want to live right, but in preparing ourselves to get through it we are also preparing to die right. In preparing ourselves for the worst we've made decisions about how we will not live, what we will not compromise, and about the self-debasement we will not stoop to. We have drawn our lines in the sand. I'm making my decisions NOW, so that when the time comes I will have a plan, and will not react in terror like an animal. And not just like a sheep, but also not like a scavenger or like a predator. I will act as a Man, as a Human. This is the irony of being a "survivalist": Most people have this stereotype of backward rednecks who will do anything to survive. In fact, we are doing everything needed, now, so that when tragedy strikes later, we will not have to do anything to survive.

For example, I will not eat the flesh of another human being. Ask anybody, and they'd tell you the same thing; but I have examined it, and I have studied the cases where it has happened, and what lead up to it, etc. I have examined cannibalism, and made a conscious choice not to cross that line. When we focus on the moral choices we may have to face, it is like target practice, or gathering edible plants, or chopping firewood, or any other repetitive activity--we develop a muscle memory. In this case it is a moral muscle memory.

I guess this a very long-winded way of saying that I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees. There are worse things than death. In preparing, I am not just looking for ways to stay on my feet; I am making sure that if I am brought to my knees I will know it, so that I can rise again, if only so that I can take a few of the SOBs with me.

And since one part of preparation is being well rested, I'm going to bed now. I hope that helps a bit.

Re: My first
 

Yes, it is very unsettling to consider and frustrating because it could have been avoided. I am still trying to recover my health so I have not been able to do anything near what I would like.

Re: My first
 

+1 on that .


I have pretty much made peace with myself. when they come.... They are NOT COMING TO TALK.

And If I dine in hell I promise you I will be seated at the head of FULL TABLE.

T

Re: My first
 

If you're feeling better, you just don't appreciate the seriousness of the situation... :wink:

Re: My first
 

LOL..... :rofl: :rofl:

Re: My first
 

Cracking up!


T

Re: My first
 

Im back... it was really nice. I could be perfectly happy living in a tent the rest of my life if it didnt get cold.. Unfortuatly it does get cold so I need a plan B. :D

I tried out some of my new toys.. I love the inverter that hooks to the car battery. It worked well. So did the battery jump boxes that carried accessory plugs to blow up air mattresses and other small electronics.... All other gear worked out well except the new tarp was nightmare to put up. It was really windy and made a great giant kite until my daughter and I finally got the hang of it... We also need to add sleeping bags to the list. I underestimated how cold it would be at night and we ended up sleeping in jackets hoods and gloves. We would have been fine with good sleeping bags..my error..

BTW, I didnt shave my legs for three days.. and I lived :D

Re: My first
 

Who where shorts, shorts?

Re: My first
 

TA, Nair is evil.. Have you ever tried it.? :D

Besides, no shorts out there unless you are right on the lake. Last year I got into poison ivy. OMG, my legs looked like I had been chewed by a rat for almost two months. I had a horrible time and nothing helped the itching... The year before that it was chiggers[red bugs]. They are almost as bad. Im doing good this year. I only have two tick bites and don't plan on anymore since tick season is winding down..

Re: My first
 

Avalon, this may seem a bit strange but it helps me through the crazy times!:smokin:

Subject: [vietnamvetsforChrist]
The 23rd Psalms: A Simplified Version

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's relationship

I shall not want
That's supply

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That's rest

He leadeth me beside still waters
That's refreshment

He restoreth my soul
That's healing

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!

For His name sake
That's Purpose

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That's Testing

I will fear no evil
That's Protection

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That's Discipline

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That's Hope

Thou anointest my head with oil
That's Consecration

My cup runneth over
That's Abundance

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security

Forever
That's Eternity

POSITIVE THOUGHTS: HE sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, HE'll listen. HE could live anywhere
in the universe, and HE chose your heart. What about the Christmas
gift HE sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, HE's crazy about you.

Re: My first
 

LT Dan, not at all strange.. I think its quite beautiful and makes a lot of sense. I will print it..
I think prayer is going to become increasingly important..

Re: My first
 

One dang fine written point of view, sir.

I rate you 100% mentally good to go......the other stuff is just stuff, and not that hard to come up with.

Re: My first
 

Thank you, that means a lot.

Funny, that seems like the hard part to me. I guess I've had the mindset for so long it seems like second nature to me now.

Avalon, you will get there, it just takes time, and the willingness to do so. I know people who, once having learned the truth of things, managed to erase it from their consciousness and life. Those people are worse off than those who have never seen it, because it takes serious narcissism and self-destruction to "forget" something like this. I think you'll be fine though.

There's one more thing that keeps me steady: I pay no attention to conspiranoia theories. There isn't a damn thing I can do about any of them, assuming that they even exist. This is ultimately about you, and not the Masonic Trilateral Zionist Reticulans for a One World Government. It is one more distraction you don't need.

Re: My first
 

I like your approach to problem solving.

People think I'm nuts or eccentric for my minimalist lifestyle approach to problem solving ...

... but the real issue is making room for the rest of the planets inhabitance instead of looking for someone else to blame it on.

Re: My first
 

Just do like me. I've come up with a somewhat unique plan for survival and am going to prepare by printing up 10,000 copies of a statement which I will, at the appropriate time, drop across the countryside from my 10 militarized helicopters. My statement will look something like this:

Dear Sir/Mam/Mr./Miss,

Hi, I'm your new WARLORD. For my own safety and for legal reasons I prefer to remain anonymous.

From here on I will be your new owner, (pursuant to article 3, of my new as yet incomplete manifesto/ bill of rights). Everything you think you now have possession of, ie; children, wife, husband, pets, property, toys, imagination, will now officially be mine.

You shall not attempt to escape, as I shall, at great expense to myself, be forced to eliminate you.

Once signed, this statement shall be legally binding. If you refuse to sign, again, I will, at great expense to myself, be forced to eliminate you.

You will find that I am a somewhat laid back warlord, and will allow a certain amount of latitude where it comes to privacy while using the bathroom facilities, although cameras will eventually be installed for safety purposes.

I assure you that life as my property will not be too different from what you are currently experiencing, so do not be too afraid, although some fear is encouraged.

Primarily, your job will be to supply me with everything I need to live a lavish lifestyle. Beyond that, you will be allowed free time for your own gardening, food processing chores and possibly sleep. I'm not sure about the sleep, we'll see.

Please sign in the alloted space below, and print your full name in all capital letters.

Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely yours, RJ, your new anonymous warlord.

sign here;_____________________________________________

PS, please keep this signed document in a safe place until one or more of my bloodthirsty henchmen comes to collect it along with whatever valuables you might have available at the time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, if everything goes according to my new plan, I won't have anything to worry about.
I do realize there are likely to be some small typographical and legal errors in this plan, so feel free to make any minor corrections. If we all work together to make this plan airtight, and each of us, in unison, drop this statement on our respective regions, we will be light years ahead of the common sheeple. If all goes well, we, the new warlords , can have a once a year get together in a pre-designated location. Of course, all automatic weapons will need to be checked in at the door. CC handguns, semi-automatic rifles and knives should remain allowable, except for those among us with darker skin or who happen to be of the feminine persuasion. All women under the age of 35 should wear tight fitting short skirts to these gatherings, and must come prepared for numerous beer bong contests. I think these rules are reasonable for a pleasant party like atmosphere.

Choosing the better quality, properly colored and scented paper will help also. :bull-buddy-icon:

Re: My first
 

Most original post of the thread!!!!!



T

Re: My first
 

Well thanks TA, but originality tends to worry me. It may affect the all important anonymity factor. I must remain anonymous at any expense. This superior plan, worked out on my Cray 10.0 Supercomputer to the tiniest detail just won't work without complete anonymity.

It also appears I may be required to sell perhaps on quadzillionth of my total PM stash which I'm temporarily storing deep within the subterranean passageways at DisneyWorld in order to purchase the weaponized aircraft necessary to accomplish my modest goal of absolute warlord and master.

Say, you wouldn't have a couple spare mercury dimes you could toss my way, would ya?

Just to ease your suspicions that I'm not some wild eyed warlord wannabe crackpot, I've gone to the trouble of coaxing one of my more docile hens into signing the aforementioned statement, even while the rooster glared in a threatening manner toward me. If you're not familiar with roosters, they can be quite intimidating and evil looking.

I hope my fellow GIM members appreciate this time consuming, dangerous and difficult documentary process.

Oh, and I assure everyone that no animal cruelty occurred either during or after the photo-documentation. Also I believe the hen is of legal age to sign away all her rights as a living being.

I feel compelled to apologize for highjacking this thread, however briefly.
Avalon, please forgive me. Sometimes I just can't help myself. It must come from my sociopathic desire to become a warlord and absolute master.

Re: My first
 

................

Re: My first
 

Did I hear someone say "Warlord?" :D

Re: My first
 

Good Lord, Avalon, look at what you've started! I'm almost afraid to ask what the boys intend for us moms to be doing while our daughters run around in miniskirts. Brownie-baking, no doubt!

Cute post, RealJack; I wish you luck with it. I'll take a party over a war any day.

Re: My first
 

Ready for battle .........and eyecandy for the ladies!

Re: My first
 

I have been a bit freaked out lately, not fearful, for I have lost my fear, just disappointed in myself and the rest of humanity.
Physical preps are important, mental and spiritual prep is priceless.
I have come to realize that physical resistance is suicide, and for someone that calls himself a Patriot, that is a hard realization to come to.
I have been coming to many realizations lately, about the planet, the universe, and perceived reality at the most basic levels.
I have come to realize that happiness, tranquility and escape from this horrible disaster, all SPRING FROM WITHIN.

It is not in my nature to be a crusader, or to try and convince others to follow a path, but I would be remiss if I did not ask you fine people to google and download "Handbook for the New Paradigm" and look up George Green interviews on youtube.
It's far out stuff, I'll freely admit that, try to keep an open mind and wonder; what if we can turn things around, would it not be worth it?

Re: My first
 

She is a trouble maker, isn't she!!:bull-buddy-icon::bull-buddy-icon::bull-buddy-icon:

Re: My first
 

OK, Twisted; you can bring THAT friend home for dinner any time!

Re: My first
 

Notice that FIRE in the background??

And that sword kinda looks like a "paddle" no?


:s9:


T

Re: My first
 

Sure, but I must warn you ahead of any future scheduled good times get together, you will be asked to relinquish your concealed weapons at the door.

You, my good fellow, are much too dark skinned and swarthy to pass muster.

Very sorry Seleukus, but we must maintain uniform standards within my somewhat retarded yet spontaneous stab at comedy.

I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing you might be holding a gun or shiv underneath your warlord costume.

I may be able to subdue my Orpington-ish rooster, but a mixed Greek rooster? Forget it. How am I supposed to maintain the center of attention with YOU strutting around with all your big fancy WORDS and shiny patent leather shoes, huh?

Re: My first
 

i am in the process of unplugging from the news feed now. GIM is probably one of the few places i will continue to read/visit. 'more than all that you guard, guard your mind' says the old testament.

i was walking the cobbled streets of europe last week. streets that had seen famine, plague, war, revolution and thousands of beheadings. the streets are still there, people still living and walking on them now.

i suspect our streets [and malls] will see the same progression. that's just human nature. we can prep and pray but we will never have all of the answers or fully be prepared.

try to keep the fear and anxiety in its place...we here at GIM can see the future and that is a tough burden to bear, but the good news is we have a head start.

and if we are wrong, then big deal...we have some nice coins and MREs and can laugh at our image in the mirror every morning.

but if we are right, and we are prepared for the whirlwind...well, who knows what comes next or happens or what becomes of life as we know it.

we'll see.

Re: My first
 

CUTE? Now that's just a cruel slap in my manly face. CUTE! Baah...

I'll have you know my post is ugly as sin... and really disgusting too.

Just cuz you're a Mom, doesn't mean you can get away with calling my post CUTE. If I were actually sober enough to catch you at that imaginary party, why, I'd give you a good spanking.

But only if you wanted me to, of course. :bull-buddy-icon:

Re: My first
 

It is coming for all of us but the unprepared will suffer harshest.

Re: My first
 

Honey, I'll bring the paddle. Avalon, Maxine, GoldenPoet, and I will be the four hot mamas standing together near the bonfire with our paddles, calling, "Now you boys play nice or else; and while you're at it, bring us another bottle of wine."

Re: My first
 

Watch out! I ain't afraid of women. Not even little clusters of women. I'm experienced in separating out the weak willing ones. Of course Shirley, I've got a bottle of wine... it's right over here, behind the tree.:evil:

Out here with the shadows and sparks of a fire in the moonlight, it's no longer about "isms." It's all about "asms." I know a little sompin sompin bout "feminasms." :minidancesmall:

Re: My first
 

Great. I'll tell the moms to wear their spurs.:bear_tongue:

Re: My first
 

Dang Shirley, you are quick with the wicked repartee. Good, much personal power. :bull-buddy-icon:

Here's a flower for you.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...hborshorse.jpg

Re: My first
 

:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::h aha::haha:

Thanks, Jack. Hope that's not a personal portrait???

Did I tell you my dog's name is Jack? Black Lab. His last name is Kass.

Re: My first
 

Attachment 44161hehhehheh

Re: My first
 

Said Jaybone, before the thread devolved:
Yup, that's a hard one. And deciding if your moment of suicide has arrived will be harder still. There's a reason our safe places are referred to as "Retreats".

I don't think of myself as a front-line soldier, but more like a keeper of the flame. Or an ash-covered ember, if need be. Many here say that out PMs will be most valuable when we start to emerge from the crisis; I'm not sure if I believe that, if only because I have doubts about recovery from this one. So I'm putting more than beans & bullets aside--I'm collecting books. Some with an eye to the future, like the founding of the Republic (because we're a democracy at this point), and some with an eye to the past, like steam power, blacksmithing, and making vaccuum tubes. It's hard to know what will be valuable and what will be trivia.

Re: My first
 

Steam power, now there's a thought. I used to work with steam up until I became disabled. A small steam boiler, engine, generator, converter could supply all the energy a normal home would need. Problem is, you'd need either a lot of wood, your own coal mine or even a natural gas well to keep the system going. Then there is water treatment chemicals you'd need to control your boilers stability.

This thread is really getting off track.:smokin:

Re: My first
 

OMG, are you and Shirely flirting? ... :s9:

Hey Jack, you need to go over to the general board and teach the insecure young men a few things about women.

Re: My first
 

Steam scares me. I have seen one horror movie too many where people get steamed alive by serial killers who rigged up steam boilers!! UGH!!! What a way to go... boiled like a Lobster!

Re: My first
 

Never watch horror movies, they aren't real.:wink:

Super heated steam really won't boil you alive, but you will be steamed well done in a flash, kind of like you'll never know what hit you. There is a very rigid test and training involved with being a licensed operator. Some states allow ways around the license procedure, including Ohio. Even though I'm disabled and will likely never go back to being an operator again, I still keep my license renewed every year.

Only once in all the years I worked in the field did I come close to being cooked. My supervisor left the pump turned off and hadn't informed me when I took over the shift. Running low on water the boiler started making some real serious noise. I got to it in time to shut it down and get the pump restarted. He really was not qualified to even be an operator let alone a supervisor. He never had the amount of time in training required because his uncle fudged it for him. Someone far up the chain was protecting him.


Now we're really getting off topic, what was the topic again? :D Told someone at the VA this AM, while waiting to see the shrink, that as many times as I've been seeing him my head should start getting smaller.:haha::aetsch:

Re: My first
 

Well, there are some low-pressure possibilities too, but I'll defer to an expert. There's also something "new" coming up called Solar Thermal. It's been done before, but not commercially.

Anyway, I don't think I'd be the person you'd want running the boiler. And while a book is no substitute for real training, there are some real talented people who can put something together if pointed in the right general direction. I've got a few books on surgery too, but I have no plans for cutting into people. If, however, the closest thing to a surgeon we have is a veterinarian, the book might allow him to operate on a person. The books only have knowledge and directions; the Vet has the surgical skill. If the choice is from dying of a burst appendix, or being operated on by a vet who has a book in front of him, it would be an easy choice for me.

A lot of the books I have contain things I myself would not be able to use except in the most dire of circumstances, but given a TEOTWAKI instead of a slow decline, there might be someone who could use it to get us through. Perhaps more importantly, those who have the knowledge won't necessarily have to write everything they know down, and thus more effectively teach the next generation. Doctors, nurses, and midwifes will once again be apprenticed, like all the other necessary skills.

To bring it back to where the thread was started, few of us will ever be "ready", but we can strive to be prepared for as many contingencies as possible.

Re: My first
 

LOL...about the Shrink.. Now we can really get off topic..
I saw a Shrink once. She was a Psychologist. We developed an interesting relationship. She told me I was fairly sane and the people around me were the ones who were nuts. I already knew that but validation is nice :D Anyway, she just loved my visits and would block off extra time when I came.. I would talk for the fist 45 minutes.. Then she would tell me all about her problems the last 30 minutes.. It was a most unique arrangement but it worked well for us for quite a few years...

Re: My first
 

I hope YOU were getting paid for YOUR time.

Re: My first
 

LOL... I really enjoyed my time with her. Her problems were fairly straight forward. She had a narcissistic father that drove her crazy. She couldn't decide if she wanted children. She had lots of pet questions since I came from a veterinary and dog training background.. She was a really great lady...

We had very similar spiritual beliefs and would discuss issues form a karmic view.. I really miss her. I graduated from Therapy and she moved on to another practice. She called me a few years ago to let me know she was writing a book and she wrote a whole charter on our sessions and wanted to know if that was OK....
Sure why not..:confused_ma: If more Shrinks were like her they could actually help people..

Re: My first
 

How so? It was about panic attacks. I think my VA shrink (MD) likes me quite a lot too, as when it came time for me to leave, he asked if I wanted to come back in 3 mos or 4. I naturally said 4 and he wrote it down, then he crossed it out and wrote 3 mos. He said, 'if I have to see someone anyway, it may as well be you!' I quit seeing the counselor as we had such vastly different belief systems. My decision came about the time my Mom died last fall. I knew he didn't believe in a here after, so what was the point in talking to him about death and grieving? Start talking to him about an after life and it's like a brick wall. :banghead: Where is the hope if this is all there is? So, I was seeing him once a month until this, then I saw him a couple more times and ended it. I told him I had found I could talk to my wife or friends when I needed to unload.

Re: My first
 

LT Dan, I agree. How can you have a Therapist that you talk deep issues with if they dont share the same system of belief with? I can see how it would be odd talking about the death of a loved one with a person who had no belief in the afterlife. That would be futile and depressing.

So how are the panic attacks going? How do you deal with them? Does loud noises set them off?

Re: My first
 

Check your private messages.