The Plan II

So, Megan and I are going to purchase our first home! We've decided it would be an excellent long-term investment and help us transition into homesteading. We highly recommend Mary Olsen (realtor) if you're looking for a home in Salt Lake City or any of the surrounding areas. She's been in the real-estate business for over 17 years and will assist you in every aspect of the buying process. She will research the sellers, interview neighbors, and even show up with her own tools to help get the house ready for inspection.

A little bit about our home, sweet home: It's a charming (2700 sq. ft.) rambler built in 1961. 2 lovely, large fireplaces. It's very mid century modern and everything I could personally ever want in a home. The moment I pass through the door I feel as if I'm walking onto the set of Mad Men. We look forward to posting our renovation projects soon. Honestly, we don't plan on changing things too much b/c we don't want the house to lose the things that made us fall in love in the first place. We plan on adding central heat/air, updating the electrical, and remodeling the bathrooms/kitchen (era appropriately). 

The house also features a full walk-out basement and second kitchen we plan to rent as a source of extra monthly income. The bathroom down there needs a little work and we've been researching load-bearing v. support wall, leasing agreements, plumbing, tile shower installation, etc., so we are able to do most of the work ourselves. Plus, we feel that we'll learn valuable skills to use on the homestead. We hope to eventually build a hen house, greenhouse, and gain other valuable skills. We close next week and we hope to be settled in at the beginning of July. I promise to post plenty of pictures. Please send lots of positive vibes our way. 

How to Save Money & Make the Best Out of Your Smartphone

In today's world, it's not uncommon to see everyone within eyesight on a smartphone. These little handheld miracles are the reason no one bothers to get to know or "love thy neighbors anymore", make small talk in the checkout lines, etc. In fact, there's probably someone ahead of you holding up the queue right now because he/she refuses to get off the phone long enough to make a purchase and leave. They're omniscient  and for some, addicting. I'm not the one to tell people not to use smartphones because they are utilitarian. However, majority of people do not use them productively. I cannot count how many people simply pick up the their phones compulsively "just because", or when they feel "bored".

As I previously stated, I am not against the use of smartphones...I just feel like people can/should use them smarter.

Retail Apps: For some, shopping is considered an emergency. However, any reasonable human-being would agree that it isn't. I shop online, but I've deleted all of my retail apps in order to limit my acces to them and prevent impulse shopping. I know what you're thinking, "I'll just go online anyway". If you're that determined, sure you will. However, not having access to a vast amount of products with the "push of a button" will curtail a lot unnecessary purchasing. It also gives you time to think about purchases before pulling the trigger.

Social Media Apps: I get it. We all live in a concrete world, but everyone (except for a few of us) prefers an abstract, digital one. I've found it preferable to limit myself down to two social media apps. Constantly checking your Insta-face-tweet-snapchat can be distracting. Not to mention really annoying to the human-being physically sitting right next to you. I might be slightly bias, but I enjoy productive social exchange sites such as blogger. Yes, it can be used as a diary. OR, a blog can be used as a way to generate interest, share ideas, and collaborate with people outside your usual social circle.

Email/Email Apps: Set limits on how often you check email accounts each day. Because let's face it, 90% of your inbox is junk mail (e.g., advertisement, e-spam, unsolicited mass emails, etc.). So, how about limiting the amount of time spent checking this crap because time is money, to twice-a-day (three times max), instead every hour on the hour from shear boredom?

 

Gaming Apps: 

This list will continue to grow as I grow. 

I Saw the Ghost of My Own Existence at Breakfast

Take away a people's history and you take away everything. My recent bout with the economy/lackluster job market left me feeling worthless and defeated. 30+ applications later, and I could not figure out why I had not landed a job in law enforcement. It peaked my curiosity and forced me to question my own existence: Where did I come from? Did Moors accomplish anything as a people? The answers dawned on me a couple of days ago at breakfast...

I realized, despite the fact most of my family's history was lost in the fire of the great house, I had grown lazy in complacency. I accepted this and didn't try looking any further than ancestry.com. My father's side is just as perplexing simply because each of them voluntarily chose to exclude me from all family life. I stood stopped in my own tracks, unable to see a solution around this mental roadblock. This is when I stood still and considered my options. The matriarch of the family, my grandmother, Dorothy Mullins is no longer with us. My next option: history.

Unbeknownst to any grade school level American history classes, Africa is not Africa. The continent's true name is Alkebulan or Afruika (Kemetic for motherland/birthplace). Aphrike in Greek, and Aprica in Latin–both mean sunny and warm. Scipio Africanus Major, the Roman general renowned for his army's victory over Hannibal in the Second Punic War, did not name the continent. In fact, the complete opposite occurred: He named himself in honor of the continent. Considering the time between the Kemetian Calendar (aka, "Egyptian Calendar") and the founding of Rome is 2,747+ years, it is fair to say Afruika came first. Scipio drove Hannibal from North Africa back to Carthage, then defeated him at Zama. Since these wars were fought in "Africa", he attached the surname, "Africanus".

Until recently, Berber/Moorish/Black history has been nothing but an oversimplified story of the oppressor and the oppressed. It wasn't until I started studying and looking for the answers myself that I realized the importance of brown people in history. For example, in regards to oppression: Toussaint L'Ouverture (1742-1803), a former slave and leader of the only successful slave revolt in modern history. He was the son of an African prince (Gau Guinon) who was captured by slavers. Taught by his godfather Pierre Baptiste and Jesuit priests, L'Ouverture was trilingual, a great strategist, horseman, and medical practitioner. He was notably familiar with African plant/herbal medicinal practices. Bayon de Libertad, manager of the Breda plantation was so impressed with Louverture, he gave him unlimited access to his library.

In 1791, in what was to be known as the "Night of Fire", slaves revolted by killing whites, torching plantation houses, and fields. Despite the fact L'Ouverture was "freed" in 1791 by de Libertad, he decided to join the Haitian Revolution in order to help others gain the same liberties. A gentleman, he did not join the insurrection until he secured the safety of his family in Santo Domingo (the Spanish-controlled eastern part of the island), and ensured de Libertad (as well as his family) had safe passage to America. The initial uprising was subdued, but inspired by French revolutionary principles and outraged by the inhumane treatment of Blacks by white planters, the fighting continued. In war, L'Ouverture will prove himself as a soldier, secretary, general, and be knighted by the Spaniards.

First, he served as a soldier and secretary to Georges Biassou, one of the leaders of the revolt. In the beginning, the black insurgency chose to align itself with Spain to defeat France. Fearful of Britain and Spain's attempts to capitulate the island, the French National Convention granted citizenship rights as well as freedom to all blacks on the island in 1794 primarily to preserve colonial rule. Unfortunately, this helped secure the loyalty of the black populous. Following the ruling, L'Ouverture led the French in ousting Britain along with capturing the Spanish-controlled portion of the island (1794–1802), and was made lieutenant governor of Saint Domingue by Étienne Leveaux. Eventually, he ran the entire island as a state and drafted a constitution where he reiterated the freedom of all slaves.

Napoleon Bonaparte became First Consul in 1799, and when L'Ouverture ignored his commands to allow slavery to persist in the Spanish Santo Domingo, he declared war. Bonaparte deployed his brother-in-law, Charles Leclerc, to capture L'Ouverture and reinstitute slavery on the island. Truly, Bonaparte was concerned about the economic losses to ensue after the abolishment of slavery and did not want the territory being ran by a "colored" man. There are several stories surrounding the capture of L'Ouverture: He either put down his sword in battle in exchange for Lerlec's word that slavery would not be reinstated, or was taken captive during a parley. Both? Either way, he was imprisoned in Fort de Joux in the French Alps where he died of pneumonia and torture. Full independence was achieved a year later by one of L'Ouverture's generals, Jean Jaques Dessalines.

Please correct me and let me know if any of this information is incorrect. All of the information I gathered was from the sources listed below as well as my own limited historical knowledge regarding this moment in time. I am open to learning, found this highly enjoyable, and will periodically continue blogging in the future about black history.

Sources (Sorry, working on the hanging indent on Blogger!)

Fagg, John E. "Toussaint L'Ouverture." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 20                        Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Jan. 2015.

McNally, Deborah. "Toussaint L'Ouverture." Toussaint L'Ouverture (1742–1803). BlackPast.org, 2011. Web. 22 Jan. 2015.

Minority Hiring Practices in Law Enforcement

I am a recent graduate of Salt Lake Community College's Institute of Public Safety. After much thought and consideration, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. I am writing in regards to my experiences both in the law enforcement academy as well as those ensuing graduation. I feel it is the right time for America to hear my story and hopefully this will help put an end to some of the discriminatory teachings and hiring practices of numerous agencies around the country.

D.T. 1090: Management & Recognition of Excited Delirium/Agitated Chaotic Event™. This is one of many racially biased classes taught in the police academy. Despite excited delirium/excited delirium syndrome not being accepted by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the American Medical Association (AMA) as being an actual condition, cadets were taught the material anyway. Moreover, cadets were taught, me included, this fictitious condition affects mostly African-Americans. Considering the fact there isn't any scientific or statistical data strong enough to gain support from either the APA or AMA, teaching excited delirium/excited syndrome creates a false racial bias. Excited delirium is oftentimes linked as an outcome associated with use of physical control measures such as police restraint which serves as an indirect means of endorsing/justifying the use of physical control techniques more liberally toward African-Americans.

Considering that I am of Moorish (Black) and Latino ancestry, I found this class beyond highly offensive. When I politely questioned the instructor and explained to him that no one in my family has ever suffered from the disorder, this is when it was revealed that excited delirium is not accepted by any major medical or psychological institutions. Considering that arrest rates are disproportionately higher for minorities (especially African-Americans) than whites, this could perhaps easily explain this discrepancy. For me as a cadet, listening to this rhetoric was not only degrading, but the influence it had on my all White peers was even worse. It changed how African-Americans (Blacks) were viewed and basically states we are more prone to excited delirium, as well as the "condition's" symptoms (i.e., anxiety, irrational behavior, violence, disorientation, etc.) more than other races. It painted a picture, in my opinion, of African-Americans as incompetent fools that basically ask for more brutal treatment because according to the instructor/excited delirium, we are "brutes". It also negatively influenced my suitability for a job in law enforcement.

I also had to constantly endure instructors asking in a demeaning manner, why I had chosen law enforcement as a career. I was treated as an inconvenience and felt that I was unwanted by not all, but the majority of the school's instructors. It wasn't a curiosity about my decision, it was a finite questioning of my decision. I'm too small, too soft spoken, I don't fit the regular "profile" of a police officer, etc. Instead of cultivating my differences, they were used as a weapon against me. Upon graduation, I received horrible peer reviews completed by anonymous class peers. In response to my criticism of the class taught on excited delirium, a classmate accused me of "playing the race card" and having an unwillingness to learn. I received another review stating I was unmotivated...I am confident in saying that none of this is true considering that I worked hard and put myself through college, earning a bachelors degree, as well as through the police academy. These racist and untrue statements stay on file forever, and have continued to cost me jobs some 30+ applications later. Below, is a list of all of the places I've applied to in Utah.

Graduation hasn't been any better. Despite the message of law enforcement being we need more women, more college educated officers, more diversity, etc., it hasn't held true when it comes to actual hiring. I am ranked high, pushed through the motions of hiring for months, and turned down for the job each time. I reiterate, I've placed in over 30+ applications in Utah alone. I've applied to the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office 3x, and last time I was told that I wasn't hired because I verbally told them I was fired from Wal-Mart almost over 4 years ago instead of writing it on my application during the interview. These were Sergeant Moleni's exact words to me. If this information was found through investigative measures, or I failed to disclose, I would've understood the agency's decision. Bountiful did not even bother to schedule me an interview after the written/essay and physical tests. I am an English major and I passed the physical...I'm not sure why I wasn't invited back. Especially considering that I was the only Black there, and one of maybe four people who did not look European/White. Clearfield would have to be the strangest of case–After passing the written test and interview portion, I was actually extended a job offer. However, it was later rescinded they said because of information I willingly disclosed. When I applied again, I was barred from trying out again without a reason given as to why. Park City refuses to even give me an interview when job openings are available. While I am not perfect, I am far from a criminal. The only blemish I have on my entire record, both juvenile and adult, is a contempt of court charge for having telephone contact with my ex-girlfriend during an investigation because she alleged I assaulted her. I want to put heavy emphasis on the fact that all charges were dismissed. Contempt of court is the only mark and I have NEVER assaulted anyone.

I have been treated as if having a contempt of court and being accused of crime (not convicted, but accused) is the worse thing that could ever happen. Despite the fact that there have been cops hired with mental illnesses, racial biases, grand theft auto, drug charges, and other serious offenses. The real issue I believe is that I'm not being hired because I had a 4 year lesbian relationship and this has to be disclosed due to the contempt of court charge for cellphone usage and because it's supposed to be a cop's job to be honest. This is in addition to the peer reviews and other negativity. I honestly am not sure why I haven't been picked up. I've had numerous bad experiences with getting employed here in Utah as a cop. I've been on several occasions mistaken for someone coming in as a complainant or an offender despite being in interviewing attire, and constantly asked if I came to Utah because I have something to hide in a non-joking manner. My whole experience here has been negative when it comes to law enforcement. I got invited to a Johnny Cash cover band show, being from Tennessee, I love Cash. Well, it was in Coalville and I was the driver. The officer pulled me over for going 4 over the limit, told me I didn't look like someone who'd be coming down this way, pulled me out of my car, asked if I've ever been arrested for drugs, and what I was doing on the highway...All of this for a 5'2, 118 lbs. female...I definitely do not believe this would've happened if I were white.

Airport Police, American Fork, Bountiful, Cedar City, Centerville, Clearfield, Cottonwood Heights, Dept. of Natural Resources, Draper, Granite City School District, Glenwood Springs CO, Intermountain Healthcare Police, Lehi, Layton 2x, Lone Peak, Midvale, Murray 2x, North Ogden, Orem, Park City 3+, Park City Sheriffs, Provo, Salem, Salt Lake City Sheriffs, Sandy, Saratoga Springs,  Spanish Fork, South Jordan, State of Utah (Special Agent), Syracuse, UHP 2x, Unified, Utah Dept of Corrections, UVU, Woods Cross, West Valley, Weber County Sheriff's, and countless more. University of Utah won't even hire me for security. The rest have been out of state. I will have to look through my email to find the rest. I'd also like to say I've been an active participant in the law enforcement community. I attended 2 memorial runs for fallen officers, scheduled ride alongs, etc. 

A Season of Sentiment

I am missing Tennessee and this holiday season has me blue. I will find out if I will be employed with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office this upcoming week...wish me much luck! I'm ready to begin my adult career and be a better provider to my family. My current salary just isn't going to cut it. "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope"—Martin Luther King Jr. I learned that quote from an almost lover. By the way, the picture above was taken by Megan!

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting my hunting license for the state of Utah. I have always been a gun enthusiast and find it highly rewarding to literally put "meat on the table". Recently, I shot the Springfield M1A Scout Squad model and believe I want it as my next hunting rifle. It was highly reliable, lightweight (8.8 lbs. empty), accurate, and solid. The rifle is definitely a lot more "top heavy", but it's a small price to pay. Recoil was almost non-existent and the rifle stayed on target for followup shots. Then there's the FN Scar 17s...I'll admit: I need it, but I want it. While there are numerous rifles out there that will get the job done, this one simply gets it done eloquently. 

Weighing in at only 7.9 lbs., 700 meters effective range (766 yds.), and just gorgeous! Truth be told, I have not fired either weapon from more than 250 ft (83 yds.). The effective firing range for the M1A is 500 yds. I believe, which is still more than plenty. I've never splurged on a weapon before, and I have other weapon-related needs (e.g., I just purchased carrier plate vests for the family without plates). The big price tag for the Scar can be attributed to the fact that FN Herstal has a contract with the U.S. Military. You pay for quality, name, and fame. Anyway, I will not be making any purchases until the beginning/middle of next year, stay tuned! Thank you all for your time and consideration. Below, is a list of things I've included or wish to add to my own home survival kit:

1. Tactical Shotgun
2. Pistol(s)
3. Reliable Hunting Rifle
4. Bathtub Water Storage Container
5. FIRST AID
6. 200 Rounds of Ammo (for every caliber you own. 1000+ for pistol/primary defense)
7. Reliable Safe/Supplies Storage
*To be continued...

Just a Modern-Day Pioneer

Summer is coming to an end and I can start to feel the changes. The above picture is from our 5 day peregrination through the Uintas. We visited many beautiful places while the weather was fair, but this one by far, was my favorite. The days were perfect, the air unpolluted, and the nights cold. We spent our time fishing, listening to thoughts, sitting around campfires, and imagining a different time in the same place. The feeling to stay is always so strong. It's so much fun to throw away time counting stars...

Anyway, I've spoken about the travels of my family, but haven't actually spoke of my family yet (Ready-set-go!). My partner (Megan) of over 3 years sent for me a year after she moved out here and scoped things out. I am so thankful to have found such a strong, beautiful creature (she's unworldly!). Not to mention intelligent...She snowboards professionally and still finds the time to be a rocket scientist for a big aerospace company. She is an amputee and a total inspiration to everyone she encounters, including me. We are the proud parents of two fur babies (I promise to post photos), Cappy (poodle) and Sirius (Yes, from Harry Potter, cat). We both came from the south, so I am so grateful for the pets. I am obligated to power through cold, winter morning walks and afternoon hikes thanks to them. Megan on the other hand, LOVES the cold weather. Like fire and ice...

Leaving Tennessee behind was extremely difficult not only because of the food and abundance of culture, but because I had to leave most of my family behind. I am great at meeting new friends, in love with Utah's geography, but my mind is still roaming across the rolling hills of my homeland. They say home is where the heart is...Megan is originally from Alabama and this is her first time living outside of Huntsville. I've lived in the country and later moved to a big city. You never know what you're missing until it's gone holds true for sure. Also, as an aspiring homesteader, the east coast just seems more ideal.

The Plan

I've spent the past few days trying to conjure up a real business plan. I've had the ideas in my head for years now. Unfortunately, my head cannot be hooked up to a projector. Nothing too elaborate (yet). Naturally, it should be sustainable and a project that gives you confidence with a dash of adventure.

First, geographic location and plot size. My grandparents had a 210 acre farm in Tennessee with plenty of room for growth. After reading about the Homestead Act of 1862 (it was later doubled to 320, then 640), I've decided that 160+ acres is feasible. It leaves room for expansion, land leasing, crop rotation, and different types of farms (tree farm, hunting farm, etc.). It's important to keep an open mind and be adaptable.

Then there's finding 1-3 projects to cultivate in the first 3 years (realistically the first 5 years) of business. I want my plan to consist of one costly investment/risk, and two projects that are safe/generate income. The latter two should be as least stressful as possible, sustainable, and cheap, but not at the expense of quality. Thinking small isn't always a bad thing and I know it'll lead to more creative opportunities farther down the road.

Next, the most difficult task. Everything needs to be put in writing (a business plan), ideas need to be presented to potential business partners (never go in without a presentation), and networking needs to start. Attend networking events! Until I actually got serious about wanting to start my own business, I did not know such a thing existed. Research the law, licenses that need to be obtained, and most importantly, how much money do you need to take care of you.

In the future, I am sure things will be added/omitted as I delve deeper into creating a sustainable, and someday perhaps profitable, homestead. Please feel free to hand out advice, ideas, and share real life experiences! I know right now I'm mostly optimistic with a realistic take on potential snafus, so don't be afraid to give me the ugly truth. I promise it's not enough to crush this dream because no one goes into homesteading/farming without having their hearts in the rights places. I will be adding more to this blog and I am sorry posts are appearing at snail pace. I have been busy seeking employment in law enforcement and share the good news in my next blog.