Thursday, May 5, 2011

You're Not Gonna Live In A Trailer For The Rest Of Your Life???

You're Not Gonna Live In A Trailer For The Rest Of Your Life???

"I didn't say that!!   I said, I'm gonna be a full-time RVer.  The rest of my life isn't here yet."

That is how most of my conversations became with relatives and friends who are not RVers.   They do not have a clue unless they are RVers.   Most people are "normal" complete with all the accoutrements, spouse, kids, house, mortgage, car-payments, etc.  I have never been quite normal.  A friend said I was a changeling.  A changeling is a infant born to the fairies then left under a stump in the forest.  Humans find the infant changeling and take it home to raise it as a normal human baby.  But the changeling is never really a "normal" human.   

Mom and Pop Visiting Yosemite Around 1990
My parents had a wonderful life of sixty-two years together.  They loved traveling in their Grand Marquis and staying in the local Holiday Inn or La Quinta.  But remember, they also raised a changeling son...little ole me!  Not everyone lives the traditional life with spouse, kids, etc.  Some people march to a different drummer...and enjoy it.   Not everyone has a 9-to-5 office job or wants one.  Not everyone wants to own a home or do yard work.  To some folks, relationships are very important, even more valuable than possessions.  Most of all, not everyone wants the same thing every day or every year.  Some folks enjoy change and adventure.  Some people enjoy the adventure of traveling to new places, seeing new things and meeting new people.

I have a brother whom I love.  But we are so different.  He has a beautiful home and yard.  His house looks like a photo-spread from Better Homes And Gardens magazine.  He loves his yard work and loves his immaculately decorated home.  And he doesn't like traveling.  On the other hand, I could be very happy traveling all across the USA, living in a different town each month!   Indeed, that sounds like a great way to enjoy life, especially when traveling in an RV.
My Sweet Mom Enjoying My Argosy in 1997
Around fifteen years ago in preparation for my new lifestyle, I had become a member of ESCAPEES and THE GOOD SAM CLUB, both RV clubs for serious RVers.  Escapees has a wonderful magazine with most articles written by Escapees members.  I photo-copied articles from the Escapees magazine about baby-boomers who are full-timing.  Thinking I could share my desires for travel, I gave the articles to my family members who usually responded with a puzzled look.  

I wasn't seeking their approval.  I only wanted them to have an idea of why I wanted to do this.  I also wanted them to know that other people, plenty of other people felt the same way.  No, they don't quite get what the changeling was trying to tell them.  

So I did it anyway.  I am happy and they still think I am a little nuts. 
Winter On Anna Maria Island January 2010
Winter In Dallas January 2011
Listen to me. If you are considering living an alternate lifestyle, the RV lifestyle, do not expect anyone in your family or broader circle of friends to "get it."  For the most part they will not understand what you are doing.  They will not get excited when you describe the procedure for dumping your tanks.  They are not thrilled by your 3-way refrigerator.  Nor are they as concerned about your anti-sway device as you seem to be.  Don't expect them to understand, because they never will.  

But I say to you...go ahead with your ideas.  Do your research, set your time goals and work your plan.  Don't be discouraged when they look like you have lost your mind.  You will find like minded people who have been there and done that.  They are the ones who will encourage you along the way.  From their experience, they can help you to avoid the pitfalls and have a better time.  
Wally Byam Caravan 1958
So I say, do it now.  Don't wait.  Adventure lies ahead and you don't want to miss it!  You are not getting any younger.  You can't take it with you.  Enjoy it while you can.  Take plenty of photos and keep a journal, even a blog to keep the memories fresh.  Do it now!  Don't wait!!
  
D*
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 6, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Words well spoken. Never considered (or thought) about this but yes that's kind of the response I've gotten from my family over the years. I've been a wanderer and never able to stay in one play too long. I like to be on the go. That makes it easy as I get ready to full-time. My brothers and sisters all think I should buy a little condo and move in, so I'm buying a little FG home and moving in and moving on. Hehe. Have fun Don, as I will. Maybe catch you on the road someday.

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  2. Glenda LaineMay 6, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Great explanation. I guess my partner & I are 'changelings' also since we've both gone the more 'unconventional' paths. Each a couple of marriages (& divorces) because we felt it was 'expected' until we finally got old enough to follow our hearts.

    My 80+ parents definitely don't 'get it' - but they're from the Depression/WWII era & property & possessions are their security & expectations. Thankfully they're used to me taking odd turns during my life.

    We cleaning out & loading up in the next few weeks to start full timing in a 17' Casita Liberty Deluxe, with 2 cats & a Keeshond dog. It's certainly gona be an 'adventure'. Looking for a workkamping gig in the state so we can stay close for various appointments & family during the summer. But after the long, deep, hard winter, we're definitely gona be somewhere warmer for the next winter.

    Please keep sharing your insights!

    ~~ Glenda ~~
    www.CasitaEscapes.blogspot.com

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  3. BarbMay 26, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I've always moved around, but from house to house. Mostly buying and selling. Every couple of years.

    Starting next week, I'll be full-timing. It's SURE gonna be easier to move from now on!

    My kids and friends all think its cool, no one has said anything negative at all about full-timing. I guess I'm lucky! But it wouldn't matter, I'd still be traveling down the road next week.

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  4. DonJune 16, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    Full-timing is great for thousands of folks. What a way to see our beautiful country...take your home with you. There is too much beauty in this wonderful country that most folks do not ever see. So go for it now. And take good photos along the way. Then when health prevents being on the road, you can still enjoy your travels with your photos and wonderful memories!! Glad y'all are doing it. Have fun!!

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