My conversion progress

[readergirl925]

<em><strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu<br /><br /></span></strong></em>My name is B, and this is my journey.<br /><br />So I'm still in the research stage on what kind of van I want, but I'm pretty sure I want a Chevy Express Cargo van, but I'll honestly take what I'll be able to afford once I have the money. &nbsp;I have some debts that I need to pay off first, unless a really good deal comes my way, (or I get the van for free) I'm going to pay off my debts first before getting a van and converting it.<br /><br />Steps for December 2012:&nbsp;<br />1. Make a larger then normal payment on my debt.<br />2. Put some money (even if it's just a dollar or two) away in my van fund.<br />3. Come up with a list of pros and cons that I can read when the conversion process gets tough, and I need a pick me up. (done!)<br /><br />Pro's to van dwelling:<br />1. I'll get to visit my brothers and their families and actually meet the nieces and nephews that I&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;met yet.<br />2.&nbsp;I'll get to learn new things while converting my van and afterwards when I'm traveling.<br />3. I'll be able to travel<br />4. I'll get to de-clutter my things<br />5. I love small spaces and while I live in a nice (and small) place it's too big! Even with all my stuff.<br />6. Wilderness+Hiking=love<br />7. I'll get to see friends that I haven't seen in a while.<br />8. I grew up by the ocean, I no longer live by the ocean. I miss the ocean.&nbsp;<br /><br />Con's<br />1. Money. &nbsp;Money will be tight unless I suddenly come into it before I leave. (very unlikely.)<br />2. I'm not a mechanic, if something goes wrong........<br />3. I've never done this, it's scary.<br /><br />I'll update when something changes!

 

[WanderlustVagabond]

i don't know what your van fund is but if ya'd like i can start checking out craigslist for ya and virtually kicking the tires. i've had some pretty good luck. i found my van for 800 onthere and quite a few more for under 1500<br /><br />

 

[HoboBerg]

Sounds like a good plan. First step was a rough for me as well but now I love the freedom! Keep us up to date!

 

[readergirl925]

Thank you all for the encouragement!&nbsp;I've been looking around on craigslist myself and am thinking I'll be able to get a van for anywhere between $800-$1200, those prices seem to be the most common in my city.&nbsp; I'm also looking around at the college's near me to see if they have any auto mechanic courses I could take, I'm also looking for a self defense class.

 

[Defuz]

My first post. Been very interested in getting and converting a van for weekends and unplanned wandering road trips w/ Mrs 'fuz. But now, back to the matter at hand....self defense. I'm a cop, and see the need for self defense. In fact, I've taught it. The single biggest and most important tips I can give are as follows:<br /><br />1) Keep your eyes open and see it coming. Don't go where or with who you know or feel you shouldn't.<br />2) Don't get blinsided by not understanding where you are and who you're with.<br />3) Avoid people and places that you know are bad.<br /><br />Numbers 1-3 sound very similar, because they're the same, and the single biggest factor. Most people I know who get attacked/victimized, somewhere along the line, made a dumb decision. Hanging out with the wrong people, getting too high/drunk/deep into a bad situation. The key is having the courage and wisdom to look out for yourself and be prepared to say, 'no'. Trust your gut, so to speak.<br /><br />4) Always look at your surroundings and observe those around you then act/leave accordingly... and early.<br />5) When idly driving down the road, or sitting in a hammock, or watching ducks on a pond.....whatever..... plan what you'd do in a given situation. As a cop I play that game all the time. It's called getting mentally prepared and ready to act when the moment comes instead of freeze.<br />6) When backed into a corner ..... fight like hell or play dead then run like hell as the situation demands.<br />7) Walk away. Don't get suckered in. <br /><br />I know, I know, not much about van life here, but just sayin' as you mentioned it....<img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" />

 

[highdesertranger]

well readergirl you have a well thought out plan, i think you will do fine.&nbsp; plus 1 on the auto class.&nbsp; a little&nbsp;knowledge goes a long way.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[readergirl925]

thank you for the self defense tips defuz.