Anyone go through what I'm going through now?

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^^^True and self esteem is not something you get from other people but is a gift you give yourself.
 
True B and C, but conerning the way agencies around here think, some dwellings "as is" at least are deemed "unsuitable" for living, but what they don't understand is we can "make" them suitable for living.

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JuliaAnne, like ya said, what 'they say' goes when it comes to the laws of housing and occupancy and livability! ugh....you are right, they don't see what is a true livable situation they are so blinded by zoning laws, permit laws and more. How do they get extra taxes from someone living on another's property in a 'made home' they did themselves? LOL it is about money also. How dare one live without paying extra taxes for that space you are occupying? ugh--it is world of insanity out there, I don't doubt that for one split sec :)
 
Real estate values are also sacred to the property owners in many locations.

Try starting up a group home for those recovering from addiction some time. . .
 
so true John. A huge majority only have their home value/real estate as their biggest investment, financial cost. To defend it against any and all devaluation is key! When one only owns 1/2 acre to a smaller lot to an acre or even more, it is all about the value and security etc of that said 'tiny little space' they call their own! Won't be getting past that mentality any time soon.
 
John61CT said:
Real estate values are also sacred to the property owners in many locations.

This is probably the biggest reason that we have some of the zoning laws and restrictions that we do.  There are a lot of areas which will not allow a person to own land and only have a RV/mobile-home/residence van on them without being behind a fence. The also must have a S&B home on the property.  I know that Bob has mentioned this in several of his videos when discussing just buying property in Arizona to park a van conversion on it so you don't have to move every 14 days.  You've got to know the local, HOA, and the county zoning laws before you buy.   There are some places in Texas where you can purchase a plot of land, move your RV on it, and install hookups, but that isn't allowed in most locations. If the area is zoned commercial then you can build an RV park, however.

The 'livability' factor is usually just an excuse to require a standard in an area zoned for residency. And that's really for the benefit of the other people who have property in the area.
 
JuliaAnne2018 said:
I already made the decision, so I am going with it. However, I haven't told to many people for fear of their reactions and so on. I feel strange and different and extremely abnormal. 
I too tell myself everyday, "i've made this decision so i'm going to stick with it".  It helps me stay on course if I start to doubt.
Also I find actually talking about it to other people helps to make it seem more of a reality!  You don't have to tell people so they ask if you are homeless, just tell them you are going on a long trip across the US.  But I find talking about it with others helps a lot.  And talking on here helps too.  But when you can have a face to face convo with others who are interested in your idea, listen to yourself talk about it.  I find it's the only thing that makes me feel excited to talk about.
 
mpruet said:
You've got to know the local, HOA, and the county zoning laws before you buy.
And realize those can change, anytime
 
Hello! Reading your posts I felt like I could have written it! I was where you are now last summer. I'm waiting on my car lease to end so I can lease an SUV to tow my future casita or tab...haven't decided yet. Anyway, I set out in my tiny Hyundai Elantra headed west thinking it would be no problem to sleep in it because I'm only 5 feet tall, but it was uncomfortable and I was crunched. I showered daily at planet fitness and ate in parks, but I felt a bit "homeless". I was trying to "Start over" in life after losing so much of it from an abusive boyfriend when I was doing very well and feeling happy while in the prime of my life. I made it in my car only as far as Albuquerque, NM before giving up on my quest to start a new life in the Las Vegas area. I think I understand how you're feeling. My advice is to not tell others what you're up to because their input and opinions will reek havoc on your mind in your weakened state and mess with what you and only you feel is best for your situation. Perhaps if you can make it on your own until the first of the caravans start up then you can join up with the like-minded and not feel so lost. All the best to you and you'll be on my mind. I'm cheering you on!!
 
GeorgiaPeach said:
I'm waiting on my car lease to end so I can lease an SUV to tow my future casita or tab...haven't decided yet. 

Let us know especially if you get a Casita!  That's the ultimate goal I'm shooting for, and they seem almost ideal to me.

My advice is to not tell others what you're up to because their input and opinions will reek havoc on your mind in your weakened state and mess with what you and only you feel is best for your situation.

This is good advice for a lot of situations in life, I believe.  Even family and friends often shrink or shoot down our feelings, hopes, or ideas.  They can severely undermine us even if they have the best of intentions ... and it can be astonishing to see that sometimes, they just don't ... or can't get at them because they are too clouded over with dominance issues or other fears ...

It's often better just to keep ideas safe from outside harm until they've already been solidified or realized in the real world and aren't so volatile and vulnerable anymore.
 
JuliaAnne2018 said:
True B and C, but conerning the way agencies around here think, some dwellings "as is" at least are deemed "unsuitable" for living, but what they don't understand is we can "make" them suitable for living. 

After almost 2 years of living on the road, what I consider "suitable for living" is way different from what I used to think.  I've spent that time living in a converted 6x12 cargo trailer, 72 sq ft.  Like many of us,  I don't having running water, I generate my own electricity, I use a propane stove to boil water, etc.... 

For me, a 10x10 structure would give me room to put in a sofa!  Luxury! 

Regards, 

WP
 
I've seen many replies here that have advised you to just ignore stuff that bugs you.  

That's always easier said than done , at least for me. 

Yet, it simply is the way to do things.  

In the past , I've asked friends and colleagues some sort technical question and had them ask me , "What is it that you're trying to accomplish?  Why are you doing it that way?"  Now I know this is good intentions on their part.  But sometimes I feel like yelling "Just answer the freaking question!". 

So, honestly, I try to limit my time on social media and when traveling, try to camp as far away from others as I can.  
I chose to live this way for a reason!  I'm a misfit, an outlier, a "fringe dweller".  

Regards, and I wish you much success, 

WP
 
I can understand that, wanderin.pat. All of it. In fact I'm feeling that way precisely today. The question I'm getting is, Who do you want to spend your time with today? Also how about Friday night? And to get that ready, of course will take a few hours of Friday afternoon too ... When in fact I'm thinking, what's so bad about spending some time alone once in a while? Can I even have a single day to myself?

I still wanted to say, though, that those questions you mention getting tired of ... are so very often excellent and necessary. Quite often the correct answer varies depending on the circumstances. Like, what's a better weapon, a knife or a hand grenade? Well, that partly depends on whether you're fighting in a phone booth.

Still, I understand the feeling.
 
Dingfelder said:
  Like, what's a better weapon, a knife or a hand grenade?  Well, that partly depends on whether you're fighting in a phone booth.

HAHAHAHA!  That is great.  The kind of question I'm referring to is not like that.  hahaha. 

That reminds me of the time my son was interviewing for a Range Safety Officer at a gun range.  One of the questions was "What's the best gun?"... no other info.  Thankfully, he said something to the effect of "the one that you can use and hits what you're aiming at "....

A lot of people would say , "Sig" or Smith or something like that.  

a grenade in a phone booth.... that is so good. 

WP
 
wanderin.pat said:
For me, a 10x10 structure would give me room to put in a sofa!  Luxury! 

Regards, 

WP

Aren't there smaller couches? Easy for me to say. I'm only 5' 3" :)

I will also clarify to some of you that I started this thread about a month ago. I had moved on from some of whatever I was feeling down about and was relieved I wasn't the only one. However, I recently pointed out related topics that pertain to fear of law enforcement. Even if I'm not breaking the law, the help agency pamphlet talking about "unsuitable" living arrangements confirmed my original plan to keep what I'm doing (living in a shack) on the down-low. It's not bad in here, but I want to be done with my rig because (if I still get the chance) it'll be built from the ground up the way I want.

The only other thing besides money that would delay my building plans is if my S.O.'s family decides they want me in his life after all. Other than that, it is so on…a lot of kinks to work out before I go too far…but it is so on.

Even if it does end up being only temporary, I am glad I had this to focus on so I don't drive myself crazy.

I think everyone is different. What works for some people as far as "therapy" may not work for others. For me, this experiment works.

All frustration and depression aside, I don't regret doing this at all. I need/needed this.

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GeorgiaPeach, what a great post! I so get what you are saying in it.


JuliaAnne, that is our lives. So many variables in it that concern our immediate situations and never will all of us be the same so we go thru the motions to make it work til we understand some issues in our lives. Weave and bob, learn and grow all while holding onto some extra force that could shape our lives differently.

I am so glad you needed this and it is doing for you what it need to do :)

I absolutely enjoy chatting on this thread. Kinda therapy for a bunch of us to learn new things, how to go about changing it all for ourselves :)
 
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