Hi Totally New Here and Scared

[LERCA]

Hi everyone,
I hope I am not going against forum etiquette here or whining or complaining. I am in a bad situation and will be living in my CRV. I am waiting for the seats to be removed and a floor put down. That's all I can afford right now. I didn't think I'd end up like this and I'm feeling a bit down and of course as a single woman, nervous. I've been watching Bob's and others videos for about a year and that has helped a lot. I saw there are meetups in Nevada because it would be really nice to make some friends and travel with at least a couple of other people. The only problem is I'm in California and there don't seem to be many people here. I am a cancer survivor (two years) and I get food stamps and my doctors are here I can't be out of state long term. Not sure what to do. 
Anyway, nice to meet you all and I hope to learn more on the forums. One huge question is how to I get internet access on the road? I am living on $656. a month and can't afford more than my $58. monthly Verizon bill. Sorry if this question belongs elsewhere.
I already feel less alone reading the forums. 
Blessings,
Lisa

 

[SheketEchad]

Welcome, Lerca. Verizon is really one of the best providers from my experience. If you can use your current phone as a hotspot, depending on your plan, you should be fine on the road.

If not, check the threads for Visible, also by Verizon, which is unlimited text, talk and streaming for 40.00 a month and a 19.00 phone to use as a hotspot.

I hope it all works out well for you!

 

[LERCA]

Thank you. I will go to Verizon tomorrow and ask about all this. I wonder why I'm paying so much but I'll check it out!

 

[SheketEchad]

I may be wrong, but I believe Visible is only available via the Visible website: https://www.visible.com/

The deal is not found in Verizon stores I don't think.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Lisa! Are you close enough to Nevada to join a caravan for a week or so? The current meetups will be breaking camp on the 14th but there will be another location posted for the next two weeks. Caravans are a wonderful way to learn about vehicle living, get support, and make friends.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[ckelly78z]

Welcome to the forum, hopefully finding the RV life will change your direction in life, and meet some good folks who can help you be successful in your new endeavor. Change is always scary, but usually worth it !

 

[Cajunwolf]

Hello Lerca,

Welcome, I'm new too. Try not to think about your situation as bad; it's not bad if you put it into perspective. You have nothing to be ashamed of; instead, the opposite is true; hold your head up and be proud of yourself, you're living in a CRV for goodness sake! How many people do know, or have known in your life, who could do that when the excrement hits the fan? Most melt down into a puddle, whimpering helplessness waiting for others to pick them up. Not Lerca, you beat cancer, life gave you another chance, you're going for it, Kudos! You should be thrilled, not scared; an adventure awaits, onward!

 

[user 2252]

Welcome Lisa, don't be scared, you are already in.

 

[LERCA]

Thank you for all the kind, kind replies and the support.  My life suddenly went insane.I know a lot of people have been through a lot in their lives (in the last 9 years I was in a freak accident in the dog park that left me 3 years on crutches, 6 years in physical therapy and a 7 hour surgery, a woman totaled my new parked car, I lost my job and my life savings, got ovarian cancer and ten months ago the house I was living in burned down and I lost one of my two dogs-ruined my lungs trying to save her, lost everything in the world I owned even my purse! a month ago I had to put down my other dog who was my heart and soul etc etc etc) 

So I know you all understand and I am trying hard to keep strong. I was living with a physically and verbally abusive family member who told me to leave and as scared as I am I feel this might be for the best. I've always wanted to see the country so now is my chance. Part of me feels excited and happy about this. 

I looked into Visible and Verizon is their parent company. We decided for an extra $5. to try and double what I have now. Money is very tight and that's the cheaper way to go for the moment. If it doesn't work for sure I'll get the personal hotspot. 

I'm still working on getting the car ready so I won't make it this time to Nevada. I will be checking the forums and the meetups for upcoming events. Oddly I'm an introvert but it seems like many people here are yet they still enjoy the company of others, that's me. So I hope to meet some new people too. Thank you all again for the kind words, advice and support. It means more than you know. 
Many blessings,
Lisa

 

[Cajunwolf]

The only problem I saw with Visible was a 5mbps cap on the hotspot, which is a non-starter for me. I'm looking at net buddy myself, and they use AT&T as their backbone, whereas Visible uses Verizon. Netbuddy can give me an unlimited hotspot for $65. AT&T can do a 15GB HS for $85. Thoughts?

 

[bullfrog]

We ended up with Verizon as in many of the areas we were in it was the only one with connection.

 

[Cajunwolf]

Did you find anyone using NetBuddy? Just curious.

 

[travelaround]

Welcome Lisa. Hope to meet you someday. What is a CRV? I've never been to Mexico and wonder if you think a trip to Baja would be safe.

 

[LERCA]

Hi TravelAround,
Would love to meet you too! Am getting started on my car this week or next. A CRV is a small Honda SUV. You can see a lot of them around. Since I’m not tall if I pull out everything but the driver’s seat I’m thinking it should be plenty of room for me.
Lots of people drive to Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada. But in Mexico if you have a car accident you go to jail unless you have the money for a bribe which I don’t. I have so little money and I’ve been through so much with my health it makes me very cautious about driving in Mexico. As part of a large mixed gender caravan I’d do it but alone or just a couple of people I’d be afraid. That’s me. I’m sure many will disagree. You could probably get a nice sized group together to make the trip.

 

[BuckleBrown]

Howdy LERCA!

I think a tie that binds most of us is our "fear".  I look forward to when I can reflect back and say "it wasn't so bad!" Our minds can certainly conjure the most terrible monsters. We will overcome.

Are you aware of the HOWA site? I don't know how it works entirely but I believe their mission is to help in these kinds of situations.

https://homesonwheelsalliance.org

Maybe you can reach out and see whats going on over there.

Wish you the best.

 

[Cajunwolf]

@BuckleBrown

I think a tie that binds most of us is our "fear".  I look forward to when I can reflect back and say "it wasn't so bad!" Our minds can certainly conjure the most terrible monsters. We will overcome.

:thumbsup: 


@LERCA
I live down here near the border; in Houston, we affectionately call it "Little Monteray." You do not want to go into Mexico right now, seriously, to say it's not safe is an understatement. The drug cartels control most areas along the border. The folks I live with at this cheap apartment complex are all Mexican families, my friends, I tutored their kids, and they used to travel back and forth to Mexico monthly. Not anymore. They will be the first to warn you to stay away from the border and Mexico right now. That being said, if you want some seriously good Mexican food, "Tex-Mex," this would be the place, oh my! And Houston is a reasonably cheap place to live, "very warm" climate, too hot for me, but you only get maybe a week or two of cold weather a year, if you want to call the upper 30s to low 40s cold weather, chuckle. My rent, electric, water, gas, trash, was $702.56 this month for an 800 sq ft 2-bedroom downstairs. It's a dump, but a cheap dump. I'll not waste my dollar on vanity.

 

[Jadvisioness]

Lisa, I am also in CA, down in the San Diego area. As of yet, I don't have a vehicle but I'm trying to find one.
Feel free to contact me if you are in the area, maybe we can help each other out.
JAD

 

[Jadvisioness]

Thank you for all the kind, kind replies and the support.  My life suddenly went insane.I know a lot of people have been through a lot in their lives (in the last 9 years I was in a freak accident in the dog park that left me 3 years on crutches, 6 years in physical therapy and a 7 hour surgery, a woman totaled my new parked car, I lost my job and my life savings, got ovarian cancer and ten months ago the house I was living in burned down and I lost one of my two dogs-ruined my lungs trying to save her, lost everything in the world I owned even my purse! a month ago I had to put down my other dog who was my heart and soul etc etc etc) *SNIP*

Jimminy Christmas!! You have so very much to be proud and strong about given all the stuff you've had to go through. /huggs /support /comfort /understanding! Just take care of yourself - that is NOT being selfish - and remember to BREATHE!

I too am an introvert, so welcome to "the party" /chuckle
JAD

 

[LERCA]

I have been reading the HOWA site. It has greatly reduced my anxiety. In fact it’s the one thing that kinda makes me feel excited.
Have friends who moved to Austin and had never thought of Texas but it’s now on top of my list! Never had Tex Mex food but grew up and live a couple of hours from the Mexican border and love, love, love Mexican food. Glad others can vouch for my warnings about Mexico. I wouldn’t want to hear of anyone getting hurt.
Jad, that sounds wonderful. Monday I’m taking my car to the body shop to start work. I’m not going to do this half way. It’s just a CRV but it’s my car and I’ve taken care of it and it’s not yet three years old with 21,000 miles on it. I’m 5’3” and I don’t own a lot so it’s enough room for me. Only complaint is I’d like a shower but I’ll start with this. Would love to meet up as we both get closer to our goal. Or before. Would be fantastic to have a friend who is in the same situation I am.