While it was a shock for many that we decided to leave the Chicagoland area, it did not surprise others in the least. Squatch and I were married out here. We have made friends out here. I’ve always dreamt of having a small homestead with a goat and some chickens. And, let’s face it, our more conservative and libertarian views truly did not fit in back there.

I always say to people when asked my political views, “I don’t want to hurt people, I don’t want to take their stuff, and I don’t want anyone to take my stuff.” (Thanks, Jason Stapleton, from your Libertarian podcast days, for the basis of my thoughts) I don’t want to take any rights away from you, and I don’t want you to take any rights away from me. Marry who you want to marry. Smoke what you want to smoke. Shoot what you want to shoot. Don’t do any of those, if it doesn’t float your boat. Just do not force me to go along with your beliefs, and I will not force you to accept mine.

Living in a Democratic bastion like Chicago, you can see why I wanted to get away. Life is simpler out here; slower. It takes at least half an hour just to get to town, 45 minutes to the “city” (Dubuque). I can raise my son in a way I wish I could have been raised, and still be somewhat close to take a weekend to visit Nanny & Papa in the burbs.