Pictures of Great white

[VanFan]

The first night was pretty cool.

<br>Congratulations!<br>Vickie<br>

 

[Jim]

Very cool!&nbsp;

 

[Toyotaman0808]

Thats&nbsp;awesome.&nbsp;Interested&nbsp;to see your updates. I will be starting at the&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;of the year. Cant wait! I will be staying in my work parking lot also. Should work out good being the last time i stayed there i did not have a problem. This time i have time to get ready haha!

 

[She]

Oh very cool. Congrads on your 1st night!!

 

[WanderingRonin]

I haven't updated in a while so hello to all of you, my &nbsp;vehicle dwelling compatriots!<div>It's two weeks now living in the office parking lot.</div><div>The black curtains I bought from Wally are working really well. During the day or night, they cover the windows really tight.&nbsp;</div><div>As the weather gets cooler, it'll be interesting how I can keep warm. I began closing two windows last night. I figure I can go all the way down to just one window open and just have it open for air. I have two thick blankets ready to serve as well as a handmade Mexican blanket I bought from a bazaar.</div><div><br></div><div>It's been quite an experience so far. My nights are comfy and it is becoming routine. I forget to empty my toilet bottle though since it is mostly out of sight. Must empty it tonight...</div><div><br></div><div>Other than that, keeping clean is the next challenge.&nbsp;</div><div>For now, I am using a large Rubbermaid tub. Since I work late nights, I simply roll the whole tub into the company toilet, fill the bucket up with water, splash it down on my head with a cup (those large big gulp drinks will work or a small plastic pitcher from 99 cent stores). I sit in the large tub with a small plastic step stool so the water does not go all over the place. Still... the splashes gets the floor wet, but I end up cleaning the bathroom afterwards anyways. So it's sort of a good deal on both ends. Since we have a small company and don't have any cleaning services, of us usually does it. This time, it's me since I bathe every night, might as well mop the entire floor while I'm at it. (I lock the door, BTW).</div><div>On some days I only clean my hair, I take the small cup in with shampoo and lather up on the sink...&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>This is clearly going to be challenging in my small van if ever I have to do it there.</div><div><br></div><div>I have thus decided that I have now put myself on a waiting list for a larger vehicle to purchase with my current one as a trade-in if they will take it.</div><div><br></div><div>So now, I am looking for a larger vehicle.&nbsp;</div><div>Quite honestly, this stealth living is great. I am looking forward to getting a larger van so I can stand inside and actually do some living in it.&nbsp;</div><div>The stealth aspect appeals to me because I can work as late as I can and then just go to the parking lot and sleep... then office again tomorrow.</div><div><br></div><div>I am a late riser though so by the time I wake up, the lot is full of vehicles like they all appeared by magic!</div><div><br></div><div>I park in a corner usually so that my vehicle is out of the way. I never park to where I will be between two vehicles and I never park close to any walkways or things like that. I am a heavy snorer and I am worried I will be heard. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div><div>Other than that, things are well.&nbsp;</div><div>I move the vehicle every now and then (of course to run errands and buy food). I did let the office administration know that the van is mine (since there are other businesses in this office park) and that I DO WORK LATE NIGHTS.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It also helps that I bought this vehicle way in advance of actually living in it... people in the office complex are (if anyone even takes note) used to its presence by now nobody questions it being there.</div><div><br></div><div>So all is well. Toyotaman, good luck and stay warm when you move in!&nbsp;</div>

 

[cyndi]

<P>Glad to hear the adjustment has been smooth!</P>

 

[WanderingRonin]

Here's a picture of my pee jug. I bought it from Wally and it's an oil filter disposal unit. However, it's been converted to a good handy pee jug. It's got a wide mouth as you can see.&nbsp;<div>I use a few drops of any 99cent shampoo (I bought but did not like) with a 3 cups of water inside to keep it scented and fresh.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://rodwanderer.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-purpose-disposal.html" target="_blank">http://rodwanderer.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-purpose-disposal.html</a></div>

 

[Seraphim]

<P>Glad you're having fun! </P>

 

[Jim]

Nice to see things are going well!

 

[don89048]

Checked out your blog.&nbsp; You've got a great attitude &amp; it shows.&nbsp; You'll do well.<br><br>What do you do about food?&nbsp; I know young guys are prone to hitting McD, etc but it's not really good for you.&nbsp; And cooking your own will help you save a ton of money!<br><br>

 

[WanderingRonin]

Hello Don,<div>Thanks for the kind comments.</div><div>My food... let's see. I know I've been eating out more often (maybe out of the celebratory fact that I just freed $600 a month of my budget). But as far as food goes, I try to keep it simple when I dine "home".&nbsp;</div><div>Admittedly, I am not eating out of my van.</div><div>I still use the company ref to store my food.&nbsp;</div><div>For now, I am basically making croissant turkey ham and cheese sandwiches--subway style with all the veggies. I open tuna cans and eat that with rice I cook... fairly simple meals for now. I boil eggs on my small water heater (which I can do right here in my cubicle because boiling eggs does not produce any smell... people think you are just heating water for tea or hot cocoa--which I have almost everyday with a dose of rum.)</div><div>A few times a week, I have some ramen... -- the "upgraded" versions which cost about $1.50 to $2.00 each and supplement that with frozen vegetables and fish balls from the freezer.</div><div>I've reached a certain age where I feel I don't want to go to places like McD's anymore. (probably good healthwise, as you said.)</div><div>But I do it more because I want to uphold a certain lifestyle now that I am matured in my late 30's --when I go to a restaurant, I want to eat on a real plate with real metal spoons and forks. It helps me be motivated to earn a good living so that I can at least support my food habit. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div><div>But of course, when I go to have a burger, I go to the "real" burger joints in the city... the mom and pop outfits that serve their own unique burgers. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div>

 

[WanderingRonin]

I really want to go all out and actually prepare food in my vehicle. For now, it serves as a good sleeping and dressing room. I guess everyone's situation is unique. I mean, I pretty much have my cubicle walled off to the world so why not take advantage of it for now and stock my food in here...&nbsp;<div>To cheer me up, I always have a margarita almost everyday as well. I have one of those hand crank snow cone makers which shave ice into tiny flakes. So freeze some water, have the mix and the tequila and brown sugar, and you got a nightly treat. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp;</div>

 

[Dreighen]

Great progress story Ronin, you and others on this board keep me inspired. I just need a damn job...then I can too can start the transition.

 

[WanderingRonin]

It certainly is living day by day.<div>But I find that living like this makes me more aware of precious resources. We take the water for granted when it flows all the time. By being forced to pay attention to wherever I can get water from, I certainly appreciate it more now.</div><div>If anything, my water footprint is probably 1/10th of what it used to be when I was in my apartment. Nowadays, I conserve every last drop.</div><div><br></div><div>It's been a learning experience for me as well. When I first came onto this site, I haven't yet found a vehicle and haven't moved out of my apartment. The others who came ahead of me served as my inspiration to keep going as well. People like Blkjck, 4x4, Twokniveskatie, Taoseeker, of course, Bob himself have all been inspirations to my progress.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I think the key for me was to take it in small steps.</div><div>The van... moving in... I try not to make it as perfect as I can the first day out. I concentrated on what made me comfy at night. Like I said before, I have yet to cook in a park or outdoors like many others, but I figure that will fall into place without me forcing it, eventually.</div><div>With this piecemeal approach, the adjustment isn't as jarring or as stressful, I find.</div><div><br></div><div>Probably the biggest step was making the leap in the first place. But you know what? That first night without an apartment, I barely felt it at all because to be honest, I was too tired from moving a lot of things out and into my van that I just went right to sleep afterwards.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>After that, it was just a matter of making my sleeping life more and more comfy so I feel right at home. I honestly now feel there is no turning back for me. Sure, there are times I want a fixed house, but the bug has now bit me hard.</div><div><br></div><div>The hardest part probably is gonna be finding someone who shares this lifestyle. But I'm not worried. I figure eventually, when all is ready, she will show up.</div><div><br></div><div><img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif"><br></div>

 

[myvangoghs]

I can identify with much of what you are saying.&nbsp; I've been taking the process of selling off stuff and outfitting my van very slowly.&nbsp; It is taking some time to get my head around the idea of not having a building that is "my place" so it is as much a shift of paradigm as it is a shift in living arrangements.&nbsp; It's taking me a while, but I'll get there.&nbsp; Like you said, I'm not going to force anything here.&nbsp; I'm not moving in to my van to punish myself for something, I'm doing it to make some things possible that aren't possible right now.&nbsp; All in good time.<br>

 

[WanderingRonin]

Thanks for the kind message.<div>Yeah, all in good time indeed... <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">&nbsp;</div><div>My recent escapades are attending the last couple of conventions in my van. It is a cool thing knowing I no longer have to pack... and if there is something I forgot while up in the hotel room, I can always run down to my "home" and get it.</div><div>I end up pretty much treating hotel rooms now like I'm at home---bringing in my house slippers, one set of clothes each night... It's plenty of fun.&nbsp;</div><div>and yeah, the shower is an added treat.</div><div><br></div><div>I hear ya...</div><div>The idea of a "home base" is a strong one to get over.&nbsp;</div><div>I am finding that we've been conditioned to think that we cannot live without a fixed home. But now that I have traveled a little in my van, I pleasantly discover that having my home nearby at all times is a great assurance to me. Everything I need is never far wherever I am (including medicines, toiletries... etc.).</div><div><br></div><div>When I get up in the morning, I just dress up and go straight to work. Talk about a commute with zero miles. It's almost too good, actually as I am lacking in meaningful exercise now (my former apartment was walking distance and provided at least 15 minutes of uphill exercise in the mornings and afternoons).</div><div><br></div><div>I still want to get some land to make a real home in, but that's the future for me. right now, I'm all about saving for my next vehicle upgrade. After that, it's tiny homesteading time... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div><div>All in all, am very happy with my current setup. It's not perfect, but you know... what is, anyway. There's always advantages and disadvantages to everything.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[WanderingRonin]

So 2 months into this, I can say I am still good. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Nothing major happening and my transition has been rather smooth I have to say. Baths are a bit of a challenge since I set up mine in my office toilet and then clean up afterwards with a mop (also coincidentally cleaning up the toilet in the process). It's a bit of exercise so I don't mind.&nbsp;I get to go on normal showers maybe at least once a week through friends or the out of town convention trip (in which case I am in a hotel).<div><br><div>The van hasn't exactly gone far, either. Just up to Austin for a weekend and down to Corpus Christi for another weekend... No huge leaps.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Life keeps me fixed here so far in SA... Busy with work... family obligations and the like keep me here in town. So be it, then. But I reckon one of these days, all these things will fall into place and I will be able to cast off the moorings.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Reminds me of this great graphic novel I have been reading called "Age of Bronze". It is a well researched epic about the Trojan war. The Greeks have been assembling their armies but they are stuck going nowhere because things just keep popping up... In the end, they all disband after 2 years of waiting for things and then reorganize again on the 3rd year... I feel like that right now.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I am raring to go places but events and circumstances just keep me here for now. It's ok. I'll be off one day and it'll be a treat when it happens.</div><div>For now, I am still learning a lot about the mobile life.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>

 

[WanderingRonin]

Today, I was out and about doing various errands like doing laundry, etc...&nbsp;<div>But the major thing today was seeing a futon bed frame left near a dumpster. True to my scavenger self, I came right over and looked at the frame. It's in remarkably great shape so I decided to take the futon frame apart for my own van bed. I threw out the folding part and kept the wooden frame and the metal brackets. So we'll see now if I can fit it into the van... I'll send pics when it is done for sure! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div>

 

[myvangoghs]

Yay!&nbsp; Way to make use of the stuff available to you!&nbsp; I'm still trying to figure out how to hang things since my van doesn't have the cool thingamabobs yours does.&nbsp; I wish it did, you've got a great set up.&nbsp; Keep the faith.<br>

 

[WanderingRonin]

Thanks! I was just fortunate to have those old seatbelt brackets to use. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> I saw your build so far. It's looking really pro! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> I am sure something will suggest itself along the way as you build to your final version. One of my earliest ideas was buying one of those instant wardrobes that had the hanging frames that zipped up... but I later found a better solution presenting itself. With your Vinnie bare like that, I am sure some of those empty screw holes on the metal frame will come in handy for your future needs. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">