Hello from America's finest City!

[Dreighen]

Hey everyone, it's Dreighen! I live in San Diego, CA. I am starting a job on Monday and am faced with having to find a new place to live 2 weeks after my job starts. Suffice to say, I'm sick of not being in control of such a situation and living in a van literally and randomly popped up in my head.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>This was hours ago, and since then I've been fascinated with the idea, because the rent here is high, and I will be employed full time soon. So I'm thinking maybe in the next 6 months I'll change my lifestyle to living in a van that I convert.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A little about me: I've always been a nomad, even before I joined the Army back in 98-2002, since then I've lived in at least 15 different cities. I plan on staying in San diego though but would love to save money by doing it in a van.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The weather here is great for it, I have the beach and other areas to travel to while doing the van life. Anyhow, I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for such a valuable site!</div><div><br></div><div>-Dre</div>

 

[Guest]

Hi Dre, welcome to the group!<br>

 

[Dreighen]

Thanks! Glad to be here. It's so crazy, when I get attached to an idea, I become obsessed with it lol I've been doing research on this lifestyle ALL day. I wish there were documentaries on it, so I could learn even more.&nbsp;

 

[4x4tour]

Cool documentary, slightly more extreme...lol <br><br>http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/off_the_grid_life_on_the_mesa#.ThoGsQGh8xk.blogger<br><br>

 

[Guest]

Thanks! Glad to be here. It's so crazy, when I get attached to an idea, I become obsessed with it lol I've been doing research on this lifestyle ALL day. I wish there were documentaries on it, so I could learn even more.&nbsp;

<br><br>Wish I could tell you it gets better - I've been at it the better part of a few months. It started with the same thought you (why can't I live in a van?) had which I dismissed. And then it came back and I typed it into Google. Here I am. Now I have a notebook full of notes a portion of my house blocked off to the average size of a conversion van in which I've started moving belongings/ clothing/ necessities I want to keep with me . . . Heh.<br>

 

[Guest]

By the way there are quite a few You Tube videos - search living off the grid or living in a van<br>

 

[Dreighen]

4x4 I actually put into the search on here "documentary" and that one came up. I watched it about an hour ago <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Loved it. &nbsp;Maine was my favorite, when he started talking about being a patriot and how he would fight for his country all over again I actually teared up a bit.<div><br></div><div>Well good luck though Cherry! I am used to the nomadic life. I've been on Cali for a little over a year, brought only enough stuff to fit in a car/bedroom. Before here I was in wisconsin, then ohio, then dc, etc. So I don't have much to pack into the van once I get one. I live a simple life, only use what I need, easily entertained (give me a few documentaries and a good meal and I'm set)</div>

 

[stude53]

Welcome, Dreighen<br><br>I started out in Alex., Va too and worked in DC. Lived in MD, PA, OH, and now NC.<br><br>Bob<br>

 

[cyndi]

<P><FONT size=3>Welcome, Dre!&nbsp; I loved San Diego 25 years ago, it still had a small time feel and does, indeed, have near perfect weather!</FONT></P><P><FONT size=3>I hope you find SD more van-dweller friendly than others! From what&nbsp; hear, it's a tough city for the houseless.</FONT><BR><BR></P>

 

[sl1966]

Hi Dre. Good Luck!<div><br></div>

 

[Dreighen]

Thanks guys! @ Cyndi, it's funny what you don't notice, or are oblivious to, until your eyes are opened to things. Last night on the way to the store, I noticed several vans that I always see in certain parking lots that I believe now are van dwellers! There's one on the side parking lot at the grocery store that is always there haha. I also saw RVs n what not at the mosque around the corner from my place.&nbsp;

 

[Imladris]

Welcome Dreighen! This place is growing like weeds!

 

[Dreighen]

haha, that's a good thing. I just received more bad news on the life front today...I swear someone has cursed me...I'm so ready to do this, and get the hell off the grid..

 

[Vanimal]

Hello from Los Angeles! Sometimes when it rains it pours. We are here for you!

 

[Dreighen]

Thanks Vanimal, glad to find a community of good people!