Comments on: Conspicuous Consumption (KJ)

By: JD Barrett

JD Barrett — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:04:14 +0000

I just today ran across your blog and chose to read it from the beginning. It’s been over six months since you wrote this entry, but boy am I glad I ran across it.

I have, for many years, fought against badges, visible or invisible, and made a point of holding back from them. I suppose it all stems from my own RV non-moving journey. I chose to live in a 16 foot travel trailer for one year (that became 2 1/2) to see what it was like.

My wife and I, now living in a house with two kids less than 1,000 sq ft, are discussing and deciding about homeschooling our youngest. After reading this article in your link I felt it important enough to save it for future discussions with the kids.

Thank you for your reference, for your openness, and for sharing your journey. I’m not even to the point where you leave on the road and I’m already enthralled. When you make it to Portland, Oregon you absolutely must send me an email!

Cheers,
JD Barrett

By: KJ

KJ — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:38:04 +0000

Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad that you find our story interesting. We just want to put everything out there to encourage others to step off the beaten path.

I love your quote from the manifesto. It’s definitely about knowing and being happy with “the real you”.

By: shantz

shantz — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:17:06 +0000

I have really enjoyed your blog. I also live in Brooklyn, with a second child on the way. Your blog relates so closely to how we often feel and it’s inspiring to read about a family who are taking charge of their future and trying something new.

Re: Conspicusous Consumption, I read the changethis.com manifesto. I think it’s right on. This sums it up for me: “what we buy is on some level a function of stories we’re telling about ourselves”. You have to be comfortable with the real you and try not to feed your ego with more material possessions.

Thank you for letting us read about your adventure and good luck!