Blog update and big changes

So I want to start off with the big changes that are already occurring in our lives. Jen and I have been looking to be more self sufficient in the way we raise our kids and the way we live our daily lives. Like many people around the world, especially in suburban America we live pay check to pay check, never getting ahead. Like so many people we work for companies that pay you just enough to make ends meet. While I have received annual salary increases, these are soon eaten by the increased cost of rent, cost of fuel, cost of insurance, etc, etc. We could place Andrew and Samantha into a daycare and have Jennifer go back to corporate America. Unfortunately, this then brings on added expenses of day care, commuting expenses, more dining out, and having someone else raise our kids. I am sure Jen would enjoy getting back in the work force. For those of you who have shelved a career to raise a family, you know it can be a thankless job. There is no doubt that Jen is the most important person in our family. Without her things would fall apart, immediately.

Why do so many people do this (work a job for a cold heartless company) ? In my opinion, its to keep up with the Jones'. Its to pay rent on an apartment, pay the mortgage, the car note for two cars parked in the garage (if you can get them in). Don't get me wrong I'm not looking down my nose at anyone. If you enjoy this lifestyle I am happy for you -- it just does not fit us.

Thus we are doing the only thing that seems sane (your opinion may be drastically different) for the long term. We are quitting to retire early. We have used and will continue to use retirement savings to create a homestead in Missouri. This will provide us a place to live that does not require a monthly payment either to a landlord or a bank. This also provides us land to grow our own food, and raise animals also for the production of food as well. We officially quit on July 12. Its my last day working for DeVry. We will move into a small cabin on our property July 22. I am so excited because its not the same hum drum I have been living for the past six years. I am also very nervous because I know this is going to test my skills, Jen's skills, and our relationship.

That being said, I want to change the direction of this Blog. I want this to be a place to document what we are doing. There are many people who want to do what we have done. This will be a way to share our experiences and knowledge. I am going to introduce the blog to my wife and have her write here as well. Expect videos and other good stuff in the future. No doubt its going to be an adventure. I am going to be posting over the next couple of days things we have done to get where we are -- things like how we found our property, what are we doing to prepare for our move, etc. I would like to say I am going to post daily, weekly, etc. Unfortunately, I cannot make that commitment because where we are moving does not have internet access. Its something we are looking to get setup, but its not a high priority at this time. Thus I welcome your questions and feedback. This is a place to learn and teach. Let the journey begin.

Chris