It's Really Happening!

[caroljo]

I’ve been lurking occasionally over the past year and decided it’s time to start posting. My name is Carol and I just bought my RV (a 2007 Winnebago View). My son graduated from high school this spring, so I’m no longer bound by a co-parenting arrangement. I can move to a warmer climate and downsize to an RV. After 6 years of anticipation, I’m actually doing it (almost – still have to sell the house). Along with the feelings of excitement, however, are moments of terror. Although, I’ve done some RVing with the ex, I’ve never driven or maintained one. Reading the posts on this site helps to me calm down a bit. I think the terror is more about feeling alone in this than anything else. I’ve neglected my social life for the past four years as I focused on working and completing a degree program (AA in Health Information Technology), so I have only myself to blame. Anyway, I’d like to do better now, and I’m hoping that I can fit in with your community.

I’m 58 (had my son rather late), so I’ll need to work full-time for a number of years in order to have healthcare insurance. I currently live in western Wisconsin, near the Twin Cities, and plan to head to Arizona in mid-October (unless the house doesn’t sell). Between selling the house, getting rid of most of my things, studying for a credentialing exam, deciding where exactly I want to live, figuring out how to carry a bike and kayak and tow my car . . . I’m a bit overwhelmed. I haven’t even had time to think about finding a new job once I get to Arizona. One thing at a time . . . more like two or three . .

Later,
Carol

[BayouLady]

Welcome and congrats on the new adventure ahead.

One day you'll realize you were more "alone" with the ex.

[Bethers]

Welcome, Carol,

I, too, took off from WI when I started my rv adventure. At the time I was in SE WI, but also have lived in the far western portion (south of you) and also in Mpls in MN ... so know your area well. Gorgeous - but an area I'd rather visit in the winter than live in again

We all have fears, especially when starting out, mixed in with the excitement. Totally natural.

Glad to have you with us.

[IrishIroamed]

Congrats Carljo! How exciting for you. Lots to keep you busy. One step at a time and you'll be living the life you want. The nice ladies here are so helpful with advice & ideas (which you know from lurking ) so you'll always have help close at hand.

Happy travels.

[retiredhappy]

Welcome to the forum and to your new lifestyle. As long as you have access to the forum you are never alone. We're all here with the touch of a button.

As someone said, just take it one step at a time. Can the car you currently have be towed wheels down? Check your manual. If not, why not start by looking around for one that can. I currently have a chevrolet cobalt. On some of them, like mine, you have to pull a fuse when you tow but that's easy. If not, there are some websites that list what can be towed wheels down - don't trust a car dealer to know this. If you have to buy a car you will then need to buy and have installed the tow plates to get your new car ready to tow. This ran me about $1500. Then you need a tow bar. Be sure you buy one that has adjusting arms which means you won't have to have your car perfectly lined up to the hitch.

Keep us posted on your progress and ask away if you have any questions.

[mitch5252]

Welcome to a great Forum, Carol! You certainly have bunches of adventures ahead of you. All the experienced and smart ladies here will be more than happy to help with any questions you think up!

Enjoy the anticipation...

[grammynmaggie]

Welcome to the form you come to the right place learning the girls here are full of knowledge and willing to help I also in the process of downsizing and selling my house Good luck with yours Hope to meet you down the road sometime

[MelissaD]

Welcome and congratulations. Just make a list and address 1 issue at a time so it's manageable size pieces. As you think about it priorities will probably shift. Something will become more important to you and others will become less. Take some short trips to see what is and is not important and adjust your list from there.

[WickedLady]

Welcome. You are reinventing yourself and that is always scary. But just think of the adventures you are going to have. Enjoy.

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum.....take a deep breath and let it go. The getting ready and taking all those steps along the way are all part of the journey. Don't forget to enjoy any part of the ride you can...even the "rocky" roads become the greatest campfire stories and lessons to pass on to others to learn from.

[cnq50b]

Welcome, Carol!
I love the View - always wanted one, but went with something that can be a little more incognito for traveling to visit kids, park on city streets, etc. - for now, at least. I'm a new empty nester too & still working for a couple more years. I find each outing gets a little more comfortable. My biggest challenge is learning how to relax & smell the roses along the way - can't wait until that work thing is done...
Like the others have said, make a list & tackle one thing at a time - it will all get done little by little & then all of a sudden..... you'll be off!!!!
Catherine

[caroljo]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! A couple of you mentioned taking time to enjoy the process, which I tend to overlook. Thanks for the reminder.

You’re so right, BayouLady. I was much more alone with the ex. We did everything together, and I became very isolated. We didn’t really communicate, though. When he suddenly stared revealing more of his thoughts, I was pretty shocked by how strange and ugly they are. Although he hasn’t been violent so far, I don’t really trust him, since he seems to harbor a great deal of anger towards me. Also, the psychologist who did our evaluations for the child custody arrangement diagnosed him as psychotic, which he refuses to acknowledge. All in all, I figure putting a thousand miles or so between us is a good thing.

So, back to my list (31 items at the moment) . . .

[avalen]

welcome

[carolb]

Hello & Welcome As you can see from these "welcomes" & what you've been reading while you "lurked" , many of us have "been there, done that," & we've not only survived, but grown!! Great ladies on this forum, & whether you're just online with us or staying in one of our driveways (YES!), loneliness is not a problem! Time for you to move on, & we're with you all the way!

[Olive600]

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the forum and that we meet out on the road.

Nikki