Hello Everyone - Minimalism in My Future?

[Caireann]

Maybe we get what we need, even if don't yet know we're ready? The economic downturn turned everything upside and inside out, so I set off in a different direction than what I'd planned. Now I'm a program manager for a large health food chain and just bought an Airstream. I purged soooo much stuff last month, but the Airstream is serving as my temporary storage as I gradually consign and sell what was too valuable to donate. Some stuff is just perplexing. I'm still anxious about the move and I'm living with a very loving and kind OCD friend that can't sit still (and be quiet) for a moment and is helping me exercise all of my patience muscles.   

The Airstream is awesome and only needs some creative painting on the inside to get rid of the 1979 feel - it spent 20 years in a garage and the guy I bought it from updated the plumbing and vents/fans/ac and everything is in great condition - I mean everything. I have no idea how the thing operates and am reading the manual that came with it - OMG I am sooo not a mechanic! I'm seeing painted clouds and flying birds on my new curved ceiling, okay so I digress. So, maybe I'll make it into the Airstream soon and start saving money because I won't be paying rent - although less than what I was paying for an apartment.

Here's the deal ... after losing a newly financed start-up at the downturn and finally getting my financial feet under me, I'm stable and saving for what I create next. I envision being a full-time artist and I'm truly a gypsy at heart and have known this since I was young, but I'm scared sh*tless of letting going go of the security of the job (and matching 401K that I turn every pay day into something more portable) EVEN though I was self employed for 20 years. It's amazing how fast fear can set in. I'm widowed and won't get coupled again unless it just flat the right thing to do (I like my own company), although still not certain about the concept, but can I do this alone?!? I just got good at getting my oil changed!  I think I'm going to need something smaller to travel in and keep the 31' Airstream as a base studio until I learn what I can do and what I can't. I like the van idea or a very small camper (thank you Dad for insisting I learn to back a trailer) - I need a warm bed, a stove, water, a cooler and my laptop and art supplies. Zip!

I could take early retirement this year, although the money wouldn't be great, but I'm feeling trapped in the job and fighting all of our cultural brainwashing. I need therapy!! LOL  Not really, but a good airing out at the very least, soooo.....  maybe if I find there are people I can connect with on this forum and then on the road I won't feel like a crazy person for wanting to stuff my two cats into a van so I can run away to parts unknown and watch the sun set without a deadline hanging over my head. South American was a consideration and I'd love a sailboat, but a knee injury left me doubting my ability to handle the rolling, plus I'm a good pet mom and can't put my older one through a quarantine or international travel - let alone boat travel, so hitting the road sounds like my best option ... I love driving and getting myself lost to see what I find. Isn't it just the best thing ever ... besides sipping a French press coffee or hot tea while you do?

Well, that's my story, but this is who I am ... I keep remembering the line ... getting what you want is easy, wanting what you get after that is another thing entirely. Hence, the "scared sh*tless" part. I have to make the limited resources count because there may not be a do-over.

I'll be reading and lurking from here on, but I wanted to say hi and let you know who it is sitting in the shadows with her calculator and road maps.

Best wishes and safe travels to all -
Caireann

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Caireann! Yes! You absolutely can do this. We all started out as newbies with lots of questions. There are plenty of women out on the road and no reason you can't be one of them. How fortunate that you have the time and means to plan.

You've found CRVL. Our membership will be more than happy to advise, encourage and enable when applicable.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

You sound like most of us! Trapped, scared, itchy feet, need options... Yup, welcome to the tribe

 

[Wabbit]

Hi Caireann, lot of info in that post! I think you'll do great. I also have someone that is graciously letting me work on my patience. Its a good exercise for me and I hope you view it similarly. Best of luck to you and your kitties!

 

[OutdoorFT]

Welcome!

Like you, I feel trapped in my job. They treat us like objects/numbers and not people. So when I let go, I wont be missing much. What can you expect froma govt job?

You are definitely not alone

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums    

Everyone needs a dream to start with.  From it bits and pieces can be extracted to make doable plans with. 
Having an Airstream as a "base" may work well for you, and the Van for day trips and long week end excursions
may be all you need to go worthy subject matter for your artistic endeavors.   A Van simply equipped could tow your Airstream from region to region and then be your satellite ship to go exploring with. 

I'd invite you to view my websites below for ideas and inspirations.  I too am looking at a small trailer to contain things I'd want to go on the road with, so the trailer would provide what the Van can't,  and stay behind safe and secure when I go exploring or touring in the Van.   Together they would provide a support system for being on the road indefinitely.

 

[rvpopeye]

Hey Caireann what's your game now can anybody play.........................
(Too much music stuck in my head and the littlest things will trigger internal playback.)

Welcome aboard the good ship CRVL and pleeeze post pics of that Airstream as you "get creative"!

Ask about anything you need to figure out and somebody will have the perfect answer.

 

[Caireann]

Hi Caireann, lot of info in that post! I think you'll do great. I also have someone that is graciously letting me work on my patience. Its a good exercise for me and I hope you view it similarly. Best of luck to you and your kitties!

Yeah, pets are like having children ... the Airstream is at a friend's house and I'm pretty certain being "home-bound" is her preferred level of comfort - she doesn't seem to have an issue with the freedom aspect of things. She has two pets and the young cat I have was a stray and as long as she'd fed, loved on a little, and with the new cat door - she's in heaven. So. I would feel okay leaving her behind for periods of time. Not so with my old Tomcat - he's spoiled, totally loveable and frets when I'm gone for too long - but he's 14 years old. When he's gone, then I'll be taking off!

 

[Caireann]

Hey Caireann what's your game now can anybody play.........................
(Too much music stuck in my head and the littlest things will trigger internal playback.)

Welcome aboard the good ship CRVL and pleeeze post pics of that Airstream as you "get creative"!

Ask about anything you need to figure out and somebody will have the perfect answer.

Okay, so now that tune is stuck in my head ... lol ... I will post pictures once I get it hoed out.

 

[Caireann]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums    

Everyone needs a dream to start with.  From it bits and pieces can be extracted to make doable plans with. 
Having an Airstream as a "base" may work well for you, and the Van for day trips and long week end excursions
may be all you need to go worthy subject matter for your artistic endeavors.   A Van simply equipped could tow your Airstream from region to region and then be your satellite ship to go exploring with. 

I'd invite you to view my websites below for ideas and inspirations.  I too am looking at a small trailer to contain things I'd want to go on the road with, so the trailer would provide what the Van can't,  and stay behind safe and secure when I go exploring or touring in the Van.   Together they would provide a support system for being on the road indefinitely.

Oh, I think I saw an article on the homesteading aspect and it was my original thought. I have options, so I just need to figure out the money, the logistics, and how to make 12 volt life work ... I'm really liking the suitcase solar because it seems really doable. Thanks again!