Master your own world one things at a time

Preparing for future calamity is a difficult idea to grip. Most people feel a sense of over whelmingness. They feel as if they have no control over their outcome and have a sense of hopelessness. Thus, leading to do nothing and relying solely on other people when something does happen. We hope for the best and plan for the worst.

In order to be fully prepared for … from losing a job to and EMP attach, we must first start with mastering our own tiny world. Gaining control over our own destiny is easier said than done. We must first develop an understanding of who we are and what we have control over. We must focus our minds on the little things. Things you can do, afford, or understand. Jumping into something a little to deep will lead to more depression and less action.

A quick list of things I have control over:

• My time
• Willpower
• Character
• A few dollars in the Bank
• My Garden
• My Chickens
• My mind, I can learn anything
• My Expenses…

A quick list of things I have no control over:

• My Job
• My Neighbors
• Natural Disasters
• My Country, State, City
• City water, city power...

The Key is to master what you do have control over and work towards having control over those things that have control over you.

Now think of things you can do to better have control over those things you don’t have control over:

• My Job
• Try Making money online
• Build a Nest Egg
• Start a business...
• My Neighbors
• Good luck with this one J
• Natural Disasters
• Build a first aid kit
• Build a 72 hour kit
• Own some tools
• My Country, State, City
• Get involved with local government
• Vote
• City water, power...
• Collect rainwater
• Install a solar system
• Install a wood burning stove...

Thinking about all this stuff at once can be overwhelming. Start by making a plan.

For example:

• I purchased a Berkey Water Filter. I saved my money and bought it. Now my family and I will have pure drinking water even if we end up living in the woods someplace "Hope that never happens, LOL". The point is that we will have pure water regardless if something happens to my Job...
• I am building a rainwater collection system. Harvesting water is a good way to keep water near you. And it will lower my water bill when I garden.
• I am getting chickens, bees, growing a garden… 

The little things will eventually lead to self-mastery and sustainability. You don’t need to go out and buy the entire homestead all at once. You only need to master what have control over and eventually you will have control over your entire situation.

Studies have shown that when people feel in control of their lives they have less stress, depression, they have a less change of heart disease, and live longer.

Health Study References for this Post.

Syme, L., & Balfour, J. (1997). Explaining inequalities in coronary heart disease. The Lancet, 350, 231-232.

Rodin. J., & Langer, E. J. (1977). Long-term effects of a control-relevant intervention with the institutionalized aged. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(12), 897-902.

Storage Shelf Design

These storage shelves are really easy to build and they look great.

How I built these Shelves:

• 3/4 inch mdf board 3 boards - from Home Depot
• I had Home Depot cut 1 board up into 4 inch wide strips (I screwed these into the wall to hold the weight of the shelves)
• I had Home Depot cut 2 boards into 16 inch wide strips and large triangles for the corner shelf
• I purchased 8 2x2x8's for the Posts (I later notched out groves for each shelf to rest in.)
• I purchased some finish wood to make each shelf look nice. I had them rip some 2x4x8's a quarter inch thick.

The Flash was weird on the rest of these, Sorry

Self-Sustainability and the Happiness Advantage

People throughout time and around the world have survived many different scenarios. For the most part these situations have not only been drastically different, but have had emotional tolls on the people involved. Some people remain happy and some do not. This leads to the question why? Why is it that some people surviving in poverty, surviving a natural disaster or in the future “Surviving an EMP Strike or Solar Flare”, and that people still find happiness?

Happiness increases Sustainability

Society knows very well about misery and how to live with problems. We understand that life is not perfect and that mistakes are made. People often times prepare with the worst in mind without realizing that they are training their minds to miss the positives that are in front of them.  We, as Preppers strive to eliminate the bad that comes from not being prepared only to produce the average. We should be striving to produce the better and focus on the best. Navigating negativity out and implementing positivity in its place. Every day the Best and Brightest Preppers sacrifice happiness for success, because we all have been taught that if we work harder we will be successful. When, in fact, we are more successful when we are happier. When we help each other, teach each other, build our communities, and prepare together we are much happier.

We are what we believe we are

“In a study performed by Margaret Shih and her colleagues at Harvard, a group of Asian women were given similar math tests on two separate occasions. The First time around they were primed to think about the fact that they were women, stereotypically worse at math than men. The second time around, they were told to focus on their identity as Asians, generally thought to be math whizzes compared to other ethnic groups. The result: The women performed far better in the second situation than they did in the first. Their math IQs hadn’t changed and neither had the difficulty of the questions. But in the second instance they believed more in their abilities, and this was enough to make a substantive difference in performance.” The Happiness Advantage, page 74.  I believe that we are what we believe we are. If we believe that we can make a rocket stove out of junk than we can. People become more creative, positive, thought provoking, self-sustainable, and prepared when they are Happier. There is nothing else that directs our actions more than what we believe.

We should try to fail on purpose

Say What!? Yes that’s right, you should be trying to fail. Some companies fail on purpose to ignite their inner creativity, sparking problem solving solutions that would not be thought of unless failure took place. Build scenarios around failing systems and think about alternative solutions beyond your current understanding. Creativity is the beginning of self-sustainability. And guess what? When we focus on becoming positive we become more creative. “Constantly scanning the world for the negative comes with a great cost. It undercuts our creativity, raises our stress levels, and lowers our motivation” The Happiness Advantage, page 91.

How to Plan for a Successful Homestead

Figuring out all the money stuff of homesteading can be pretty tough. Let me give you an example of what to do.

Your Current Lifestyle vs. You Backyard Homestead Lifestyle

Bills you can reduce	Current Lifestyle	Homestead Lifestyle
Mortgage (if you downsize your house)	1,200	700
Utilities: Sewer, Trash, Water, Gas, Electricity	300	120 – Replace with wood burning stove, solar panels, wind turbines…
Car Payment (If you downsize your vehicle)	300	150
Fuel for Vehicle (be fuel conscious)	300	200
Cable Bill (Use internet for TV)	100	0
Grocery Budget	800	300 (Grow your own food)
Clothing	500	100 (Buy things when you need them)
Home Repair	300	50 (Don’t hire someone, ask neighbors to help or learn how to fix things)
Total	3,800 of bills	1,650 of Bills (Savings of 2,150)

The point of this chart is to help you create your own budget plan. You can save money and live great.

People will tell you that homesteading is a poor way of living, going without all the comforts of life. I disagree. People can homestead, reduce their bills, grow their own fresh produce and keep their internet, tv, air conditioning… whatever you want. There is no one size fits all with homesteading. Instead, homesteading is a way of life where you rely more on community than big business. Instead of a consumer mindset you take on a do it yourself mind set. Try to build your own chicken coop rather than buying one from the feed store. Take a change of canning your own green beans rather than relying on the green beans you buy from the store.

One thing I learned from my Dad is to never be afraid to try. Try to build something, Try to repair something, try to improve your home by laying your own tile. The worst thing that can happen is you screw it up and have to pay some to fix it. And by the way, to have someone come fix it is pretty close to the cost they would have charged in the first place. You’re only out some time. Don’t be afraid to tackle that project. I like to say “Just Cut the Carpet”.

A few months ago I took the first step in building my own fireplace in my house. It was In the front room, Believe it or not. My wife was so nervous because I had never done it. And the first thing I did was “Cut the Carpet” in our nice front room. lol

I saved thousands of dollars doing it myself and now we have a beautiful stone fireplace in the living room. I talked to my neighbor who was a licensed gas guy to help with gas and my other buddy who owns a stone company. That’s why I talk about homesteading is a community event.

How I Built an Auto-Feeder for my Chickens

This is my video about how I made my automatic chicken feeding system. Gravity feed.



This system cost me:
Pipe: $9 bucks for 10 feet from home depot
90 degree elbo: $2
1 Pipe Cap: $2
Buckets: Free from local bakery

Organic Store Bought… Is it Really?

Big business wants us to think they are organic. For example, some grocery items that clearly are not organic will show pictures of the old school simple farm, trying to give the perception of organic when in reality they are nothing of the sort.

How can you know if something is good quality? (The Less or More Principle)

Less is more has been a good aid to me while shopping at the local grocery store, Wal-Mart, Target, Good Earth… Looking at the ingredients can help to simplify your selection. Try looking at the ingredients of Great Value Sour Cream vs. Daisy Sour Cream. You will know what I mean when you see it. One has many ingredients that you can’t even come close to pronouncing and the other has one.

Egg Production in the USA

In today’s market we see a wide selection of eggs. We see organic, white, brown, free range… This is another very easy area to make the public believe that eggs in the super market are not created equal and that one is better than the other. Don’t believe the garbage they are feeding us. Even the Organic Eggs are not great from the super market. Think about it. These large egg producing companies have thousands of birds under one roof, who never see sunlight. They switch out their hormone rich feed with “Organic Certified Feed” and call it good. The thousands of birds still never see sunlight. They still get their beaks cut off and they still have no room to scratch. These eggs are NOT organic how we perceive organic to be. Who writes the laws? Big Business. Even the laws around what organic is. Money, drives what society believes is happening and money drives government and money gives power to the few who have it. Why is it that small farmers have such a hard time going through the “Organic Process”? Nearly bankrupting some of them. It’s because the government works for the people, Not! They work for the next re-election dollars. Big Business writes the law and the rules. This eventually cripples smaller True Organic players from even making it into the Big Boy Playground.

The only way to real organic is by purchasing local or raise your own, Build your earth and by building organic focused communities. Most people will never be able to raise all their own food, raise all their own meat or sustain this lifestyle on their own. Communities are essential to self-sufficiency.

Help me know what I’m Missing by Commenting Below.

Top Reasons to be Self Sufficient, Self Reliant, or Self Sustainable

After thinking about my own adventure in trying to be more self reliant I came up with these reasons why it’s a great Idea to be self sufficient.

Principle 1: It Brings Piece of Mind (When Ye are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear) DC 38:30

Yesterday I was driving home with my family. We were about 15 minutes from home. I had the thought “What if an EMP, Solar Flare… happened right now”. How would I get my family home? Your vehicle would not work unless it was old. I had this rush of planning come through my mind. I need… to many things. I thought, “Is home even where I would want to go? Do I have enough to survive?” I then remembered that I do have enough to survive. I have water, food, shelter and heat. But even though I could survive for a little while I can still become better.

Principle 2: True Self Sufficiency Happens in Communities

People tell me all the time how I need to be self sufficient in every way. Even though I do believe this idea to be good, If most people in your community are trying to do be self reliant you will need everyone’s talents. Community is the only way to really survive. The idea that if something was to happen, that you would turn neighbors, friends or even family away is bad. You might not think someone has talents or abilities to contribute, but everyone does. Accepting people in and establishing community is the only way to really build back society after fallout. Remember, “Charity Never Faileth” 1 Corinthians 13

Principle 3: Don’t rely to heavily on technology, Learn The Basics

I have this wonderful wheat grinder. I love it. Its quiet and makes the best wheat flour you can imagine. I get the impression that people feel like they are self sufficient because they have a wheat grinder like mine. They would be wrong. If the power goes out and you think for one minute that you can still make bread think again. Even though having a nice wheat grinder like this is super convenient and helpful in saving money by grinding your own wheat, It will do nothing for you when the power is gone. Think about getting a small crank grinding system. I love technology but I am learn how things work. We need to be able to do things manually. Learning the Basics can save your life. The further we become to understanding how food is grown, how engines work, how power is created, How to filter water… or anything else we become disabled in life. Those who know are worth so much more than those who have no intention to learn.

As you ponder on these ideas I invite you to go over the preparedness gaps in your life. You don’t have to be a prepper to be self responsible. Add comments if you feel I have missed something or if you would like to share some ideas of how to better be self sufficient. 

Comments:

Please add one or two ideas to help the group become self sufficient.

Painting the Chicken Coop Project

I found some great stain for my chicken coop

What I used:

• BEHR Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain - Cost: $21
• Color: Red Red Wine from Home Depot

Note: 1 Gallon is more than enough to paint multiple application of the stain on the coop.

Here are some pics of the coop below:

Medium Sized Organic

Today I had the opportunity to visit with a group of people about the topic of organic growing. Something I found was that people really don’t understand what this means for business, community and healthy living. I wish to address this topic with some hypothesis on the subject.

Medium Sized Organic vs. Large Corporate and Processed (non-organic)

1.     I believe that an Organic Tomato contains more nutrients than it Non-Organic comparison. Because of this I believe that when you eat the Organic Tomato you will be more satisfied than if you ate the Non-Organic "Wal-Mart" version. I believe your body is continually thirsting after nutrients and when eating Organic foods you fulfill that thirst and hunger more effectively. If you only eat processed foods containing modified (manipulated) nutrients your body does not only starve but is continually hungry, thus causing obesity.

2.     I believe that the cost associated with producing 1 tomato traveling thousands of miles to sell it is more expensive than growing that one tomato and then selling it within a few miles. The idea behind going global with a business that was never meant to be scalable is crazy. The laws of efficiency and complexity reduction in business would suggest that grow local and sell local is not only cost effective but nutrient effective and less complicated in nature. The Business of growing food on a global market increases complexities like:

a.       Global food shortages

b.      Energy waste

c.       Pesticide resistant insects

d.      Unnatural Mono cultural environmental influences

e.      Poly culture destruction

f.        Exportation of local economies

g.       Supply Chain complexities

h.      Legal infighting among farmers and seed producers

3.     I believe that medical problems like cancer, tumors, heart disease… would decrease when food creation becomes localized organic. Think about it. Science has found consumption of caffeine leads to headaches. What is the cure you ask? More Caffeine! I believe the same logic would apply to tumors. What are some elements found in tumors? Pesticides. The reason is because the body doesn’t know where to put those pesticides after we consume it in our food. Thus causing certain types of tumors. Then we fight those tumors with chemotherapy “another form of pesticide” targeting the body. We like to think that pesticides will simply leave our body as waste but sometimes it becomes our body. We are what we eat.

In short, I believe that we can cure our economy, families, bodies, and land by farming Medium Size Organic. I am not currently living these standards but am striving to do so. God Speed.

How to Build a Chicken Coop

I built this coop from scratch. No Plans just by doing it.

Steps I used:

1. Build the platform of the structure.
2. Build the Sidewalls
3. Build the Roof

Its that easy. Anyone can do it without having construction experience. Think about it "its a chicken coop" not your home.

Here are some pictures from the coop as it sits today.

 

 Let me know what other pictures you want to see from the coop.

Building my Chicken Coop / Is it cost effective to have chickens?

I've been working on my chicken house lately. I am almost there.

Things that I still need to do:

1. Paint the coop.
2. Build an automatic chicken door that closes as opens by its self.
3. Install the chicken wire.
4. Install the feed container.
5. Install a automatic water system.
6. Put shingles on the roof.
7. Buy the baby chicks. (I'm thinking about 12 birds)
8. Need to buy a bale of hay.

This might seem like a lot to still get done but I can manage. I have spent a total of $12 on this coop. I found all the wood I needed from construction site dumpsters. I even pulled the nails from dumpster wood. 

Want to see my coop! Watch the video.

Coop Design:

• 6 foot by 6 foot (36 sqf. of space).
• Side roofs are hinged for easy opening.
• designed for easy clean out of coop.
• 4 lay boxes.
• Will be raised off the ground.
• I will place about 6 inches of hay on the floor of the coop.
• This is for easy cleanup and for enhanced composting of the chicken waste.
• This means I will need to clean the coop less often.

Return on Investment: Its worth it:)

• Last year when I had chickens the average cost per dozen eggs was about 90 cents. I will let you know how much chicken eggs cost me this time around with more chickens.
• ROI Calculation:
• Cost per dozen eggs after egg production:
• Total weekly cost / number of eggs produced * 12
• ROI over the course of the First 12 Months
• When Looking at Egg Production as a "Cash-flow" you can use the IRR function in excel.
• Real Briefly explained: You take how much the coop and chickens cost and how much the net value of the egg production is over the first 12 months. For me I get a rate of return of 0% but the second year I see returns of 9%. That's better than the stock market on a good day. I am expecting to spend around $75 bucks on my coop and not seeing any eggs until fall. The average price for eggs in my area is about $3 per dozen.

Calculate the Return on Investment:

Rain water collection - State of Utah

Yesterday I received approval to collect rain water in the State of Utah. I applied for a collection system for 2,500 gallons. This is the Maximum amount allowed before buying water shares.

Just to give you perspective: 1/4 inches of rain will give me about 2,000 gallons of water off my roof. Where I live in Utah receives on average about 13 inches of rain a year (including snow fall water).

How much rainfall do you get? - Click link below

http://average-rainfall.weatherdb.com/

Utah Law for Rain Water Collection

http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE73/htm/73_03_000105.htm

The Short Version:

• You can collect up to 2,500 gallons of rain water without owner water shares.
• This system should be underground.
• You can collect up to 200 gallons of rain water without registering with the state
• Registering with the State of Utah is Free

Where to Apply for Rain Water Collection - (FREE to Register)

http://www.waterrights.utah.gov/forms/rainwater.asp

Berkey Water System - Water Preparedness

I just ordered by Berkey Water System.

Found a great deal for $258. I am getting 2 black filters and the Big Berkey. I am really excited about this. This should be the first step for anyone trying to be prepared. I have studied all the major filter systems out their and this one is by far the best for the buck.

I ordered it from: berkeywaterfilters.com

Some Reasons to buy a Berkey:

1. Filters 99.999% of Viruses
2. Filters 99.999% of Bacteria
3. 1 Black Filter will last 3,000 gallons
4. My Family now will always have good clean water regardless of where it comes from.

Check out the whole list of stuff this system filters out.
http://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkey-answers/performance/

Getting Local Approval for Chickens

Yesterday I received local approval to have chickens in my backyard. Because, I live in a HOA, I went before the review committee and offered up my appeal to own 12 chickens. Typically, our HOA only allows 4 birds, but because of how I positioned my argument, I was allowed unlimited chickens for my 1/3 acre property.

A few thing the keep in mind when getting Approval:

1. Don't be rude, cocky, or a "no it all".
1. I found that being workable creates the best results.
2. Come with a plan.
1. I quickly drew out a plan on some scratch paper explaining the coop design and the number of chickens.
2. This also gives you a base for negotiation.
3. Show them that you are being reasonable and that you are grateful for them.
1. These people get hammered by angry people all day.
2. They will be as hard to work with as you are.

Good phrases to use when negotiating for chickens:

• Thank you so much for visiting with me.
• I really appreciate the work you are doing.
• I was hoping to have 12 chickens because... I expect 2 to die as chicks, 1 to be a rooster, I have 1/3 acre... so I really need approval for 9 chickens, but if all the chickens live and aren't roosters I don't want to slaughter good egg producing birds. That's why I need approval for 12.
• I spoke with all my neighbors and they are fine with me having chickens.
• I want my coop to match the look of my house so It wont be an eye soar.

As it turned out they gave me approval for unlimited chickens. Usually people in my HOA only get approval for 4 birds. Go ME!

    

Meet the Farmer

I'm Kyle Harrison and this is my story...

I was taught growing up to be self sufficient and to learn the value of work. My parents canned food, had a garden, and my dad had good work. My parents knew the struggles of being poor and the trials of putting food on the table, shelter over their young family and cloths on our backs. They gave me my drive to become self sufficient.

This is the story of how I'm going to become self sufficient and bring my family to the next level of preparedness. I want to lower my bills, payoff my house and keep all the luxuries of life. I don't think you have to be poor to be self reliant.

I just recently built a house and have yet to really do any of the landscaping in the backyard. This is my canvas. I am going to take us on a ride to self sufficiency from start to finish. I will include steps of what I'm doing in hopes that you can learn from my mistakes in becoming self reliant.

Let the Journey begin...


My Backyard before the homestead begins


Leveling the land and picking rocks - Future Plans of the Farmstead.