Lets see if I can make this short. We just received an RV at a VERY low price. We were on the lucky end of a nasty divorce and bought our 2001 31' fifth wheel for a steal. We had been looking into buying one for years, but just kept putting it off. We have rented some bumper pulls and had a pop up too.
Anyhow. We have the RV here now and have been so excited to spend as much time as possible in it. We planned on moving it to this amazing RV resort for the summer so the kids could play and be in "that" environment. So, we were going to live in it for the summer and come back to our home in the fall. Well, as a result of this economy, my husband suffered a huge pay cut at work and we can no longer afford our home. (thank goodness we are renting! After our last home sold, we decided we'd save for awhile and build.)
Timing couldn't be any better. We have tossed around full timing before but not any further. It seems like the perfect answer to our life change and we are excited, if overwhelmed too. We have so much *stuff*. I am selling what I can, donating what doesn't matter, and storing the rest. I am certain it will take us awhile to learn what we truly need and what is just "fluff". We begin this adventure at the end of April. So, I have about 4 weeks to get all this done.
We have 2 children also, ages 3 and 11. I homeschool the 11 year old, so I believe this will expose her to so much more. Currently we live on 850 acres in the middle of no where, so we don't get much interaction with others. I am so looking forward to the change. Back to the simple life.
My brother and his wife are full-timers, as are my parents, so I think I have a good idea of what this life will be like. A bit different and I am getting a lot of negativity about making this choice because we have young children.
I just wanted to say hello and get to know some people "out there".
-- Edited by Ellie Mae on Wednesday 25th of March 2009 08:57:54 PM
NorCal Dan said
08:47 PM Mar 25, 2009
Welcome to the forum and soon-to-be full-timing world. I hope everything works out for you and look forward to meeting all of you down the road.
retread said
09:22 PM Mar 25, 2009
Things are definitely happening fast for you and your family! Congratulations on the good buy on your new home!
We had to move quickly to dispose, store, donate our 'stuff'. It is very stressful at the time, but I was amazed at how quickly the tailspin was forgotten as we moved into our fifth wheel and got going! We've only been full-timing with our kids for a couple of months and most of the feedback we get is positive. The few negative comments we've ever had are from people that don't know our family well at all.
We've already had such a blast with the kids and we have absolutely no regrets! Even our bad days hold great life lessons for the boys (and for us!)
Best wishes with getting the remaining stuff cleared out and getting ready to go.
Sushidog said
04:58 AM Mar 26, 2009
Congrats on your decision to full-time. Your family's life will certainly be richer for it - and talk about an education for the kids! They'll actually be able to visit historic sites rather than just read about them. Their mind will be liberated rather than indoctrinated by our cookie cutter style educational system that prejudiced most of us. The challenges of living in such a small, (I prefer the word "cozy") sq. footage will be rewarded with a richer, fuller family life. Having lived in a TT during college, I quickly adapted to the limited space. Just plan on getting out and enjoying nature more. Is that such a bad thing?
In my life, I find that God has a way of steering me in the direction He wants me to go. If we just remember "Resistance is futile" we'll be happier for it. You're giving up 850 acres and gaining every state park, national park, campground and BLM land in all of America. Even Canada and Mexico are your "oyster" if you're so inclined. Not a bad trade, don't you think?
When my S&B finally sells, I'll be right there with you.
May we meet on the road,
Chip & Cindy
bjoyce said
09:13 AM Mar 26, 2009
Spending time right now with two nieces with limited world views and very limited taste in food. Getting out and seeing North America is a great way to liberate minds, as Chip and Cindy said. All four of you will learn a lot.
Speedhitch said
10:48 AM Mar 26, 2009
Welcome to our world and hope you visit here often. Maybe Sherri and I will cross your path on this journey through life. Stay safe
Joe and Sherri
-- Edited by Ellie Mae on Wednesday 25th of March 2009 08:57:54 PM
We had to move quickly to dispose, store, donate our 'stuff'. It is very stressful at the time, but I was amazed at how quickly the tailspin was forgotten as we moved into our fifth wheel and got going! We've only been full-timing with our kids for a couple of months and most of the feedback we get is positive. The few negative comments we've ever had are from people that don't know our family well at all.
We've already had such a blast with the kids and we have absolutely no regrets! Even our bad days hold great life lessons for the boys (and for us!)
Best wishes with getting the remaining stuff cleared out and getting ready to go.