Earthshippers

To me, this project started when I was in elementary school. I remember seeing the thick black plumes of smoke from a far off tire fire. I held onto the idea that there had to be something better to do with used tires than just stack them all up and wait for them to catch fire. Many years later, as I was preparing to graduate from college, my father handed me a video tape of Michael Reynolds doing the "Documentary." As soon as I saw the tape I knew that I HAD to build an Earthship. There was no question in my mind. After Ellen and I graduated from college, we moved in with my father. The situation was supposed to be temporary, only until we found jobs and a place to live. I'm a Physical Education teacher and such a job is a challenge to find, so it took us a bit of time. Once we were both employed and had our financial situation secured (neither of us had any student loans -- thanks for my part to the Colorado Air National Guard) we began looking in the papers for our first home. After working in the dormatories at college for all of the years we were there an apartment didn't seem like such a good idea. So, I figured that our choices were to rent a house -- which I am fundamentally opposed to -- or to buy one. When we started looking for houses in the price range of two first year teachers, a third option magically appeared: BUILD THE HOUSE WE WANT. I figured that if we spent about the same amount of money that it would cost to buy an old "fixer-upper" we could have a pretty nice Earthship.

So, about myself. I'm a Physical Education teacher. I love backpacking, mountain biking, mountaineering...anything outside. Right now, in addition to trying to finish our home, I'm working on a master's degree in Educational Leadership. I'm "handy" but I do not have any true construction experience outside of helping my father with do-it-yourself projects and finishing a few basements. I'd say I have a general understanding of "the way things work" and a lot of common sense. I would much sooner take something apart to see what's wrong than to call a

repair shop. I have really enjoyed our Earthship adventure so far. If there's an emotion out there, I've been through it with this house, but overall I have found the process to be energizing, and sometimes exhilerating. It's also been really frustrating and I've found myself throwing things around the work site from time to time. Of course I'm not proud of this, but it's the truth. Ellen has been amazing, and that is the key to the entire project. She has been extremely patient. She has always wanted to do her part, even if it meant getting up at 5am during winter break to get cardboard from the grocery store or having to witness one of my tantrums.. I've studied all of the books and the plans and I have a clear picture of where I'm taking the project. Ellen's job has been supporting me and putting up with my crap, but she knows much more about the house than she let's on. I can't understate how important our ability to communicate has been. I don't think that I could do this with anyone else. Ellen might feel differently, but I believe that anyone who wants to can do this.

much money. That narrowed our chances. We almost bought a 5 acre lot of sandy, cactus-ridden desert less than 2 miles from an electric substation (picture ENORMOUS power lines) and just south of the Ft. Carson Army Range (where they practice firing tanks and such read: LOUD!). Luckily, we found our piece of property instead. 30 minutes from town and only $10,000; which at that time (1997) was a steal, now the lots near ours are selling for $40,000. Once we had the land picked out and moving toward purchase, we had to decide if the project was really going to happen. I went to the Solar Survival Architecture weekend seminar in Taos and got to tour many Earthships, stay in one and talk to Michael Reynolds. The most striking part of his discussion was the slide show. It seemed like very slide he showed he would talk about how close the couple got to finishing and then they got divorced. Over and over. It was clear to me: either we were both in this 100% or we wouldn't do it. It's just a house and not worth destroying a marriage. Just to make sure, we went back to Taos in December and stayed 3 days. We had many long talks and decided to go for it. Financing became the next big issue, and has been since, but I'll address this later, on a different page once the final details are all sorted out.

My husband has done a fabulous job of chronicling our journey towards our earthship, but there are always two sides to a story. I am a first grade teacher who enjoys spending time with my family and friends. I love to read and enjoy the outdoors while hiking or backpacking. I find watching a movie to be relaxing and enjoyable and love watching hockey (we are season ticket holders for the Colorado Avalanche). Jason has been the love of my life for eleven years and the list of things he has taught me is endless. One of the most successful endeavors was taking me on a five day backing trip in Utah. The trip started when Jason said, "How about a backpacking trip?" I had never done anything like that before. One trip and I was hooked! Looking back, this was important because it showed us both that we had things to teach each other.

Instead of totally giving up the idea we did much more thinking and talking and finally decided to go for it. I love the house for many reasons, but the concept of using only what we need appeals greatly to me. I hate how things in our society seem to be moving toward bigger and "better" with no consideration for what this does to our earth. I love the idea of living in a smaller house, re-using materials, and being able to do much of it for ourselves.

I have absolutely no building experience and no burning desire to know how things work. I like to think that I have common sense, but not necessarily in the building department. I came from a family who always hired out repair jobs. I trust my husband immensely however, and believe that the right resources and people exist to help us accomplish our ultimate goal. This project has been difficult for me in a lot of ways. I try to understand all of the components and intricacies of the house, but find myself asking Jason to explain things to me over and over again. I know that it can sometimes be frustrating for him, but I am thankful that he always takes the time to educate me further. The emotional ups and downs have been challenging and I have found great comfort in knowing that often when I am distressed and discouraged, Jason still has a great attitude and vice versa. It has helped pull us through at times.

I don't think that I would have ever done this without Jason simply because I know so little about construction, etc. and don't feel that I would have had the time it required to educate myself. I did not agree to build this house solely because I knew it was what Jason wanted. I belive wholeheartedly in our project and I share the dream with Jason. The way I look at it, at this point in our lives I try to take the main responsibility for the house we currently live in so that Jason is freed up to take the main responsibility for the house we hope to live in soon.
Would I do this again? Absolutely. Can anybody do it? Absolutely. You need the desire to get it done, supportive friends and family, and endless patience and determination to learn all you can and find the information you are looking for. For me this house is a statement about how I choose to live my life and a reflection of me. I have a newfound respect for myself (and Jason) since I have seen the struggles we have triumphed over. I feel proud that we took a chance on something we believe in. I feel thankful that my relationship with my husband has grown in ways I never imagined it could. I feel encouraged by the support we receive, especially from those who know us only through this website.

Good luck to you!