The Good Life

We've been doing a lot of thinking around here about our lifestyle. We're feeling a bit... dissatisfied, I guess you would say. There's been many things that have led us to this point.

Hubby Dear's work situation. As a health care provider, his job gets more mired in bureaucracy by the day. He is tired of working long hours for "the man" while feeling unappreciated and missing time with his family.

The Bible. When I read through the book of Proverbs recently, there were a few verses that jumped out at me:

Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.    Proverbs 24:7

Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.    Proverbs 27:8

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.    Proverbs 27:23-27

Note that I completely skipped over Proverbs 27:15-16. I can assure you that verse isn't applicable in our house. Right, honey? 

The joy and satisfaction we get from working outdoors and doing things ourselves. Even in the coldest weather, I always enjoy working with my poultry. I usually have a goofy grin on my face just from the pure joy I feel. I love to walk in the orchard, weed the garden, and formulate plans for the future. While he doesn't tend to rattle on about it like I do, I know that Hubby Dear feels the same way about the vegetable garden. 

The Good Life. We recently watched "The Good Life", a British sitcom from the 1970s. It is a funny show, but more importantly, it struck a nerve with us. Episode one begins with Tom Good turning 40 and discovering that his life isn't satisfying. If you start the following video at about 16:25 and watch through 20:30, you'll see what transpires.


Watch The Good Life - S01E01 - Plough Your Own Furrow.avi in Comedy | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Tom and Barbara Good decide to live a self-sufficient lifestyle in the suburbs and comedy gold is born. But what if this scenario isn't just a made-for-TV gag? What if we could do it, too?

Of course there's a big difference between Tom and Barbara and Hubby Dear and The Harried Homemaker. Unlike them, we have a mortgage (which we are working diligently to pay off ASAP) and four kids to feed, clothe, and send to college.

We are not entirely sure what this will look like for us, but we have decided to pursue self-sufficiency to the extent we are able to at this point in our lives. We are saving to build a barn with a dairy cow, beef cattle, and possibly a pig to follow. You can bet that more poultry is also going to be part of that plan. Our garden and orchard will continue to expand along the way. When we turn 40, we don't want to have any of the regrets that Tom Good expresses in the above video. Maybe by then Hubby Dear will be able to work only part time and we can live off the fruit of our labor.

What do you think? Do you have the urge to live "The Good Life"?