I often find myself frustrated 😤 about all the things I can’t control in this world

But in many ways I realize that I am blessed. I have a lot to look forward to, step by step I’m closing in on my goals. I live the life that live today, mostly by my own choice. I could do other things but I’m out there chasing the mighty buck, saving and investing for a better tomorrow.

While there is a lot happening locally that I do not agree with, I don’t have to stay forever, I don’t own land or a lot of material things I’d have to haul away. Truth be told, a lot of my stuff is old and worn and probably not worth much to me at all.

There are those out there that want to take a stand, be heard, post their thoughts all over social media, attend protests, write the newspaper editor and run for office. They will attend every community service day, town meeting and public hearing. But that ain’t me.

It’s not that I don’t feel the emotional gut reaction seeing what is happening. It’s not that I don’t have my own views on it all. But I don’t post about it on social media and if I say anything at all its on my blog where I have complete control of the context and any comments posted.

I do have a lot of reason for hope. I am well aware that there are many other communities out there with people who share my values. Places where conservation and morality have more meaning, where people live off and close to the land rather than consuming eco friendly styrofoam to fill their recycling bin while bragging about reducing their carbon footprint.

Really my focus now is work and making and saving money. While I’m always broke and the markets are down, it’s by my own choice. I’m pulling the long hours, making good money at work. By the standards of where I come from, really good money which I’m investing. Inflation is tough though – what was good ten years ago isn’t nearly as much today. But by consuming less, I’m saving more for tomorrow when I can own my own land in a freerer state.

At the same time I’m continuing to learn and educate myself. Getting nimble with R, Census Bureau data and other government data along with GIS and mapping is such a big part of my life these days. I think it’s a valuable skill, something I can use long into the future beyond my career today and my life here in New York State. I’m learning so much and I can see many ways I can put this into use in the future.