Hi from Robi...another "next year this timer"

[Travelinana]

Welcome Robi, so many things to do and plans to make...I think the big question is answered; you want to have an RVing lifestyle. I am a list maker. I list what needs to be done to achieve this end and I call it 'taking a bite out' everyday I won't ever be a fulltimer but I will be striking out several times a year as long as I am able or want to. Some reach a magic number sooner than others in feeling they have explored enough, and time to settle again, join bridge clubs, plant a garden, etc. Enjoy this new magical time in your life....get out there and turn those lemons into lemonade and we'll all share. Hope we meet along the way.

[avalen]

I just wanted to add my welcome here, as you can see you have found the best place for encouragement.

[Robi]

I did it...I sat down and went through the top drawer of one of my file cabinets and HAND SHREDDED paperwork. (I should probably buy a new shredder). It was amazing. I don't think I could have done that without this new goal. There were so many emotions that came up...some joy, some regrets, some dispair, but I thought ...done...its gone...don't need this to remind me of...the bk that someone else pulled and I lost money from that investment, the IEP's for my son way back in grade school, which had they perhaps done some more testing could have helped my son avoid the pain he has had about learning style not being fulfilled and making him feel like a looser...or that one photocopied letter to an ex that proved I paid something he claimed I did not...etc. I know you all have already gone through this.

My son came home and was curious about what I was doing..."old life, old negative things happened...gone...done...new life starting".

Good parent modeling, don't cha think?

[Robi]

A thought occured to me...the gov has their paper reduction act going, but we always have to "prove" our end of it with paper.

It is like we can't exist in this world without lots of paper to prove every little detail of our lives. Weird, huh?

"You're looking at me...I was born"...done. hehe

It will be interesting to see if I can resist picking up brochures from places I go to on the road...last night with the paper shred I came across Boston Map, Sydney map, Hong Kong...oh the memories...so that will be a tough one. I'm keeping those maps...for now.

[Gentleladybear]

Welcome to the forum Robi. Remember you are not on a tight time schedule.....just take each day as it comes and do as much as you can, you will see how it all falls into place. I have just retired, have a 32 foot class C and travel with my little min pin. He is the love of my life. I have not sold my home, but working on throwing stuff out and getting some things in order as I go, never know when I might decide to get out from under this house. As you are working on sorting, go look at some RV's, dream as you go, makes things a bit easier.

Again welcome and hope to see you on the road.

Nan

[Robi]

heehee, thanks mama-bear(s) :^)

I get up in the morning with that "I'm going to Disneyland" feeling! I look at RV's on the web for hours...will go look at real ones after this class is done (end of May...trying to stay focused on assignments). If I ever want to move back into a stick I know that Ikea is affordable...or just use my RV and go garage sale shopping...eh...or not...I like this feeling of eco-living.

Robi

[Bethers]

I sometimes pick up brochures when I want the info in them to use to help me with my blog, etc - to go with my pictures. Then I usually leave them somewhere for someone else to hopefully enjoy (laundry rooms, etc). I hate just tossing them.

[Colliemom]

Hi Robi,

I'm a bit late getting myself introduced to you, but want to say, "Welcome". I too was and am still going through that stage of downsizing, debating a rig etc. So far I have accomplished the getting the rig part when I bought a Rockwood Mini Lite 1809S travel trailer last summer. Was not and am still now sure if I want a motorhome or not. Can't really afford to keep to vehicles going in terms of insurance, gas/oil etc.... And since I am one of those people who like to travel, but also "home base" it for a bit and travel the area around where I am staying, I figured a TT would better suit my needs. The jury is still out on whether or not I want to tow it all over creation. Plan to use it as much as I can this summer and hopefully will find the answer to that question. Looked over the truck camper thng too, but decided it was too small for myself and two collies to be in. Spent a lot of time asking questions of these wonderful ladies here, looking on line, at the dealers, reading brochures etc., before finding the one that I liked.

As to getting rid of stuff. I was never married, so never accumulated a lot of "kids" stuff. Can't help you there. But I did inherit a lot of stuff from my folks, got rid of some after mom died and dad and I moved to a different place. After he died I started to let go of things I wasn't using and didn't need for myself. I have no one to pass it on too as I am a only child, my cousins have all they want from their own families and parents etc..... So it's time to part with it all. I've gone through the house especially the last couple of years, and determined what I needed and didn't. Started putting things in garage sales and have pared down to just about nothing other than what I need to keep here for now. There are a lot of memories in "stuff' but by the same token, if the loved ones have passed on, it is not going to bring them back and you will always have the memories. Stuff needs to be dusted and stored and..... I've found the more I have gotten rid of, the more freedom I am feeling. I can clean my house in no time flat and I don't have clutter all over. Actually, there are a couple of thread on this forum about getting rid of "stuff".

So good luck in your search, downsizing, decluttering etc. Got questios, ask away. And I will share this with you as well. My grandfather committed suicide, so I know where you are coming from about your brother. But time heals and although we never know the why behind it, we too heal.

[Robi]

Thank you Collie Mom...I sure needed that today. I forgot I blabbed out my family tragedy, yuck. It just hurts to no end...so bizarre. I'm sorry about your Grandfather, and yes, anyone that has been close to someone that has made that choice knows how this rocks your world. I would not wish it on anyone.

I see your points about camper, ya, I briefly toyed with that idea but the dogs, not enough room. I would consider a trailer, except I don't have a truck, so that would be another thing to consider. Funds are limited here, but hope selling stuff and converting to gold and silver while I wait and shop might give me some downpayment. The dream would be a diesel class C with a slide out or two...maybe 28 feet? (I would have to finance that, which I hate, but even with insurance, I have to remember it will most likely be less than what I pay for rent here...still, I might have to just start with older model...the gas mileage is scaring the heck out of me...deep breath, I could just stay longer in one place at a time.)

I have only looked at pics online (I am pretty visual with space) so I realize I will make a better decision once I start looking at them. I guess for me, I'm thinking I would feel safer just going from cab to living...Plus if the cat is whining too much I could put her in her carry way in the back on the bed, LOL (rather than being in the truck cab. To begin, I think I will have to skip the extra car/vehicle for economic reasons, but I might see about getting an electric bike, or something. I'm trying not to deal with tows when I first get out.

I will go see if I can find the purging posts. I did buy a shredder, ladies...did two more file drawers...emotional stuff going through those files, sometimes. I know it will be liberating, thank you all for reminding me of that. I really admire all of you. I am looking forward to meeting women who are able to let go and start living...how wonderful...I have so much respect ....(especially since I made this decision and looked around and thought Holy crap there is gonna be a lot of planning to do and decisions to be made!) and OH, I'm a Libra, ya know, so making decisions? I have long debates with myself...I'm so good representing opposing sides..hehehe....well except in an emergency...then I am a clear decisive thinker...(I'll tell you about one of my experiences on the plane someday when we meet...I could not believe how calm I was).

warm thoughts your way...count the stars for me:^)
Robi

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome aboard. You have an interesting and busy year ahead of you. One I am sure will be full of decisions, learning adventures and "aha" moments. Enjoy. Getting out and seeing rigs first hand is very important. That walking through, opening and shutting cabinets and doors, looking at dimensions and visualizing how you would use them daily really helps. There are all sorts of big and little "things" that influence our decisions that are unique to us as individuals. At one point I also realized that "perfect" may not be out there with wheels on it...but I could find , "it will do, good enough, I can afford for now" and it was a decision that got me out on the road and learning just how the pups and I would want to use my rig in real time. I still imagine what my "next rig" might be and love to go look at other stuff (no I wasn't really serious about that 5th wheel at the Tampa Show with the patio decking attached and the "grooming/ATV" space in the back. )....but I love the one I have for now for all that it offers me and the changes I has made to make it fit my needs.

[Robi]

Trailer with Patio...hehe ...you go girl...still fun to dream, innit?

"I can afford for now...it'll do" Ya, that would be the sensible (and most likely the ONLY way" I can do this. I'm cool with that...the interiors I can get creative and change(except yellow sinks, that might be a challenge), my main concern is the engine...and gas mileage...trailer with a truck would probably be the most sensible,,,but that would be two parts I have to find funding for, so that is why I'm thinking B+ or C...to start...we'll see.
robi

[Bethers]

I don't believe a tt and truck is necessarily "more sensible" just another way. And after looking at much, I'd go with a 5th wheel over a tt if I went that route (which I don't believe will ever happen. I'm a Class C kind of gal For many reasons. But you have to find the right balance for you. Like you, I wanted something I could just get in the drivers seat and drive away if for any reason I felt uncomfortable. I wanted my dogs (at the time I had 2) to be in their home traveling down the road. I wanted to be able to stop for lunch and push a button to start the generator if necessary. Many more - so that brought it to C or A for me. Then, budget-minded, the C won hands down - as I can get an oil change at Ford dealers, etc etc. You seem to be leaning in the same direction as me.

I spent several months looking at ads for used C's before I found this one. It was perfect for me and still is. I didn't want diesel at the time, and have been happy with that decision also (it costs more to maintain, also - plus I didn''t want the extra purchase price - and higher prices for dieslel even tho I do understand the benefits of it. But that's just me!) By buying used I was able to pay cash and start out on the road with absolutely no debt (something that was important for me). I bought this C in 2005 (it's a 1999) and am still traveling with it. The few thousand I've spent on replacing/maintenace was well worth the difference for having bought used (for me). I'm now looking at replacing my generator cuz it's been a headache for a long time. We'll see. I don't need it this summer - so come fall/winter, I'll have to make a decision.

Look, look, and look more. And if you aren't sure, if it doesn't "speak" to you - keep looking! (Oh, and speaking of dream rv's - my dream one isn't even made any more - but is a Class A that I fell in love with and still love the layout. Sure wish they'd make a C with a similar layout - cuz if I ever see one of those babies at a low enough price, even thought I do NOT want a Class A - I'd be hard-pressed to pass her up )

[sharon]

Welcome Robi from the left coast, down southern way. Keep on dreaming, keep on shredding and one of these days you'll look around and by golly all of those filing cab's will be empty...then you can start on the furniture...and when you're down to sleeping on the floor....well, heck, it's time to go buy that rv!! LOL!

[Robi]

Hi ya'll,

Well I filled a huge recycle bin AND a trash can with shredding past life (now I'm ready to start on 2002 to recent). Scanning is a great idea for things I don't want (or afraid to) part with.

So today I went for an interview for a part time job at an RV place (office). He liked my attitude and asked if I had a problem with background check. I was thinking I just went through a fingerprinting check for substitute teaching no problem. So then when I go in to the other office I find out that it is not your average criminal check...it is some company that does credit, and personal yadayada Id on't know what. And a drug test...for a PART TIME OFFICE?. I fee really violated, kinda like when my mortgage broker forged my signature on her house purchase with the info I gave her for my refinance. I have no idea who/what this company that is doing this extensive background check is, nor where they are pulling those resources (and I forgot where they intend to store the results)...I did not even bother go get the drug test cuz I have to think about this. I'm sorry, I know the USA is really in to knowing everything about you, but how do I know that bodily fluid is just going for that test?

I went through all this "random testing" when I was in the airlines and I used to joke about how is it I could get tested "randomly" twice a year, but not even win $5 on the lotto? hehe

What happened to hire me and see what a great job I can do for you and if you don't like me you can let me go. Sigh.

Maybe this is intended to motivate me to sell that furniture faster, hehe...I LOVE the comment about when you are sleeping on the floor time to get an RV. SO TRUE! Just waiting till finals are done so I don't stress out my son ("mom, where's all the furniture, oh, I guess you really DID mean it") hehe...well, it was his idea to move out first, but we shall see who does it first. LOL

Oh what a strange path I'm on...and SO drawn to it...not sure how it is gonna work, but confident that it will somehow...one foot in front of the other.
robin
(gonna shred some more tonight, that should make me feel better, hehe)

[pattyk]

I don't have to shred my stuff. I just take it to my storage space. Then when all of it is there, I will have a shredding company come and get rid of it all. When I closed my business I had to keep all the files for at least 4 years. When I get home from working this summer it will be time to call and get it done. They do an amazing job.