I have been mulling over posting this for about ten days or so (ever since Thanksgiving)and have decided to do so. Here goes..... Over the past six months, I have made some pretty radical Y2K preparations, I will admit, but only because I am a young man (27) with a family and I am basically concerned. I have a two month supply of food, a generator (hard wired), 500 gallon fuel reserve, guns, ammo, gask masks (I live ten miles from several chemical plants), potassium iodide, Gold Bullion and large gold call positions, emptied bank accounts, sold all stocks, paid of mortgage on home and investment property, 500 gallon water supply, etc. I have been very quiet until the subject came up on Thanksgiving day when I had all of the family over to my home for dinner. I explained my preparations and rationale for doing so and my father said....you've lost your mind...I can't believe you. Everyone was mocking me and ignored me for the rest of the night. I felt and continue to feel pretty badly about the whole thing. The only one who agreed with me that night was my uncle (mainframe systems analyst) when he confided in me (when we were alone) that he had made the very same prepararations. I did say to everyone at the end of the night...."you all may think I am crazy and that's fine...but you have to at least respect my better safe than sorry approach to this thing..." They scoffed and laughed...I look like a fool. I don't care.....I posted this to remind you all that those who prepare and have hindsight have always been persecuted.....that is societies problem. I can't stop thinking about Aesop's fable about the Ant and the Grasshopper....if you don't know the fable....find it and read it. Your friend in Christ and Freedom...

-- Black Sheep (strongbut@shamed.ofmyself), December 05, 1999

Answers

"They won't prepare, but they will remember."

Good luck, dude.

-- King of Spain (madrid@aol.cum), December 05, 1999.

Sorry you had to go through that, Black Sheep. But if you've been at this site a time or two you know that receiving "grief" from froends/family is very common. Its better to look like a fool than be one. Those that don't prepare are the fools, even if Y2K is a BITR.

Theres just no way to know.

Good luck to us all.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), December 05, 1999.

Sign Official Black Sheep list here;

maid upname

ps: Wish I had some of those preps

-- maid upname (noid@ihope.com), December 05, 1999.

What a CHICKENSHIT of an uncle! ... meaning no disrespect of course. A mainframe systems analyst? yourt uncle? a seasoned citieze? shares your same convictions? but wouldn't come to your defense when the welfare of the rest of his kin is at stake? Unthinkable. Grotesque.

>"<

-- SH (squirrel@huntr.com), December 05, 1999.

Y2K Pro, I guess your parents never taught you that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. But then again, they didn't teach you any manners at all, as you have proven time and again here at this forum. Y2K may turn out to be a non-event, but you'll still be a total a**hole. Good luck in 2000 you loser.

-- Ohio Bob (ohiobob@buckeyestate.com), December 05, 1999.

Black Sheep... This is common, in my extended family of 25 or more, only one other is a GI. Just consider it a cheap insurance policy on one possible future. Then if nothing happens, do like we always do about insurance. Go on with life and be glad nothing bad happened.

-- A Guy (waiting@y2kgetit.com), December 05, 1999.

Black Sheep, whether your post is trolling or not (your preps *were* pretty radical), I know there are many in your shoes. We don't *know* for a fact what will happen, but what evidence we have would certainly seem to back you up. The most troubling thing is your family's rejection.

I understand. But, consider those few, those very few, who escaped tyranny in their country before WWII ahead of time by reading the signs of the time. And there were a very few who escaped the Crash of 1929 by waking up when everyone seemed to held in a spell of sorts, withdrawing everything before it went away.

Be sure of what you're doing, then hold fast. Those that follow will always laugh at those that think for themselves. Hold fast.

-- Programmer Farmer (sevenchildren@home.org), December 05, 1999.

WE ARE PREPARED TO BE WORNG!!! Thank You!! I thought Iwas the olny one that had to deal with that. Rember we will be bettrt off in the long run. We have lost nothing. If it dose get bad who do you think will come Knocking at the door?

-- wacko (gonewackie@aol.com), December 05, 1999.

I can't think of a single person who bragged about getting rich of the crash of '29. But you can bet they were probably quietly thanking their lucky stars they got out of the way of _that_ train wreck.

Hang tight, black sheep. If inflation returns your gold and gold calls will make you money, while the 401ks will sink like a stone. People around you may declare bankruptcy left and right because they are drowning in debt, but you will be free and clear.

"The softest pillow is a clear conscience."

You've got one my friend. Sleep well. Live well.

-- I M A (ant@adoomer.com), December 05, 1999.

I feel that, given your location and proximity to chemical plants, your preps were totally rational (in response "possible troll" post above). I can tell you that if your family were as informed as you, they all would do the same thing. The problem is their only source of info on the subject, is YOU. Not CNN, or MSNBC, but rather a lowly family member. Given that what you told them is beyond their realm of possibility, it is understandible that they reacted that way. Imagine if your aunt said one night, "Bob and I are preparing an anti-gravity bomb shelter because after several hundred hours of research, we have determined that the moon is about to leave earths orbit, ending life as we know it on this planet, and changing gravity so that it will be impossible to walk around" (or whatever, you catch my drift). To you and I, Y2K is no more fringe than Monica Gate...but to most, y2k is up there with bigfoot and lochness.

I can only say, you were absolutely RIGHT to make the preps you have (although, if it is a worst case, you will want more than 2 months worth of food), and you will only have to withstand ridicule for 25 more days. Stay strong...and get more food :).

-- Orson Wells (wells@whitebulb.com), December 05, 1999.

Dear Friend , I also, thought I had been able to make some impression upon DGI children, then today, my most minor Daughter, affords me a newspaper ad of Ann Landers, on "Who to calm the Y2K dilemna" and "The Pananoia that persuades you". Guess we are all "just nut-so". Fool Child, could not have come from my loins. She must have been switched "at birth".

-- Mothers Head Hurts (foolchildren@birth.com), December 05, 1999.

Well, doesn't the Bible say to prepare for your future? Not only spiritually by physically too? If you believe that, then what does it matter to you what your family or friends think of you? If you believe that rough times are ahead then what have you lost if it does not turn out the way you have envisioned? If you have done the things you have said that you have done, you are not only sitting pretty, but you have done all the things "experts" such as Dr. Ravi Batra, Howard Ruff, the Dolans and others have advised people to do in anticipation of hard times ahead. The only thing that concerns me is your two-month supply of food, I don't believe it is enough. What are your plans when your family shows up on your door step? Your 2-month supply of food will quickly turn into maybe 1 weeks worth if you soften your heart and take them in. If you care what others think of you, you have already lost one part of the survival mechanism to stay alive. Good luck.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), December 05, 1999.

Those turning 27 this year are the year of the water rat in chinese astrology. Rats are conservative and hoarders by nature. I'm a rat too, born in 1960 instead of 1972. I've stored over 1,000 lbs of grains and legumes, 2,500 gallons of water, 10 gallons of olive oil, 10 lbs of vitamin C, 22 cases of canning jars with a pressure canner. I even drilled another water well and put a solar water well pump with solar panels to run it. Hey the Mexican hot water heater that runs on diesel or wood is mine as well. My parents (father) saw some of my items too ( I haven't mentioned all the other stuff and food-stuffs) and made some remarks leaving me feeling strange. Your not alone Mr. Black Sheep sir, your not alone.... ;)

-- Feller (feller@wanna.help), December 05, 1999.

Get more food. I agree, your uncle should have spoken up to try to protect the family, not just you. (I'm the only one spekaing up on a loop, when I happen to know at least two others are prepping.)

Your preps are rational. Good for you. Best of luck.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 05, 1999.

Sounds like you really have your shit together Black Sheep. Don't know many 27yr olds that have paid off their mtg, have reserves, etc. Your parents should have been PROUD of you. Don't lose any sleep over it. Your preps are totally rational, given your location. Keep it a way of life always. It's the responsible thing to do in this world.

Wish my son had his shit together like you! Too busy dreaming of "that car", and all the other crap he can't afford at a young age.

-- baabaa (BlackSheepsR_us@dot.com), December 05, 1999.

Black Sheep, get more food ASAP!

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), December 05, 1999.

Black Sheep. You are not alone. I'm a year older than you and I know of NO ONE young or old making extensive preps. I, too, am used to the condescending snickers of people who think that they "known for certain" that it's going to be a non-event. This includes certain family members.

I am nowhere near you in preps. I have a few months' food, several weeks of water plus a means of purifying pond water. I moved to a place that wasn't near a crackhouse. I've expanded my inventory of stuff like toothpaste, TP, razor blades, soap, WetWipes. I've bought tools like a hatchet, axe, shovel, saws, etc. I don't own land, being a monetarily challenged student. Self defence is pepper spray plus a pair of good running shoes. I think these will adequately cover preps to about a level of 8.5...And even these modest measures awaken ire and scorn in some. I'm a "hoarder," you know, part of the "problem" :)

Beyond that, I'm as good as gone unless I can find a survivor like yourself to work for. Which brings me to my point: people who ridicule you will soon realize that they had been extremely stupid since they will see themselves as having unwittingly bitten the hand that could feed them. Not a good negotiating technique, if you ask me. To you I say, hang in there and make those naysayers toil for every last pinto bean.

-- coprolith (coprolith@fakemail.com), December 05, 1999.

...my 18 year old son just called me a y2k "psycho" parent...maybe I shouldn't share my preps with him next month?

-- Vern (bacon17@ibm.net), December 05, 1999.

Black Sheep, that doesn't seem like nearly enough food.

I had listened to several radio shows this morning over the net, one of which was John Whitley on Renses. All information was concerning. I immediately dashed to do a quick check inventory to see how long I really could last with my stash. I decided to add more coffee and counted any monies I had on hand for this Passion O' The Moment run, meanwhile another Y2Ker fell into a dark and nontalkative depression when I told her some of the news, and so in this state of concern I slithered out into the night for a run on coffee...and the guy across from me was hanging up all his Christmas lights. I just sat in my car for a moment staring. There I was in combat fatigues up from the bunker (not literally) and this guy is having a jolly time stringing Christmas lights.

We're just all sealing our fates and those fates are going to be miles apart from each others.

I silently mocked him. Some people are just born fools.

A lot of grasshoppers are going to starve to death. I had hoped to be able to help a couple of people and now I really doubt I'll be able to do so. I think this is going to be a rare time in history when no one can help anyone.

You'll have the last laugh but the irony is I know you don't want that last laugh. No one does especially if it is ones own blood. We'll be alive, the survivors, but with scars all over our psyche's.

Stay strong.

-- Paula (chowbabe@pacbell.net), December 05, 1999.

Dear Black Sheep,

I have been experiencing the same. Now though, family doesn't believe there will be any problems. Just the same they have quit making fun of me and are "grateful" I am preparing. I had been planning on everyone being here for new year's eve. Having a big party. But seems all have other things to do. "That's nice but we have other plans." Well, to tell you the true I was very hurt but now I'm taking the attitude that Jesus is planning a 7 year party for His guests and most are waiting to return their rsvp. He died to get His family saved and protected for eternity. So far, the reponses are coming in slow. So you see Black Sheep. Maybe we are just getting a tiny bit of what Jesus must feel. We are a fall back plan for our families (believe me that will come when the problems start.) However, Jesus has the final and most gracious of plans. I pray all folks accept and return the invitation before it's too late. Oh how appreciate His gift.........eternity You are a blessing to your family.

-- Tess (preparingfortheworst@prayingforthebest.com), December 05, 1999.

Yep, get rid of those materialistic kids! I, unlike your children, WILL work for food, and am up for adoption as soon as my "$7.02/hr after taxes and student loans semblance of a sorry a$$ stash" has been exhausted. I come with two golden retrievers who are able bodied workers, and current on vaccinations, as well as expecting some future vacs in the mail, having been ordered today=)

Black Sheep, my family is DGI, with my only major advance having my mom "promise" to buy extra pet food! You are not alone. I really have to believe there is something Biblical about the deception, because we are divided too clearly into GI and DGI's. No middle ground, and no reasoning. This is unprecedented in my lifetime. I think it is in God's hands. All we can do is pray.

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 05, 1999.

Blacksheep,

My brother treats me the same way. He thinks I spend all day hanging out on conspiracy websites. Thankfully, my parents GI, and it makes him mad that they have listened to me. He thinks we are all nuts. My sister is accusing me of hoarding (she said that last year, she would probably faint if she saw what I have this year). She thinks we are nuts too. I can not believe they do not understand better safe than sorry. And I think they are fortunate that my parents will be able to help them.

I have prepared for my husband and myself, my son and his wife (son is one who thinks the Lord will take of him. I guess he is right, since the Lord has made sure we are going to take care of him), and if it looks really bad by late December, my daughter and her husband will fly here from California. My folks are preparing to help my brother and sister, but have firmly stated that they will work for their food.

I talked with my Mom's sisters and they are each preparing to some degree. So most of our extended family is preparing somewhat.

I can not imagine having to cope with worry about family in the midst of this stress. My prayers go out to each of you in that situation. May God give you strength and peace.

-- Dian (bdp@accessunited.com), December 06, 1999.

For all my relatives that say I am nuts I just say "I won't be a hungry nut".

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), December 06, 1999.

Black Sheep,

It was my 29 year old son that caused us to "GET IT" the power of youth. My prayers are with you. Most of us have been where you are, hold fast, your family will need you... God Bless You......

-- Marli (can'tget@it.duh), December 06, 1999.

Hey...You ARE a whacko ... until it comes to pass. Then you're a damned smart man and I knew you had it in you all along. Of course ... if you're wrong ... you're still a damned smart man. It's only the ones you love and the ones that love you that realize it.

-- SlickWillie (UBIGHICK@Yahoo.com), December 06, 1999.

Newton, Gallileo, Da Vinci, Einstien, Copernicus, Aristotle, blah blah blah. All raving nutters. You are in fine company.

-- Colin MacDonald (roborogerborg@yahoo.com), December 06, 1999.

Black Sheep.. welcome to the flock.

If your family is close enough to come for Turkey Day, they are close enough to come for food if TSHTF. I doubt you will be able to turn them away... so turn some of that gold bullion into the cheap basics at least. Two months is not NEARLY enough. How many were at your table Thanksgiving? How far would your supplies stretch?

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), December 06, 1999.

Just for the record, Y2Kook is copyrighted!

Y2Kook

-- Y2Kook (Y2Kook@usa.net), December 06, 1999.

yes.

several.

get over it.

N T

-- jes an ol footballer (nighttr@in.lane), December 06, 1999.

coprolith: Where're you at? E-mail me.

Godspeed,

-- Pinkrock (aphotonboy@aol.com), December 06, 1999.

Thanks for all of your kind words people. I really appreciate it. I wasn't making any of that up by the way for any of you that are skeptical of a twenty seven year old that paid off his house and investment property. I am in the automotive business and yes, my family is very jealous. I started off in business at the age of sixteen and have worked my way through college and into a larger business since then. I guess, by nature, I have always been in "prepare mode". Business brings that out in people. You never know what the next day will bring and you learn to always be ready for something. Thanks for your suggestions of getting more food....I will do that very thing. To the guy who calls himself Y2Kook....I did not mean to infringe on your "copyright". If I offended you, I apologize. Hope you all have a great Holiday Season and a safe, prepared Happy New Year.

-- Black Sheep (strongbut@shamed.ofmyself), December 06, 1999.

...my 18 year old son just called me a y2k "psycho" parent...maybe I shouldn't share my preps with him next month?

No, you shouldn't. Let him die as he deserves.

-- (pollys@bye.bye), December 06, 1999.

Jon Johnson, I formally nominate "Its better to look like a fool than be one" as one of the top ten righteous prepper's credos.

Love it!

-- OR (orwelliator@biosys.net), December 06, 1999.

>> my father said....you've lost your mind <<

That is sad. My parents have always had the courage to let me find my own way as an adult and to respect any decisions I made that were clearly important to me. They know that no one could understand my own needs or guide my own life better than me. I have always deeply appreciated their wisdom in this regard.

There is nothing about your preparations that is not rational. You have simply chosen to emphasize certain risks over others and have acted accordingly. Others are basing their actions on risks that are more commonly feared, such as the risk of looking like a fool.

If that means you have lost your mind, then maybe what you have found is more valuable.

-- Brian McLaughlin (brianm@ims.com), December 06, 1999.

As Bob Marley would say "only a fool leans upon their own misunderstanding" I go thru it everyday Black Sheep! Just remember "What would LOVE do"??? Do it:)

aloha nui, Lokelo

-- Lokelo (lokelo@hotmail.com), December 06, 1999.

Hey all. Glad to see this much "Black-Sheep" consoling going on, I needed a hug . Nobody even wants to imagine the possibility of something going wrong. I guess we all get comfy sometimes - and complacent in the process.

I'm 27, same as Mr. Black Sheep, pretty much debt-free ('cept for the house), only 2 cats to care for, good job, good health, etc. - I figured I had it made. I have only recently realized the true depth of this situation and now I feel like I'm not prepared for it.

I'm going to be buying water filters, storage, food, etc. like a madman in the next few days and I feel foolish for waiting so long! I applaud you, Mr. Black Sheep for thinking that far ahead.

It's really tough when none of your friends or family will back you up - being a 'whacko' can be 'insanely' lonely.

Good luck people.

-- Dave (dave@wcubed.net), December 06, 1999.

Black Sheep...

.....Next year, they'll think you're a hero.

.....P.S. Get lots more food.

-- Patrick (pmchenry@gradall.com), December 07, 1999.