Getting Off the Grid: Living an Environmentally Sustainable Existence

This is actually an adventure story. It's a voyeuristic peek into the desires and trials of another. It's the kind of thing that sells paperbacks in the grocery store. Only, I'm not making this story up as I go along.

This is the real story of a single mom and her two young children that decided to scrap it all and try to build their own home completely off the grid. Days into the decision there is already so much interest in the project that this will be the first in a series of articles.

I have been telling people all my life that all I wanted was a little cabin out in the woods. When other little girls were designing their weddings or planning their entrance into corporate America, I was doodling out detailed designs for secluded homes. Eventually, I too succumbed to the never ending compromise of a normal adult life. I pushed my goals and worked to form new ones.

As I grew older and wiser, I realized that fate didn't give handouts. Whatever I was to have or become in life would be a direct result of my choices, and I started making them again. It wasn't just that easy. A lot of people disapproved, and some even walked out of my life, and not for the choices I made. They were merely offended that I wouldn't float through life like so many others do.

Now that the extra weight has cleared itself from my life, I am free to continue unhindered. The sale of my current house is set to close on Oct 15. The kids and I will stay with family for a few months after that. I plan to buy land in Michigan toward the end of winter. I've been watching the prices for years and feel confident I have a feel for when the market will be at the best prices for my purposes.

The kids and I will move out there once the weather warms up and begin construction on our house. A few people have mentioned coming to help some. As much as it would be welcome, we aren't counting on outside help, though.

I plan to write a series of articles discussing methods of living a normal life off the grid. If you want an email notification when only these articles, and not any others I may write, are published: subscribe for notifications at www.homeschoolblogger.com/justone You can also comment on that site if there is a topic you would like to see an article about.

I am happy to oblige. The text of the articles will only be available on Associated Content, though, as they pay per page view. I would share my knowledge and experiences with you anyway, but if I can get paid to do so - all the better! I invite you to subscribe for updates or visit back often and join us in our new adventure.