8.06.2013

Day 6

It's been almost a week here in the wheelie house. I've been wanting to write about how it's going so far, and it's not like I haven't had anything to say. It's more like I've had too much to say and just couldn't get my thoughts together. So I'll just start at the beginning. . .

On Wednesday morning we began loading all of our possessions (besides a few boxes that a friend was kind enough to store long-term for us) into The Cart. Well, I say "we" but actually Dylan and College Boy did all that heavy lifting bit. I scrubbed and polished the house that we've been renting for the past three years, and prepared to say goodbye to hot baths, the dishwasher, closet space, flush toilets. . . you know, all the super-comfy trappings of modern American suburban living. What I was saying Hello to was the beginning of the realization of a dream that we've had for years.

Once we were all loaded up, looking like something out of one one those Hoarders shows, we headed down the road to my brother's house about an hour away. Dylan was really nervous driving the thing, which handles sort of like a land boat, but he did just fine. (I get nervous driving under the easiest conditions, so me driving was so not an option.) We not only brought everything that we'll need to live and work in the RV, but also all College Boy's stuff that he'll need in his dorm and all Dylan's building supplies so he can finish the thing. 

Here are a couple snapshots of The Cart, packed to the rafters--


And here's Dylan and College Boy unloading things.
(Thankfully, my brother was kind enough to lend us the use of a corner of his shop while we're staying here.)

I gotta tell you, the first few days have been hard. I've heard that change is uncomfortable, and whoever said that is totally right. I'm constantly saying stuff like, "Where the heck is (fill in the blank) ?" and "How am I supposed to  (fill in the blank) ? " I'm having to learn so much! Like how to work this new computer and all the stuff that goes along with that (aaaargh!), and how to *a-hem* in a composting toilet in a bathroom that currently has no doors, and how to get into a bed that's 4 feet off the ground, and how to not constantly kick over the dog's water bowl in the teeny tiny kitchen, and, and, and. . . But when the day is done we light a fire and all sit around it laughing at the misadventures of trying to make the faucet work, or trying to get dressed in an area the size of a phone booth, or the fact that we were crazy enough moved into an unfinished RV in the first place. . . we exhale and are reminded why we are doing this.

Best brother and sis-in-law ever!
I'll be back soon with more in-progress pics of The Cart.
I think this post is long enough.

14 comments:

  1. I admire you, I think I have way too much stuff to fit in a trailer, lol.
    I love sitting out at night, by a fire.

    Debbie

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  2. Such a big change and so much to re-learn (and re-think) must be difficult right now, but it will surely pay off as you live your dream! I really admire your and Dylan's courage and sense of adventure! At the very worst? You go back to living in a traditional space one day, full of experience. At the very best--you life in a real dream!! Hugs and strength!!

    Georgia

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement. It helps :)

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  3. Thank you for letting know how it's going and being honest about the awkward stuff as well as the good. We need some people to live the dream. Otherwise why bother having dreams? Hugs and good luck and you need to hang the water bowl off the floor somewhere.

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  4. I have been waiting to hear how it is going...Before you know it, you will be aclimatised. how is the dog coping?

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    1. Lulu is the Queen of The Cart. As far as she's concerned, her crate has been vastly upgraded.

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  5. I see smooth sailing ahead! I envy such freedom!

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  6. The only thing I would really miss is my bath tub...That and alone space. We are trying to sell our home, too. I think we will be living in our 5th wheel(ie). Soon this will be your new "nest" with everything in it's place...The great thing is that you will probably live outside more and feel more connected to the earth...

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    1. It's true, I haven't spent so much time outside since I was a little kid.
      Good luck on your wheelie adventure too!

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  7. It will take time Jo but soon everything will have found a place (and you'll remember where that place is!) and the cramped confines will disappear as soon as you step out of your wheelie home door and see the wonderful new vistas that will be displayed before you. We go out in our RV every year for 4 to 6 weeks at a time and 'camp' in the middle of nowhere; no electricity, no running water, no cell phones or computers and I LOVE it. Takes time to get used to working in such a small area, but it is going to be so worth it! Breath and count to ten (a lot!) Deb

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  8. *inhale*exhale*
    1...2...3...
    Thanks, Deb! I needed that :)

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  9. Re: Lulu's upgraded crate - LAUGHING OUT LOUD!

    Thanks for that upper. I'm having a hard few days (son and his girlfriend of 4 years-and part of the family-breaking up) and need all the laughs and smiles I can get!

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  10. It's a big change for you guys. I admit to enjoying the vicarious thrill of your new housing experience. Not that I want to do it myself...just...it's the different....and it's exciting to watch people do the different.
    I hope you're enjoying getting it into shape, living space wise, at least some. Seems like it could be satisfying if you can ignore the stress part.
    I like to imagine how one could maximize their small space...seems like some of the things you learn could really apply to anyone, no matter where they live..
    I think I just realized what it is that's so fascinating about your new life endeavor, it's the down sizing..so often people tend to go bigger...but...why? We'd all have more if we had less...if that makes sense...
    Anyhoo I love your art, always an unapologetic lurker *grins* but am especially looking forward to your posts on your new living space and how that combines with art making etc.
    Thanks for sharing your adventure!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Tracey, what a great comment! I I wholeheartedly agree :)

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