Going All In

[Khyron]

I currently rent a house with 2 old friends and my plan has been to hit the road with my new van in September and come home around xmas. &nbsp; I won't be paying rent or bills while I'm away and I figured that if the van lifestyle wasn't for me I could just pick up where I left off. &nbsp;Hedging my bets so to speak.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br />Well lately I've been thinking about going all in, selling my car, and moving out of the house.&nbsp; I got this idea since I've been reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. &nbsp;In chapter 2 he writes:<br /><br />

A long while ago, a great warrior faced a situation which made it necessary for him to make a decision which insured his success on the battlefield. He was about to send his armies against a powerful foe, whose men outnumbered his own. He loaded his soldiers into boats, sailed to the enemy's country, unloaded soldiers and equipment, then gave the order to burn the ships that had carried them. Addressing his men before the first battle, he said, "You see the boats going up in smoke. That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win! We now have no choice-we win-or we perish! They won. Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat. Only by so doing can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a BURNING DESIRE TO WIN, essential to success.<br /><br />Napoleon Hill. Think and Grow Rich (Kindle Locations 479-485).

<br /><br /><br /><br />These friends of mine I've known forever and I lived with them before I joined the Army in 2003. &nbsp;Well I got out last year and they were still there and rent is cheap so I moved back in. &nbsp;Well they destroyed the place while I was gone. &nbsp;I picked up some good cleaning habits in the Army so I got the place looking nice again, with no help from them. &nbsp;I currently am the only one who really cleans and I know if I take off in September and come back in December the place will be trashed again. &nbsp;Might just be time for me to leave.<br /><br />Man it's hard though. &nbsp;Kind of got the place the way I like it but I have to admit, I'm not happy in my home town anymore. &nbsp;I suppose I've been back in the Shire too long lol! &nbsp;Luckily I don't have too much stuff and I could keep it in my dad's basement. &nbsp; The only big thing I'd have to get rid of, that I don't want to get rid of, is my car. &nbsp;A 1996 Ford Probe GT that I LOVE! &nbsp;I bought her between Iraq deployments for cash and have been learning to wrench on her myself. &nbsp;Thing is I don't really have anyplace to keep it and if I'm fulltiming it would just be drain on my finances eventually anyway. &nbsp;Sigh. &nbsp;<br /><br />As far as leaving people behind? &nbsp;Would not be many. &nbsp;I'm closer to 40 now then 30 and most of my old friends have disappeared or we have nothing in common any more. &nbsp;I still some close family but it's not reason enough to stay in town. &nbsp;<br /><br />So this post is kinda disorganized. &nbsp;Anyone else just gone "All In"? &nbsp;I've read some stories here where that's happened. &nbsp;Just looking for some insight from others.

 

[madcap328]

We went "All In" a couple months ago. We had a similar option to keep one foot out of the pool, so to speak, but opted to jump in. <img src="../images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />We are loving our new life!! We are about to upgrade from our old RV to a new (to us) truck and trailer to be able to travel more freely. <br />What are your plans once you get out here?? Work? Play?<br />Enjoy the Adventure!!

 

[sl1966]

I say go all in since ya can't take it with ya anyways.&nbsp;<br /><br />Madcap: That's good to read about changing over to the truck/trailer combo. That's the setup I'm going with and have always kind of wondered if I should be going class c or van or some other single vehicle setup.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Khyron]

We went "All In" a couple months ago. We had a similar option to keep one foot out of the pool, so to speak, but opted to jump in. <img src="images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br />We are loving our new life!! We are about to upgrade from our old RV to a new (to us) truck and trailer to be able to travel more freely. <br />What are your plans once you get out here?? Work? Play?<br />Enjoy the Adventure!!

<br /><br />Hey madcap just started reading your blog today btw! &nbsp;Anyway play mostly, and I want to do it out west. &nbsp;I figure for extra money I can freelance computer repair, I've been an IT guy in one capacity or another for a long time. &nbsp;And who knows, maybe I'll pick up another contract job for a few months now and then. &nbsp;Without paying rent or bills I could save up money quick. &nbsp;<br /><br />

I say go all in since ya can't take it with ya anyways.&nbsp;

<br /><br />That's what I'm starting to think as well. &nbsp;Hell if I sell the car I could use that money for a nice solar setup and maybe even one of those super efficient Engel coolers. &nbsp;I love the car but I have to look at it for what it is. &nbsp;My commuter. &nbsp;That's what it excels at. &nbsp;Getting me to work and back and short trips in my area. &nbsp;If I end up full timing then it will have no purpose. &nbsp;I remembering listening to the Bruce Williams radio show where he said not to fall in love with something that won't love you back. &nbsp;Apparently that goes for cars and women&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />.<img src="images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

<span style="color: #3366ff;">Apparently that goes for cars and women<br /><strong><span style="color: #000000;">and men<br />and things, like cars or anything else you don't need. If your family has to fight over who has to throw it away if you die, then it means little.<br />Love is&nbsp;wonderful&nbsp;but it doesn't always last and it doesn't have to last. It can be very sufficating.<br /><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Lust is good. <br /></span>dragonfly</span></span></strong></span>

 

[lampliter]

Yeah; My '57 Ford panel truck that I traded for a 66 chevy P/U.<br />I've kicked my ass a thousand times for trading "Long Green"

 

[akrvbob]

Above everything else you need a vision for what you want your life to be. Once you have that, you have everything. My vision for my life is to live on public land in a vehicle. Period. if something contributes to the vision, it's good and I keep it, if it detracts, its bad and I gladly get rid of it. <br /><br />What's your vision for your life? Chances are it is still a little murky yet. But its starting to look like living in a vehicle is part of it. So boldly take a step toward the vision. Make it the best step you can with the greatest chance of success. Once you are in it the midst of it, and the vision starts to become clear, then you will probably have to make some changes, nothing wrong with that!! I've lived in three different vehicle so far and I am planning on changing again. <br /><br />When I read your post, what stands out to me is that the life you are living now is acceptable, but that's all. It certainly isn't your vision for the "good life." DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOUR BEST LIFE.<br /><br /> Here is my suggestion: buy a van, do a basic conversion on it and start living in it in the driveway and stealth parking around town. Take a few weekend trips in it. Find out if it is for you. If it feels right, take your trip in September. If that feels right, don't go home. GET A DREAM, AND LIVE IT! Bob

 

[owl]

Bob, what are you think of changing to?

 

[Khyron]

Above everything else you need a vision for what you want your life to be. Once you have that, you have everything. My vision for my life is to live on public land in a vehicle. Period. if something contributes to the vision, it's good and I keep it, if it detracts, its bad and I gladly get rid of it. <br /><br />What's your vision for your life? Chances are it is still a little murky yet. But its starting to look like living in a vehicle is part of it. So boldly take a step toward the vision. Make it the best step you can with the greatest chance of success. Once you are in it the midst of it, and the vision starts to become clear, then you will probably have to make some changes, nothing wrong with that!! I've lived in three different vehicle so far and I am planning on changing again. <br /><br />When I read your post, what stands out to me is that the life you are living now is acceptable, but that's all. It certainly isn't your vision for the "good life." DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOUR BEST LIFE.<br /><br /> Here is my suggestion: buy a van, do a basic conversion on it and start living in it in the driveway and stealth parking around town. Take a few weekend trips in it. Find out if it is for you. If it feels right, take your trip in September. If that feels right, don't go home. GET A DREAM, AND LIVE IT! Bob

<br /><br />Thanks Bob for the advice&nbsp;<img src="images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />! &nbsp;I actually got a van last month and have a thread going in the conversion process sub forum. &nbsp;It's a 2001 Dodge Conversion high top. &nbsp;I've already boondocked with it at a Walmart parking lot and in my own driveway to test out the new matress. &nbsp;THEN the heatwave hit so I haven't been sleeping in it. &nbsp;<br /><br />But yeah I really like it. &nbsp;My inner 10 year old loves it! &nbsp;The more I think about moving out of my house for good and selling my car the better it sounds. &nbsp;I'm sure it will be painful at first but as my old drill sergeant used to say "Pain is weakness leaving the body!". &nbsp;<br /><br />I still have my GI Bill to use just not sure what to do with it yet although when I figure it out I could save A LOT of money by going to school and living in a van. &nbsp;I've been reading a blog about a woman who was going to school living out of little 4 door sedan and I figure if she can do that, how hard could it be in a van? &nbsp;But who knows I may decide not to go back to school at all. &nbsp;<br /><br />Oh here's my car I'll be selling. &nbsp;I know its no muscle car but she's speedy and reliable for her age. &nbsp;This is from last fall as I was exploring Camp Wildcat, a little known Civil War battlefield north of London, KY.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Right now she's got an intermittent starting problem so I've got to get that locked down before I try to sell her. &nbsp;Hell I'll probably use these pics for the craigslist add&nbsp;<img src="images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />.<br /><br />

 

[Khyron]

I still remember her... I was a young dumb pup of 17 when we met.&nbsp;<br />Some nights I tear up from the memories... <br /><br /><img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content...ertone_Fiat_X19_For_Sale_Front_Red_resize.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><em>Fiat X1/9 Bertone</em>

<br /><br />Just had to say btw, sweet ride!

 

[akrvbob]

My poor old F150 4x4 pickup has been such a great vehicle!!! But she is near the end. I'm planning on replacing her this winter. I am undecided what I will switch to. By far the best all around choice is a high-top conversion van and that is what I am leaning toward. BUT, I love having a 4x4 pickup. I love driving further back into the back-country and camping all alone. Since I live in the converted cargo trailer, a pickup is okay as long has it has a high shell so I can take short trips in it without the trailer. In long run I may switch to a slide-in camper which gives me a lot more freedom than the trailer. it's a hard decision. <br /><br />I've started blogging, you can follow me at: http://cheaprvlivingblog.com/ Bob

 

[Khyron]

Well I forgot to write about this. &nbsp;Anyway I decided I'm going all in&nbsp;<img src="../images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />! Told my roommates Sunday night that August would be the last month I'd be paying rent and I'd be hitting the road the first week of September. &nbsp;<br /><br />I'm gonna sell everything, or most of it anyway. &nbsp;That includes the car, big screen hdtv(roomates already offered to buy it off me), loft bed, and other things. &nbsp;Whatever I want to keep I can store in my dad's or brother's basement. &nbsp;I really don't have that much stuff. &nbsp;I tried to keep things light while in the Army I lived in barracks and four different apartments. &nbsp;I've already been going through my hoarded stuff and throwing a lot of stuff away and donating other stuff to goodwill and books to the library. &nbsp;Feels good to jettison all that ballast. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Well so there it is. &nbsp;Big decision in my life for sure. &nbsp;Can not wait to hit the road!<br /><br />

 

[sl1966]

Congrats Khy!!! I went thru this last year and can tell you from personal experience that it feels friggin' great to lose all that stuff!<br /><br />