living away

LIVING AWAY
Class, before we start today, the Minimalist Rant. This is where I want to spew about something but it won't take up the whole article. When I go to write this engraved stone worthy wisdom, I log into the Blog section through Google. Every day they have an article. Inspirational, instructive, etc. Today was something about celebrating trans-sexual day or something. I don't really pay too much attention, I'm just logging in. But that caught my eye. Could we perhaps be any more PC? I'm practically vomiting blood here. What's next? Celebrating Rim Job Day? Golden Showers Day? Baby Jesus have mercy. While these idiots are busy sucking ass with the pillow biting carpet munchers, normal folks are busy writing crap that brings eyeballs to Google ads. Let's alienate them, shall we. Anyway, if you've never watched the 90's flick "PCU" you have got to watch it. Friggin Hilarious Fred.
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I feel I might have been doing a less than stellar job describing how to survive away from utilities and civilization. Plenty of folks still clamouring for details. Perhaps it was because I've been slowly evolving towards that goal over many years. Researching, practicing by living in RV's or a vehicle. Relying on a bicycle instead of a car for transportation. Or am I thinking too highly of myself and it is actually rather simple? Much simpler than most other writers let on. I guess if you are selling a back to the country magazine it pays to over-complicate things. They keep subscribing. I keep trying to sell you crap, but you get to read first, then pay. So I feel I'm being as honest as possible up front. Heck, most of the time I tell you most of my writing is just reworked repeats.
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Perhaps I am being too harsh. In truth, they are selling a high comfort country living. My level of simplicity is attainable only through discomfort. And what am I saying that some crazy hermit on a pond dodging war taxes 150 years ago hasn't already said? It is all very simple. Instead of a water well powered by solar panels which feeds a water tank up on a hill that supplies your toilet that flushes into a septic system that had to be purchased and permitted, you crap in a sawdust bucket. Haul water from town in portable containers. You can do that on a bicycle when you can't afford a car anymore. Live in a small structure to cut back on heat in the winter. Cook on a propane camping stove. Sleep on top of a foam pad for insulation, with wool blankets covering you. It can be below freezing at night and you won't even notice until you get up. If you can't get a supply of firewood, or don't want to install the stove, go with a $75 propane heater for warmth. No, it isn't self-sufficient. For that, live in a dugout with solar gain.
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Land can be under two thousand dollars for west Texas land ( several acres ). It can be as low as $100 a month payments ( if you aren't adverse to risking unemployment ). Living in the desert disallows farming, but it also lacks huge populations and expensive land ( obviously, avoid such crapholes as Phoenix ). Or, move to the South. Low wages, if you can find a job, but warm winters and plenty of cheap land in certain areas. What else do I need to cover? I've done the land buying thing, the trailer living, the sawdust toilet, the icebox, the low water need thing, bicycle commuting, eating without a fridge, LED lights, van living. Leave your requests for specifics in the comments section. But I don't think it is all that complicated. By foregoing comfort levels associated with Yuppies, you can drop out and live free and easy as can be. Only fear of discomfort, fear of a low paying job, or reluctance to leave family is keeping you tied to The Beast with a pair of golden handcuffs.
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It isn't all peaches and cream. When I'm freezing, naked and wet, trying to bathe in fifty degrees, I really hate my life. When I can't do much of anything at night because the solar panels were under clouds for two weeks and the batteries are drained and the only light is LED's and/or candles, I really hate my life. When I'm reduced to the level of eating fried Spam and I try to fool myself it isn't too bad since it tastes better with BBQ sauce, I really hate my life and my ex-wife for helping me get here. When I'm craving butter instead of lard, or cheese instead of peanut butter, I hate my life. When I have to ration the propane until true winter hits and the high for the day is 48, when I can't watch TV or go on the Internet or watch a movie or talk more than three hours a month on "anytime" minutes, I really think this whole things sucks large donkey member. But guess what? I feel safe and secure. I'm not at the mercy of an employer or a bank or a landlord or the utility company, and I've reduced my exposure to government to a slight degree ( I hope ). Nothing is free. Not even frugal living out of the rat race. Any minimum wage earning slob can drop out quickly and cheaply, but you will pay for it in other ways.
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Remember, ask specifics. If you haven't tried it, you don't know about it. There are no stupid questions when traveling the unknown. And, while tied to the money economy and the grid, buy all of my crap or at least donate a buck or two. Books and the PayPal link at www.bisonpress.com