Sharing

[Hupomone]

Hey everyone
I just want to say that I have never been on a forum before and if I offend anyone with my comments, I can assure you it's not intentional. I'm a really passive person.
Good grief, it's just been recently that I've started learning to navigate a computer. I guess I am one who really has been living under a rock.

A series of unfortunate events over the last 10 years has put me in a reclusive state of mind and being. I (think?) I'm ready now to get on with my life. There is a line in the Shawshank Redemption movie that comes to mind ,which is, "get busy living or get busy dying" Getting busy living is on my mind!

I came to Cheaprvliving.com by accident, (I didn't know what I was doing in the first place on the computer)and something inside of me just new that this was the way I wanted to live. So, for about 2yrs now I've been trying to be brave enough to step outside of my comfort zone. Last week, I finally took that step and have now been living out of my truck for 1 week.

This is hard  stuff you guys! But I am determined to give this all I've got, and then some. I'm no quitter!

My first week went like this, 1. poured sheets of rain for days and everything got soaked 2. Locked keys, purse, phone in truck when I went to the bathroom while pouring rain at 4:30am. Had to walk 1/4 mile to a store in my jammers and flip flops to call police to unlock my truck 3.Numerous other things not to go into right now.

I love love love people, especially the elderly and little children. It's the exuberance  of little ones that keep me feeling youthful and the wisdom of the elders that keeps my mind in check by challenging me with their years of knowledge. I will fight to the death for anyone of these little ones or elders.  Anyone harming someone as vulnerable as these had better watch out if I'm around.

I am working, and have been, for a couple in there 80's that are stroke victims for the last 5 1/2 yrs. I have worked in hospice care for many years in the past and have never found a more rewarding line of work since. Hard on the heart, but rewarding. I am also a neuromuscular massage therapist, although I have not practiced since I graduated.( another long story )

Anyway...., my plan is to work here for a few more weeks and then head out to the RTR. I hope to meet some of you there and get some ideas about this new lifestyle I'm undertaking because I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

I'm scared you guys, really scared! I am sort of shy, my confidence is as low as it can go, and I don't do well around large groups.  I am looking forward to watching and learning from the pro's. Please be patient with me while I get adjusted to all this newness.

That's it ! Thought I would do some sharing. Don't know why, but there it is. Blessings to All !!!

 

[Silver]

“This is hard stuff”
I found out the hard way that a wind breaker &
Gym pants R not enough warmth for the early morning hrs
Even in Cali. I put my dress shirt over my legs for added warmth
While I rested in my van.
I’v always dreamed about traveling around & over niting
In inexpensive places. Even lots women R doing this now.

“Locked keys, purse, phone in truck”
When are you getting a 2 nd pair of keys?
When I’m in a safe area I usually roll down my windows
1-3”

 

[TMG51]

There is a line in the Shawshank Redemption movie that comes to mind ,which is, "get busy living or get busy dying"

There's a user here with that quote for a signature. It's representative of this life, for sure.

You've made it to the right place, accidentally or not; this is the best resource I've found for advice on the mobile life.

 

[lterry]

Thank you SO much for sharing. I really hope everything goes well for you. So many great people are going to RTR, I'm so jealous!

 

[lpavelchak0204]

Ha Ha Ha... I've been there. I've locked my keys in my car at least two times a year for decades now. I typically did this with the car running. This resulted in my last two cars being idiot proof; they have combination locks on the drivers door.

I'm in Florida as well ~ down in Gator Country by UF.

I wish I was going to RTR but it won't be possible this year.

I love oldsters too!

Lynne

 

[B and C]

I'm scared you guys, really scared! I am sort of shy, my confidence is as low as it can go, and I don't do well around large groups.  I am looking forward to watching and learning from the pro's. Please be patient with me while I get adjusted to all this newness.

I am pretty shy too but was able to connect with a couple of people.  Just be yourself and you will be OK.  Everyone I came in contact with was very personable.  Hang around the campfire at night and attend the seminars during the day should get you plenty of opportunities to interact with (oh God!) strangers 

 

[GotSmart]

if I offend anyone with my comments,

Then they will just have to get over it.  (I did!)

Bob makes sure that nobody gets mean on here.  I have seen some spirited discussions, but few are offended enough to leave. 

Most of us have been there (That reminds me to set up the hide a key again!) and completely understand.  You will make some great friends at RTR.  The gals tend to push the guys aside, and have a ball.  What they do is a mystery to me, as it should be. 

The guys let them as they have their own things to do. Usually getting greasy, or watching someone else get greasy and make comments.  

Friends will be made, food will be shared, stories told and lots of helpful hints.    

If you need help, there will be plenty of people willing to help.  Last year my van had motor trouble, and the tribe was great about help.  This year I hope to be able to pass the favor along. 

Being shy is OK, just do not throw rocks or people will think you do not like them.  

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Glad you shared
It's not easy at first and surely can be scary, but things improve in a short time.
You'll find most of this bunch even friendlier at RTR. The casual atmosphere and security of the group has a tendency to draw many people out of their shyness.

One of two things will happen.
1). You fall in love with this lifestyle and continue.
Or
2). You find this isn't for you and go back to maintaining a stationary location.

Wishing you the best and looking to see ya out here in Q.

 

[BobBski]

Wishing you all the best.

 

[ryegal]

welcome what a great place  I am so glad you are coming to the RTR This will be my first time and I am so excited. I will look forward to meeting you and think we will get to meet all these wonderful people. welcome

 

[Iggy]

If I can do it, so can you! I'm social in spurts and reclusive in bunches, so I almost didn't go to the RTR last year. Didn't know I was going until I found myself heading east from San Diego and just kept trucking on! I discovered that others there were even more shy than me and hit it off with several folks. Just show up and talk to the ones closest to you, where you park, where you sit in seminars, and at campfires. You likely won't click with every person but will with most. If you feel overwhelmed, do like I did. Go hiking in the desert and hills around the campsite, or run into town for awhile (to shower, eat out, go to the library, or wander the many flea markets.
No one will get upset if you need to disengage for a bit. But don't do it so much that you miss out on fun and learning with the group. Good luck and I'll see you there! I'll be the one in a white van.

 

[buckwilk]

Well, from your post I have no doubt you're going to fit right in. New situations make everyone a little nervous. My money says that after about two days you're going to feel like an old hand. You have plenty to offer this group and trust me, they will love you for it. The positive responses to your post are just the tip of the iceberg, plenty of good energy going around at the RTR.

 

[missnout]

:angel: Loved your post, it would be a blessing to meet with you

 

[Patrick46]

I'd just like to say, "Bless You"!!!

My mother did hospice care for quite a while, and I did 'Meals on Wheels' for acouple years myself...and I've learned that hospice is a Brutal but Loving job, that I'm not so sure I could handle. You have to be a very strong person inside to be able to let these folks move on.

My Mom loved the folks she was assigned to care for, (she's a very warm hearted person), but had a hard time with losing them after developing a closeness to 'em. I had a few wonderful old gals who passed during my MOW's days, and it bums me to this day that they're gone now.

You say that you're a shy person with low self confidence.

...well I've never met you, and I can say for sure that you MUST have ALOT of inner strength to be able to do hospice care. Maybe you just didn't realize just how much you've got!!


Welcome to the forum Hupomone!!! (can you tell us what this name means??)

You autta fit in just fine with this lot.
We've got a wonderful group of like minded traveling folks on here, from just about every sector you could imagine.

No need to be shy, as we've all been there, and done that!

(btw...you might just wanna zip-tie a key under your back bumper!! If you get stuck outside again...simply reach under there, find the key, give it a good twist to break the zip-tie...and you're IN!!)

Hello from the Oregon Coast!!

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome from another shy gal who will be going to the RTR for the first time, as well. You can do it!!

 

[Canine]

Welcome.Most of us here are rather shy and retiring.I have never understood the assertion "If I can do it,You,He,She,Anyone can do it".

 

[Hupomone]

Thankyou ALL for your overwhelming show of support for me !!!

I was asked what "Hupomone" meant and it is from the Greek language, meaning; to have patience, endurance and to persevere.

I realize you guys don't know me, but if you new what my life has been like for the last 8-10 years, you would understand why I use the name " Hupomone " and why it fits so well for me.

When I wrote the "sharing" post the idea was to let you all know a little bit about me and to get a feel for you guys as well. There hasn't been any "sharing" of anything personal from me to anyone in a long time. Although I have asked a couple of questions and made a remark or two on this forum in the last few weeks, I wanted to delve a little deeper into who I Am, Was, Will be, and say that I'm just " a regular girl person ", looking for others that will except me for me. I am Not invisible !

There is this series of books that I have read, where the main character tells the Shaman, "Sometimes it's easier to talk to a complete stranger and pour your heart out to them instead of someone you know, because the stranger doesn't have any pre-judgements about you"

Right now, in this moment in time, that's how I feel about you guys on this forum. Even if I never meet you at all.

I'm learning all over again that just maybe.....there's kindness and goodness still out there after all.

Thankyou again for your kindness !!!

 

[buckwilk]

When you get hurt, in any way, it makes you cautious about the next time. When someone close to you hurts you it's a hundred times worse. We all have had our share of pain, sometimes I think it's why a lot of us are in this life or want to be. Being around people like the folks here can be like therapy, ( without the cost ). Khalil Gibran said " Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."

 

[nobodyG17]

Best of luck on your journey!

Adversity breaks you, forges your resolve, or somewhere in between.   It's what you do after you have gotten over it that tells what type of person you are.

One of the reasons I love traveling is that most interactions you have are new and the past does not matter.  You might be shy now but on the road you can be anything you want.  My feeling on it is be the person that you want to be and makes you happy.  I wasted a lot of my younger and formative years being shy and introverted.  I mostly got over that after a lot of hard work but find that I like to mostly be by myself but really enjoy meeting people who share my love exploring and  trying new things.

There are tons of great people out there and you do not need to be afraid to open up to people.  You do need to always be cautious though as humans are selfish people.  Just don't let it stop you from seeing the good, and experiencing things you would miss if you stay afraid of opening up.

Sorry for the disjointed rambling.  Just wanted to offer support as you seem very sincere.

 

[sassypickins]

I look forward to meeting you at RTR, Hupomone. I'll be at a white hi-top Ford E350 van with upper windows and a flying kite.

I am very sure there is infinite room in our lives to move past hurt or shame that closes us up.... The hard part for me is remembering that! So I feel quite shy and uncertain at times. Last year was my first RTR. I wanted to learn as much as I could, so I had to force myself out of my comfort zone and get out and meet people. When I was walking around, I didn't know what to say except to kind of holler from a distance a, 'Hello are you up for company?' and that seemed to work pretty well. A few said no, they were going to nap or they were doing something or whatever, and that was perfect. I only could hope I didn't intrude on anyone and if I did that they would forgive me. I found everyone I talked with to be very open and friendly and happy to talk about their set-ups and their travels and just about anything and everything, really.

Sassy