I'm a single, 40 year old male who lives with a 6 year old Siberian Husky named Dexter. I am fortunate enough to be retired (very early) from the federal government and I try to utilize my accounting degree from Virginia Tech (Class of 1994) to run a small accounting business. I just recently bought a 2003 Fleetwood Southwind - a 33 footer - and have begun camping adventures. So far I've made only short trips; however, I am getting the itch to go full-time, even if just for a few months or so.
As I read the many stories, blogs and posts from folks already full-timing, I see that I'm part of a demographic all to myself (with very few exceptions). Being different is not new to me. Rather, it's been a consistent way of living for me. Nevertheless, I look forward to meeting some of you out and about and also learning from you. Maybe someday I can even share something that might be instructive to some of you! In the meantime, I'm going to sit back and enjoy reading through many of your stories. Thank you so much for sharing!
Ckerr said
09:23 PM Oct 13, 2011
Welcome to the forum. You've found a great bunch of folks here. Hopefully you will find there are all sorts of folks out there enjoying the fulltime lifestyle. And even if you're in a slightly different demographic, my experience says so long as you're not looking to hang out with folks just like you and are open and friendly you will meet lots of great folks.
Enjoy the adventure where ever it takes you!
Waggin Tails said
09:29 PM Oct 13, 2011
Welcome to the forum James. Being a little different is a good thing. If everyone was the same, that would be pretty boring. You will find the folks here to be diverse and willing to share their experiences. Many of the forum members have travel blogs that make for good reading. Also, the search feature on the blog is a good tool for finding information on most any topic.
Travel safe and tell Dexter hello for me.
Jim01 said
04:59 AM Oct 14, 2011
Welcome to the forum.
If you're a "little different", you're in good company. Many think anyone who gets rid of most of their worldly possesions and goes full-time is more than a "little different".
Follow that dream and maybe we'll see you down the road one of these days.
Jim
-- Edited by Jim01 on Friday 14th of October 2011 04:59:59 AM
injunear said
07:02 AM Oct 14, 2011
Welcome to the groupe Jamews and Dexter.
You'll find a lot of friendly folks and good info here.
We lived in North Charleston for nine years. Charleston area is beautiful. Still have friends and visit there often.
Wayne
RVRon said
07:09 AM Oct 14, 2011
Welcome to the RV Dreams Forum! You may find out that you are not totally alone in your demographic as there are several singles doing the fulltime RV life that participate here. We attended the Spring rally and the singles group was definitely represented!
PIEERE said
12:58 PM Oct 14, 2011
James and Dexter; Welcome, I am a 60 yr. young man also single and a work camper. This is a great forum for the beginner, you will find a lot of great folks here.
I have bee doing this lifestyle since 1994 and enjoy the vagabond life very much, there is so much to see and do. The friendly folks here will share their experiences good or bad and a lot of knowledge is available to all. Safe Travels and look forward to hear your experiences. Pieere
Terry and Jo said
11:38 AM Oct 20, 2011
James,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this a great place to get ideas and advice from a lot of friendly and knowledgeable folks.
Your username struck me as odd until I read at your signature that you have been a diplomat. Then, it all seemed understandable. I've not been in that line of work, but I've read enough in my life that the "Our man in..." struck a chord.
We look forward to any questions and comments you have to offer. Also, even though you have been in the diplomatic corps instead of military, thanks for your service to our country. (Now, I just wonder where you've been.)
Terry
OurManInCharleston said
05:27 PM Oct 20, 2011
Thanks, Terry! And thank you for your service too! My dad served 22 years in the US Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1983. I sure do miss those days as an Army dependent - the sense of community on bases where we were stationed was so wonderful. Actually, my parents and I have gone RV'ing together and stay at some of the military facilities and enjoy them very much.
You're absolutely correct about my username - one of my favorite books is Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene. If you've never read it, I recommend it. It's a funny (and often realistic) depiction of life abroad as a diplomat. I was also inspired by an autobiographical book called Our Man in Vienna. It was written by Richard Timothy Conroy, a former Foreign Service Officer who was posted to the embassy in Vienna. I enjoy re-reading it from time to time since it reminds me of my time at the embassy in Vienna.
In addition to Vienna, I have been posted in Yekaterinburg, Russia; Vladivostok, Russia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Ottawa, Canada; Washington, D.C. & a host of other places for shorter periods. Many good memories, but now it's time to see some of the USA!
Jake62 said
06:05 PM Oct 20, 2011
Welcome James,
I've worked with State Dept. employees over the years, mostly on the security side, but the Foreign Service certainly offers an interesting life/career and challenges around the world. I'm with you, I'm looking forward to seeing our great country & N. America, but I have another three years or so enjoy, especially since it seems you're absolutely mobile at a relatively young age.
-- Edited by Jake62 on Thursday 20th of October 2011 06:05:48 PM
-- Edited by Jake62 on Thursday 20th of October 2011 06:08:36 PM
OurManInCharleston said
06:11 PM Oct 20, 2011
Thanks! Yes, I'm fortunate. I see you're from Arlington - the NoVA area is kinda-sorta where I still consider home since my parents, siblings, etc. are all up there. I had an assignment with DS back in 2003-2005, but with DS/OFM (and we often referred to ourselves as the red-headed stepchild of DS).
I'm a single, 40 year old male who lives with a 6 year old Siberian Husky named Dexter. I am fortunate enough to be retired (very early) from the federal government and I try to utilize my accounting degree from Virginia Tech (Class of 1994) to run a small accounting business. I just recently bought a 2003 Fleetwood Southwind - a 33 footer - and have begun camping adventures. So far I've made only short trips; however, I am getting the itch to go full-time, even if just for a few months or so.
As I read the many stories, blogs and posts from folks already full-timing, I see that I'm part of a demographic all to myself (with very few exceptions). Being different is not new to me. Rather, it's been a consistent way of living for me. Nevertheless, I look forward to meeting some of you out and about and also learning from you. Maybe someday I can even share something that might be instructive to some of you! In the meantime, I'm going to sit back and enjoy reading through many of your stories. Thank you so much for sharing!
Enjoy the adventure where ever it takes you!
Travel safe and tell Dexter hello for me.
Welcome to the forum.
If you're a "little different", you're in good company. Many think anyone who gets rid of most of their worldly possesions and goes full-time is more than a "little different".
Follow that dream and maybe we'll see you down the road one of these days.
Jim
-- Edited by Jim01 on Friday 14th of October 2011 04:59:59 AM
Welcome to the groupe Jamews and Dexter.
You'll find a lot of friendly folks and good info here.
We lived in North Charleston for nine years. Charleston area is beautiful. Still have friends and visit there often.
Wayne
Welcome to the RV Dreams Forum! You may find out that you are not totally alone in your demographic as there are several singles doing the fulltime RV life that participate here. We attended the Spring rally and the singles group was definitely represented!
I have bee doing this lifestyle since 1994 and enjoy the vagabond life very much, there is so much to see and do. The friendly folks here will share their experiences good or bad and a lot of knowledge is available to all. Safe Travels and look forward to hear your experiences. Pieere
James,
Welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You will find this a great place to get ideas and advice from a lot of friendly and knowledgeable folks.
Your username struck me as odd until I read at your signature that you have been a diplomat. Then, it all seemed understandable. I've not been in that line of work, but I've read enough in my life that the "Our man in..." struck a chord.
We look forward to any questions and comments you have to offer. Also, even though you have been in the diplomatic corps instead of military, thanks for your service to our country. (Now, I just wonder where you've been.)
Terry
Thanks, Terry! And thank you for your service too! My dad served 22 years in the US Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army in 1983. I sure do miss those days as an Army dependent - the sense of community on bases where we were stationed was so wonderful. Actually, my parents and I have gone RV'ing together and stay at some of the military facilities and enjoy them very much.
You're absolutely correct about my username - one of my favorite books is Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene. If you've never read it, I recommend it. It's a funny (and often realistic) depiction of life abroad as a diplomat. I was also inspired by an autobiographical book called Our Man in Vienna. It was written by Richard Timothy Conroy, a former Foreign Service Officer who was posted to the embassy in Vienna. I enjoy re-reading it from time to time since it reminds me of my time at the embassy in Vienna.
In addition to Vienna, I have been posted in Yekaterinburg, Russia; Vladivostok, Russia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Ottawa, Canada; Washington, D.C. & a host of other places for shorter periods. Many good memories, but now it's time to see some of the USA!
Welcome James,
I've worked with State Dept. employees over the years, mostly on the security side, but the Foreign Service certainly offers an interesting life/career and challenges around the world. I'm with you, I'm looking forward to seeing our great country & N. America, but I have another three years or so enjoy, especially since it seems you're absolutely mobile at a relatively young age.
-- Edited by Jake62 on Thursday 20th of October 2011 06:05:48 PM
-- Edited by Jake62 on Thursday 20th of October 2011 06:08:36 PM
Thanks! Yes, I'm fortunate. I see you're from Arlington - the NoVA area is kinda-sorta where I still consider home since my parents, siblings, etc. are all up there. I had an assignment with DS back in 2003-2005, but with DS/OFM (and we often referred to ourselves as the red-headed stepchild of DS).