Just finished reading "Surviving the Economic Collapse." I'm very happy I found this book and this group. Thankfully, I have one friend in the area who is going down this road with me, otherwise I think I would at times doubt my sanity! When I walk around town, it's like "Business as usual." It's completely mindboggling to me how many people in the San Francisco Bay Area seem to have their heads up there asses about the inevitable "adjustment" we're going to have to make. Maybe I'm just hanging out in the wrong places, but finding this group seems like a breath of fresh air.

So, my approach to all this is very practical. I'm not paranoid by nature. I just grew up reading 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and other dystopias, and when I read the news and look around, I can't help but see very disturbing trends happening in terms of liberty, America's economic situation, the insanity of of consumerism and the "bread and circuses of distraction," etc, etc.

I already have lots of "living supplies" stocked. What this book did for me, however, was to make me brutally aware of my deficiencies. Therefore some of my goals this year are: a)acquire a Glock 19 and gain proficiency via defensive shooting classes, etc b) learn how to actually use my small (but growing) knife collection — and actually learn how to sharpen a knife, which as a 39-year old dude, I really ought to know; c) start taking some MMA classes and up my physical training; d) get a more functional 4x4 truck e) work a lot and put a lot of money away to fund this stuff and put some cash away.

Having just finished graduate school (and unfortunately being broke and in debt), while also being a serious outdoors enthusiast (thank you for clarifying that SHTF is not just an extended camping trip!!), I'm also creatively funding this by dropping my apartment and rent for the year and camping in some of our local wilderness areas (which i have done before for a number of months) and using the proceeds of low overhead and my two jobs to pay for the above. Living light and simple. Should be an interesting year!

Best to everyone and look forward to being part of this community..