Hello and New to Everything

[BirdbyBird]

If you already have a blog you have choices. Many of us post comments and stuff in the usual threads in the usual way but combine that with more lengthy info (that often we are sharing with folks outside this "forum" world in our blogs and then post the links here so that any one interested can stay up on the new adventures...and life in general....

[longdog2]

Tina is right. You will have a better record of your changing life if you blog it and post links.

[Roadweaver]

Thanks ladies, I will start posting updates to my blog and let you know when I do. The first will be after I go to the RV show this weekend.

[avalen]

welcome, and I'm excited for you too, I've also made my decision but its still two years away yet. I'm so glad you found us, this is a fabulous
group of ladies and even the downsizing is fun to share.In answer to your question.. a new thread will get our attention when you start with all that stuff.
We've had several, actually about 5 of our forum sistahs that have done the downsizing thing and even sold the home over this past year and we cheered
em on all along the way. Do share, and we love pictures too.

[Gentleladybear]

Welcome to the forum. Great looking unit you are looking at. Will you get the twin beds or the queen bed in the back? Reading up on the specs for the building of this unit, sounds like they are built very well.

I am also a craft, sewing person. I don't plan to get rid of all the stuff, just bring with me what I want to work on.

If you get one, do post pictures.

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Looking forward to hearing about your RV searching event.

[Roadweaver]

If I decide that the Phoenix Cruiser is the one, it will be with the queen bed. I plan on taking my spinning wheel and a little fiber, my sewing machine but no fabric which means that I will have to buy only what I need for a project while on the road. Some of the fabric and my sewing embroidery machine, felting machine and small weaving loom, I will keep at my daughters and will pick up from her when I go to Florida for the winter then take them back in the spring. I am finding it not as difficult to get rid of things as I thought it would be since my daughter and son-in=law suggested that I keep some things at their house. The amount is what is overwhelming. I will tackle my sewing room next week if I have not been sent back to work. I have a on-line felting machine class on Wednesday, I love taking on-line and dvd classes in everything. I also like to go to John C Campbell Folk school, we normally stay in one of the houses but now I can stay at the campground, they have full hook up so that is on my list during my travels in the future. My daughter is going to take all my photo albums and digitize the photos so that I can have all my photos on an external hard drive.

As suggested, I will be making long post about my trials and tribulations of downsizing, buying the RV, etc. on my blog....http://roadweaver.blogspot.com/ . I made my first post last night regarding my changing life and just have to create a new header when I get the chance. So if you want to get to know more about me, that would be the best place, you will also see what a craft nut I am.

[Dawn309]

I have added your blog to the ones I follow. Thanks for posting the ip address. It will be interesting to continue to read your thoughts and how you are handling the transition. I am glad you are going to follow your life long dream.

[BirdbyBird]

I have the blog bookmarked. We love adventures!

[ellenw]

Hi! Louise, is it? (I read your blog. Your most recent post was so excited and heartfelt!) Anyway, I lurked too, for about a month. After outing myself, I learned most newbies lurked for a while, so no biggie I guess.

Your journey this year is going to be exciting! Just keep saying that, "This is exciting, this is exciting." I'm not moving quite as fast, but I did just buy my first RV -- eeeeeeeeeiii!!! -- (okay, sorry, had to get that squeal out; I'm good now.) Retirement is about 33 months and 19 days away. about... And while I'm not ruling out full-timing, for now I'm thinking I'll hold onto my apartment while I can. With embarrassment I'll admit it's partly because of my quilting stash. sigh... I know I'll have room for my Featherweight machine, my rotary cutter and board, and a bin or two. On rethinking this, I realize keeping an apartment for the sake of a hobby gives a whole new meaning to the cost of that hobby! Hmmmm.. I think I have to think it out again.

Dawn and Louise - Here's a new perspective: getting rid of the stash, including all that aging fabric from 1987, will 'allow' you to start fresh for your next project instead of confining you to what you have. See? Just ask... I can always help.

Say, I just thought Louise... Have you heard of Escapees' RV Boot Camp? Check this out: http://www.escapees.com/BootCamp/Default.aspx. At least 3 of us, Dawn, Redwahine (Chris) and I are going to the one in Livingston, TX, November 9-11. It'd be perfect for where you are in your process. And Catherine (cng50b) is going THIS WEEK in Sedalia, MO. You can also see my posts about it (ad nauseum) at http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8858&p=113222#p113222 and Catherine's at http://www.womenrv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8946&p=114456#p114456. Anyway, I think it was $125 and you don't have to have an RV.

So, back to the subject at hand -- WELCOME! I'm glad you're here.

[Roadweaver]

Ellenw, I truly thought about keeping the apartment so i could keep all my stuff but realized that was out of the question. Today, I went through my fabric and patterns, found I had put just as much in the keep pile as the give away pile. Got to do better than this.

Wish I could go with you to Boot Camp, unfortunately, I still have to work and I am trying not to take any more vacation until I retire. Also, the company does not like people who take vacation every month. I have vacation for Sept and again in October already on the books. Can't wait to hear how it was. I plan to go next year, hopefully someone from the forum will be going then.

[sharon]

Louise, I can't believe you actually posted pictures of that pie place...and the menu from that restaurant...and then to add insult to injury a Zappo's outlet with a sale???? Seriously??? I don't do crafts, I failed crafts in both Brownies and Girl Scouts but I can see we'll get along great...shoes, food and cruising do it for me!!!

[Roadweaver]

Sharon, I was ROFL when I read your post.
My daughter said that she is not worried about me because from what she has been reading of the post, I am going to find lots of like mined women to hang around. I am sure she is correct. I so enjoy all of you and feel so happy to have found you. I can only see great times ahead even through I know there will be tears as well as laughter. Today I am on my way to the MD RV show with my son because he can't go with us tomorrow to the PA RV Show, I am going to have a head full and be really starry eyed and crazier by Sunday. The two RV's I am interested in is at the PA RV show and not the MD show.

[carold]

Keep an open mind. One might just call to you...oh, I mean your bank account I'm not into crafts or sewing either. Passed home ec in high school with an "F" on the dress and a "B" on effort and no swearing. carold

[ellenw]

But congralations on the no swearing, Carol! You're a better woman than I!