When the going gets tough

We all know the rest: the tough gets going. So here I am. Tough or not, I have no choice but to keep moving forward and  over a few obstacles I am finding in my way.  Although my original plan of going off grid is still a dream due to issues outside of my control, I intend to keep moving forward the best I can.

When the going gets tough, I think of the many reasons I chose to come here. I think of the tasteless produce that fills up supermarket isles and drain my wallet. I think of the poultry leaving our country to be processed in China and returned for our consumption. I think of the heavy and loud military planes that fly by low and fast as training "exercises" take place nearby.

When the going gets tough I think of the wonderful people I have met thus far in this school district, from administration to teachers and how, for the first time in years I don't feel alone and overwhelmed while trying to give my daughter a chance to excel academically.

When the going gets tough I think of how lucky I am to meet people who have faith in me everyday and have those who are toxic far away from me.

But most of all, I think of my daughter and the kind of life I want for her and I: healthy, safe, away from damaging habits, financially secure and impermeable to nation-wide marketing schemes and monster corporations. And so, I keep going. Even though it hurts to be told that I am selfish, uncaring, opportunistic and lazy. In someone else's eyes I am the kind of person who does not think things thru and will not succeed because I am not following an expected path of action.

I intent to keep going, with baby steps, crawling over every obstacle I find in my way until I not only learn to walk but to leap over them and laugh while I clear them out of my path.

Here are photos of some happenings from August:
- Finished loft ladder, v2.0.
- installed (temporary) paper bag floor, 284 sq.ft for about $80.
- Pup got Stung by an insect. Pirate pup was treated with Benadryl and ice packs.
Arrrgh!
- Build outdoor table and bench with hand saw and drill.
- Burn Ban was lifted. More cedars were cleared.
- Rescued a bunny from running into the clearing fire.
- Finished exterior paint prep. Started painting exterior. Half way done (plus the tippy top to be painted by a tall friend).
- Installed outdoor motion sensor solar flood lights, which are very cool and practical.
- Got electricity into cabin. More work to be done soon.
- Pup chased neighbor's dog back to his house and took a stroll in their field. I love my view!

This is my testament to myself. For the days when I feel down and beaten. I must keep going. If a dream is in my head, it was put there for a reason!

I am no longer a woman to be intimidated, dominated, insulted, taken for granted or be driven to the edge of my sanity simply because my dreams don't fit into a man's life. And I don't need a man's approval to move forward with my life.

When the going gets tough, It feels good to be me: A little afraid of the world but secretly enjoying the thoughts of my yet to be unleashed powers: I am my mother's daughter. That is my secret weapon. Only those closest to me know its intensity.
I now strive to have the same strength as my mom and be able to pass it to my own daughter in the same way after I am gone.

So, in my book, when the going gets tough, the thought think of MOM.