I’ve been saying it over and over again: I’ve had it, I’m done having others take advantage of me.

Month after month for the past many months, I’ve put off my plans because I’ve had to take responsibility where others in my household have lacked, knowing I’d be there to cover. I finally put my foot down and told them “enough is enough”.

My birthday is next month. For my birthday I’m gifting myself with the freedom to live my life the way I want to live my life. My son’s birthday is the same month, 10 days after mine. I’m gifting him with tough love – and the chance to stand up and take responsibility for himself and his little family.

I am submitting my move-out notice to management and will be living full time #VanLife by November 1st, 2023.

Living in the PNW, I did not want to go full-time during Fall or Winter. You know, the cold and rainy months here. But I did not make a stance early enough. I missed another summer of exploring working, harder than I needed to to be able to pay the bills of 3 people – living beyond my means. I can’t wait any longer.

Thankfully I have lots of blankets to keep me warm.

Making Plans

For those that haven’t been following me to this point, I decided in March 2022 that I wanted to move into my (then) SUV and start traveling North America, Canada, and South America.

You’d think with being delayed 1.5 years I’d have fully planned out my build and supplies needed.

I guess that’s part of the problem with being a procrastinator and having depression.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made lists. I’ve had some ideas and some plans. I looked at several layouts for my Nissan Rogue. I scrapped those and looked at all new layouts when I purchased my Toyota Sienna.

Unfortunately having depleted my savings before being able to purchase things I’ll need, my journey will be starting differently than I ‘planned’.

Following Nike’s advice: Just Do It

I’ve always believed it’s better to just start than wait to start. I’ve read it recently in a post in one of the Facebook groups I’m a member of. A couple of members posted that they didn’t have a choice in choosing #VanLife and they made the choice to start with what they had and evolve.

Ask any #VanLifer and most will tell you that you will change your layout a few times before making it final. Others continue to ‘change it up’ on occasion. Even changing one type of vehicle (van/ambulance) to another (a bigger van/schoolie/RV).

I know I will be changing it up eventually. I am starting in a minivan, but plan to update to a bigger van of some sort or shuttle bus as soon as I have the funds. I’ve even considered trading up to an RV at some point. Once I’ve been on the road a while, I’ll make that decision.

For now, I’m just starting with what I have – my 2008 Toyota Sienna. And a bed.

My future awaits – but not for long

I’m excited that the life I’ve been looking forward to is finally within sight. I’m excited for the adventure. But I’ll have to admit, I’m also a little nervous about working it all out.

I’ve got a Planet Fitness membership, so exercise and showers are covered.

I am a plus-size older woman with some mobility and health issues so, truth be told, my main concern is using the bathroom. I haven’t chosen a style yet, but I’m getting a toilet. I am a bit concerned with being able to get on/off without issues and without causing a mess, so I’m hoping to take a few practice runs before the final deadline. On a positive note, I work the night shift at a hotel and bathrooms should be easier to find during the day.

I’ve also got 3 dogs – 2 large and 1 little. When I’m ‘on the road’ there will be many options for them to roam and adventure. My concern is finding enough outside adventure time living out of the van until I’m ready to hit the open road. That’s another benefit of living in the PNW – lots of dog parks and lots of open wooded areas.

I’m excited — and I hope you’ll continue to follow my journey. Give advice, ask questions, join in conversation.