Quote Originally Posted by Troublco View Post
I hear you, BigBear. I've dealt with the same things, and it's no fun. Good on you for keeping your focus on what's important. This is a hard time of year to be dealing with this stuff. But I'll pray for you, and hope that 2010 brings you better fortune. And everyone else here who's dealing with the same issues.

Stick to your guns (pun intended!) on the land thing. That was what my wife and I planned, but for various reasons it wound up not happening. I regret not having it, but I've done what I needed to. I've heard both sides on the renting thing, but I preferred to buy. Each to their own. But the land gives you a freedom that no house in the city will, no matter how big your backyard is. It also gives you a goal to focus on. Keep your eyes on it, and don't give up!

Rant anytime! All of us need somewhere to get it out of our systems sometimes. One thing I have learned in the military - when you have a group of like-minded folks with a common interest and/or focus that stick together, even virtually like this, it creates an environment that is like a family. My military years have given me an appreciation of close friends AND family that I doubt I'd have had otherwise, and that's where I've gotten most of my close friends. My non-military friends are ex-military or gun people. Common interest or background and generally a common mindset. It gives you something like Basic gives military folks - a common experience from which to build.
I work for the army now, and although sometimes I bitch about my job, I have to remember to be thankful, and to remember what's going on outside that gate. Thankfully I have friends and family as well that will help my family out if we really need it.