no one seems to understand me!

[Moabite]

I'm glad you are here with us. If you are a freak, then we are freaks too! Wait, if raising your own meat is freakish, then we are all descended from a long line of freaks and most likely, so are your friends. It seems apparent to me that they just don't know where food comes from. Ignorance is bliss. Once they understand, they too will want chickens (or go vegetarian). It seems that they need you more then you need them. Good luck.

 

[the4heathernsmom]

It's everywhere....when people don't understand they have to criticize....not always a good thing. We have a small tiny farm thing going on too. I am not THAT much older than you I am 37 just turned 37 I might add lol!!! IT helps so much with money to have the garden and the freezer pigs and the freezer calf. Plus it really is therapy for the soul to take something you have soooo much effort and time into and be able to enjoy it. ok so I am not a canning expert but I am learning and I save money with what I put up for my family. My kids are learning and seeing that hard work pays off......learning the value of a dollar. Learning about where food comes from and how to be healthy and why. Teaching the next generation is a HUGE responsibility!!! OK so what if mine decide to live the city life, they will know and be appreciative of where their food comes from and how to select natural versus artificial and what the differences are. People who "down" your choices are not true friends. Maybe they just need a little education as to why you are doing what you do!!! I have some really outspoken friends and when their mouth overloads it I just straight up tell them how I feel and what I think! So what if it is hard work? Do you have a freezer full of meat and veggies and fruit? Do you actually KNOW where it came from and what it was fed and what chemicals and so forth are in it? Taste my steak then taste yours hmmmmmm whose is better? How much did YOU spend on all that pork? My mom is the worst sad to say. She has that mindset you are talking about BUT she raised us in the city...hated it as a kid. Won't take my meat.....won't eat my eggs.....some people you just cannot change their minds and well it is their loss. Don't let someone else get you down or second guess yourself about your decisions. Only you know what is best for your family. old saying.....those who matter do not mind and those that mind do not matter!!!!!!!

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:

HAHAHA! Personally, I am humbled by people who grown their own ANYTHING. I haven't the time or the right soil, room for cows etc. I would LOVE to. My first "garden" will be on my kitchen counter with tomatoes.

Man, I'm glad you said tomatoes and not black beans!!!

Ed

 

[holachicka]

I can't thank you guys enough. I knew that you'd understand! None of my friends or family have called me any names, I didn't mean to give that impression, but their attitudes and reactions say enough. Plus, they seems like they are almost laughing at me. It's annoying and frustrating to no end. Thanks again for all your support, I'll just have to ignore them and their attitudes. It's just hard when no one I know shares my enthusiasm for the things I'm trying to accomplish, and no one will be impressed when I do

. Oh well.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
This comming from Californians who eat things no one else would even think of.....

I would get new friends or tlak to new people But no your not a freak it makes me just wanna

people like that Just tell them your going "Green" for the sake of the planet and your family maybe they will see things different I doubt it but you can try.

Good luck to you

 

[3goodeggs]

My son and I were picking black berries last night and he turned to me and said,"I know things are difficult for you and dad right now, But really, this is the best life possible. I love it."

That made all the snickers, and scoffs, and Jethro comments worth it.

 

[DukesAngel]

Quite a few of my friends are REALLY against me killing a few of my birds. (I have basically picked 3 that are going to the plate, the rest are layers) They think its cruel that I could kill something I raised...... ummmmm HELLO! Where do they think the chicken they buy at the store comes from?

I don't think you're weird at all! Just keep doing what makes you happy, not your friends.

 

[ChickenToes]

Honey, if I lived on 5 acres, I'd have more animals than you could shake a stick at, and a garden large enough to feed an army.

I know exactly how you feel, I have run into the same attitude - people think you're nuts because you want to be more self-sufficient. That's why I love BYC, it's an entire forum of people just like me. Just keep doing what you're doing, and eventually everyone will get used to it and it won't be an issue anymore.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Buy your "friends" a copy of Brave New World .

 

[gettinaclue]

Have you tried visiting the sister site "Sufficient Self" ?

There are a lot of freaks like you and ME there. LOL Great support and ideas.

You're not a freak. You're normal. You're following the sound of your own drum. Keep going in your groove. Let them trip along to theirs.