Adjustments of starting out.

[peacetara]

I've been meaning to write in for a while now, about how hard adjustment into van dwelling can be.&nbsp; I'm not sure I have any answers at all, but this is what I've noticed for me, around the emotional side of getting started.<br /><br />Overall it's pretty exciting! It's all so new!&nbsp; But it's also super scary, you don't really know where you are going to be tomorrow, let alone tonight, you just maybe have a vague plan, Go north, go South, head towards my friend's place, etc.<br /><br />Safety is a biggie. Trying to figure out, is this parking spot safe?&nbsp; Will anyone harass me here tonight!?!?!<br /><br />But also, it's just this overall adjustment to going grocery shopping, or the post office, or all those little errands you always did from your house.&nbsp; Suddenly you do these things everywhere you are. It's hard shifting my brain from, Oh, I need to wait until I get 'home' and then I can go grocery shopping, or whatever little errand it is.&nbsp; Nope, your home is always with you!<br /><br />And it's sort of hard, because every new place, you have to find all the things you need all over again.&nbsp; In your hometown you always knew where to find the fruit you liked, the right brand of every product, and the cheapest place to find whatever you were looking for, or you knew exactly who to ask, in the rare case you didn't know.&nbsp; Now every new town,&nbsp; you have to try some new place and hope they have what you are looking for at a price you will pay.<br /><br />Anyways, these are my very jumbled thoughts that have been going around in my head for the past few months as I'm trying to adjust to being a vandweller.<br /><br />Overall I still think, given my circumstances, this is the right solution for me, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!<br /><br />Others have adjustments to life on the road?<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara, lost in Oregon, headed north!

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Some of my fondest memories occurred outside of my comfort zone.&nbsp; Just try to find the right mix of new experience and danger tempered with caution.

 

[Khyron]

One adjustment I'm trying to make is cooking my own food in the van.&nbsp; I've only been living out of it for little over a month but have been eating out too much.&nbsp; I'm such a horrible cook though.

 

[yesican]

<span id="post_message_1275291874">Some of my fondest memories occurred outside of my comfort zone. Just try to find the right mix of new experience and danger tempered with caution.</span> <br />__________________

<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">What great advice and insight...thanks Dazar!<br /><br />Tara, I'm glad you brought this subject up.&nbsp; It makes it more real for us who've yet accomplished our dream of vandwelling.&nbsp; And, Khyron...I feel for ya...I'm not much of a cook either, but I'd think vandwelling would be perfect&nbsp; because then I'd have the excuse of minimal cooking facilities...HaHa!!!<br />Rae</span>

 

[ttpadilla]

Tara, didn't I read an old post from you about a friend that was going to be traveling with you?&nbsp; I think that's why the new van was purchased... What happened with that?&nbsp; I'm going to be pretty nervous traveling around by myself too. I'm trying not to think that far ahead though.&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[Where~the~wind~blows]

I agree with everything Tara has said it is tough, and if money is an issue it can be harder. I have been all over each side of this life, for me it's my&nbsp;preferred&nbsp;lifestyle. When I am out of my element I look for places I know usually offer comfort. Truck stops, hospitals, rest area's, when I am at the truck stop and rest area's I like having the dogs as warning alarms, but when at the hospital, keeping them quiet, has times been difficult, so I try to park far away in the parking lot. every place has it's issue. With no&nbsp;relief&nbsp;from the price of gas in the future, I try to choose wisely, and plan ahead when I can, one thing I hate is being lost!<br /><br />Khyron, you'll get used to it, and the foods will be on the simple side, baby steps, start with just breakfast, coffee , tea, hot coco, an egg with toast, or oatmeal if ya like it, experiment with how you like to do it. You will find what works for you. for me the biggest issue was clean up, drove me crazy! but I have figured out easier ways to make messier foods and have it be easy clean up.... good luck

 

[blueberry]

I know that feeling of being nervous about traveling alone -- and it's not just about being in a van, or even traveling. I experienced the same uneasiness the first time I bought a house after living in apartments all my life. The thought of having all four sides of the house exposed to the world made me feel -- well, exposed. Took some getting used to. And so did moving out to the country after being a city girl forever. It was so quiet, and so dark! But after a couple of nervous nights, I started to love it. My landlady told me that a previous tenant had left after only a month because she couldn't take the isolation, although there were dozens of houses within walking distance. I'll bet it was the quiet that got to her.<br /><br />I really think it's just a matter of getting used to a new way of life. After a week or two, we'll wonder what we were so worried about.<br /><br />

 

[Where~the~wind~blows]

I wanted to add that because I am anchored to a business, drifting is something I don't do that much, so I am often not out of my comfort zone, once it became my comfort zone! lol

 

[gypsydreamer]

<p>edited<br /><br /><br /></p>

 

[peacetara]

@ttpadilla: She does join me, but she is a part-timer, she isn't able (do to work and whatever) to full-time quite yet.&nbsp; Someday <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />@dazar: I agree, but when you seem 'stuck' outside your comfort zone, it takes a while to get used to.&nbsp; I am getting there, but there are still some very nervous times. soory 'Excited' times (@gypsydreamer) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />I agree about the cooking, start small and grow.&nbsp; Experiment, the best part, since you are only cooking for one, is if it's truly non-edible, you don't have to get rid of very much food.&nbsp; But I would definitely agree with @gypsydreamer.&nbsp; I'd suggest getting 1 item (eggs) and them eat that for a day, different ways, eventually you will learn, OH this is how *I* like to cook my eggs! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> (or whatever it is). I'd stay away from giant recipes that are all complicated.. start small!<br /><br />@blueberry: I agree, it's definitely adjustment, and once you are feeling comfortable it's easier to push your boundaries a little more, and try something new, Camping out alone, or whatever it is.&nbsp; trying new foods or brands even! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />@gypsydreamer: GREAT story, and I totally agree with everything you said! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />Anyways, I *AM* getting a lot more comfortable, but I do realize that sometimes I get a little nervous and wander back into things I know I can do. But I'm getting there! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />And I know in a few more months or a year, I'll be quite comfortable and think what was I worried about at all! It's just a matter of adjusting and learning! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara

 

[oldsoul]

Tara, &nbsp;<br />Very nice insights into your transition. You get better at it i think. I know what you mean about scheduling to run errands from the road. Yeah, i try to push myself to do one thing a day that makes me uncomfortable. Don,t fret to much about security, just keep your alertness and things will be just fine. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Captain Logos]

Great thread <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />As for cooking, do go simple. Think like a hobo. Think "canned beans". There's all kinds of them that are really good. To keep it super simple, open the can, put it on your stove (or any good open flame, and stir occasionally. Five minutes later, you're good to go.<br /><br />Also, if you can boil water, you're well on your way to being a cook. Throw in some pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. Add sauce, salt, seasoning, etc. Voila. You've got food. Just mind how long you keep it in the boiling water. Look on the packages for instructions: they're usually there. Potatoes vary, but just stick a knife in them occasionally. If the potato slides off from gravity, it's probably ready.&nbsp;<br /><br />Also, stick to whole, unprocessed foods like veggies and fruits.&nbsp;<br /><br />Good luck to everyone. Wish me luck too.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Hey Captain, thanks for the vegan egg sandwich made with tofu on your blog.&nbsp;Actually, maybe you should write a cookbook. Your directions are unique.<br />&nbsp;I will try it this winter when my little ladies quit laying. I have 3 sweet hens that follow me all over the yard and come running when they hear the back door open. Yeah, I know, they only come running because I carry treats for them but they are delightful.<br /><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Dragonfly<br /><span style="color: #000000;">edit: sorry this may be off topic.</span></span></strong>

 

[WanderingRain]

I like that you are sharing your posts, Tara. Yeah, it can be quite a daunting task.<br /><br />My experience in wandering about is not really that much.<br />I am still largely in one place... the complex where I am camped out is probably used to seeing my van there and now it belongs and isn't questioned anymore.<br /><br />I haven't cooked in my vehicle. though if I was to start, I'd probably begin with no cooking at all. Loaf of bread and the many spreads available in the grocery store come to mind. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Not to mention snagging some sauce packets from whenever I go out like mayonnaise so I don't need refrigeration... &nbsp;vienna sausage and potted meat if that's your thing. Peanut butter and jelly... lots of things to go with a loaf of bread that don't make a lot of mess... probably use up a couple of sheets of kitchen napkins, that's about it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br /><br />My van home is just a place to sleep in and dress up. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br />Since I work in an office, I do all of my cooking there. I try to be discreet by doing foods that don't smell a lot... so no deep frying or stir frying... mostly boiled rice and eggs. Those don't give off smell. Still, I consider it part of my van training because my cubicle is so tiny I have to make do with a small counter top to prepare my food.<br /><br />Since I haven't left my city, I still use the same places to go shopping for food... and use my old apartment complex's laundry facilities.<br /><br />I still ain't full timing it yet on the road so I have yet to really try it out. I hope to get a better vehicle for that and my own power sources before I do.<br /><br />Good luck with your travels!

 

[WanderingRain]

I keep powdered milk for my cream needs.<br />They go well with dried mashed potatoes and cereal.&nbsp;

 

[sl1966]

<p>There's a great and tasty Peruvian dish you can make easily. Normally it calls for an oven but you can get away with not having one still. It's called Causa. Basically it's a layer of mashed potatoes, a layer of tuna, and another layer of the mash. Top it with a sliced boiled egg and a few dashes of paprika. You can substitute canned chicken for the tuna if need be. The dish is a bit more elaborate when made in a traditional kitchen, but I've simplified the recipe below so anyone can make it.<br /><br />You can use instant mash.<br /><br />Tuna, mayo, and lemon juice. If you use chicken you can skip the lemon.<br /><br />Spice each to your liking.<br /><br />Garnish with sliced boiled eggs, olives, and paprika.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

 

[bk2valve]

I like to use a product called "Better than Milk" powdered soy or rice based milk-like substance. It is not a lot of chemicals like creamer is and unike powdered milk it mixes very easily with water....<br />Just an idea...I don't use it for any other reason than it is easy and nutritious...<br /><br />http://www.btmsoymilk.com/products/soy-vanilla-vegan-powder<br /><br />I started using it for motorcycle travel when I make a breakfast oatmeal (I used to use instant oats) using real oats. <br />I put oats, raisins and nuts of some kind...I use pecans because that is what is grown her in the Rio Grande valley...and some vanilla flavored powder soy milk in a bowl...then when the coffee water is hot I pour some over the oats when I make my drip coffee....<br /><br />In a couple minutes I have a hot brekkie along with my coffee....<br /><br />Bri

 

[Sheryl]

We like instant mashed potatoes and we use powdered milk and powdered creamer too. We have gotten good at cooking and using the instant and dried foods, mostly because we always seem to be so far from a grocery store while work camping! Crisy fried spam sandwiches! yum! Many canned veggies are good too.&nbsp;<br><br>You can steam some things in a thermos with boiling water.