After what I’ve called “the breakdown” it took me a while to get my thoughts in order and come up with a new plan. And it’s taken a bit longer to get that plan in motion.
First and foremost, I got back to work. I adjusted my schedule with public transportation and used my time researching and talking with people about the repairs needed on Randy Rogue {my 2013 Nissan Rogue for those new folk here). And most all discussions ended with the same conclusion – retirement. Yep, time to scrap Randy Rogue and find another vehicle.
At the same time, I had the dilemma of coming up with more money. Whether I concluded with going forward with repairs or getting a new vehicle, I would need more money. So I got another job.
Working 2 full-time jobs and having a 3-hour commute round-trip left me with very little time. Thankfully my first job is at a hotel and I have an amazing boss! After a couple of weeks of this exhausting commute, he agreed to let me stay at the hotel on nights I worked both jobs, giving me much more time to sleep. Although it meant time away from home and my furbabies, I was very grateful. My family at home took care of the dogs and I stayed at the hotel 4 nights/week commuting home the rest of the week. And my 2 jobs are only blocks apart, so I was able to walk back and forth.
After just under 2 months of this arrangement, I found and purchased a used 2008 Toyota Sienna. And I love it!
First thing, it’s much roomier than the Rogue, which will mean more comfort for the dogs and me. I also love that there’s a moon roof and a DVD player (which I’m hoping to convert power to a house battery instead of a car battery so that I can enjoy using it while parked)! I’m also really excited about the cargo area. The Sienna has stow-and-go back seating, so once I remove the seats I’m going to have so much extra space for storage!
I’m still working out the details of my build, but I’ve got a new plan forming. I don’t have an exact date, but I plan to be moving into my van within the next couple of months (I’m still financially helping on the lease until my son can manage on his own).
I fell back into the rut of giving too much of myself to help others and was falling behind on my plans, but recently something happened that shook me from that (a little too personal and involving someone else, so that’s where my transparency ends on this one). Good news from that is I’m back on track!
I’ve watched hours and hours and hours of van conversions for the Toyota Sienna and I’ve come up with 2 build ideas. The primary one is simple, easy and for just the dogs and me. I’m also considering having a changeable build that includes a loft bed for when I want to have friends or the grandkids on a trip (who knew you could do a loft bed in a minivan!?!).
I’m also still considering whether to keep and store the back seats or to junk or sell them. At first, I planned to just sell or junk them, but I’m aggressively trying to save to buy a shuttle bus to convert for long-term so I’ve been thinking I might store the seats so that I can sell the Sienna when I make the move. But then I could also just sell it as a camper minivan to another adventurer. What do you all think?
It’s been a ride, but I’m still on this adventure. Hope you’re still up for the journey with me!
