My Plans Have Been Squashed! Time for Plan B

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investigator77

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">I had a great plan.&nbsp;My plan was to use money from a tax refund&nbsp;I was expecting, to pay cash for a travel trailer, park it in a lot for a year or two, and then if I like it, to pursue full-timing in a van or camper.&nbsp; Well I misunderstood the tax situation, and it turns out that I won't be getting a refund after all. The tax credit that I applied for is only used to reduce my taxable income at the end of the year. It's not a refundable credit :(<br>&nbsp;<br>Now I won't have that money coming in, so my plans have been squashed for now. But I'm not giving up the dream. I'm just trying to keep on learning about full-timing, and hopefully the day will come when I can afford to buy something. I'm trying to find seminars, or travel shows, to start learning about things, and I'll hit the library this week. Hopefully they'll have a "Camping for Dummies" section!&nbsp; <em>(note: I did find a Camping For Dummies book at Chapters online!&nbsp; I also found books about Boondocking, and Living In Your RV, so I ordered them and can't wait to get them)</em><br><br>I'm 54 and single, live on a fixed retirement income, and so have little savings (my income just covers my living expenses, so not a lot of money for extras).&nbsp; So now I&nbsp;can't afford to buy something for cash, and don't want to go into a lot of debt to buy something I'm not sure I'll enjoy.&nbsp; It's still my dream though, and I want to keep pursuing it.&nbsp; This is just a setback.&nbsp; Time for plan B.<br><br>One of the things that keeps me stuck, is the fear that I'll make a mistake and end up with nothing after a few years. What if I sell all my stuff and it doesn't work out?&nbsp; I'll have a steady income, as I receive pension benefits, and I know that this lifestyle actually saves a ton of money, but it's learning a whole new way of thinking about the future. I have health issues that require me to visit my doctor at least every 3 months, so I'd have to plan my travel accordingly.<br><br>I'm afraid that my daughter will think I've lost my mind if I decide to sell my condo! I think,&nbsp; how embarrassing for her to have to tell people that her mom lives in a RV. She was very supportive of me buying the trailer and parking it for the summer, but actually selling up and living in a camper? I'm not sure what she would think, so I have to give it a lot of thought before I would actually tell her I'm considering this lifestyle.<br></span>&nbsp;<br><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium;">Reading the posts on CheapRVLiving is really eye opening, and there are so many knowledgeable people on here. There is Suanne who travels in her Prius! She bathes, sleeps, eats, and uses the loo, all in that little space. How creative is that? I'm amazed at the wonderful women who chucked it all in and hit the road. They travel in caravans for safety. I just know that once I got immersed in the travel, that I would meet other women who are like me. Some meet up place to place, some travel together, and some never know where their next destination will be.<br><br>I know that it takes time to learn all the things we need to know to pursue this dream.&nbsp; Sometimes it seems overwhelming.&nbsp; I'm sort of a girly girl.&nbsp; I get my hair cut and colored every 4 weeks.&nbsp; I wear nail polish.&nbsp; I like fashion.&nbsp; I don't wear pink ruffles and silk, but I still like to look after myself.&nbsp; I don't know how to do engine repairs, fix leaks, or change a flat tire.&nbsp; I'm afraid of spiders and mice, although I've dealt with them in the past <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif">.&nbsp; <br><br>I'm sure most of the men on here would find me laughable.&nbsp; What makes me think that I can change my life so drastically and become a full-timer or even a boondocker?! LOL<br><br>Ladies, I need your support on this.&nbsp; All the fears, and the "what if's" keep cropping up in my head.&nbsp; I don't have a supportive friend to talk to.&nbsp; I need people to encourage me to follow my dream, and perhaps give me your tips on how to keep moving forward.&nbsp; Everyone is so helpful, so I'll look forward to getting your input. Thanks so much!<br></span>
 
Nancy,&nbsp; <br><br>What a heart-felt post.&nbsp; Please keep exploring this inner urge to live mobile.&nbsp; This forum&nbsp;is a good place to get lots of information and encouragement.&nbsp; <br><br>Here are some ideas that you may want to try to see if this lifestyle is a good fit for you.&nbsp; Set up a room in your condo and live only in that room as though it was your trailer.&nbsp; "Pretend" that everything else in your condo was gone, using only those appliances that you would use in a trailer.&nbsp; Be sure to use a port-a-potty too, if that's what you were expecting to use in a trailer.&nbsp; This may help you get the feel of living out of a small space.&nbsp; <br><br>Start downsizing now.&nbsp; I find it's not the big stuff like furniture that's hard to let go, but it's the knickknacks, jewelry, mementos, craft supplies, and all of the things I've saved because I might need them someday (kitchen items, clothes, camping gear, etc.).&nbsp; Take your time and take digital pictures of things that evoke good memories for you so that you don't lose that, scan photos, gift family and friends, sell on craigslist and ebay, donate to charity.&nbsp; <br><br>I don't know what your current vehicle is but, if you can make a comfortable bed in it, use it for short camping excursions.&nbsp; Also, if you hear of a gathering of vandwellers within driving distance, join them ... even if it means using a tent yourself.&nbsp; In my opinion, this is the best way to learn about this lifestyle.&nbsp; If you know of another vandweller or RV'er in&nbsp;your area, ask to meet for coffee.&nbsp; Pick their brain ... they'd probably be happy to show you how they've set up their home.<br><br>Finally, get connected with those online groups that are a good fit for you.&nbsp; There are lots, including this one.&nbsp;&nbsp; Try them and if they are a good fit, stay and participate.&nbsp; I also belong to the VanDwellers Yahoo Group, VanDwellers Facebook group, a women-only vanning Yahoo Group, and several others that I check-in with occasionally.&nbsp;&nbsp; I find the vandweller community both welcoming and eager to share their knowledge.<br><br>I hope this helps, and I hope to meet up with you on the road some day.<br><br>Happy travels, Suanne
 
Don't let this set back get you discouraged. If this is the right thing for you to do, it will work out, even if you can't see how. I went through a similar process looking for my van. Those I could afford needed too much work or weren't all wheel drive. I stopped looking, deciding if this was meant for me a van would find me. I kept thinking how silly that was... how in the world would a van find me?

Well, one did. Several months after I quit looking, I recieved an email from a guy that had owned a van I looked at, but didn't buy. He apparently still had my email address, and said he found the van I was looking for on Craigslist and included the link. It was exactly what I wanted, in great shape, not overly many miles, all wheel drive and for sale ata price I could afford - the seller was even on my side of town.

Also possibly helpful is a book I just finished reading, The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer It's about how our thoughts, he calls them our "inner roommate", can create so much of our suffering and lots of information on how to change that. He has a wonderful sense of humor and the book isn't long, so it's an easy read.

Hang in there!
 
Try a short trip, go camping for a week.&nbsp; See how you like it and what your needs are. I started off this way and realized that some things were necessary like a port o potty, and some weren't, like having a tv.&nbsp; Maybe a travel trailer might be too much, and a van would fit better for ya.&nbsp; Things have a way of working out for the best :)<br><br>I don't know how to do any mechanical work on my van. Yeah I can check the fluids, change a tire, simple stuff like that, but don't let that discourage you!&nbsp; I always get my oil changed, trans fluid flushed, and I had to buy a serpentine belt last week.&nbsp; Most people can't fix their own cars, so don't feel bad.&nbsp; That's what mechanics are for!&nbsp; Just make sure to save a little each month for vehicle maintenance .&nbsp; Hope things work out for ya <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br>&nbsp;
 
<strong>I want to say to quit being concerned about what other people think, but I won't. That concern held me back for years and the need to please loved ones, the same story. I will briefly relate my story. The people you care about and never dream will 'turn' on you, might someday. The person you didn't leave because they needed you, leaves or dies. You keep getting older and health starts to fail.&nbsp;</strong><br><br><strong>Sub lease your condo if permitted and take off for a year. You don't have to have the best of a van, camper or tent. If you have a car or truck now, you are always in danger thqat something will happen to it, no matter where you are. <br><br>You can always chuck it all in, write a blog about it as you muddle through and go home as a success as a strong woman who conquered her self doubts and came back strong. &nbsp;You may even be an example to other women who hold themselves back.</strong><br><br><strong>I'm 59 and have about a year left to close up family matters as long as sis stays sane and sober. No, I haven't become free yet but I keep planning and day dreaming for the day I will be. I will give myself a big going away party and go as long as I want to. If I don't like it or can't support myself on my art and crafts, then I will come back to Ohio and say, I tried and I took more chances than most people ever do in their lives.</strong><br><br><strong>I have been living by this quote I saw on facebook for a few months now and my health is better and the stomach aches are gone. "Its none of my business what someone else thinks or says about me."<br>Diane</strong>
 
Hi Nancy, <br><br>What I&nbsp;get from your post is that you need the money to buy an rv&nbsp; plus you're not sure if you would like it enough to do this for the rest of your life, right?<br><br>One way to save a fair amount&nbsp;is sharing an apartment/condo. After my father passed my mother and her sister moved together in a 2 bedroom apartment. They were both able to live comfortably on their Canadian Pension Plans. If you don't want someone with you all the time you can choose a room mate that is still working, so she would be out all day. There is all kinds of ways to find a room mate, it's wise to ask for references and to follow up. If you prefer there are agencies that match room mates. Having a room mate can be hell if you're not careful with who you choose to share your space/life with. In addition to check their references carefully, trust your gut feeling. Try to find&nbsp;someone that has the qualities that you&nbsp;prefer in a person, for instance I love kind people that have a backbone. Come to think of it, your room mate doesn't have to be an other girl. <br><br>After a while you probably would have enough saved up to buy your rv. So&nbsp;than you can start going away&nbsp;&nbsp;here and there and find out if you like this lifestyle. An added advantage is that there&nbsp;would be&nbsp;someone at the condo while you're gone.<br><br>If you decided that this life is for you you can rent the&nbsp;condo out (furnished) for the few years that you are on the road and when you have enough of it you move back home.<br><br>I was wondering if you ever drove with a trailer? Are you comfortable backing up with one? I've tried many times and for the life of me I can't handle it. This is why I much prefer a van with high top. An other reason for me to prefer a van over a trailer is the safety feeling I get from knowing that all I have to do is jump on the driver seat and drive away if all of a sudden I don't feel safe with my surroundings.<br><br>I wish you all the best, it won't be easy but if you want it bad enough....<br><br>Nicole
 
Ditto to what Nicole said. &nbsp;I forgot to add, I share my house with another woman and it has worked out well. No, its not easy sharing bath and kitchen. Both of us have lived alone for years and make lots of concessions to each other but we make it work and we are both more financially able to save money.<br><br>Both of us would love to be independent again but we are thankful that we are doing this. She had her house foreclose due to hospital bills, loss of 40,000 job. She had savings but even that wasn't enough for a few years of being sic. She lost her job and benefits before becoming sick with cancer.<br>You just never know what life is going to throw at you.<br><br><br>
 
Thank you all so much for your input and encouragement!<br><br>I was actually out today and met with a man who full times in a box truck. He was pretty rough around the edges, and don’t think he really understands what MY concerns are. He was a “his way or you’re an idiot” kind of guy. He had tons of knowledge, but it was all coming at me a little too fast. I think I’ll learn more easily on my own, with the help of the other ladies like yourselves. I did a bit of shopping after meeting him, and priced some items that I think I’ll need. Everything is so expensive!<p>I think I’ll do very well on the ladies groups on CheapRVLiving, and a Yahoo group I just joined. I would LOVE to come to Quartzite in January, but I don’t even have a tent! I’d like to buy one that attaches to the back of my Toyota Highlander, and sleep in the car with the seats folded forward. Arizona is a LONG drive from here, but oh what fun it would be to hang out with all of you experienced Van/Car/RVDwellers, full-timers, part-timers, and maybe some other “tourists” like myself, looking to explore the lifestyle.</p><p>I’m not giving up on my dream. When I’m determined, nothing will stand in my way. Now I just have to figure out how to camp in my vehicle, carry all my own supplies in and out of Quartzite, and do a reasonable job of it. I don’t even know how to put up a tent! It’s so much to learn, but I have 5 months to do it, right? LOL&nbsp;</p>
 
Hello!

I'm a girlie girl, too, but I've also camped for years in tents and now in RVs. I'm good except for the really big spiders, so you can do this! The fact that you are formulating Plan B instead of giving up tells me you are already a strong woman...maybe stronger than you give yourself credit?

Read and reread the advice from the women who have already replied. We are all here to support you however we can.

Also, I know zero about vehicles. I have AAA and do not hesitate to call them for flat tires or dead batteries--that's why I pay for their service.

Keep planning!
 
Hello again Nancy,<br><br>It sure sounds to me like you will be doing this, you don't give up easily young lady! Perseverance will get you there.<br><br>Over the years I learned a few ways to have what I wanted and needed at a better price and save more. You probably know all of this already, but just in case.<br><br>- The motto I live by: Take Care Of Your Pennies And The Dollars Will Take Care Of Themselves" It's easier for me to make a bunch of little decisions as I go along&nbsp;than dealing&nbsp;with an elaborate budget. <br><br>- A lot of what I have comes from yard sales, it's fun and you can find some amazing stuff at amazing prices. One word of warning: It's very tempting to buy an article just because it's so cheap even if you don't need it. So in those cases I tell myself 2 things:<br><br> 1)&nbsp;I&nbsp;didn't think I&nbsp; needed this particular item when I left the house so that must be because I don't need. <br>2) If I leave it there someone&nbsp;who really needs it&nbsp;can have&nbsp;it.<br><br>-&nbsp;It's unbelievable what you can find at resale stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Why pay full price when you can buy "gently" used. It's tempting to buy stuff you don't need there too.<br><br>- Ebay and Amazon are good places to find bargains but I&nbsp;always look at the shipping charges before I decide to buy, these charges can run pretty high sometimes.<br><br>- When I decided to buy something new...well first I do a little dance and then I look online before I go to the store. I used to think that everything was cheaper online but I found out that it's not true.&nbsp; I needed to buy a good floor steamer, the cheaper one&nbsp;I had was a joke, so I looked online and when I was about to "add to the cart" and close the deal I decided to call the dealer, to my surprise the same steamer was $50.00 cheaper at the store, plus I was saving on shipping&nbsp;cost. Bonus:&nbsp;I didn't have to wait to get my hands on it. <br><br>- Don't buy in Canada if you can help it, everything is pricier than in the US. You don't have to have everything you need in your car when you leave&nbsp;for the RTR, buy&nbsp;it on the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;I left Canada a long time ago, the extra sale tax had just been introduced. I think it was called GST or something like that, in any case&nbsp;it adds&nbsp;a lot onto the cost of&nbsp;a purchase so why not wait and shop along the way?&nbsp;As you know you are allowed to buy a few hundred dollars worth duty free.<br><br> - The credit cards charge an extra fee when you buy in an other currency. American credit cards can charge up to 5% or so. I think it's less in Canada but asked before you leave, same with debit cards. The exchange fees and transaction fees may vary from bank to bank. It's very wise to have 2 different credit cards when out of the country.&nbsp;Sometime the bank put a safety stop even if you notified them in advance that you were in an other country. Also&nbsp;your card might not be accepted for some reason. It easier and less stressful to have a second card than to try to fix the problem right there and then.<br><br>It's VERY EXPENSIVE to use a Canadian cell phone in the US, you can save a lot by using email or Skype.<br><br>I have so much satisfaction when I get the best possible price for what I need. It feels like little me beats the big guys. Sorry I'm rambling on.<br><br>I have to&nbsp;ask, I'm very intrigue by your user name, if you don't mind can you elaborate?<br><br>Take very good care of yourself Nancy.<br><br>Nicole
 
Hi Nicole and my_vantasy:<br><br>Thanks for all of the tips!<br><br>I'm already a Goodwill and Ebay shopper.&nbsp; I hate to pay retail for something, when I can get it cheaper somewhere else.<br><br>I definitely know that things are cheaper in the U.S. You also have far more variety than we have here.&nbsp; I would plan to buy things along the way, so it would keep the extra weight down while traveling.&nbsp; I'd start out light, and as I got closer to AZ I'd buy the heavier/bulkier things.&nbsp; I think if I was out of the country for more than 2 weeks I could bring back $750 duty free.&nbsp; The beauty of it is, everything would be used when I was returning to Canada, so I wouldn't even have to declare it.<br><br>I don't use credit cards so that's not an issue, but I'd make sure to check with my bank for what to do in case of any problems on the road.&nbsp; I use my debit card for everything, and haven't had any problems getting cash from a U.S. bank or Instant Teller machine in Michigan, as long as it shows the Interac sign.&nbsp; I've even gotten cash from bank machines in England and Italy!<br><br>I'm going to look into cancelling my home phone, and changing my cell phone plan to one that lets me call from anywhere in North America.&nbsp; I figure it will cost me about the same as I'm paying now for my land line, and cell phone together.<br><br>As for my nickname, I started blogging about all the big trials in the U.S. a few months ago, and the name of my blog was TrialChatter.&nbsp; So when I discovered my wanderlust again, I started blogging about other things.&nbsp; I didn't want to delete my blog and start over with a new one, as that seemed like too much work, but I really should start another one.&nbsp; The problem being that Thoughts From A Happy Place at Wordpress dot com, is already taken.&nbsp; I need a new name for my blog that reflects my new interests, but I'm not sure what to call it.&nbsp; Any ideas?
 
Some good advice here from the femme quarter Nancy, as these gals are pretty savvy, but don't discount the guys here either. I have found personally they are very patient with ladies like me who are newbies to the RV life, and their input has been invaluable! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">&nbsp;&nbsp;I had a&nbsp;longstanding dream&nbsp;for YEARS of&nbsp;longing to do the RV life, but didn't have the financing til recently. I too had kind of a fear of what if I sold everything and then it didn't work out. But I hated&nbsp;where I was living so much,&nbsp;that when&nbsp;then time and finances fell into place, I took the plunge. The&nbsp;move had a lot of unexpected twists, turns, and surprises,&nbsp;and has taken some getting used to, but I'm not sorry I did it, for both my son and myself. I love where we're at, in the mountains and&nbsp;high desert, and am learning to fly fish. I actually caught my first rainbow trout a couple weeks ago; a whopping 14 incher! So, whatever your desire it, hold it close to your heart and don't be afraid to face into the wind and go for it. Look at life as a great experiment and eventually you will realize your dream. I wish you all&nbsp;the best. Keep looking, searching, and dreaming. That's been half of the fun for me. <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
<span style="font-size: medium;">NOTE:&nbsp; To my blog followers, please note that I've changed my blog address to <a href="http://girlcamping.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://girlcamping.wordpress.com</a></span><br><br><br>Hi Scarlett:<br><br>I think the men on this site are awesome, and definitely appreciate the male perspective. I've&nbsp;gotten some great advice from&nbsp;some terrific guys&nbsp;already on specific topics or questions.&nbsp; I find that on a topic like this one (my dreams being squashed), that women are better "listeners".&nbsp; Men have a tendency to want to tell you how to fix things, and don't want to read paragraphs about my thoughts, fears, priorities, and financial issues.&nbsp; I felt that posting in the womens room, I could say what I was afraid of, or talk about my dreams, without fear of being judged by the guys.&nbsp; Not that I haven't read some very sensitive and insightful postings from men, but they were on a different topic.<br><br>Here's my experience so far.&nbsp; There's not a lot of RV/Vandweller type groups in Southern Ontario where I live.&nbsp; Most Canadians who can afford it, buy a motorhome or mobile home in Florida, or AZ and go there for the winters.&nbsp; There's not a lot of year round camping that goes on here, and we only have one tenth of the population that you have in the U.S., so that really narrows my choices.&nbsp; <br><br>I did connect with a man who lives in my area, and lives in his box truck.&nbsp; I met with him, hoping to pick his brain about where to start with learning to camp, maybe get some advice about where to buy things, and find out if there are other organizations or groups that he belongs to that would be suitable for me.&nbsp;I was quite enthused about meeting him, and learning more about resources, places to camp in my area, etc.&nbsp;When we met, he was almost a bully.&nbsp; I told him that my original plan was to buy a used travel trailer and have it in a park, to try out the camping lifestyle again after so many years.&nbsp; He told me that's <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> camping, and I might as well be living in a subdivision.&nbsp; When I mentioned (maybe 10 minutes after meeting him) that I'd like to learn to travel in my Toyota Highlander before buying a RV, he said "that's NOT going to work".&nbsp; I was stunned.&nbsp; I just met this guy and he's telling me already what will and won't work?&nbsp; <br><br>I asked him why he said that.&nbsp; He told me that as long as I don't commit to <strong>living</strong> in my truck, then it will never work.&nbsp; It was like he was implying that I'm never <strong>really</strong> going to be able to do it, unless I live by his rules and procedures,&nbsp;like I'm a tourist, or a stupid woman.&nbsp;I told him that I can't make that kind of a committment without planning.&nbsp; I own property, have a grown daughter, have health issues, etc.&nbsp; There's a lot of things to take into consideration before taking the plunge and becoming a full-timer.&nbsp; He proceeded to tell me about how much advice&nbsp;he reads on this web site that is wrong in his opinion.&nbsp; He reads people giving B.S. advice about things they know little about, blah, blah, blah.<br><br>I haven't camped in over 30 years!&nbsp; I wanted someone to listen to what I'm saying, and make suggestions, not make me feel like a 5 year old being reprimanded by her father.&nbsp; I couldn't wait to get away from this guy.&nbsp; I feel much more supported by the ladies in this group, because they've also faced the fear, the fear, and the fear!&nbsp; All the questions, and self-doubt; the fear of judgement by family and friends; the fear of being thought of as selfish, for pursuing your dreams; the fear of being lonely on the road; the safety concerns that we as women face on the road.&nbsp; I could go on, but you get the idea.<br><br>So that is why, for this one very personal topic, I posted in the Girls Room, and it was the right decision for me, because I have felt nothing but love, kindness, and generosity since my original post.&nbsp; These women are inspirations to me, and continue to hold out their hands to help me along the way.&nbsp; I have no family to speak of other than my daughter.&nbsp; My parents have been deceased for many years, my family all went their separate ways after my mom died, so I have no female support of any kind.&nbsp; These ladies, who are so brave, and independant, and fearless, are exactly the kind of people I need to help me on my new, second childhood.&nbsp; I'm making a new life for myself as a single woman at 54, and find that this is exactly where I want to be.
 
Nancy, you might not have female friends near you but you have many here. What would you think about taking the word dream out of your vocabulary and change it for the word GOAL.&nbsp; Seems to me that in the back of your mind you'd like to go to the winter RTR, so make that your goal. I can't think of a better maiden trip, can you? I love this video, it might give you ideas.<br><div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375745857676_2130"><a id="yui_3_7_2_1_1375745857676_2129" href="" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><br><br>What do you think?<br><br><br><br></div>
 
HI Sox:<br><br>What a great invention!&nbsp; I love how everything is organized and has it's space.&nbsp; Gives me some great ideas as to how to set up a Highlander 'RV'.&nbsp; Have you ever seen anything like the unit shown, here in North America?&nbsp; You've given me another option to consider, that's for sure.<br><br>I definitely know that I've found my friends on this forum.&nbsp; You all keep inspiring me, and urging me to make my dream (now my GOAL) come true.&nbsp; I'll continue researching and trying to find a way to make that goal a reality.&nbsp; You're right.&nbsp; I would love to attend the RTR in January, and meet all of you inspirational ladies, as well as all of the extremely helpful men that have offered their advice and wisdom.<br><br>Thank you so much!
 
Hi nancy. I am new here and am not yet travelling. I live in sw michigan. I would love to attend the winter rtr. I don't know yet whether I can get away or not. And... we are strangers. My daughter thinks it is a terrible idea of going out west to meet a bunch of virtual strangers. When did she become the parent?. Sorry I interrupted my thought. If I can go why not think of going together? We have some time to get to know each other before we would have to commit to the idea. I am 55 and am married. We still have 7 kids at home and a new grandbaby so it will be at least a few years till we can begin our big adventure. But...no reason we can't have some shorter ones. Anyway... just a thought. Fyi my husband would have to stay home with the kids. Nice to have you here. Nora (jaxtonsgram)
 
Hi Nora:<br><br>I love Michigan.&nbsp; I used to travel a couple of times a year, to Ann Arbor, Coldwater, Ypsilanti, Lansing, and Jackson.&nbsp; I haven't been for over a year now.<br><br>Tell your daughter that you may be new here, but by the time the RTR rolls around, you'll be very familiar with people who are going.&nbsp; It doesn't seem to take much time to establish connections on here.&nbsp; I would think she would enjoy your independant spirit, and sense of adventure.&nbsp; <br><br>I have been furiously researching the past two days, on how to convert my Highlander into an RV.&nbsp; I have lists, prices, and some great ideas from other peoples posts, blogs, and the internet.&nbsp; I'm thinking about buying a tent that fits onto the back of my vehicle, so I could sleep inside the car, and have all the extra room of the tent to put my gear, my chair, and just hang out at the RTR.<br><br>Do you have any camping gear yet?<br><br>What a nice thing to do, offering to get together like that! We'd have to work out the logistics, but it would be fun to meet and get to know each other. You can private message me, and I'll give you my home email address. Sounds like we could both help each other to get started on our new lifestyle <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"><br><br><br>Nancy
 
Hi Nancy,<br><br>I'm glad you found the video inspiring.&nbsp;I don't think there is such a set up for sale in&nbsp;North America.&nbsp;I really like the concept&nbsp;of having a "basement" under the bed but&nbsp;the&nbsp;box&nbsp;in the&nbsp;video&nbsp;doesn't leave enough room&nbsp;above the bed, I would feel claustrophobic I think. Mind you European cars are lower than our&nbsp;SUVs.&nbsp;The concept&nbsp;of storage&nbsp;under the bed in an&nbsp;SUV can be done&nbsp;just like a full size van I suppose. It could even be done without much construction&nbsp;with the help of milk crates.&nbsp;They&nbsp;could be &nbsp;placed on their sides&nbsp;creating&nbsp;accessible storage from the back and side doors&nbsp;with a plywood&nbsp;and foam on top. The gaps left between the crates could be use to store bigger/longer items like a lawn chair. <br><br>I'm not sure I would feel comfortable&nbsp;staying over night at a Walmart with a tent/SUV set up.&nbsp;I would much prefer to be more discreet and&nbsp;stealth but that's just me. You'll figure out what works for you.<br><br>I'm so proud of my brother and his wife, they are leaving for a 3 week trip in a few days, they are planning on living on their Scion XB the whole time. <br><br>Have fun,<br><br>Nicole<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>
 
HI Nicole:<br><br>I won't be using the tent when I'm staying at Walmart parking lots.&nbsp; Just sleeping in a bed in the back of my Highlander.&nbsp; There's lots of room inside for my gear, and to sleep.&nbsp; The tent would be for when I get to Quartzite, AZ, and the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous.&nbsp; I'd be set up there for 2 weeks, so thought I could use the extra room the tent would give me to store my extra water and supplies.&nbsp; I'll still probably sleep in my SUV, because the tent attaches to the vehicle with the back door up, leaving me access to the entire space.<br><br>Nancy
 
One thing I have learned is that if a man can do it, so can I.

You wrote that your original plan was to get an RV, park it somewhere and see if you like it. What were you going to do with your condo during that year or so? Rent it out? If your income barely meets your expenses (like so many others!), how were you going to pay park site rental and still keep the condo? Since you're on to Plan B, you could save that money!

The most difficult part of all of this is the fear, that's for sure! But my experience has been that of all the things I was afraid of, few happened and it all works out. If you can deal with a sticks and bricks, you can deal with mobile living. There's nothing magical about it. It's just different.

Best wishes and everything will work out! I promise!

 

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