I had a hankering to watch a disaster movie over the weekend. We chose The Day After Tomorrow, a silly movie but relatively entertaining. The premise of the movie is that global warming will trigger a new ice age and it will happen very quickly. While the dialogue struggles at times, the plot is full of holes, and the acting in only slightly better than a SciFi channel movie of the week, there was one exchange I thought was interesting. It happens between two students discussing being stressed by things that don't matter in the face of the huge blizzard outside.
The boy tells the girl, "You haven't had time to adjust yet."
She responds, "How am I supposed to adjust? Everything I've ever cared about, everything I've worked for has all been preparation for a future that no longer exists."
We (humans) are not likely to face such a cataclysmic change in our climate, but we are facing changes that I didn't expect to see in my lifetime. It, along with peak oil and economic issues, has definitely changed my plans. In a couple of months, we (my sweetie and I) hope to be looking for a new home in the Midwest, far from where we ever thought we'd live, but where there should be water in the coming decades.
We are learning skills to increase our self-sufficiency, such as gardening and preserving food. We are walking and biking more to become accustomed to non-motorized transportation. We are living a simpler life with less frills. We are connecting with others on the same path.
How about you? Are you still working towards a future that no longer exists or have you shifted your focus to deal with our changing world?
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I actually like that movie :) I thought it was fairly entertaining. I certainly hope we won't be facing such a rapid climate change. And just as you, I am now facing changes that I didn't think would happen in my lifetime. It's hard to imagine the US, such a bastion of capitalism come crashing down. But, having lived through the crash of Soviet Union, it's not as shocking I guess. I am preparing for a different future, the one more sustainable, self-reliant, with less stuff. While I don't think computer industry will just go away, I think there will be changes to it based on less demand for consumer goods. So I have no desire whatsoever to work on my career in any way that requires extra time or effort. I just have more important things to do than go back to school for a Master's degree for example. So, yes, I'm preparing for a different future and seriously considering the possibility that my computer degree might not be useful to me later on.
We continue to evaluate our expenses each month and cut back often. Now that I'm not working this is even more important.
Our greatest advantage is that we own both our home and car (we only have 1), so we don't have bills other than utility, insurance, food kind of things.
I have learned to make our own bread, can foods, and I'm building more raised beds in the back yard with the hope that within a year or two, we'll be growing most of our own food.
Living simply is a lifelong process. I have been at this for 11 years now, and continue to find new ways to fine tune, and lots of new things to learn. It's truly an adventures
I continue to sigh and wring my hands (ok, overkill, but you know what I mean) over the Brother-in-law who has been unemployed for some time... but is still looking for a job SELLING CARS!
Dude!!!! I'm totally telling you to FIND A NEW FIELD!
It's not working so well. :(
This is the first time I'm admitting this online, but I'm giving up. I don't see any hope of human beings ever changing. I was in L.A. this past weekend and between that and what I've seen and experienced this past year, my grand conclusion is that we're just all screwed. I just cannot see how the itty bitty bit some of us bloggers are doing can amount to anything on a large scale. I mean, I know so called environmentalists who fly, drive a gas guzzler everywhere and pine (sp?) for the mythical day when bicycling is a possibility - yet don't do anything to bring that reality closer.
I've also really reached my limit in terms of disaster news. There is poison in the food, in the water, the economy is collapsing. I just can't take it really. I'm just glad I didn't bring any new life into this world, but once I'm done living, I'm done.
Beany, I'm so sad to hear this.
Of course, I have nothing intelligent to assuage your fears, but know that there is a lesson forming, and some are learning it.
Peace to you.
Wait?!?!? Moving to the midwest? I knew you were looking but didn't realize you'd guys settled on something. Congrats.
Is the midwest supposed to keep the same levels of rainfall? I always think "dustbowl" when I think of the midwest. I will miss your southwestern experiences.
I'm preparing for a different future, but for us (among other things) the big issue is house debt. It's the only debt we have and it's a big one. I'm going to try to become more involved in the local sustainability groups as well now that I have a little more time.
Beany, I think you need to visit other areas of the country outside of the vacuum of SoCal and see that there are a lot of people who aren't so "clueless". So, brush off that bicycle or pogostick or thumb and head north.
scifichick - sounds like you are on a good track.
Heather - you, too. And I agree - there's always more to learn and refine.
Meadowlark - adaptability is important. Too bad your BIL doesn't get it.
Beany - I'm sorry to read your despair, but I agree to some point. However, I want to find low-impact ways to live out my remaining days without being miserable or creating more problems. So, I keep trying. And keep hoping that our small efforts will snowball into something bigger.
Green Bean - we're leaning strongly that way. Further north has some appeal but the frosty winters scare the you-know-what out of us desert rats.
Crunchy - it's actually supposed to increase, although temperatures will as well. However, it's starting out with more water than the SW so even with less, it can't be as bad as it's going to get here! We want to get settled somewhere new so we can start finding community there.
But will you change your name to something like Chicory Chews instead?
Why? You don't think we can grow chile peppers there? Hell, Sharon grows peppers in New York!
Yeah, but Sharon has a pact with the devil.
I can't grow peppers to save my life up here. I think I got two tiny cayenne last summer.
But what about the wolves? They get trapped on that ship LOL I had a hard time taking that movie seriuosly- Now for the seriuos- Other than preparing for local disasters, (rocket stoves, solar generators et. al.) I would say I am just waiting to adjust
I collect disaster movies and TDAT is one of my faves!
I've been "adjusting" now for almost two years. I'm not necessarily adjusting for the complete doomer future that some folks are but I am adjusting for the future as it arrives day by day. Electricity here costs more than double what it did in Idaho so I've gone on a mission to cut back on that. Food is less expensive and we can grow about 10 times as much here so we have set a goal for a net zero food bill. I have trouble thinking about futures that might or might not exist to I adjust to my very near future daily.
Midwest? Like Iowa or something? Maybe closer to me and Sharon like Ohio? Yay!!!
Of course, I'm all for you looking at the frozen north that is Vermont. Honestly, it's not that bad up here and you do get used to winter. All 9 months of it! *g*
Preparing for a different future? Heck... I am just trying to survive day to day. Not looking much into the future - good or bad.
We are carrying around a lot of debt due to his prior family. A lot of that is paid off but we are still 'paying'. All I can think about right now is spending the next 2+ years paying off debt as fast as we can. That leaves us with a mortgage that is large but still hopefully not underwater at this point. Maybe I am in denial because I still contribute heavily to my 401k thinking that the future will still have a stock market. I do this because my current company gives a 50% match. Since I feel that I am always on the edge of losing my job... I had best make use of my 50% while I have it.
Like scifichick, I'm not running out to get a master's degree. Currently I'm looking for a new apartment or other rental that will give me space to at least grow a few things in pots. I still won't have the space to do what I'd like but I'm focusing on at least learning potentially useful skills.
What really gets me down is when I hear people talk about the future while assuming that the economy will get better and without taking into account anything about the environment. They're in for a big, big letdown.
That movie makes me feel like I am freezing to death, even in the heat of a deep south summer I have to have a blanket to watch it!
I hope your move goes well, and look forward to hearing about the adventure!
We have been slowly but surely cutting back on many unnecessary things in reaction to the gloom and doom prospects. But one interesting shift for us has been the increased desire to travel. I guess we figure no matter what happens...you can't lose experience...and the way the environment is going who knows how long some things will be around to enjoy. We have spent so many years saving a lot for retirement, just to have some irresponsible greedy money mongers pretty much throw it away. It has made us a little more carpe diem, I guess.
organic needle - strangely enough, I've experienced the opposite. The simpler my life, the more I find vacation right here at home in my own home. It's strange, because I used to travel all over the world. Sure, there are places I'd still like to visit, but I enjoy being home so much, it's tough to get me to leave :)
But your right. Travel is a wonderful experience that can't be taken away. I love all the travel I did and have amazing memories (and a story or two).
For the past 2-3 years, I have been preparing for a future that is part what I always expected and part not what I expected say 10 years ago. and the next stage of my life (I'm 58) will be much different than my parents expected and got in their last 20 years of life. at the least, just less of everything.
I don't really know how much of that future will still change. the part I'm thinking will change may be lots more difficult that I expect at the moment.
Beany, I sympathize with your dejection sometimes. Some days I just feel like, I just give up on trying. the next day, or even maybe a few hours later, I feel like trying again.
I just keep going and learning new things and ideas to decide how to approach the future.
cheers,
Shamba/sheri
I haven't seen the movie, but, after reading "The Last Generation" by Fred Pearce, I am not at all convinced that the premise is that far-fetched. Everywhere he looked, he found climatic tipping points where the climate could change (and has in the past) dramatically and quickly.
In some cases, the speed of the recorded changes was limited only by the resolution of the measurement. In other words, the only reason they say a change happened "in ten years" is because they cannot measure less than ten years. It could have been one year! Yikes!! And global warming causing an ice age is not at all far-fetched either. Eek!!
For planning for the future, the name of the game is resiliency. We don't know what is coming, only that it will be major, and that business as usual will no longer work. That is what I am planning for: to be as resilient as possible, to be ready for anything.
Self-reliance and reliance on neighbours and local suppliers and resources will be more important than economic or political systems.
Planning for a different future! Ha, yes! The hubby and I continually talk about how something will help us in the future.
"Using cloth diapers are great, because there won't be any 'sposies! We can wash our diapers downstream."
"Babywearing is the best, because if we ever need to run we don't have to lug anything extra, just a few yards of cloth. We're also used to lugging the extra weight."
"Good thing we walk everywhere, because when we don't have cars anymore we'll be used to walking long ways."
"When we decide to buy land we need to have a year-long stream so we can refrigerate your insulin, honey." (My hubby is Type I diabetic. His first thing to do when the world collapses is to loot pharmacies for insulin. Sad truth.)
"I can't wait to learn to shear sheep, card wool, dye it, and spin it so we can have a commodity to barter with that's actually useful."
These are real conversations we have....weekly! Our friends think we're nuts.
The future I thought I'd have has changed drastically so many times: I wanted to be a mother to many childer& have a good home-based life ~ I birthed 3 & lost 4; I trained as a librarian ~ no work; wanted to teach in a Primary School & chose my school subjects to reflect that, wanted to teach music ~ I'm hemi-plegic & will not teach where I can't play & because I'd be teaching younger childer, my disability precludes me; married what I thought was a loving man ~ turned into an abuser in every way, so we ran. I've not driven (except once which proved I'm too terrified to do so now) since I was left paralysed, so have to live without a vehicle. My Romanipen kicked in with every verbal barb against the Gypsies my ex levelled at me & I saved to realize that part of me. When we ran, we ran to rural Ireland on a mountain. I'd like more land & a permanent stream on my property, but apart from that we can manage, sort of.
I think I live more now in the moment & just take what life throws at me. I've been granted an extra 25 years of life thus far & that really changes your outlook: Dec 31st 1983 my parents were told that I'd never walk nor talk again IF I ever woke up...
(verification: brachum ~ 1 of my injuries was brachial plexis leision!)
Crunchy - I find Jennifer's pepper garden very inspiring. See right side bar.
Rob - not a movie to take seriously, but entertaining anyway. (Did you take "Star Wars" seriously?) I know, the poor CGI wolves were very stereotyped. Sheesh.
Anna M - the changes we're making work even if TEOTWAWKI never comes. :)
Yes, I'll be a little closer to ya'll, but not in Ohio. And I don't think I'd survive 9 months of winter. Would you survive the hot summers here? Nope, you'd melt like a snowman. hehe
Billie - many frugal changes can help in day to day living as well as for preparation. Regarding the 401K, my sweetie and I were just talking yesterday about how one dotcom company he knew of simply pocketed the employees' contributions for several months before going belly-up. After reading The Automatic Earth regularly, there's no way we'd voluntarily put our money into a program like that now. Of course, this is our own choice and everyone should weigh all the factors and make their own informed decision.
Adriennne - exactly the point Sharon made in her talk here at the Expo!
Gina - sounds like a great way to reduce summer cooling costs. LOL!
Organic Needle - I understand the desire to "see it before it's gone". However, we simply don't have the time or financial resources to do that so I seek out good photography on the Internet. No, it's not as good as being there but it's better than nothing.
Heather - many people forget to check out the good stuff close to home, although the recent trend in staycations has probably started to shift that somewhat.
Shamba - not knowing exactly what changes are coming and how quickly is challenging. We constantly re-evaluate plans based on new information but overall preparation for it being harder is a good bet, I think!
Keith - thanks for the book recommendation. My library doesn't have it, unfortunately, but I'll see about ILL. We are working on resiliency and want to get into a new community to plug in there. I wish it could be yours. However, at least I'm no longer jealous of your local chocolates since I can't eat it anymore. ;-)
Krista - love your conversations!
Killi - you are definitely an example in persistence and resiliency. I'm always impressed at your adaptability in response to incredibly hard situations!
Checking out places to visit close to home is great (there's so many things I missed during the 2 years I lived in Atlanta). Actually, what I was talking about though is every day life...
Because of simplification of my life over the last 11 years, I don't need a vacation from it. Every day is one kind of vacation or another. Talk about living a dream. It took a long time, and some hard work to get to this point, but it's a beautiful place to be.
Wow - tons of comments! Lots of action here, Chile :)
I quite liked that movie too - that line really does sum things up well.
I confess I often feel as Beany does. Despite cheering myself up with thoughts of natural interconnection, etc., I do really feel like momentum is against those of us who are trying to do things differently. Ugh. I hate even saying that. The stuff that is being done on a large scale is so pathetically insignificant that all I do is shake my head sometimes. I'll still keep doing what I'm doing because I know it is the right thing to do anyway, but mostly I'm doing it now so that I can somehow cushion the blow, when it eventually comes.
I never had much of a desire to travel, but these days I have none. The one thing that keeps me going is the fact that I have a close-to-paid-for house and some land to grow food on, and it is paradise to me. Being at home is the best vacation I could have.
I wish you all the best Chile in your search for a new home. You are always welcome here in Edmonton, we only have six months of winter here, not nine!
Everything I do, every decision I make has an adjusted view of the possible future. I am planting things I don't think I'll be able to afford to buy in the future (tree fruits which get more expensive each year).
I don't know what the future is going to be like but I do know that I will feel more able to face whatever comes if I am as self sufficient as possible.
I've never seen the movie, but I constantly think about how the future is not something we can plan for. My parents have no retirement savings (or very very little), and my dad was laid off recently (for the second time since sept.).
Not to sound preachy, but my faith doesn't really let me consider the future too much, it's really about "daily bread." And honestly, as poor as my family is right now, daily bread is all I can afford to think about.
I mean, I try to be responsible for the future, not wasting what my children may need, but I can't constantly worry about whether my actions will affect someone 300 years from now, because we all have to live NOW, and there may not be a 300 years from now. There is a delicate balance between caring for the earth for posterity's sake, and living in the Today.
This is not to say that I don't have plans, goals and dreams. I think that you just have to be really flexible and not get too upset when things don't go exactly as you planned. It's always good to remember that there is very little that we can actually control in the world.
Heather - daily life so good you don't need a vacation....now that's a goal for me to shoot for!
Theresa - Sharon has quoted Orlov (I think) in saying that it's easier to fall out of a 1st story window than a 4th story window. In other words, the more we prepare now, the better off we will be if/when things get really tough. Along the way, we may find we really like the lower impact lifestyle.
Angelina - planting fruit trees is one reason I'm eager to get relocated and settled. I want to get a garden - short and long-term - going ASAP!
Abby - I disagree. Of course we can plan for the future. What we can't know for sure is what that future will be. Using up everything we have now, polluting like it doesn't make a difference, overconsuming because we can are short-sighted behaviors. I'm not saying you do these things, but humans as a species are sure doing it. What is the point of reproduction if one does not plan to leave them a better world, or at least not totally trash it?
What we can control in the world is our own behavior. That is, after all, what my blog is all about: change your behavior and change your life. By doing this and setting the example, one can influence others to do the same, and then hope it adds up. Living for today doesn't cut it.
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