[–] Bobtheviolent 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Not one of the ladies either but you could check out some of the preparedness boards. Maybe learn to fully process a chicken? We buy if we buy bone in skin on cut it up and use the bones and skin to make and can broth. its great stuff and canning is easier than it seems
[–] callthehambulance [S] 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Oooh, do you know what? I've been a little intimidated by canning, thanks for that. I'd always thought it would be pretty difficult, so it's reassuring to know it's not all that hard. Thank you!
And sorry, I didn't mean to seem like I was just asking for advice from women, any advice from any one (even burly men) is totally welcome! probably more so, because I'm straight, and I guess I'd like to be the best possible version of myself for later on in my life, and it's useful to know get insight from men too.
Thank you very much, I hope you have a great weekend!
[–] Bobtheviolent 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
We have a dial gauge canner but I think I am going to start using it as a weighted one. Hard to keep pressure regulated on our stove.
https://nchfp.uga.edu/index.html
Awesome info here
[–] SIayfire122 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I actually just canned my first pickled okra/green beans. All I needed to do was boil green beans and bell peppers in a vinegar solution. Add garlic, dill, and peppercorn in the jars. Stuff the jars full of green beans and vinegar solution. Then boil the hell out of the whole jar.
[–] 14006129? 0 points 9 points 9 points (+9|-0) ago
When I took time alone I focused on physical fitness, learning to cook a wider variety of meals, dealt with personality problems that had strained previous relationships, and read lots in Fascinating Womanhood and Getting to I Do. I mainly learned how to be alone gracefully.
I made a list of everything I'd ever said "I've always wanted to do/try that" about, and then started ticking things off the list. It turns out I don't like driving a motorcycle, and I'm glad I took the classes -- now I don't ever have to say "I've always wanted to get my motorcycle license" again. Things ranged from tiny to huge:
Some of these activities grew into new hobbies, some were one-and-done. But undertaking this project made me a more interesting and fulfilled woman. I met my fiance just shy of a year of being single -- I wasn't looking for a new relationship, but I was definitely in a sane space for one.
Best of luck!
[–] callthehambulance [S] 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
"I wasn't looking for a new relationship, but I was definitely in a sane space for one."
That's the point I'm looking to get to. And I love what you say about being alone gracefully. That really struck a chord with me.As does your observation about dealing with personality issues which had strained previous relationships. That's some great advice there, so thank you for the insight and taking time to reply.
Also, congratulations on the engagement and so many warm wishes for a long and happy life together to you both!
[–] Native 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Not a Lady.
What is it that you want in your life? You said that you have been in one relationship after another for 10 years so at minimum you are approaching your late 20's/early 30's. Do you want kids? Do you want to get married?
If you want kids and marriage you are QUICKLY approaching the point where having kids is going to be tremendously difficult.
You need to approach finding a man like you would finding a job. You need to make yourself available and seek a good man and vet the things you want from a man.
Write down what you want from a guy and what compromises you can make. You aren't going to find a Chad because that's not realistic. Be realistic with your life.
If you don't want a family and kids and actually want self-improvement then my advice will be much different. Obviously
[–] callthehambulance [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I can't bear children naturally but would happily adopt or be a step parent, although I understand the seriousness of getting involved with someone with children already. I get that the dynamics of a relationship with someone who has children already would be very different.
I don't know if I would want to get married again. I have a job I enjoy very much and am in postgrad education doing a PhD/working in healthcare. I enjoy my job a great deal, especially the teaching and research side of it and I love seeing students grow and flourish and find confidence in themselves - it's so rewarding.
A list is a great way to start and I'd not considered that, but I'm going to give it a lot of thought over the next few days. Thanks for the advice on that :)
[–] Sarcastatron_9000 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Read Jordan Peterson's book 12 Rules For Life. It's eye-opening. It will give you a lot of insight.
Work on whatever housekeeping skills you feel are lacking. Maybe borrow a copy of Marie Kondo's book about home organization from your library and see if you can streamline your house...I've been working on that lately and it's challenging but fun!
If you aren't already in the habit of eating healthy food and exercising daily, make some changes.
[–] callthehambulance [S] ago
Kondo's book is brilliant, isn't it? And thanks for the other suggestions too! I appreciate it
[–] RedditIsTheBest111 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Start smoking cigarettes and learn to ride a Harley girl! I get into paintball and mma when I break up, So maybe it could work for you? Finally, if you don't know how to survive the apocalypse, you shouldn't be dating.
[–] theoldones 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
you leapt from one relationship to what is called a replacement relationship, that's the phrase you're looking for
i'm not a lady, but even as a burly man, i can tell you thats what was on the tip of your tongue
[–] callthehambulance [S] 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Yeah, that sums it up pretty well, thank you!
Looking back on it, I made some really stupid choices. And there's a load of reasons for it I guess, none of which I'll bore you with, but it's been interesting over the last few months, picking at it all and examining the reasons for what I did. Ultimately though, reasons or whatever aside, I'm an adult, and made my choices of my own volition. I can't change any of it but I can learn from them and do better going on.
Thanks for your comment though, it's definitely what I was trying to say.