An impressive resume for 3 1/2 years into the journey, HIR!

While I subscribe to "bloom where you blossom" bug-in for most scenarios, I would suggest that your list needs a bug-out plan should you need to evacuate from your present location.

Learned skills are easiest to transport: hardware and stuff needs a little more planning.

Just a thought.

Self-defence:
Shooting/firearms, esp target shooting/accuracy, ammunition

Misc Preparedness
Debt reduction

1. Firearms : how did you find a local Test Facilitator

2. Debt Reduction : how did you manage that (spend less than you earn is easier said than done ...)

Firearms - I joined a local range and they have competitions monthly, as well as various provincial and nationals. The only drawback is that the ones with longer distances tend to be further drive out of the city

Debt - still a work in progress heh heh, as I am sure it is for many. Just limiting my urge to shop (including on prep stuff!)

HopeImReady, good for you for recognizing and taking action on debt reduction! It's the key to sustainability.

Good for you hopeimready. Target shooting is a great skill but have you ever considered taking this to the next level and trying a hunt? It's one thing to be able to hit a target but shooting a live moving object is another skill all in itself.

Good for you hopeimready. Target shooting is a great skill but have you ever considered taking this to the next level and trying a hunt? It's one thing to be able to hit a target but shooting a live moving object is another skill all in itself.

Probably sounds weird to some, but I actually am a pescetarian and have no desire to hunt. I would like to learn to fish, though. I have also been looking at some of the "practical" shooting disciplines which involve moving (fake human) targets and where you are timed...

It doesnt sound weird at all. Hunting is definitely not for everyone.

Whats important is that you have accomplished alot in a short time and that you continue to amass other skills. Kudos to you..

Hope,

You should try bowfishing.

Sounds like an impressive amount of prep work for 3 + years. Well done!

It does seem like a never ending list though, doesn't it:)?

Update: I've done 4 orienteering events, with a local club. It is basically like geocaching only instead of a GPS, you get a map and list of controls you need to find then "beep" with a chip, and it's timed. Some are near the trail but most aren't. All have been in the local Gatineau hills (low mountains), in the less-visited parts. I figured it would be like hiking but more functional...well I SUCK big time, came in last place every time so far, but I still enjoy it. I've learned to read a map and use a compass, but I still managed to get lost twice a few weeks ago (temporarily), got old barbedwire wrapped around my leg, and I think I ran across some poison ivy last weekend. However, it's a great way to build stamina and problem solve - nothing like climbing an off-season downhill ski hill trail to improve cardio!

Great job!

It's a good idea to have a team plan (unless you live alone and are otherwise unattached to a significant other or family members). Everyone usually possesses a skill(s) that is superior to ones own training and experience. Consideration of this factor helps the team set priorities as to the areas needing to be addressed.

As I mentioned in a recent post, I have many personal shortcomings in training and experience that I must tackle. If someone else can fill the void (which is the case with my wife) these areas can receive a lower priority until other gaps are filled. It certainly doesn't mean that I can omit them, but it gives me a clearer picture of what first needs to be done. This also helps us understand the specialty tools each of us are responsible for in a bug-out situation.

Keep-up the good work! You really seem to be moving forward.

I've made significant progress on these fronts..
Knitting- can knit the basics - things no longer look moth-eaten haha
Orienteering - going on a year doing half-day orienteering events - I am slow but don't suck too bad, getting better at judging distances and my observation skills

Improve physical fitness - major progress. Now work out 5 days/week, mixed cardio (treadmill, elliptical, outdoor cycling, orienteering/hiking), lifting medium weights for upper body and I am eating smaller portions, cutting back on desserts/snacks and alcohol. My legs are getting used to the exercise so I no longer an so exhausted each time. I am sleeping much better, totally off ibuprofen/muscle relaxants for neck/shoulder issues and have lost around 35 lbs in the last 4 1/2 months 🙂 Only downside is some of my clothes are too big now..

HopeImReady.
Now you are going to have to take up sewing, so you can take in those clothes that are to big. Congrats on your hard work paying off.

HIR: Even though your diet is semi vegetarian, there may come a time when you will need hunting skills. Fortunately, you don't need to go out and kill something to develop them. When you're on one of your orienteering outings, or out camping, take a camera. How close can you get to an animal for pictures. You don't have to shoot them with a gun.
I do commend you on the progress you've made in three and a half, short years. As long as you keep your 8 basic categories in mind, you won't go wrong. Keep up the good work.