Connie, I'm with you. I have lots of things to do before we move into our RV but its hard to get at it, sometimes I just want to walk away and have someone else decide what to do with the remaining stuff.

Friends are wonderful things!

Yesterday I had a storm of motivation arrive in the person of a friend of mine.

We got the first trailer loaded in about an hour and a half! 

Once the emotion is removed through objectivity as it was yesterday things just sail along.

So...today a final few boxes need to be packed to fill the spots on the trailer and this afternoon it heads to the auction.  There will be one more trailer load of stuff but just odds and ends and it is all gone.

Last night there was an emotional moment though.

I am a musician and with this move I had to sell my guitars.  One of those guitars was a rare 1983 Walnut Stratocaster Elite that I bought new in '83. 

When the case was opened even after all these years there was still a WOW factor. The gold plated hardware and the solid American Walnut made it more of a display piece than a musical instrument.  Of course to play it was a dream.

Last night the man that bought it came to pay for it and pick it up.  At first it was a sad affair.  Once we began talking and I learned about this man and his extraordinary story I was actually very happy to sell it to him.

We talked about our plans and he was fascinated and really GOT IT. 

We talked for a long time about life and such and at the end of the conversation he told me that the guitar I had just sold him would never be sold by him.  It constituted the crown jewel of his collection.

In addition, he told me that any time I wanted to come play it -- it would be there and he would love to just sit and talk some more and jam some.

In closing, I want to say something about what I have found.

This full timing thing doesn't seem to START at the moment you pull out for the first time.  It starts much sooner actually.  It is an emotional ride -- up and down -- fulfilling and curious. 

I think that just as in nature incubation is important to change.  Just like children being born -- it takes months before the baby arrives.  This time gives parents time to acclimate to the NEW conditions that are coming.

So too it appears with this transition. 

As time goes on comfort seems to settle in -- a little at a time -- to the new conditions.

The Chinese speak of change in 3 distinct phases.

Full of the Old.

Full of Nothing.

Full of the New.

It is the full of the NOTHING part that seems to be the hardest.  I think we have broken over the ridge on this though and the NEW is arriving.

For those that are in the process -- for what it is worth -- you may experience this too.  I can only say to hang in there -- it may be uncomfortable -- but it will pass and with the passing all the things that so many write about -- this experience described as a great journey will emerge on the other side.  And with it all of the wonders associated with it.

One point though -- the "journey" starts before you know it has started -- at least in our case it did.

So -- for today -- we will enjoy the lifting of the burdens of the last few days -- and continue to move forward toward being Full of the NEW!

Ken and Nanette

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Saturday 12th of December 2009 06:44:43 AM

I want to add something on a different subject.

I have been asked why I don't setup a blog and post the kind of things I have posted here -- there.

Well...I would like to answer that question.

This site was the very first site we found when doing research.  We did as many have -- read everything on it. 

We found great information, comfort, and some things maybe we didn't want to see but needed to.  It was a great help in making our decision and plans.

This help has come -- usually in the early morning hours -- as sleep eluded me due to the racing of my mind as I tried to get my arms around all of this.

Howard and Linda have shared about everything that could be shared including financial data.  Something I am not sure I could do -- but I feel they have done this to stay true to their original spirit of intent of this site.

They have shown that their goal is to inform and educate those that are considering or are already in this lifestyle.  A goal they are achieving.

For us we don't know if what we post is much help.  We assume most of the people here are way past where we are in this process.

However, if some little thing we share has some value to someone here then we have done a little something to give back to the intent of this site.  To give back to the people that have helped us and to Howard and Linda for diligently pursuing a dream and then sharing it.

To me this belongs here -- at this time and place we find ourselves.

Someday we may do the blog thing -- it does help to write down the things you experience and feel.  It is funny how the things you write, when you read them back to yourself, can have an unexpected impact.


Ken and Nanette

Ken and Nanette,

I don't think you realize what a contribution you are making to this site. By posting here about your emotional ups and downs, other RVers who are going through the process realize that they're not alone with the feelings they are experiencing. Every day there are new people joining this family, so there are many who are still in the first planning stages and welcome any insight to the process.

Sharing is what the RV-Dreams family is all about.  

Your emotional roller coaster isn't over yet. One of the most emotional times for me was the day we "officially" pulled out of the driveway of our house and began our new journey into the full-timing lifestyle. I don't think I'll ever forget that day.

As for the blog, you may not want to do one now, but be sure to write down the things that are happening to you now. We kept a journal and are really glad we did as you tend to forget some of the small but important things that happen during this busy time.

Jim

Jim,

We sure hope that there is something in what we are putting out there that will hit a chord with someone else. 

Hopefully someone is sitting there saying -- "I feel the same way...I KNOW we can do this."

The reason I say that is because that was Nanette and I just a few weeks ago.

Also...

Funny you should write about the day we pull out.

Within the last hour Nanette and I were having THE OFFICIAL discussion of exactly what day that will be.

We have targeted the 15th to be that day. 

It looks like that may slip a day or two due to some electronics installation I need to do in the RV.  Just something that we decided to change at the last minute.

The thing is -- we can now officially SEE the day.  No more guessing -- no more thinking -- no more "what if's -- it is now within days.

Gulp!!!

So -- I am thinking of something very profound to utter at that very moment I release my foot off the brake and the tires start rolling toward the grand and glorious future ahead of us!

Knowing me as I do -- it will probably be something worthy of the Library of Congress like...

"Hey -- did we put the antenna down??!!!"

Ken

Some people have a natural gift with words, and you have it Ken. Put Willie Nelson in the CD player and crank it up on "On The Road Again" :)

Hey -- We love that song!!!

I have GOT to find that -- what a moment that will make!

Nanette will be SO proud of me! (and you)

It is kind of like theme music -- I get the idea.

I promise you that you will get credit for the idea -- eventually. 

Well...actually...sooner rather than later if it doesn't go over well and I get that infamous "eye rolling" thing from the co-pilot seat.

So -- in keeping with your idea -- would it be wrong if while we continue to ship our stuff to auction and load each box on the trailer -- if we played "Another One Bites The Dust" as it goes on the trailer??

Probably over the top huh??

Thank you for the complement too!  As I said I/we just type up what comes into our mind.  Sometimes good and sometimes not so much! :)

Ken

On The Road Again :)

It has been a few days since we have posted due to being very busy and a transition to a new laptop.

Even though I have a lot of IT experience this transition was somewhat of a challenge but has now been conquered!

I would like to share with you all a couple of things about friends and blessings.

It seems that when times get hard true friends show their true heart.

The setbacks.

We have had some very difficult challenges since we last wrote.  Mostly logistical and some emotional.   The weather here in Kentucky has not cooperated in regard to trying to move everything one owns out. 

We got stopped in getting the 2nd and final trailer to the auction.  Today we are back on track though.  Emotionally this setback bothered us more than we anticipated.

Two days ago while trying to not stop completely I decided to give the RV a thorough going over (again). 

While taking a very detailed look at the tires (crawling under the RV on the cold ground in other words) I pulled around to look at the left rear inside dual.

What I saw -- shocked me.

This tire's sidewall has completely failed and must be replaced.  Why?  Who knows -- it is only 3 years old -- I am also certain it is not a weight issue -- having just weighted the RV and it is way below limits both overall and per tire.

So now that must be replaced before the RV can be moved.

A dispute has arisen at the job I just left regarding my final compensation.  Seems it simply didn't show up as promised on the 15th.  It is to include a severance as well as the final pay.  Seems there is some misunderstanding internally within the company that I have no control over.  Grr...

This money of course fits into the overall transition plan and is counted upon. 

The Blessings.

Money is not abundant for us.  We are comfortable and will remain so as long as we follow our plans.  For us, during the transition, timing is critical in regard to when money comes in and when it is spent.

For us the maximum expenditures are coming right now.  Paying off the bills at our current house and covering costs and setup at the "new" house and location.

Due to the last check not arriving it has put us in a very uncomfortable position -- having to dig into money that was never intended to be spent - certainly not right now.

One of the things we decided a while ago was to share with our friends our plans -- the details -- the timing -- the benefits -- the challenges.  So in other words those around us know EXACTLY where we are at this moment.

I don't think we told you that we have two boys -- Christian - 6 and Isaac 10.  I could write pages about these boys and why this move is so right for them and how excited they are for this.  How their personalities are designed for a mobile, see it all life and so on.

Well one of the challenges for us was what to get them for Christmas.  We had decided upon some gifts that would enhance their new lives.

The cost of these gifts was not insignificant but still in the budget.  The budget BEFORE the loss of expected income.

Yesterday -- as Nanette was getting ready to leave work -- her boss called her into the office -- he had a gift for the boys and an envelope.  Since nothing pink was showing through she was somewhat relaxed.

Her boss told her not to open it now. 

She asked why.

He said -- "Because you are going to cry."

She said -- "A happy cry or a sad cry?"  (Gotta know Nanette)

He said -- "Happy I think."

When we opened the envelope at home -- what we found in that envelope was something we will NEVER forget.  It still hasn't sunk in yet to be honest. 

...and she cried.

I had thought that not much would surprise me any more. 

Until this envelop and it's contents and the pouring out of the hearts of the people behind the many signatures on the accompanying card.

The words on the card were worth more than the currency within.  The deep warm effect it had on us will be etched in our lives forever.

It was an answer to a general prayer that was answered far beyond our expectations.

My point here is that blessings come sometimes from the last place you expect and at the moments most surprising.  We have been so blessed in all of this.

This is not even listing all the wonderful things our friends have done for us -- again in ways and to an extent that we could never possibly imagined.

So...we are thankful...and committed to return these blessings when the door opens to do so.  We know it will open -- we just have to be sensitive enough to see it and then walk through it.

If these are the things that making a change like this brings then we will take all the negatives -- for the positives are life changing -- and show the greatest attributes in people.

The be the benefactor of these blessings is something that was never within our power to decide -- however -- to accept these gifts and to allow the lessons they give to make us better people and to always give back -- is!

Ken and Nanette

Following along with your wonderful adventure as it unfolds... please keep posting, it's truly the first Reality Show we have enjoyed that is interesting compared to the junk on tv! LOL

Karen -- It IS like a reality show now that you mention it!  The only problem for us is that we can't just turn off the TV during the rough parts.

Yesterday, was a very good day.  We can actually see the end of all of this moving thing. 

I took a "little" load of stuff up to Goodwill yesterday.  They have one of those drive through things where your tires ring a bell and then curb service shows up.

Once I rang the bell the first guy showed up -- took one look at the load -- then said I need some help! 

More people arrived and as they planned the attack on what must have appeared to be the "mother of all Goodwill loads" I started to unload bags into the first of MANY carts.  (You know as I looked at those little carts -- I had this compulsive desire to ride one of those things just once around the parking lot. )

As I watched -- I just kept thinking two things -- the amount of money all those things represented in dollars spent and why in the world did we need all that stuff??!!!

With that out of the way we finished loading the last auction trailer.  We thought it would go yesterday but they were  not able to take it in at the auction site until today.  So at 11 this morning we will be off.

Now -- here is the point we are at.  From this point on -- everything that is left either goes in the trash or to my new friends at Goodwill with their really cool little carts.

I had one obstacle that has been hanging over my head and that was a truckload and I mean a big truckload of PA equipment.  Big speakers -- racks of amplifiers -- racks of effects processors -- and a lot of other things that had really neat flashing lights and stuff. 

Anyway -- I think it was somewhat overwhelming for someone to buy the entire load of stuff.  The problem was we had no place to put it so we were really in a bind.

Well a couple of weeks ago a man in the local area bought my very rare Fender Walnut Elite guitar. He called me a couple of days ago asking if I still had the PA equipment of which I did.  It seems they had been performing and blown one of their amps (that is technical talk for -- the really neat flashing lights stopped flashing).

He then told me he would take everything I had for a very good price.  He showed up last night to get it in what must have been the largest horse trailer ever made.  I think I saw Howard Hughes name on the side -- as it came down the street it just keep coming and coming.  I am pretty sure a couple of families could have lived in that thing.

Anyway -- not only did he take all of the equipment -- he had a guy with him that asked about the 2 remaining guitars I had for sale.   At the end of the night -- I not only got rid of all the equipment I also sold both guitars.

I know this may seem a boring story, however, what I learned in all of this is that as you transition to the road -- things like this take on a significance as they are resolved.

I am finding it hard to accept all of the things that have happened and the way they have happened as mere coincidence.  I realize that the future can be explained away as the consequence of the decisions made in the past and present.  There just seems to be too  many things falling in place to accept that premise.

So today -- off to the auction then start the garbage pile which we have decided to name appropriately.  We are thinking something like Mount Trashmore.  When all of this stuff gets stacked up it is going to be a monument to mankind worthy of such a name.  Although I expect the neighbors will not be quite so enamored with our creation.

Things are really moving now for us and we are feeling the pressure release as we can see the starting line now.  (notice I typed "starting" not "finish" line since this is the beginning not the end.)

Isn't it funny how you don't actually have to arrive at a goal for the pressure to start to lift -- only see it within your grasp.  I guess that is why setting goals "through" and not just "up to" is important.  I think what happens is once we "see" the goal line the motivation starts to drop.  This drop in motivation unfortunately can come before the goal is actually achieved. 

For this reason we have reset our goals beyond getting this stuff out of here and are now beginning to focus on the stuff on the other side.  A side we can feel close at hand.

I think we have figured out the motivation thing is a mind issue.  We have seen our desires and motivation sometimes not sync up.  Even though we know we want things to happen we can't seem to get ourselves to do what is required. 

I think we have figured out when this happens we have allowed current reality to become stronger than the picture of the future we are inventing.  Once we reset that we are once again energized.  Just our opinion on this stuff.

I wonder if I am going to miss all those little flashing light things that went away in the horse trailer? 

Well...as I looked at the pictures this morning that Howard and Linda took yesterday on their float trip and knowing that can be us now -- I think not!

Ken and Nanette







-- Edited by Ranger375 on Tuesday 22nd of December 2009 05:11:53 AM

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Tuesday 22nd of December 2009 05:12:32 AM

Hey Ken.... GREAT on the new home for all the PA stuff! I know what you mean about the *things* and why did you have all that *stuff* in the first place. As we near our retirement (in 2013) we have already mentally gone through our house and earmarked what things the grown kids want, and what things will get sold on craigslist or ebay or brought to goodwill. Some stuff we are getting rid of already, and thinking twice before ever buying anything else. LOVED your little carts fantasy! LOL Our grown kids have already gotten into the act and are not buying us any gifts or *things* that will need to be disposed of later. They are trying to keep us on *consumable* items like gas cards, restaurant gift certifiates, or things specifically for our motorhome and travels. They camp often enough with us, so they know the things we need or like or want for in our motorhome. Last year our son gave us a gift card for Camping World! Now how cool is that? Our rig is pretty much set for fulltiming already, so the mods we do and changes we make are from learning on this list. The folks in the evening chat room here are great for ideas on the newest and latest and greatest stuff to learn about.

It all gone!!!  To the auction I mean.

Now to just build "Mount Trashmore" in the front yard.

What a relief to have everything gone except for the trash.

We leave OFFICIALLY on Monday the 28th.  We had moved it to the 15th but due to delays we ended up right back at our original date of departure.

We are very excited here.  Having gone through all of this has been a very enlightening experience or is that "lightening" experience.  Either way we have learned a lot about the process and more importantly about ourselves.

So...today we do a little last minute Christmas shopping and start hauling stuff to take it's place of honor on our new monument.

We were invited to some close friends house last night for a farewell dinner -- wow -- what a dinner.

So after dinner as we sat in their family room just talking -- guess what yours truly is sitting there thinking about?

As I looked around at all of their stuff -- I was thinking what it would take if they decided to do as we have.  I found myself thinking -- it would be impossible.  But then realized we had just done it and with much more stuff and found a plan developing in my mind as to how to approach it.

I am not sure but I think this is not a normal reaction when visiting friends -- to be sitting there thinking of the plans to get rid of all of their stuff for them.

Hey maybe there is a business opportunity here -- to offer disposal services to people wanting to move to this lifestyle!!!

Brilliant!!!

See what this has done to us.

Well on to the next phase -- we are getting very uncomfortable being in our old house with the new one sitting just outside visible through the picture window.

One last thing -- as I sit here and type this -- sitting on a box -- which is weird in its self -- I am looking at Nanette sitting on one of those rubbermaid containers looking like Schroeder from Peanuts hunched over typing on the keyboard of her computer. 

Maybe I am the only one that finds this scene amusing.

See just another reason to get moved into our new home -- she is going to lose her sense of humor in all of this very soon I fear! 

Ken and Nanette




-- Edited by Ranger375 on Wednesday 23rd of December 2009 07:18:51 AM

Oh Boy!!!! The memories you bring back!!!

You may have hit on a now occupation for yourself. Getting rid of other peoples stuff should be easier that getting rid of your own.

Jim

Jim,

You know if you REALLY miss those memories we would be more than happy to allow you to come on over and make some new ones with us.

Think about it...how many times in ones life do you get the opportunity to make a monument in the front yard?

Ken

Ranger, I find your style of writing informative and entertaining at the same time. My sense of humor as well. I do hope you start a blog as I follow several dreamers as well as Howard and Linda's. You can develop quite a following! Although we are a few years off from doing this RV thing, we have decided to cleanse the house of unused stuff this coming weekend. I figure, go into the final implementation stage of FT'ing lean as opposed to continue to accumulate until the time comes. GF and I have already set a plan of attack right after Christmas to get this accomplished. As a matter of fact, she liked the idea so much she started already in the kitchen as I write. Immediately she said, we have so many dishes we can get rid of almost all of them. I shot back "we can't do that, we may need them some day" then stopped dead in my tracks thinking, this is why we accumulate so much junk, because 'maybe' some day we may need it and that day never comes. Suddenly everything that all of you have been going through hit me.....So the dishes are on their way to being donated. For those of you that remember George Carlin, he had a hilarious bit on 'Stuff'. Somehow, deep inside, he was an RV'er or a wannabe. Rick

Rick,

Thank you for the compliment!

We have talked about doing some blogging once we get out of here and on the road.

I want to make sure we are in a position to keep up with it and post everyday.

So even though today is Christmas Eve there are still things to be done before we pull out on Monday.

What I get to do today is to install the satellite receivers, digital converters, surround sound boxes and the new Wii console that the kids don't know we have yet.

The biggest fun I will have is going to be running the RG-6 coax from the outside into the two television locations. 

Running wiring so that you can't see it is always fun and takes great patience and world class skill.

I talk to myself when I do things like this -- I talk to inanimate objects as well -- as if they will talk back to me -- I ask them questions such as why they are so difficult -- I sometimes just sit down to think about what I am doing -- but never end up thinking about it.

I also follow the "man-school" creed of NEVER and I mean NEVER reading the instruction manual. 

There is one exception to this rule. 

That is when Nanette decides she has had enough of me walking around in circles trying to figure something out and calmly sits down close to me with the manual and starts reading it.

You see, technically this makes it okay for me to read it -- just to make sure she is getting it correct. 

I feel it is my duty as the mechanical head of the family to tutor her in the art of understanding directions.

My installation adventure should be most entertaining as I connect all of the wires -- the composite vs. the component connections with their subtle, never can tell the color in low light situations, the figuring out of the "in" vs. "out" connections, and the inevitable loops I create as I hook up two "ins" to each other.

Let me tell you about the worst wiring nightmare I ever ran into.

I bought a used boat once.  Shortly after I got it I had an electrical problem develop in the dash.

I crawled under the dash to find one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.

It seems the previous owner had rewired the boats entire electrical system. 

A fine job of wire management I might add. 

There was, however, one anomaly.  One single thing that for the rest of my ownership of this boat haunted me.

It seems the previous owner got a really good deal on wire for the project.

While I appreciate a mindset of frugality in this case there was an oversight and that was....

ALL of the wiring in the entire boat was the same color -- Red.

Just so you get the picture -- every single wire -- going to every single electrical connection was the same color -- Red.

In one regard it made it easy knowing that if there was a problem it was always the red wire I needed to track.

The problem was that since all of the wires were red there was no earthly way to know what wire went where.

It was on this solid foundation that I built my connection capabilities.

So -- I would suspect before this day is over that there will be strange things happening with our electronics.  

Amusing actually I suspect. 

So while I have my grand adventure today...

Nanette, Isaac, Christian and me want to wish everyone of you a very restful and joyous Christmas!!!

It is our hope that you find the peace and happiness this day brings and that you find a renewed focus to enjoy the journey and not wait on the destination to be happy.

Life is lived in moments and within those moments opportunities for laughter, compassion, empathy, and happiness are presented to us simply for the taking.

But to be able to grasp them we first must see them.  So perhaps a scavenger hunt would be a great idea -- to seek out those things over the next few days -- to find them and seize them -- and to offer to others the opportunity to feel the warmth of such things.

Ken and Nanette


-- Edited by Ranger375 on Thursday 24th of December 2009 04:49:21 AM

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Thursday 24th of December 2009 05:10:35 AM

I want to wish all dreamers a Merry Christmas... And Ken, I have seen a few discussions on installing sat receivers and other electronics...something to consider, HDMI cables are now used for some devices so you get the best possible audio/video experience. Depending on length required, these cables can be downright expensive. Best to keep the equipment as close as possible to your television.

you mentioned in one of your posts about a sense of contentment... this is exactly what I felt when my wife and I decided that we too were going to fulltime in the future...

This may be somewhat of a long post as it will be the last one from the old home. 

The next one will be on the other side of this transition and from the CG in our new home.

Between now and then there are some things that have to be done before we are online again.

So here goes...

Yes, it is a very interesting feeling knowing you are changing the terms on which you live your life. 

Even though the future cannot be known for sure -- "inventing it" rather than have it be "invented for you" is a very pleasing feeling.

We had a great Christmas...as did the boys.  We played a little game with them -- we wrapped up 2 Wii games and put them under the tree but the Wii was not under there.

When they opened them -- it took a minute for it to sink in that there must be a Wii somewhere.  It was kind of like the joke about the boy shoveling the horse manure and enjoying it because he knew with all of it he was shoveling there must be a horse down there somewhere.

So after a few long minutes as Nanette and I enjoyed their confusion we took them out to the RV and as they walked in they immediately saw the TV screen with the Wii home screen open and the surround sound playing the music and they then "got it".  Priceless!

More on the Wii in a bit...

Things are moving very fast now.  Mount Trashmore is quite a sight.  It has grown very quickly.

Today is the last day to gather up trash and add it to the pile as the truck shows up tomorrow morning to haul it away.

I wonder if the driver has any idea what is waiting for him?

This phase of the move is a little different emotionally.  There are two competing feelings present.

On one hand we are so tired of looking at stuff that we know is going that we just want it gone.

On the other hand because of how things played out there are things that in the back of our minds have value but will go to either trash or Goodwill.  This is simply a monetary issue.  You feel that we are throwing dollars out the window.

In truth this is probably true but the time does not exist to take what little advantage of the monetary gain there is and more importantly this stuff stands directly in the path of where we want to be.

The next few days are going to be very interesting.

We place or RV tomorrow morning at the CG we will be staying at for a while.  We are having an auxiliary LP tank placed on Tuesday morning to get us through the next few cold months.

We expect to be on board on Tuesday night.

As we look back on this entire process we see some things now that make sense to us as we progressed.  We ask ourselves would we have done anything differently?

The answer to that question is actually somewhat suprising to us.  We would have not done anything differently.  We found that we were somewhat controlled by circumstances that we could not change.  The weather being one of them that made getting things to the auction a big challenge.

The overall process was a constant up and down -- big steps of progress followed by lulls in activity.  There was frustration when these lulls arrived but once recognized and a refocus on our part we were on the move again.

The biggest and most important transition for us was the emotional release of getting rid of our stuff.  At first when we went through things there were emotions attached -- mainly memories associated with the stuff we were touching and needing to make a decision on.

Eventually this subsided -- but before that happened -- we found ourselves touching the item many times.

I liken this to trying to run with one foot stuck to the floor and us trying to run as fast as we could.  The result -- running in circles -- and items going from pile to pile but not out the door.

At this point our minds are straddled between getting the rest of the work done here and making the move into the RV.

What we anticipate is the moment when this house is empty -- we are sitting in the RV having coffee -- we look at each other -- and then say -- now what?

You see -- we are still half in the past and half in the future -- if that makes sense.

When the past is gone -- then we are in the future. The thing is the past is tangible -- the future is unwritten and not tangible.  We expect to go through a time of nuetrality -- a lull again as we get the engine running so to speak regarding the new life.

I know this may sound confusing but perhaps some of you went through this phase.  It is hard to know what you will feel about something you haven't experienced yet.  We know that what we are headed to is better than what we are leaving though.

The anticipation is building of course -- strange things go through your mind -- like the very strange thought that popped into my mind this morning.

What if when I take the RV off the jacks -- due to all the weight -- all six tires blow our simultaneously?  Although we know we are way under the weight limit -- well -- just what if?

See I told you it was strange...

The point is -- this "what if" thing can drive  you crazy.  I am sure it is normal to look for the awful in the good.

It seems as if as a society we are negatively driven -- to look for the bad -- some people think that if things are going good then there must be some bad out there to counteract it.

I have observed that to live a happy life it seems one must truly feel deserving of a happy life first.

I have seen people that draw to themselves that which they feel they deserve.  Good or bad they will find it.  This idea of getting what one feels they deserve is a poweful one.  It is a mind thing to be sure.

I have seen people that are, by nature, pessimistic.  Guess what kind of people I see them surround themselves with?  People that think just like they do.

On the other hand I have seen people who are naturally optimistic -- let them get around people that are not and watch how quickly they will move away from them.

It makes me wonder -- perhaps the importance of the "track" we put our life on is more important than we imagine sometimes.  It seems we get what we "think" we deserve even though both good and bad exist and are achievable. 

However, perhaps we just never allow ourselves to see the good that is right in front of us because we know that it is reserved for others.

Back to the Wii -- did you know that, when playing golf, if you tell it you are swinging left handed but really swing right handed. you have no earthly chance to make par?

Yep -- it is true!  I know!  Personally!

We will post again from our new life...and will share what we see from there.

This transition -- this journey -- has been a most interesting one -- we have grown more that I am sure we realize yet. 

All we have to say is -- Oh My -- What An Adventure!!!

Ken and Nanette

Well as I write this you are probably in the "other" world. When Mike and I were at the point you last wrote about we referred to ourselves as living in two worlds. Well, now you are in the new world you have worked toward over the past few months. WELCOME!!!! It is a wonderful lifestyle, a wonderful world. Your adventures are just beginning and oh what an adventure it will be. We are so happy for you and your family that you finally arrived at this moment. Good luck, travel safely and we hope to meet you one day on the road.

Y'all have done an amazng job of pulling things together so fast even in bad weather conditions. Keep your eye on goal and forge ahead, this will be something you will be able to look back on soon and smile with the satisfaction that the rough part is over. We felt such a relief and a new freedom when we got rid of all that 'stuff'. Fulltimers have something to look forward to each winter---We can travel to warmer climates if we wish. There is one of those great choices you mentioned and a good reason to leave Kentucky this time of the year. Wishing you the best. Stay warm.

God bless,
Allan and Jeanne

-- Edited by dream reachers on Tuesday 29th of December 2009 01:06:44 AM

We are on the other side...

...and what a side it is!

I decided to jump on and give an update.  With all that has happened over the last few days I could never cover it all so I will hit the high points.

So...exactly WHEN do things slow down again?

We thought the final days to getting here were well worked out and would run smoothly -- but not so much.

We underestimated the size of the last events to take place.

The picking up of the furniture by the buyers -- the hauling off of what we THOUGHT was a small amount of items to go to the dump -- the amount of the last load to go into the RV -- well I think you get the idea.

We got it done though.

Then we get to the CG and the real fun begins.

To start with -- it seems that two days before we arrived here there was a new owner of a brand spanking new 35 motor home that decided to try it out.  They learned WHY you don't take a 29,000 lb motor off into the grass when the ground is saturated.  They buried it up to the axles.

In the process of getting them out they tore up the site severely leaving ruts where we were to park.  Due to this we are still trying to get our MH level.  There are high spots and low spots where our wheels are and as for the jacks -- well lets just say I have never had a harder time trying to get things to level out.

Then just after we got our water line connected, heat taped, insulated and sealed (a very long process) the brand new water hose failed at the end fitting.  So off to Lowe's for a repair kit -- a fairly simple process -- except for the darkness and rain thing!

We now have everything hooked up and working fine.

Now the next issue is getting everything in the RV put away and rearranging.  You know that great plan you have as it sits outside the house -- the perfect one -- where everything is exactly as you expect it should go?  Not exactly how it worked for us.

So -- we have stuff everywhere being moved around.

The last and probably most frustrating thing is I am having to continue to fight to get my final pay package.  Grr...  This is an unnecessary and unfair situation to say the least.  We simply can't figure out why this is happening to be honest.

Now for the good...

We have great Internet here!!!

Then there was when we took a break and we sat outside looking at the shear cliffs that surround us and watched the Kentucky River flow by it was very peaceful.

We watched the Hawks soar over the cliffs and listened to the wind through the trees...for a brief few moments we knew and felt we had truly started our journey.

In the very first few days we find there are two distinct parts of the early lifestyle.  The never ending list of things to get done -- and then the arriving peacefulness and feeling of freedom.

We expect the first will begin to fade as the days go on and the second will be there for the taking.

We had a couple of very cold nights with wind but we found that our heating setup works well and the MH seems well adapted for cold weather -- somewhat to my surprise actually.

One last thing -- the people.

Where we are there are 16 full time families here.  We have already meet 4 of them. 

Not due to our approaching them (too busy) but by them coming up and asking if there was anything we needed help with.

During our life we have been asked this question many times.  I must admit in most cases it was a question out of courtesy.

In the case of these folks -- they meant what they were asking.  They were not intrusive in any way -- but one gentleman (Dave) kept an eye on us and would just happen to "need to take a walk" at times when I actually could have used a hand and he lent it. 

Hmm...strange coincidence him needing a walk when he did -- huh?

Then there was the precious lady that saw the kids playing and decided to introduce herself. 

I am convince she had also been watching some and probably picked up on our visible frustration from time to time.

She came over and asked the customary questions -- Where you from? -- The kids names? -- Need any help? ...and so on.

THEN she told us something that I think was the REAL reason she came over.

It seems her and her husband are full timers -- and have been for 27 years!

She said simply -- sometimes it is frustrating -- however -- the peace and freedom is a reward that makes the price well worth it in so many ways.

She was comforting -- and spoke from a LOT of experience.  She reassured us and more importantly the boys about the amazing possibilities that exist.  She told all of us of a few of their travels -- their best moments -- and funniest -- and hardest.

She spoke with such credibility and did not sugarcoat things -- but also showed a deep sincerity as to what this lifestyle has given them.

Well...not to be corny but -- as she walked away -- I expected to see wings appear -- this woman came at the right time with the right words -- kind of like she was sent.

So we continue one day at a time -- waiting for things to slow down some.

We wish everyone a very Happy and Safe New Year from the "other side" of our life!

Ken and Nanette

Aren't RVers, (especially Full-timers), a great bunch of people?

You're doing fine. Take your time and everything will come together.

Good luck,

Jim

What a great adventure you have embarked upon with your family. And the kind thoughtful folks in the campground, how cool is that? Anytime Steveio sees someone in a campground working on something, he is the first guy there with a cup of coffee and offer of tools, knowledge, or my internet access to get more information on a possible repair. That is what Rving is about, the adaptability and being able to deal with those challenges as they arise. AND knowing you are not alone, there is always someone, somewhere who had the SAME THING BREAK! hahaha

Jim and Karen,

Yes, we were somewhat surprised by the friendly and helpful people we have already met.  We had read many times about this type of thing happening we just had never experienced it first hand.

I think I FINALLY have the RV level or at least as close as it will be for a while.  It is going to get bitterly cold here starting tonight with it being in the single digits overnight for the next 3 nights.

We are very warm and cozy though and all heating systems seem to be working fine. So as long as we stay on this side of the door everything will be fine.

Don't think for one minute we aren't starting to plan to get to warmer weather as soon as we can though!

Today is a rearranging day.  It appears (I am sure to everyone's surprise) that we brought a "few" things we really don't need.  We are going to start a relaxed resorting process.  We have too many things that are still cluttering us up and would like to get them put away.

We are looking forward to the next few days to slow down some and get ourselves over the amazing events we have just come through.

There are so many things that go through your mind with a transition like this.  I am becoming convinced the mental issues are perhaps the most challenging. 

It is a very big change to make this move.  One of the things we have noticed is that the first time we have done anything here it seems strange.  We have used our RV many times before of course but for some reason it just feels different.

I guess it just takes time to get used to the differences but as funny as it may sound the second time we do something it feels more comfortable.

What I can offer right now from us is that the feeling of being unsettled is most evident.  We feel we need to get to the point that we have things the way they are going to stay as soon as possible just to set the new normalcy.

We know there will be more adjustment to come but for now we are thrilled we did this.

Looking back -- even over this very short period -- we can't imagine us having not done this.  It looks right, feels right and is right is our opinion. 

Ken and Nanette

If you, like me, have a few problems getting the rig level, go to Camping World and purchase an electronic level. Found here http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/rv-ez-level/35617 This has got to be the easiest thing yet. We level our 5er with it, and it is perfect every time. We also use wedges found here http://www.snapsmfg.com/sales.html Arrive at spot, look around, get wedges out of storage, get level out of storage, place level in location, turn on. Place wedges in obvious location determined by watching the red flashing lights. On of us stands in the doorway (holding on securely) while other slowly backs up onto wedges. When all lights go green, signal to driver to stop. Rig is now level side to side. Continue with setup, disconnect truck, level fore and aft with landing gear. Return level to storage and never hear "it's not quite level" again. I have no business affiliation with either company, they just provide excellent devices to make our traveling life easier.

Glad you are getting all organized! I found that when when camping, and we had excess stuff that was still good, I put a note on it FREE TO A GOOD HOME and left it in the campground laundry area, or even out by our site post for folks walking by.... good way to get rid of it, and someone else can use it, keeps it outta the landfills.

It has been a few days and thought we should check in.

We are 99% organized -- not an easy task.  We kept too much stuff as we suspected and are slowly going through it.  The largest amounts being stored in the basement of the RV will have to wait until warmer weather arrives.  Which we think will occur sometime in 2010.

We have not seen above freezing temperatures for a number of days now and none are forecast for a while.  The latest forecast has a winter storm coming in early Thursday morning and the temperature is going down to 3 degrees on Sunday.

Our RV is handling the cold better than I could have ever expected.  I have installed skirting which made a big difference and we have our electric heaters strategically placed and set for maximum effect.

Since placing the heaters, only one furnace has been running.  The basement of our RV is heated by the front furnace and that has kept the water tanks and valves surprisingly warm.  We have remote sensors at strategic locations with alarms set should the temperature drop below a safe level.

I got Nanette's computer and work area setup yesterday -- she is thrilled -- which is always a good thing.

It seems that Nanette and the boys are settling in much quicker than I assumed.  I am probably the one lagging behind some. 

I am having some trouble slowing down and finding time to enjoy things.  The to-do list is controlling things still. 

Today is finance day.  We will be doing an accounting and projections again since moving.  The final pay thing is still a problem -- why do people have to make things so difficult sometimes?  We are now discussing our next move on this front.  With over $10,000 in question it is not something we are going to drop.

I guess we will be searching for a good labor attorney -- sigh.

It has been about a week since we strolled over to the new lifestyle.  I must tell you that a lot of questions have come up.  Virtually all logistical in nature.

You know the one question that has never come up?  Was this the right thing to do?

I don't know if I can adequately state the importance of what I just wrote.

"Buyer's remorse" is a very real mental concept.  It usually follows a major decision and execution of that decision.  It is simply not present in our situation.

We both used to read and still read many blogs of full timers every morning.  We got excited back then envisioning ourselves in their position. 

That was the "dream".  The "product" we were desiring to "buy" so to speak.  It was certainly an emotional purchase as we had no experiential facts to support our decision.

Well...we made the purchase...just as some of you are contemplating doing. 

Now that we are here...it feels familiar and right.  I have not put my finger on why the natural tendency, usually present to question a very large decision, is missing.

It has not been all roses as I have shared, however, the problems seem smaller for some reason.

I stepped away from the computer for a few minutes to think about an answer to my own question and a strange but perhaps very important thing popped into my head.

My job or perhaps I should say my life has been devoted to helping people and companies define and then achieve their goals.  (That is another story.) 

During these adventures I have used from time to time the teachings of Sun Tzu as written in the Art of War.

A fascinating study -- and not just applicable to war -- I assure you.

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu includes a couple of rules regarding engaging your enemy.  I will paraphrase it.

Rule #1  When attacking your enemy -- ALWAYS give them an escape route.  (If not, and defeat appears imminent they will come right over the top of you -- as there is nothing more to lose.)

Rule #2  When attacking an enemy -- NEVER give yourself an escape route -- if you do -- you will surely take it.

This concept has been also stated as "burning the boats at the shore".

I think this is what we have done in essence and not so much by design with this move. 

We sold, disposed and gave away the majority of our things.  We divested ourselves of our house and changed the entire foundation on which our lives will be lived upon.

I am thinking that the lack of buyer's' remorse is due to this.  There is no other tangible route to take.  Add to this the freedom and the new joy of the small things that happen and why would anyone contemplate going back?

I will write at another time about the "small joys" issue.  I have found this most fascinating and I feel it is worthy of sharing.

One last thing -- I got the chance to return a favor. 

Remember the woman that I told you about that had spoken to us about having been full timing for many years and in doing so offered powerful words of encouragement at a much needed time?

With the winter storm predicted she decided to get her propane cylinders filled yesterday.  I just happened to look out to see her trying to remove the hoses on the cylinders.  They would not budge.  I immediately went over with a wrench to help remove them and then loaded them into her truck for her.

When I finished -- she looked me straight in the eye -- paused for a moment -- and then said. "Thank you."  It wasn't WHAT she said -- it was HOW she said it. 

I knew it wasn't an obligatory show of appreciation -- it was a truly sincere appreciation for assisting her without being asked.

This event although small in nature is part of the essence of what we are looking for -- things that matter -- for the right reasons -- and to be assimilated into what makes life and what you get from it important.

Sorry so long -- I had to empty my head -- now I need to go reboot my brain.

Ken and Nanette

Ken & Nanette ~

Glad to hear things are working out so well for you!  We hope to be following on your heels in a few short months (YIKES!).  The house goes on the market this week.  It's been fun following your progress and I enjoy all of your insights.  Keep providing updates!
-Connie

Ken & Nanette, "I am thinking that the lack of buyer's' remorse is due to this. There is no other tangible route to take. Add to this the freedom and the new joy of the small things that happen and why would anyone contemplate going back?" Just wait till you can finally get on the road and into some decent weather, then your joy will seem boundless. For the first 6 months we were out we had perpetual grins pasted on our faces. Welcome to the life you never dreamed of.

Fred,

We agree with you on how things will change once we go mobile and leave the cold weather in the rear view mirrors.  Although from the looks of things the last few days that will mean going to Key West -- at least!

We finished our financial review the other day.  The pace of the move had not given us time to do so until now.

We liked what we saw.  We made a few adjustments based on real numbers especially in the actual opposed to the projected setup costs we incurred and in doing so the picture certainly improved.

Yesterday as I was reading through the blogs and forums -- which is a daily morning ritual now -- I stumbled across a link to a blog called "Every Miles A Journey"  This was from a young couple that are presently managing a motel/RV location in Cedar Key, Florida.

I have read many blogs -- which include many of the people here -- however for some reason this one really got my attention.

Why?  You might ask.   Well if you did ask -- I would answer -- I have no earthly idea.

There is something about them and what they are doing that seems to have really struck a chord and I couldn't get it out of mind all day yesterday.

So...I started telling Nanette about it.  We talked for a couple of hours about "What next?"  "Where next?"  "When?' 

This conversation was a very important one.  It represented a transition for us.  You see we have been focused and consumed with four things.  Getting rid of stuff -- getting the RV loaded and situated -- getting moved -- and making the transition.

Yesterday we made another transition -- to the future. 

I want to tell you -- it was not an easy thing to do either.  I realized we kept dropping back into "today" and discussing now instead of "tomorrow".  It was like prying our fingers off of a cherished candy bar or something.

We had to keep asking ourselves -- If we could have it exactly like we want it -- what would it look like?  The key here was to not try to solve the "what ifs" as we did this.   Just paint the picture first -- clearly -- and establish the value in achieving the goal.

Why is this important?  Well...being one of those people that studies human behavior I have done a great deal of study on how people think and the effects of how they think.

I have found that there is something I call Time Model thinking.  It seems that there are three possible time modes we can think in. 

Past, Present and Future.  As humans we move toward the things that are uppermost in our minds.  In other words we move toward what we are thinking about.  Rocket science huh?

I see people and organizations of people doing this all the time.  I have listened to the words they use. 

If I hear them always talking about the "good 'ol days" or " I remember when" and these types of phrases are used a lot then there is an indicator they are looking to move back to the past.

If the conversation centers on the present then they will most likely stay right where they are.

Now when I hear talk of the future -- ah -- that is where it gets interesting -- they are looking to move forward.

If one listens to the words used by those around them there is a predictive pattern that can be determined.  People really do move toward what they think about.

Think of it as a measure of "change readiness". 

In other words, if someone is totally mired in the past in thought and words what is the likelihood they are going to suddenly take a huge step forward?

Also I believe no opportunity can be seized if not seen first -- so what are the chances someone looking backwards or firmly planted in the present will even see or let alone seize an opportunity they aren't even looking for?

Significance is established in one's mind by what we determine is important.  If we don't see it as important it gets screened out.  

So...back to us. 

When we started this conversation regarding the possibilities it was as if a veil was lifted.  Kind of like what Fred said.  The world opened up.  The existence of possibilities once again emerged.

You see as I wrote the other day -- although I didn't say it this way -- I was feeling stuck.  The current reality was closing in on me and hiding the real picture of the future.

I think of it kind of like when Howard takes his sunset pictures (Which we love by the way!).  If the sunset is obscured then we wouldn't see it on the picture he would take.  

I would ask you though -- does that mean the sunset isn't there?

Oh it is there -- just as real as it can be.  It can't be seen though so one could  question if it is there.

I am not addressing the issue of faith here -- that is a whole 'nother topic but more of a "how we are wired" thing in regard to awareness and perception.

I would offer this to you to think about.  In our minds -- why look for something that you repeatedly don't see?

Same goes for what I was doing.  I had my face firmly buried in the location we are in and the things I had to do.  The sunset was still there but obscured.  So we had to clear away the fog.

When we did -- what a wonderful sight -- with endless possibilities once again came into view.

I suspect some of you wonder why I would write about such things. 

Perhaps it is more for me than you.  After I write the things I do here -- I always go back and review it for typos and such -- there are many times as I read what I just wrote -- I feel the words making a take on me. 

Sometimes I am the one that needs the "talking to" more than anyone else ever would.

Even though I have taught, and still do, the various concepts regarding "how to get there from here" I am still subject to the same issues that would stand in my way. 

I have been asked many times why I would fall prey to the human thought process with me having taught about it.  Simple answer -- I am human.

So...now we have a blank slate.  Where to go -- what to do -- and when.  Frankly, we have no idea what the answers will be.

The big difference today is -- we are now looking -- we know that the sunset is there -- and all we have to do is open our eyes and employ the human agency to go get it.

I tell ya -- that Cedar Key thing -- sure looks appealing -- as do all the other limitless adventures that await us. 

We just have to remember that fog does happen -- the question is -- will we know when it is rolling in and simply obscuring the glorious scenery behind it?

Ken and Nanette

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Saturday 9th of January 2010 07:21:27 AM

Hey ..we have been to Cedar Key! It's far north of *the Keys*... it's just west of Ocala - Gainsville area on the Gulf. Pretty little town, very remote, not too touristy. It's much cooler there than being down in the Keys, though.

We just left Cedar Key. It was one of our favorite finds. Jo just did a blog on it, take a look. I'm sure we'll return there many times in the future.

There is a great little seafood place called Campbells, between Bronson and Cedar Key.... GREAT good food at very reasonable prices... tiny little place on the north side of the road.... YUMMMMM

Thank you for the information on Cedar Key.  Lets see -- 18 degrees and windy.  We can certainly see some benefits just in temperature.

Today is laundry day!  First time since we have been here.  They have very nice laundry facilities within a very short walk from our site.  This should be fun!

Yesterday we had another first experience.  If you read back some you will see where we wrote about a very dear lady that greeted us when we first arrived and gave us some great encouragement.  We have spoken with her a number of times and grew very fond.

Yesterday we were running into town to take care of a few things and as we left we noticed they had a ladder out and were doing something on the roof of their RV.

When we arrived back a couple of hours later -- They were gone!

Gone.

It seems they had unexpectedly left for Alabama.

We felt bad.  We had lost a neighbor -- just like that!

When we live in our house the neighborhood was an older one with the residence having lived there for many years.  None of the neighbors we had left the entire time we were there.

But now -- here one day and gone the next.

Of course what I am writing probably seems very infantile to most of you since you have experienced people leaving many times.

For us however it is a first.  Strange feeling.

In other news -- things continue to go well.   It looks like I will be replacing or seriously cleaning the blade seal on our toilet.  Darn thing just won't hold water.

I had to clean out one of our Lasko electric heaters -- kept tripping off on high temperature.

There is one other thing.  I think I have discovered a new RV phenomena.  It seems when living in an RV there are temperature variables that defy physics.

Last night after taking a walk with Banjo -- that is our Shelty -- Nanette came in to join me in bed.  As she settled in she put her -- uh -- posterior up against me.

Now -- a question. How can skin reach a temperature that I estimated to be roughly - 200 degrees Fahrenheit?

I thought there were limits to such things.  I am now convinced that Nanette has charted new territory and perhaps has earned her right to be written up in some journal of science!

You will be glad to know that this maneuver on Nanette's part didn't bother her in the least.  I could actually "feel" the grin on her face.  But I didn't say a word -- not going to let her know the effect it had.  Nope -- us men have to show our manlihoodness (new word).

This RV living apparently is just full of new experiences -- some sad -- and some down right cruel.

We talked yesterday about starting a blog.  The first thing is to come up with a name.  So we are working on that and think we are going to do it.

From the frozen banks of the Kentucky River -- we continue to have fun!

Ken and Nanette (also known now as Mrs. Freeze)

Just wanted to let everyone know we are still here...

Getting a lot of rain the last week or so...watching the Kentucky River rise and fall...

Sounds boring perhaps -- but we are loving our new lifestyle.

You have heard of "moments of truth"?

Well we seem to be heading for one.

The question has been on the table for a couple of weeks now as to what to do regarding work.  Do I take something here where we are located?  Does that lock us in to staying longer than we envisioned?  Do we expand the search to other locations which would have us move but perhaps get locked in there?

There are many more questions than this of course but this seems to be the ones that keep coming up.

Then...

I get an email from an employer on Workamper.  This was not expected at all.  We did put our information out there and had been getting emails telling us employers were looking at our information. 

We did not expect anyone to really contact us.  We have done no work in campgrounds nor did we post any experience stating that we have.

So...

Being the surprise that it was -- the conversation suddenly changed.

Now we are searching through all the workamper jobs as well as the other sites and seeing some very appealing opportunities. 

Keep us in your thoughts as we move toward the "moment of truth" and the decision comes.

We have decided to approach things a little different than usual now.  We are not so quick to jump on impulse or perhaps the fear of the "what ifs?" 

If you go back to prior posts here you will see a series of events that just seemed to fall into place without any input from us.  We have gone through these things in conversation and have accepted there are things that happen -- in their own time -- and sometimes one must wait -- be quiet but aware -- and let things take their course.

By the way...for those thinking of this lifestyle.  We are just one example but from our family we say in unison that it was the right decision - for more reasons than I would bother you to list here -- it is all that it has been written about in the positive.

This change does take time to assimilate and that takes time.  Having faith is a huge part of this change.   We have read many times that if you are someone that must know everything that is going to happen before it does it may be wise to think about what a day in the life of this lifestyle will be.

We have also found that reading blogs helps a lot.  I would suggest you try to find a writer that is in the closest situation you may find yourself in.  We have done that and had some great email exchanges on specific issues that have been very helpful -- actually that is not a strong enough word -- in some cases I would say essential.

Now it is important to remember that they are not you and you not them.  There are differences, however, the fundamentals can be very similar in nature as we have found.

The journey continues -- and we have written it before but again we want to express the importance of this site and the people here. 

All one needs to do is read and absorb the information found here and then apply it to your situation. 

Ken and Nanette

Contra,
I was wondering what I could tell people what my job consisted of for the next 219 days, Creative Avoidance, I like that. We move into our fifth wheel the end of March to finish out our tour of duty. Then we begin the journey. Looking forward to seeing all of you down the road.

Those roof vents can really vent!

Guess what you get when it is 1 Degree above Zero and you leave a roof vent open?

You get the sound of propane being sucked up by a furnace trying to keep the RV warm.

Yep -- we learned this lesson.  Not sure who left it open but we suspect it was Banjo the Shelty.  All of us are in agreement that it was him since none of us would ever do such a thing.

The things you learn the hard way sometimes.

So...here we are...on the banks of the Kentucky River still enjoying winter.

We continue our course of looking for workamper assignments.  We have received a couple of other opportunities and have emailed back and forth to some really great people.

The other thing we fill our time with is blog reading.  This has become a morning ritual. 

So many -- so good -- it is hard to stop reading.

I would like to share something I can't get out of my mind with you.

A couple of days a go Nanette and the kids were gone and I was here by myself doing some work on the computer and had the window shades up.

As I have told you we are sitting in a CG on the Kentucky River -- and I mean ON the Kentucky River.  If I were to step outside the door turn right and walk about 20 paces...things would get very wet.

Anyway -- as I sat here working I caught movement outside - out of the corner of my eye.  The campground we are at has a gate so most movement this time of year is well anticipated.  But this was different -- a time of day I would not have expected anyone to be out and about.

As I looked out the window I saw a man in his 70's, I would guess, slowly walking toward the river within about 40 feet of our site.

In his hand was something I couldn't make out until he turned. 

It was a single red rose.

I found myself fixed on him and what he was doing.

He walked up to the bank and bowed his head for about 2 minutes. 

He then moved closer to the bank -- actually stepping down some. 

He then threw the rose into the river.

He stepped back a few steps and again bowed his head.  He then looked up and watch the rose very slowly float down the river.

I guess he stood there for about 5 minutes and then walked away.

I had this immediate feeling that I had just been a spectator to a very deeply emotional event. 

It was like I was looking through a window at something I just couldn't find the answers to. 

Who was he? 
Why was he at this spot? 
Who was the rose for?
What deep emotions had driven him to this point in his life?

Strangely enough I felt sadness -- then wonder -- then respect.

These things we witness in our lives only have meaning if we choose to grasp the moment and ask the questions -- even if no answers come.

I am sure he had no idea I was watching and no idea of the emotional response his actions pulled forward in me.

Life -- what a truly amazing thing -- what wonders -- what lessons wait for us to learn.

This moment -- having in common with all other moments the simple passing of time was different. 

Packaged within it was a lesson -- that there are many events in life that although were not created by our circumstances - still can touch us.

So -- I guess the lesson in this is keep watching -- and feeling -- and take the journey as it comes. 

Keep looking out the windows as the train keeps on its journey and just wait...because the moments that matter will come into view.

I kind of see the blogs I read to be similar -- people allowing us to look into their lives, thoughts and feelings.

What wonderful gifts we are given -- and the thing is -- the best ones are usually free should we decided to open them.

Ken

Ranger375 wrote:

---

Those roof vents can really vent!

Guess what you get when it is 1 Degree above Zero and you leave a roof vent open?

You get the sound of propane being sucked up by a furnace trying to keep the RV warm.

Yep -- we learned this lesson.  Not sure who left it open but we suspect it was Banjo the Shelty.  All of us are in agreement that it was him since none of us would ever do such a thing.

The things you learn the hard way sometimes.

So...here we are...on the banks of the Kentucky River still enjoying winter.

We continue our course of looking for workamper assignments.  We have received a couple of other opportunities and have emailed back and forth to some really great people.

The other thing we fill our time with is blog reading.  This has become a morning ritual. 

So many -- so good -- it is hard to stop reading.

I would like to share something I can't get out of my mind with you.

A couple of days a go Nanette and the kids were gone and I was here by myself doing some work on the computer and had the window shades up.

As I have told you we are sitting in a CG on the Kentucky River -- and I mean ON the Kentucky River.  If I were to step outside the door turn right and walk about 20 paces...things would get very wet.

Anyway -- as I sat here working I caught movement outside - out of the corner of my eye.  The campground we are at has a gate so most movement this time of year is well anticipated.  But this was different -- a time of day I would not have expected anyone to be out and about.

As I looked out the window I saw a man in his 70's, I would guess, slowly walking toward the river within about 40 feet of our site.

In his hand was something I couldn't make out until he turned. 

It was a single red rose.

I found myself fixed on him and what he was doing.

He walked up to the bank and bowed his head for about 2 minutes. 

He then moved closer to the bank -- actually stepping down some. 

He then threw the rose into the river.

He stepped back a few steps and again bowed his head.  He then looked up and watch the rose very slowly float down the river.

I guess he stood there for about 5 minutes and then walked away.

I had this immediate feeling that I had just been a spectator to a very deeply emotional event. 

It was like I was looking through a window at something I just couldn't find the answers to. 

Who was he? 
Why was he at this spot? 
Who was the rose for?
What deep emotions had driven him to this point in his life?

Strangely enough I felt sadness -- then wonder -- then respect.

These things we witness in our lives only have meaning if we choose to grasp the moment and ask the questions -- even if no answers come.

I am sure he had no idea I was watching and no idea of the emotional response his actions pulled forward in me.

Life -- what a truly amazing thing -- what wonders -- what lessons wait for us to learn.

This moment -- having in common with all other moments the simple passing of time was different. 

Packaged within it was a lesson -- that there are many events in life that although were not created by our circumstances - still can touch us.

So -- I guess the lesson in this is keep watching -- and feeling -- and take the journey as it comes. 

Keep looking out the windows as the train keeps on its journey and just wait...because the moments that matter will come into view.

I kind of see the blogs I read to be similar -- people allowing us to look into their lives, thoughts and feelings.

What wonderful gifts we are given -- and the thing is -- the best ones are usually free should we decided to open them.

Ken

---

Thanks Ken, great insight, G

 

Ken and Nannette... (and kids and sheltie Banjo too) This is a whole new world that you folks are enjoying and exploring, and may I thank you for letting us in on it! You are giving us a peek through YOUR window.... The tale of the man and the rose makes one tear up, and think or imagine what loss he has experienced. And it helps us to remember to cherish what we have NOW with our families and the people we love. One would imagine that this elderly gent is remembering his wife, who may have passed on now. Perhaps they spent many happy years camping along that very river and he was thinking of her now. What a darling way to honor her and probably the memories they made at that campground. And now you and your family are building memories too. p.s. it seems that Steve is always opening roof vents, and I am always closing them! So it has become my pre-bedtime routine to lock the door, check the vents and turn out the lights....

I am glad you found value in my little observation. 

We have found that in this lifestyle small things seem to matter much more than before. 

We had read this many times before we made the move but now to experience it really brings it into focus as to what people were talking about.

It seems as it has become a scavenger hunt of sorts looking for the next meaningful little event that we can capture.

On the roof vent thing...

If it truly is a man thing then that lets Nanette off the hook.  We have decided to do a check every night now to make sure we aren't trying to heat the campground with propane.

Ken

Welcome to the community. I haven't been a member very long but I have sure learned a lot here. This group is very welcoming. They are quick to respond and don't laugh at my silly questions. I felt like a member of a very large family from the get-go. Good luck.

Thank you Denise!

We really enjoy it here as you can probably tell from our posts here.

Also -- we finally got our blog up -- although we are learning as we go.  The address is on our signature here.

There are so many great blogs out there that really show how to tell a story that we have a LONG way to go but we are trying.

I did post this today and want to make it our last post here in this section...I am sure Howard and Linda will appreciate the bandwidth back from our long posts here.

A Strange Sound...not so good.

I was here alone in the morning for a while and was in the bedroom doing some work on the computer.

I had the back window open enjoying the fresh air.

We are sitting on the banks of the Kentucky River.  The river is about 20 paces away from the back of our Motorhome.  There is a road that goes along the opposite side but it is hidden from view from the trees that line the river.

All of a sudden I hear a gunshot followed immediately by a fluttering sound going over the top of the motor home.

I know this sound from when my older brother and I would go target practicing in Missouri when I was very young.

One day when we were doing this I heard this same sound.

My brother immediately grabbed me and pulled me to the ground.  He told me it was a bullet going over our heads.

Well I always thought a bullet going by would sound like the "pink" you hear on TV when a bullet is going by.  Apparently they don't make that sound.

So back to yesterday -- after hearing and identifying the sound I just heard -- there was a very quick reaction which was to get away from the window and behind something.  Shortly after this I heard 5 more shots in rapid order.

It is my opinion the bullet I heard was more than likely a bullet bouncing off of something not a direct aim at our motor home.

But no matter what -- having a bullet go over your head is not something that is comforting in any way.

I wonder if they make a Kevlar wrap for Motor Homes???!!!

We told you some of our adventures might not be all good.

Ken and Nanette



-- Edited by Ranger375 on Wednesday 3rd of February 2010 11:00:46 AM

It sounds like you are on your way to accomplishing one of life's most difficult things. Remaining focused on the end result when all of the associated tasks seem to get in the way. Maintain the good fight. I can tell you from 5 years of full time bliss, that the end result is worth any effort to achieve it.

Thank you for the words of encouragement. 

We are finding that a big part of the end result is the present day-to-day living events.

We are learning new things everyday.  One of the best things we have learned is about this community.  The people, experience and perspectives that we have learned from have been a wonderful gift.

When we are sitting here and we see things like what you posted -- like "after 5 years..." this speaks louder than any book someone could read.  It tells us that what may seem to be a challenge and great uncertainty perhaps isn't what it seems to be.

I was thinking about Alice in Wonderland the other day.  I know strange huh?

To paraphrase an exchange...

One of the characters asks another "Where are you going?"  The reply is.."I don't know but I must go."  Then the first character says.  "If you don't know where you are going did you ever think that maybe you are already there?"

Interesting words when applied to this lifestyle.  Maybe the end is really now and to be lived everyday as such.

I have only posted a few times to the forum, but have been reading everything for over a year. We have an offer on our house and I have been fretting over what can go wrong before the closing on March 31st. We've had a roller coaster ride trying to sell our house for the past year, and I have become convinced "the other shoe will drop" again. The RV-Dreams community has kept me going. As I read all of the posts in this thread, I actually get choked up by the great people here and the encouraging words. I have learned many of you have had challenges, but you keep focused on the dream and keep your spirits up. I vow to stay positive and keep moving forward on the dream. It will happen! Thanks to all of you for lifting my spirits. I can't wait to get started. One of the main reasons we decided to before fulltimers is the negative environment we saw in our workplaces. We choose to get off the out of control merry-go-round and live a life that will be far more rewarding. We no longer believe what our society has tried to force down our throats; that money and possessions bring happiness. Thanks again for your inspiration!

K&E,

Thank you for posting this!

We would like to add something that we have found very recently.

Over the last few days some of the people from which you have seen the encouraging words here to us as well as others have contacted us.

Here is what we have found. 

Behind those words of encouragement that you see here -- some very short -- are very real people that have shown us with no doubt that they live what they say.

Throughout our lives we have met many people that have said a lot of things.  Usually a common phrase of some sort that was meant to help in some way.  However, it was never really known how much credibility was behind the statements.

Let us say that here -- there is a LOT of credibility behind the words of encouragement -- it isn't just words -- it is from their personal life experiences -- it is from them putting what they say into action -- showing with actions that what they say can be counted upon to be true.

Does that make sense?

There were times during our accelerated move that Nanette and I sat in our house looking at the piles of stuff to be packed and we were so discouraged.   I remember this very well.

We felt we would never get this done -- and the door to the "old" was wide open and beckoning us to just get back to "where we belonged". 

We felt this often.

The only thing we had to counter, this seemingly easy path to take, was right here.

The responses to our trials came through the comments of those that had gone before.  We found ourselves seeing that the credibility of these statements to be the reason they helped us through so much.

So yes, as the subject of the post states this is a community -- and like so many of the best communities there is concern and a giving spirit to help when help is needed.

In our opinion, you have found here something very unique these days and something of great value.

K&E -- take comfort in the comments of the members here -- we have found that they mean what they say -- and they have deserved the right to say it.

That feeling of "what ifs" is very familiar to us -- it still exists today.

The difference today for us is that we KNOW now that the "what ifs" can not only be the potentially negative things but also the potentially wonderful things that are in the "getting into" and the living of this lifestyle. 

We are so glad you posted this here...

YOU have just become a part of the very thing you find so appealing here -- words of encouragement -- the vow to know that you can do it -- the commitment to a dream that so many before you and us are now living and know is worth all the effort to make it a reality.

Ken and Nanette

Hi Ken and Nannette,

I haven't posted to this forum in a couple years.  (I have enough trouble just keeping up with getting my own blog written.)  Although my husband Fred is well known here.  But I was moved to post by your story.

I became aware of it through Howard's blog, and Fred said I should really go back and read the thread.  So I did, start to finish.  I lost count of how many times I teared up, how many times I got goosebumps, and how many times I smiled as I read the account of your fast track to the life of fulltime RVing.  A lot of what you wrote about  mirrored our experiences on our own fast track back in 2006.

Welcome to this wonderful life.

I can see why so many urged you to start a blog.  You are a good writer and have a lot to share.  I'd make one suggestion though.  When you get a chance, I would take a lot of your postings here on this thread and make it part of your blog.  It is a wonderful story and it would be good for your blog to include all the stuff that happened along your journey to get to this point.  I love how you share your philosophical musings, your insecurities, your doubts and your triumphs.

In the future, lots of folks will find your blog.  But not all will find this forum, or find this thread on the forum, or take the time to read it through.  And so it would be a good thing to have your story there for all to read.

Good luck to you and your family.