Three months in: part-time dream job, alcohol and a girl

[concretebox]

It's Thanksgiving day and I'm surrounded by abandoned dogs. It's been about three months since I moved into the van. I drove it from Central Illinois to Denver, CO, intent on hiking the Rockies every weekend. In three months I have not left the city. I'm a little dissapointed in myself. I spent most of my time drinking, getting high on legal, edible marijuna and watching tv. I have however quit drinking and I found a lady friend here.

It's cold at night now and my propane furnace never worked. Thank goodness for my electric heater and a constant connection to the grid. My dependence on landlind internet and power makes me think I'm not taking true advantage of living in the van. I daydream of having the funds to make it truely self-contained.

While I'm pretty happy working three days a week at a dog park I can walk to in seven minutes, I do miss the family back in illinois. I wish I had the money to drive back for the holidays then back west for the rest of winter. One thing that is hard to cope with is loneliness.

Anyway, that's my story so far. I plan on heading to San Diego soon, via Albuquerque, then Pheonix. Any advice, suggestions or offers for work or companionship along my way?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I've seen boredom take its toll on others in the form of drinking and drugs (nothing against herb here). Its not a pretty sight to see someone wasting away on booze, loneliness, and self-pity. Sounds like its time to make some important personal choices that only you can make and carry out.
The type of woman you'd want as a travel mate wouldn't want a guy who drinks up money needed for basics like fuel and heat when its cold.

In the name of brotherly love...get your s**t together.
Whining and drinking ain't gonna get the job done. If you have to, get the hell out of Colo and away from the vices that have a grip on you. Go somewhere and get a job for a while to get your rig in shape for comfortable living.
I hear the Amazon distribution center in Fernly, Nv still needs 40 hour workers @ $11 plus end bonus, with free camp space for the holiday season. (just a suggestion). I know a vandweller who works at Home Depot. Maybe not the best pay, but enough to save and fix up a van pretty well.

Truth is tough love and, brother, that's what I'm offering here.
Hope you get out of this rut and find happiness in the fulfillment of the dreams you began your journey with.

 

[Stargazer]

Hey, CB! Look at the bright side -- at least you won't have to deal with the drama that every family has (deny it, but all families have their share). "Let's all gather for the holidays and rehash old issues, get drunk so we can stand each others' company, etc."

Thanks anyway! I'll walk my dog to visit the goat farm down the road, and the cattle across the way, and come home to my teeny trailer and watch TV or read a book. Peace, brother!

 

[Patrick46]

I've seen boredom take its toll on others in the form of drinking and drugs (nothing against herb here). Its not a pretty sight to see someone wasting away on booze, loneliness, and self-pity. Sounds like its time to make some important personal choices that only you can make and carry out.

In the name of brotherly love...get your s**t together.
Whining and drinking ain't gonna get the job done. If you have to, get the hell out of Colo and away from the vices that have a grip on you. Go

Hope you get out of this rut and find happiness in the fulfillment of the dreams you began your journey with.

Great response Bindi&Us!!! Nailed right on the head!!

I don't mind folks enjoying their herbs either....but don't kid yourself...it is EXTREMELY DEMOTIVATING!!...and to me, that sounds like onna your biggest issues.

You don't have heat......well fix it!
You don't have any money.....but you're only working 3 days a week! (duh??) Go find some work!!! You certaintly have plenty of time on your hands to do so.
You haven't gone on ANY of the hikes that you 'promised' yourself that you'd do once you got to Colorado....well, get out there and frikken HIKE!!! (shit....take onna those dogs with ya too!!)

....and I have a funny feeling that you're probably not taking the best of care of yourself at this point either, which will also head you inot a depression.

But the answers are right there in front of your face....

If you want things to be different, then you hafta change what your DOING! And not doing anything isn't a solution either.
And the simple act of getting up and getting yourself motivated, will make you feel alot better too. It's all up to you!

 

[owl]

concretebox, I hear what you are saying and I understand. Everyone gets in a rut sometimes. You are thinking of heading to San Diego through Phoenix, head west out of Phx. on Hwy 10. Stop in Quartzsite and get in touch, through here, with the tribe. You will find a lot of understanding, helpful people there. I will be in Q by mid Dec. the coffee is on me.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Owl, you're right, Q is a good place to ground oneself. Being around others of like mind and up-lifted spirit is very therapeutic.
There are vendors here who hire help for the season, some even provide space/electric along with some pay.
You can find about anything here to trick out a van or RV....plain or fancy.
I think Q is a good place, especially for a newbie who is ready to absorb new info, and make friends within the lifestyle.

Just an opinion...taking care of strays is very cool, but charity begins at home, which means you are of no good use to anyone or thing if you haven't covered your own ass first.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Hey CCBox, you have some real caring people here. I see you have quit drinking, makes me feel good for you, I sort of know how hard it can be. Sometimes we just get caught up in bad patterns but this is the place to come for support, even tough love support.

 

[papas34]

No working heat in Denver.....not good....get out of there....get a working heater......I agree Q is a good place to be right now.

 

[concretebox]

I plan on stopping in Quartizite. I'm not sure what day I'll be there but it will be early next week. I'll post here when I know for sure. I'd love to meet some peeps!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I plan on stopping in Quartizite. I'm not sure what day I'll be there but it will be early next week. I'll post here when I know for sure. I'd love to meet some peeps!

You might like it well enough to stick around a while. Very relaxed and no city hassles.

 

[Bear Catcher]

One thing about it Concretebox, you can help yourself. I'm considerate. But, I don't feel sorry for you. Just know, YOU can do it. Keep us posted because we want to hear your progress.

Hey ya'll, what/where in the world is Q? Is it Quartizite? I live it T. It's a great place in F. Now, I know what U. S. A. is. ha ha So, are you calling me stupid? I didn't think so.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

T in F might be great, but once you visit Quartzsite, Az you'll never have to wonder where/what Q is and why folks come here.

 

[jonthebru]

Its really none of my business, but... We self medicate for a reason. Someone can get out of control quite easily. Elvis being an example of someone who didn't have anybody around who could say "Hey, you're screwing up kick this shit out already!" We have the celebrities and then there are us. So, clean up, find the solution, stop rationalizing, and remember the cliche: "Where ever you go, there you are."
Like I said, its none of my business but being warm is good.

 

[hippiechk]

CCbox...Am I reading this right? 3 days ago you had your dream job, had quit drinking (big pat on the back for that!), and had a new lady friend...and were flat broke or you'd have gotten some heat? Now you are heading off on a fairly long trip minus the dream job?, which requires a bunch of gas money?, you are fishing for new companionship so obviously the lady friend means nada to you?

Why would anyone speak up on your behalf to help you find work...you have no intention of keeping the job, get your few bucks and split sounds like the plan?

Well, welcome to reality! There are some awesome people here on this site and most would be willing to give you a hand-up...I can't think of one who will give you a hand out though.

Additional information that could be vital to your life. The recreational use of marijuana is NOT legal where you are headed so be very careful with your chosen vice. There are border checkpoints in Arizona also and they can get right uppity if they even think they smell pot.

I'm totally onboard with the reform of marijuana laws. Hate me if you want to, you are a prime example of why I prefer reform over outright legalization...it is like tying a boat anchor to your ass! I'm even in favor of recreational use...in your own home, including a rolling one, but if it rolls you should be parked somewhere legal for you to be and legal for you to consume as its not just spark up in the park anywhere and never will be! Go ahead try it in the park where my 4 year old grandson is playing and see how fast your ass becomes grass!!!

Staight off the Colorado legal sheets from NORML. "Open and public displays (read being seen holding a joint or carrying a cookie if'n they check it) or uses (read seen smoking in your van or munchin' a cookie) of less than 2 oz, petty offense, 15 days, $ 100" As a bonus you get a criminal record to keep forever! That gives the police a reason to stop and search you anytime. I do hope some paranoia creeps in! I suspect many an oldster here could smoke you under the table but they have paid their dues and they pay their way thus entitling them to a lot of freedom you won't ever have if you stay your current course. Work = money, money = liberty...no free rides!

Stick around this site kid...but do start talking some sense and making some hard descisions. Maybe you should go home for Christmas...if you are home-sick you must have left love behind? TG here was a family affair and a joy for all. Stop running until you can walk or at least stand proud!

That was the tough...now for some love...I'll even buy you a juice if our paths cross which I hope they do because it will mean you are making positive changes!

You are still the only one who can change you...Do it, do it, do it! Now don't make me say that in person because it sounds every bit as annoying as it reads.

Hugs, Mom kinda' ones!

 

[owl]

Hipck, WOW! Are you straight up or what? You better be careful with such common sense, it could lead to anarchy.

 

[papas34]

Way to go Joni, it's our turn to mentor or kick so butt......we earned it, and they deserve it....all they need to do now is choose....mentoring or butt kicking.

 

[Roger450]

I hope CCbox has made a move and gotten straight since there havent been any updates for a few months.I am really impressed with all of you and your advice, great words for anyone that may be struggling with issues.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

You can catch his latest update here...

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Update-Trip-to-San-Diego-delayed-maybe-abondoned

Sounds like he's on the right track now.