Meeting with an estate liquidator on Monday to negotiate a price for all the things I'll be leaving behind. I'm feeling very raw, sad and vulnerable about handing over most of my things and my house to others' care forever.
I've also had to contend with at least one meddlesome and unbalanced acquaintance's insistence that living in a RV is a sign that I'm one step away from living under a bridge, homeless. He's been informed that his input is intrusive and unwelcome.
Trying to keep my eye on the prize. Went and looked fondly at some possible campgrounds to visit at nps.gov. Thank you for this website and this community to remind me of what I'm giving up these things for. I love the quote on the home page:
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us!" -- Joseph Campbell
Beverly
53 Merc said
03:45 PM May 5, 2011
It is evident your so-called friend has never considered the possibility of always having a new front and back yard, most often in a temperature range you find pleasant. Always meeting new friends, having a different shopping experience, as well as having new scenes to enjoy and record (you did say you were an artist). It is also evident he has never been inside an RV that is fit for full-timing. Homeless, I don't think so. Under a bridge ? If you choose to be, but only if you choose because of something you want to be near.
You will find you continue to meet old/new friends at places both of you find attractive. The old adage "birds of a feather flock together" comes to mind. The world of full-timing is full of new adventures and is devoid of "ruts". Saw an interesting definition of ruts a while ago. Ruts are just shallow graves.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you have to travel daily/weekly/monthly. This ain't a vacation, it is a lifestyle.
If full-timing is what you want to do, go for it while you can. Good luck and good travels.
edited for spelling.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Thursday 5th of May 2011 03:46:10 PM
PangeaPlanet said
03:48 PM May 5, 2011
Thank you for the encouragement. I am heartened at the prospect of meeting a world of supportive and adventurous people like you who aren't afraid to stray from the beaten path. This is an adventure my soul has longed for.
Bill Adams said
04:03 PM May 5, 2011
My homeless domicile likely cost more than your "friends" house! Certainly one of us is crazy but it could be a very long argument determining which one of us is the craziest. (Tongue-in-cheek, of course, but moving into an RV has nothing at all to do with your future housing situation.
Cindy T said
04:09 PM May 5, 2011
Beverly,
Most people don't realize that whether you live in a stick house or an RV, unexpected, unforseen cicumstances can befall you. Many people that live in a regular house are also only a couple of short steps away from a drastic change in their circumstances.
The great thing about an RV is that it's small & portable & you do have a roof over your head. If you don't like where you are, you can move. If you want to see something new, you can move. If you want to hang out with wonderful, helpful people you can go where the RV-Dreamers are, or join an Escapees group. You are not 1 step away from living under a bridge.
You're a just short drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge, and then maybe you want to go see the former London Bridge in Arizona (I think that's where it is), then how about being a short drive away from the Bridges of Madison County? Oh yes, you are only 1 step away from many wonderful bridges but you sure as heck ain't gonna be living under any of them!!
Cindy T
Bill Adams said
04:29 PM May 5, 2011
Not only that, but if you fall behind on your mortgage payments you can just keep moving and no one will be able to collect from you or repose you. That house? Everyone knows where that is! (OK, OK, just kidding again).
Roll Me Away said
06:11 PM May 5, 2011
Once, long ago, I thought security meant a piece of land, a house, all my "stuff" around me. After Bill passed I stored it all and after visiting the storage unit one day realized it was necessary to move into tomorrow and stop looking backward. I thought it would be so hard to "lose" things, and it did feel sort of empty after I got rid of just about everything. But once I bought my little class C, put the dogs and some supplies in it, it was like 400 pounds off my shoulders. I met really sweet people in campgrounds, many who had had the same feelings, and i started to write again and laugh and really enjoy full time Rving. One of the best things is I reached out to this Dreamers forum and expressed a need to communicate and participate in the conversations here, and these sweet people welcomed me, as they are welcoming you. You'll feel a new life coming on for yourself, so be prepared to belong to a special community of RVing. Guess Americans have always been adventurers, pushing west, seeing what was around the bend, over the mountain and into the seashore. Enjoy your new adventure! Scottiegirl
PangeaPlanet said
06:26 PM May 5, 2011
Thank you all for sharing your experiences, thoughts and empathy, Bill, Cindy and ScottieGirl. I am so touched and warmed in my heart.
Love to you all.
Bev
PIEERE said
06:56 PM May 5, 2011
I believe your acquaintance had better have his abode paid for, but then again is upkeep of things when they break, yard maintenance, zoning laws, and yeah, Taxes. My motorhomr has it's share of repairs, tags and fees. But, when my neighbors or acquaintenances, or relatives get sick of one another, I can move.
However, I have met so many caring and helpful people in my travels and this forum, they are all considered "My Family".
Don't listen to the naysayers and those who want to live in thier own little world. I like the whole world and will continue seeing and seeking more adventures. BOL! Pieere
janni said
08:03 PM May 5, 2011
Bev, I think what you are feeling is very normal and most of us(me for sure) went through a lot to get where we are. Letting go of everything gave me some anxiety for sure, but letting go of my kids and Grands was the hardest. That downsize will be such a release you will find. We kept a few boxes of stuff in my daughters basement and can hardly remember what is there(left last October) Oh, we still get the "Are you crazy?" looks and an occasional nasty comment........rolls right off.....especially when all we have to do is climb in the coach and move. Tonight we are enjoying a park on the South Dakota Nebraska border. Two fifth wheels beside us, meadowlarks are singing and soo peaceful and quiet. We love it. Welcome to a wonderful life! Take care and post here or pm if you need anything. This group is the best.
BruceandTrisha said
05:33 AM May 16, 2011
Boy! I can relate to the "are you crazy?" comments. Our very first step towards living full time in an RV was to live four months in a tent. That certainly raised some eyebrows - family members were sure Bruce forced me to do that . . . and that we must be on drugs! Drugs? Well, we sure got some pretty good "highs" living out in nature and watching animals and birds, sunrises, sunsets, storms, the river . . . that was our entertainment and source of exhiliration, not drugs.
I think finally, the family has come to realize that no one forces me to do anything and that we are completely happy with our lifestyle. Some even hint at being envious of the simplicity as they battle the mountains of stuff they own, a yard that constantly needs upkeep, and a house that continually needs something fixed.
There's no way I would return to "normal" living in a S&B. The freedom this lifestyle has given us cannot be measured - it continues to grow in value - simplicity and peace - Immeasurable!
Mike and Gloria said
06:26 AM May 16, 2011
I can empathize with so many of the statements on this thread. We have been full timers since April 1. Yes, there has been an adjustment period but we were both commenting this weekend that we're really enjoying this and looking forward to being on the road again in roughly 6 weeks.
But we still have our 'nay-sayers'. Our kids have calmed down about our decision and actually seem to enjoy coming to our 'house' to visit. But my sister-in-law who is 16 years younger than us and a nurse is still having fits. She thinks we should go into a small condo or 'housing for the elderly' (we're 62) and that we're too old to be doing the things we do. At first it was funny (and we've tried explaining to her) but we're not seeing the humor anymore. If she starts in on the phone, we'll laugh and say goodbye. If she does it in person, we smile, turn to someone else and start a conversation - or just walk away. We hate to be like that but some people are just clueless and don't know when to give up. It's not worth getting into an argument with them so we're just trying to quietly get the point across that we aren't going to listen anymore.
It's sad because as others have said, it's a lovely lifestyle. Love the simplicity of it and the quietness when you're parked in the type of campground we're in right now. We are part of a group of 4 campers that have nice space between them (compared to the rest of the campground). These 4 campers are by themselves on the other side of the pond from everyone else. Behind us is a babbling brook. Most of the week the other 3 campers are empty - at least for the present. So during the week all we hear is nature. In our 41 years of marriage I'm the one who never wanted to go camping. I'm loving this!
Tim & Robyn said
09:12 AM May 16, 2011
Nothing stays the same, no matter how much we may want it to.
All I can say is that I wish I had the same problems you're having. I'm tired of the ones I have and wish I could trade them in for some new ones...
K & E said
05:02 PM May 16, 2011
Congratulations on being so close to your fulltime dream. You feelings are all part of the transition process. We've been official fulltimers for just over a year now. Selling the house was the most difficult and stressful experience I've experienced in a very long time. Once the house was sold, the other very difficult part was getting rid of all the "stuff". We had sold quite a bit before the house sold, but there was still much to get rid of. We had an estate sale and didn't make as much as we had hoped. Let's just say we had a very good donation tax deduction last year.
I, too, had mixed feelings during the transition time. But, now a year later, we couldn't be happier. And, I don't miss any of the stuff we got rid of. We kept what we wanted and I don't know why we had so much unnecessary stuff.
Hang in there. A year from now you'll be giving someone else encouragement and telling them how happy you are.
PangeaPlanet said
06:28 PM May 16, 2011
Thanks so much for the encouragement and insights, Pieere, Janni, Bruce & Trisha, Gloria, Tim & Robyn and K & E! It feels good to know that others understand what it's like, and there is so much peace and joy waiting on the other end of this passage.
The estate liquidator had to postpone last week, and he finally came today. He was so nice and encouraging, though. He had a very spiritual take on everything, and encouraged me to stay in feel regarding the decisions I'm making, and trust that there's never really any reason to fear. And that the grief I may feel about letting go of things, is just a part of loving something even if the time of its usefulness is past.
I think I'm going to wait another couple of weeks to have him take away everything because I'm in the middle of a very stiff deadline for the freelance project that's pretty much going to fund my RV purchase. Last thing I need to do is sit in an empty house trying to work on a deadline when I don't have the spare time yet to shop for RVs until I'm caught up. A lot of the good 'uns I've seen posted on Craigslist are in places like Dallas or Houston (4 and 3 hrs away, respectively) and will require a day trip to inspect.
Warmly, Bev
53 Merc said
07:53 PM May 16, 2011
Can I suggest that unless you have a lot of experience in surveying an RV to steer clear of Craigslist? It can be full of scammers. Since you expect to go to Houston anyway, look carefully at www.PPLmotorhomes.com and when you make a decision on a possibility, contact an RV inspector and get an opinion, and go from there. Get a mechanical inspection (most often one can be found at a diesel shop, and an RV tech can be found at a reputable repair shop for extra hours work).
Be careful, not regretful. It will cost you a bit of money to have an RV inspected by someone knowlegable, but it is money well spent.
A suggestion, find someone on this forum that lives in the Houston area and PM them for suggestions or assistance for inspections. I would tend to trust anyone on this forum for help in the purchase of such an expensive outlay.
Meeting with an estate liquidator on Monday to negotiate a price for all the things I'll be leaving behind. I'm feeling very raw, sad and vulnerable about handing over most of my things and my house to others' care forever.
I've also had to contend with at least one meddlesome and unbalanced acquaintance's insistence that living in a RV is a sign that I'm one step away from living under a bridge, homeless. He's been informed that his input is intrusive and unwelcome.
Trying to keep my eye on the prize. Went and looked fondly at some possible campgrounds to visit at nps.gov. Thank you for this website and this community to remind me of what I'm giving up these things for. I love the quote on the home page:
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us!"
-- Joseph Campbell
Beverly
It is evident your so-called friend has never considered the possibility of always having a new front and back yard, most often in a temperature range you find pleasant. Always meeting new friends, having a different shopping experience, as well as having new scenes to enjoy and record (you did say you were an artist). It is also evident he has never been inside an RV that is fit for full-timing. Homeless, I don't think so. Under a bridge ? If you choose to be, but only if you choose because of something you want to be near.
You will find you continue to meet old/new friends at places both of you find attractive. The old adage "birds of a feather flock together" comes to mind. The world of full-timing is full of new adventures and is devoid of "ruts". Saw an interesting definition of ruts a while ago. Ruts are just shallow graves.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you have to travel daily/weekly/monthly. This ain't a vacation, it is a lifestyle.
If full-timing is what you want to do, go for it while you can. Good luck and good travels.
edited for spelling.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Thursday 5th of May 2011 03:46:10 PM
(Tongue-in-cheek, of course, but moving into an RV has nothing at all to do with your future housing situation.
Beverly,
Most people don't realize that whether you live in a stick house or an RV, unexpected, unforseen cicumstances can befall you. Many people that live in a regular house are also only a couple of short steps away from a drastic change in their circumstances.
The great thing about an RV is that it's small & portable & you do have a roof over your head. If you don't like where you are, you can move. If you want to see something new, you can move. If you want to hang out with wonderful, helpful people you can go where the RV-Dreamers are, or join an Escapees group. You are not 1 step away from living under a bridge.
You're a just short drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge, and then maybe you want to go see the former London Bridge in Arizona (I think that's where it is), then how about being a short drive away from the Bridges of Madison County? Oh yes, you are only 1 step away from many wonderful bridges but you sure as heck ain't gonna be living under any of them!!
Cindy T
One of the best things is I reached out to this Dreamers forum and expressed a need to communicate and participate in the conversations here, and these sweet people welcomed me, as they are welcoming you. You'll feel a new life coming on for yourself, so be prepared to belong to a special community of RVing. Guess Americans have always been adventurers, pushing west, seeing what was around the bend, over the mountain and into the seashore. Enjoy your new adventure!
Scottiegirl
Love to you all.
Bev
However, I have met so many caring and helpful people in my travels and this forum, they are all considered "My Family".
Boy! I can relate to the "are you crazy?" comments. Our very first step towards living full time in an RV was to live four months in a tent. That certainly raised some eyebrows - family members were sure Bruce forced me to do that . . . and that we must be on drugs! Drugs? Well, we sure got some pretty good "highs" living out in nature and watching animals and birds, sunrises, sunsets, storms, the river . . . that was our entertainment and source of exhiliration, not drugs.
I think finally, the family has come to realize that no one forces me to do anything and that we are completely happy with our lifestyle. Some even hint at being envious of the simplicity as they battle the mountains of stuff they own, a yard that constantly needs upkeep, and a house that continually needs something fixed.
There's no way I would return to "normal" living in a S&B. The freedom this lifestyle has given us cannot be measured - it continues to grow in value - simplicity and peace - Immeasurable!
I can empathize with so many of the statements on this thread. We have been full timers since April 1. Yes, there has been an adjustment period but we were both commenting this weekend that we're really enjoying this and looking forward to being on the road again in roughly 6 weeks.
But we still have our 'nay-sayers'. Our kids have calmed down about our decision and actually seem to enjoy coming to our 'house' to visit. But my sister-in-law who is 16 years younger than us and a nurse is still having fits. She thinks we should go into a small condo or 'housing for the elderly' (we're 62) and that we're too old to be doing the things we do. At first it was funny (and we've tried explaining to her) but we're not seeing the humor anymore. If she starts in on the phone, we'll laugh and say goodbye. If she does it in person, we smile, turn to someone else and start a conversation - or just walk away. We hate to be like that but some people are just clueless and don't know when to give up. It's not worth getting into an argument with them so we're just trying to quietly get the point across that we aren't going to listen anymore.
It's sad because as others have said, it's a lovely lifestyle. Love the simplicity of it and the quietness when you're parked in the type of campground we're in right now. We are part of a group of 4 campers that have nice space between them (compared to the rest of the campground). These 4 campers are by themselves on the other side of the pond from everyone else. Behind us is a babbling brook. Most of the week the other 3 campers are empty - at least for the present. So during the week all we hear is nature. In our 41 years of marriage I'm the one who never wanted to go camping. I'm loving this!
Nothing stays the same, no matter how much we may want it to.
All I can say is that I wish I had the same problems you're having. I'm tired of the ones I have and wish I could trade them in for some new ones...
Congratulations on being so close to your fulltime dream. You feelings are all part of the transition process. We've been official fulltimers for just over a year now. Selling the house was the most difficult and stressful experience I've experienced in a very long time. Once the house was sold, the other very difficult part was getting rid of all the "stuff". We had sold quite a bit before the house sold, but there was still much to get rid of. We had an estate sale and didn't make as much as we had hoped. Let's just say we had a very good donation tax deduction last year.
I, too, had mixed feelings during the transition time. But, now a year later, we couldn't be happier. And, I don't miss any of the stuff we got rid of. We kept what we wanted and I don't know why we had so much unnecessary stuff.
Hang in there. A year from now you'll be giving someone else encouragement and telling them how happy you are.
The estate liquidator had to postpone last week, and he finally came today. He was so nice and encouraging, though. He had a very spiritual take on everything, and encouraged me to stay in feel regarding the decisions I'm making, and trust that there's never really any reason to fear. And that the grief I may feel about letting go of things, is just a part of loving something even if the time of its usefulness is past.
I think I'm going to wait another couple of weeks to have him take away everything because I'm in the middle of a very stiff deadline for the freelance project that's pretty much going to fund my RV purchase. Last thing I need to do is sit in an empty house trying to work on a deadline when I don't have the spare time yet to shop for RVs until I'm caught up. A lot of the good 'uns I've seen posted on Craigslist are in places like Dallas or Houston (4 and 3 hrs away, respectively) and will require a day trip to inspect.
Warmly,
Bev
Be careful, not regretful. It will cost you a bit of money to have an RV inspected by someone knowlegable, but it is money well spent.
A suggestion, find someone on this forum that lives in the Houston area and PM them for suggestions or assistance for inspections. I would tend to trust anyone on this forum for help in the purchase of such an expensive outlay.