How then, do we move backwards? How does a society, with most of the people having no clue of future events, move from being dependent on a vast and intertwined network of goods and services produced by the indigenous people of whereever, to a local resource and renewable energy based society, and do so in the timeframe available (20-30 years using the most liberal extimates, 10-20 with resonable estimates, 5-10 with worst case scenarios), all the while prices on everything increasing, world politics getting more militaristic, governments continuously reducing civil liberties, shortages of goods on the market and weather patterns resembling bad Hollywood movies?
Joined: Sep 03, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Sunny Virginia, USA
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:37 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday wrote:
Canada is not an option.
I do have a job, but I am stuck with the stupid van for the time being. It was sitting in storage for the last few years while I was gone. It's in good shape and I can use it for a trade in on something else.
Both my folks are deceased. I have rice and basic rations. I even bought some Datrex bars like the Coast Guard uses, lol.
I leased a place on Galveston Island because I knew it was temporary and I figured it would be my last chance to see the beach before I dig in somewhere safe. I do not plan to stay here.
I have no debt. The van is mine. The divorce isn't final so I don't know how that will affect my finanaces. I have no children.
I'm thinking guns, cash stash and bug out bag?
Someone with your obvious brains and wit needs to follow Pops advice. Sit down, breath, take it easy for a short while. Buy some staples, that's a no brainer and may help you settle down a little. Buy some chocholate for self medication. Clear your head, first. You won't do yourself any good until you've gotten your head clear.
You are in a unpleasant situation, but it's way better than being in a post PO world with someone you can't live with.
Don't worry about the van unless you have to run around a lot or you are still making payments on it. It's not the MPG as much as how much you use it.
My advice is to grab a months worth of staples, a simple bug out bag, and (this is an assumption, forgive me if I'm wrong) learn about guns. Find a local indoor range and rent a pistol for an hour if you know how to use one, or take a class if you don't. Then practice once a week to get comfortable. You'll be surprised how good this can make you feel. A nice 5 shot .38 special or small 9mm can be very empowering. Don't forget to use good ear protection (often provided at the range).
You've got time, use it. The S hasn't hit the fan and I'm one who believes the strong evidence abounds to support that we still have time, perhaps 4 or more years. Simplify your life, do some basics and just get through this year. _________________ When somebody makes a statement you don't understand, don't tell him he's crazy. Ask him what he means. -- Otto Harkaman, Space Viking
Last edited by jlw61 on Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:59 am; edited 1 time in total
Joined: Sep 03, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Sunny Virginia, USA
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 6:56 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday wrote:
At this moment I am earning an income as a hairdresser. I make pretty decent money. My license will allow me to work anywhere in the state and most states will allow reciprocity.
I have a half-baked idea to get some medical certifications. Ultrasound tech, maybe. Surgical assistant maybe. Dunno.
Extra education is always smart and medical education can't be anything but good.
Quote:
I make a decent income as a hairdresser, but when TSHTF I doubt people will value vanity over hunger.
You'd be surprised what people value.
Quote:
I have thought about getting a small motorcycle. A 250cc or something. I am not a very large or strong person and couldn't handle a big bike. Maybe a Honda Rebel or something with some resale value. If I do that, I'm not sure I want to give up the van.
Awesome bike, I've got an '86 rebel 450 and it runs great. The 250 will be perfect for you. Get a used one with saddlebags and a sissy bar. Get one of those really simple bumper hitch motorcycle carriers.
Think pistol, really. If I had to have only one weapon for protection, it would be a pistol. You can easily carry it with you wherever you go and you never have to put it down when you need to do something with your hands. And a shotgun is a difficult bed companion.
While a shotgun does scare the hell out of most people, you don't want to have to use it, if/when the time comes, you have to be miles in front of everyone, not arguing with them. The best defense is not getting into trouble.
Misquoting a line from one of my favorite movies: "If you see trouble, do what the rest of us do... Run your ass off."
Quote:
One of the things my husband and I would argue about was his procrastination and inability to sponsor me in Canada. It was a holy mess. Don't cry for me there, I am glad to get out of this marriage. Not happy at all about leaving Canada for Texas.
I keep hearing this wee voice in my brain "Girl, you are on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert! Run!"
Girl, you are on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert! PLAN!
Quote:
No debt, No kids, No parents, No real assets, No real education.
Lucky, lucky, sucks, sucks, easily fixable. You've obviously got brains, boot strap yourself into something you like that has a low energy future.
Quote:
I guess it could be a lot worse. For some reason Pops saying I'm all right makes me feel better.
Good, you're on your way to fixing your situation. You're aware, you listen to good advice, and you have possibilities. You'll be OK. _________________ When somebody makes a statement you don't understand, don't tell him he's crazy. Ask him what he means. -- Otto Harkaman, Space Viking
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6019 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:11 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Interpersonal problems are an example of how all one's careful plans, even planning for post-PO, can suddenly be shot to hell.
Wednesday, I think you're overreacting. Get your emotional life settled down first, then deal with Peak Everything. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:13 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday wrote:
Thanks for the links, Pops. Ill take the info and make my own kits.
I'm going to get some sleep, I'll be back tomorrow to think some more.
Thank you everyone. It's good to have this community here.
Thanks Pops. Thanks Aaron.
I play music with some friends on Galveston most Saturdays at The Waterwall on the Strand. (Except this Saturday) 4 - 8. Believe it or not, I'm a flute player. (30+ years) Don't wanna toot my own horn but... oh wait... yes I do.
Stop by for some perspective... and beer.
You do have friends girl. _________________ "When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F Roberts.
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6019 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:21 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
I think a career change is a good idea, considering the occupational exposure of hairdressers to carcinogenic chemicals.
Make the change and clean out your system in more ways than one, Wednesday.
Choose an allied health care field that has a post-collapse future. Emergency medical services would be my choice. Once the system has collapsed, you'll be in demand as a sort of first-aid goddess.
Physician assistant is ambitious. It would be the best choice if you're willing and able to put in all the work and $$. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 5033 Location: Oklahoma
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
One thing I would do in your situation, in addition to preparing a bug out bag and doing the longer term planning others are wisely suggesting, is get maps of the area and plan a route out of there in case of emergency. And then hike or bike or drive it (whatever the case may be) for practice some weekend so you feel confident about it. Even if you never need it, it'll help you with your self confidence. If you do need it it might save your life, or at least save you a lot of hassle getting stuck on the freeway with everyone else. I have friends who went through that during Rita, not fun. _________________ "Every junkie's like a setting sun..." - Neil Young
Joined: Jun 13, 2007 Posts: 3262 Location: Minniesotuh
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:00 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday wrote:
No debt, No kids, No parents, No real assets
Wednesday, I am sorry that things did not work out as you thought they would. But, this certainly sounds as though you were lucky and got out in time.
No ties/restraints on what you can do with your future is a good place to be. The lack of certain stresses as you continue to prepare will make the job easier.
TEOTWAWKI will not be happening tomorrow, so take the time you need to make decisions, revise your plans and set your goals.
I would agree that the coastal city of Houston will not be the best place to stay (hurricanes, rising seas, etc); when you are free of the ex, move and don't tell him where you are.
Keep your gas tank full, a BOB in the front closet. Remember, you are already more prepared than most other people.
Welcome home. _________________ "RRrrruuuunnnn!!!" ~Apocalypto
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:20 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday,
Sorry to hear of what you've been going through. I have been through a divorce myself, and no, it's never easy. But, like others have said, I think you're actually at a point where you can make some great changes in your situation. Having no ties and no debt (not to mention no kids) puts you in a unique position. You can plan your way.
I agree, Houston would not be my first choice. I lived there for three years - it sure was fun then, but you couldn't pay me enough to go back now. Sit down, calm down, and take a look at your options - you can go anywhere. An eco village or another small town? Somewhere you know a few people who are of the same mindset? Come on up to AR - we need a few more PO aware people around here - and our area could use a decent hairdresser anyway
Kathy
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:31 am Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday wrote:
Thanks everyone. Thank you, Aaron!
Just one thing before I run off to work. Here are some of the courses offered in nearby schools. The ones that interest me are marked with an asterik.
Galveston College (2 year certs)
Biotechnology
Emergency Medical Services
Radiation Therapy Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Surgical Technology*
Phlebotomy
Radiography*
UTMB (4 year)
Physician Assistant*
I don't know how long it would take me to actually complete a 2 year cert while working full time.
if I were in your shoes right now, here's what I would do. Go get your EMT certification, it takes nine weeks part time. Then sign up for a phlebotomy cert, you can get it in three weeks. Get a job in the ER, they pay about $20/hr. All that education can be had in about three months, part time, and you're on a wage that covers the basics.
Also.
With an EMT cert and a phlebotomy card, you can go to any city anywhere in the US and have a job in an hour. Small towns... not so much. But in the big city you're golden. You can live in a sort of crappy part of town and drive an 8-10 year old car and eat soup, but it's life.
From there, the world is at your feet. Work three 12s a week as an EMT/phlebotomist in the ER and that's $720 a week with time left over for school.
OTOH, you may have reached for the brass ring too late. I'm not so sure that Medicare is going to pay the bills for much longer, so any medical profession that relies on medicare payments is probably destined for the history books.
Joined: Sep 16, 2007 Posts: 1077 Location: Oklahoma City, USA
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: My marriage is over. Divorce on the brink of Peak Oil.
Wednesday, I'm so sorry things have turned out this way for you.
Everyone's given really good advice. I think the medical course idea is a good one, even an EMT, phlebotomy or PA course is helpful. (Don't work as an EMT, they make less than hairdressers ... btdt ) _________________ What, so I'm in no end game
Move my piece right off the board
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