This will be my first post in quite some time. It feels a little strange revisiting this site 7 months after my last post. Before I get too far ahead, I want to apologize to anyone that took the time to write a comment on my blog. Unfortunately, my former web host had a major server crash last year and some information was lost. I had a backup that was 2 months old and had to restore from that since my host did not have a complete backup for some reason. Long story short – I now have a much more reliable host and I have manually submitted the articles I lost to within the approximate date they where written.

Lesson learned: BACKUP.

Now, apart from all that, I won-t make excuses – I have been a little lazy as far as keeping this blog going. I suppose the server crash was an excuse.

On a brighter note, much has happened since my last real post, and I hope to start writing about it on a daily basis.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so I thought I would give an update of what’s been happening in the last month or so.

The renovations on the house are complete. It’s been on the market now for about 2 weeks. I’ve had quite a few people looking at it, and even a few offers so far. One guy came in with a low-ball offer that made me laugh. I guess it takes all kinds. I hope that it sells before the real winter sets in.

I’ve lost about 20 pounds on my self-imposed diet. It really feels great to move around 20 pounds lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m very encouraged by the results thus far. I started power walking last week. It takes a lot out of me, but I have noticed the difference in weight loss. I doubt that I will ever take up running, as the power walking is almost too much to handle as it is.

I have sold most of my toys. It’s funny how I don’t really miss any of that junk. My only regret is that I may have sold a few items below market value. Oh well, at least I won’t have to take any of it with me.

I’m still very committed to my original plan. I can see things falling into place. As mentioned, I hope to have the house sold soon. Once that is taken care of I will be looking for a very inexpensive place in the city – preferably within walking distance of my work.

Once I’m settled there, it’s one year of frugality and saving. I think I can still make my financial target and “retire” right on schedule.

If you stopped working, had no savings, were unable to pay your bills, and did nothing about it, you would quickly wind up at the bottom of the social heap – homeless.

Homelessness strikes fear in the hearts of most individuals who have ever thought of making a change in their lives by handing in their resignation. It is perceived as the ultimate destiny for those who have mismanaged their affairs to the extent that they have used up all their chances and all their safety nets. It is a formidable force that wields its power in the form of fear.

I encounter homeless people everyday. Most people avoid them like the plague – I’m not sure why. I’ve overheard comments like, “It makes you glad to have a job” and “There, but for the grace of god, go I.” It’s obvious that it makes many people uncomfortable – not because they detest homeless people, but because it strikes a cord with many of us.

Fear like this will keep you on the straight and narrow. It is very real, since there is proof of how lives can be shattered, in the alleyways and park benches of most major cities for all to see, any day of the week. This fear keeps many of us chained to our desks with little options, for we have concluded that there is some unseen force trying to constantly drag us down. How good of the company to give me this great job and spare me the pain of this certain fate.

Well, the reality is that many of us would not end up on the street. There are many other factors involved here. I have talked to many street people over the years, and I could not imagine anyone I know winding up on the street. They simply don’t fit the profile.

First of all, many street people have problems with alcohol and drug abuse. I have seen this first hand. Additionally, many have emotional and psychological problems. I’m not saying that all street people can be painted with the same brush, as I am sure there are exceptions; however, there does seem to be a certain profile with most.

Additionally, many street people either don’t know about, or don’t want help from, the many social programs available to them. I’m not being biased or prejudiced here; I’m only speaking from my own experiences.

I honestly don’t think I would end up homeless. I have family and friends that I can count on in an absolute emergency. Even without that, I still believe that I could avoid sleeping on the street. I would make use of every program available to me. I would wash dishes and sweep floors in order to keep a room and have a little food.

I really feel for the homeless. Through no fault of their own, they have slipped through the cracks. Forced to exist on our leftovers, they exist as a silent minority in a world that is simply too busy to acknowledge their existence.

I don’t think I’m tough enough to survive that.