We hope all of our fellow future and current fulltimers are having a happy and healthy holiday. So far, ours has been that and then some. We've treated ourselves to total relaxation today and yesterday. It's been great.
Santa sure knows what to drop by for a couple of future fulltimers. Boris received a box of goodies to take care of the electrical system in the moose. (Who would've ever thought we'd oooh and aaah at the sight of a digital multimeter?) And, I received a digital picture frame that I can't wait to load up with pictures we want to take with us on the road. Another fun gift was a "gorillapod". It's a nifty little super bendable tripod that will make it much easier for us to take pictures of the two of us on our travels. (We've had reports that certain readers aren't sure I really exist!) Thank you, Santa, for the simple, portable and lightweight gifts. They're perfect. We look forward to putting them to good use in the very near future.
Our holiday week promises to be a perfect mix: quiet time alone together, a few days with family, followed by a few days with Bullwinkle. We look forward to enjoying it all.
Happy Holidays!
White Lies
white lie n. An often trivial, diplomatic or well-intentioned untruth.
I've told a few of these at work this week. Actually, they're beginning to pile up. So, I decided to look it up.
The approaching new year has sparked several conversations about the future around my office. I've chatted with colleagues about everything from business goals to vacation days in 2009.
"I'd like to take two weeks off in July," inquired one colleague. "Fine by me," was my reply.
With full intention that her vacation plans (or anybody else's) won't be on my calendar or my radar screen in July, I listened to her plans to get away from the workaday world for a precious two weeks. Then she asked about my vacation plans for next year.
"Nothing big," was the start of my not-so-little white lie. "We're just get away for a few long weekends."
It's just one example of what is fast becoming a big challenge at work. The truth is I really don't care about what's going on there. After all, I emotionally disconnected nearly 4 months ago. What I do care about is Boris and me making a major lifestyle change as soon as possible next year. And, of course, nobody at work knows about those plans. And, they won't until it's time to go.
By then I'll be well-skilled at the art of trivial, diplomatic and well-intentioned untruths.
I've told a few of these at work this week. Actually, they're beginning to pile up. So, I decided to look it up.
The approaching new year has sparked several conversations about the future around my office. I've chatted with colleagues about everything from business goals to vacation days in 2009.
"I'd like to take two weeks off in July," inquired one colleague. "Fine by me," was my reply.
With full intention that her vacation plans (or anybody else's) won't be on my calendar or my radar screen in July, I listened to her plans to get away from the workaday world for a precious two weeks. Then she asked about my vacation plans for next year.
"Nothing big," was the start of my not-so-little white lie. "We're just get away for a few long weekends."
It's just one example of what is fast becoming a big challenge at work. The truth is I really don't care about what's going on there. After all, I emotionally disconnected nearly 4 months ago. What I do care about is Boris and me making a major lifestyle change as soon as possible next year. And, of course, nobody at work knows about those plans. And, they won't until it's time to go.
By then I'll be well-skilled at the art of trivial, diplomatic and well-intentioned untruths.
A Question of When
With Christmas just one week away, we're doing our best to get in the spirit. That's proving to be a bit of a challenge for us this year, as work just keeps getting in the way. Although we've both pulled the emotional plug on our work, it's still nuts.
The energy that we'd normally spend on holiday shopping, decorating and cards is being channeled in a new direction. These days we're pondering a question of when.
Our original fulltiming goal date was April 1, 2010. We've since decided that's too far off. Way off. Since then, we've thought alot about moving that day up. We accelerated our plans some. Now, we're wondering what it would be to "put the pedal to the metal". What's the soonest we could be ready to go?
Our focus and attention has turned to the house. What's the earliest day we could get it on the market? April 1, 2009 is definitely doable. March 1 would be a push.
Today, we're up for big push.
The energy that we'd normally spend on holiday shopping, decorating and cards is being channeled in a new direction. These days we're pondering a question of when.
Our original fulltiming goal date was April 1, 2010. We've since decided that's too far off. Way off. Since then, we've thought alot about moving that day up. We accelerated our plans some. Now, we're wondering what it would be to "put the pedal to the metal". What's the soonest we could be ready to go?
Our focus and attention has turned to the house. What's the earliest day we could get it on the market? April 1, 2009 is definitely doable. March 1 would be a push.
Today, we're up for big push.
A Difference of Decades
Earlier this week we reflected on the difference a year can make. Today we got to see the effect of a couple of decades.
Whenever we tell someone we recently bought an RV, we've discovered odds are they'll ask us if we've seen the movie "Lost in America." Our answer is always the same. "Yes, but we don't really remember it." With that response everyone has insisted we simply must see it again.
Lost in America was released in 1985. We saw it in a midwestern theater less than a year before we got married. Boris doesn't remember having ever seen it. I remember it as "dark" comedy that I found rather depressing. And, what did this movie have to do with RVing? I honestly couldn't remember.
Some 20 years later, we put the film at the top of our Netflix list. This afternoon we watched the story about a couple that decides to quit their jobs, buy a Winnebago, leave California and live on their nest egg while they discover America.
This is superb cinema!
The first time we watched this film, we were 20-something yuppies living in the '80s. We were too busy stepping on the career ladder to think about jumping off. Surely we thought "who in the world would buy a Winnebago?"
If only we could've known then what we know now. We would've loved that movie and remembered it. And, we would've bought our Winnebago a long time ago.
Looking forward, we do hope things turn out better for us in the end. So, we might just pass by Las Vegas!
Whenever we tell someone we recently bought an RV, we've discovered odds are they'll ask us if we've seen the movie "Lost in America." Our answer is always the same. "Yes, but we don't really remember it." With that response everyone has insisted we simply must see it again.
Lost in America was released in 1985. We saw it in a midwestern theater less than a year before we got married. Boris doesn't remember having ever seen it. I remember it as "dark" comedy that I found rather depressing. And, what did this movie have to do with RVing? I honestly couldn't remember.
Some 20 years later, we put the film at the top of our Netflix list. This afternoon we watched the story about a couple that decides to quit their jobs, buy a Winnebago, leave California and live on their nest egg while they discover America.
This is superb cinema!
The first time we watched this film, we were 20-something yuppies living in the '80s. We were too busy stepping on the career ladder to think about jumping off. Surely we thought "who in the world would buy a Winnebago?"
If only we could've known then what we know now. We would've loved that movie and remembered it. And, we would've bought our Winnebago a long time ago.
Looking forward, we do hope things turn out better for us in the end. So, we might just pass by Las Vegas!
What a Difference a Year Makes
One year ago from the moment I'm writing this, Boris and I were beginning a marathon flight across the Pacific on the first day of our holiday trip down under.
Tonight, as we reflected on how thrilled we were as we embarked on that big trip, I asked a contemplative question:
"Imagine if someone had walked down the aisle on that flight and said to us 'This time next year the two of you will be planning your fulltiming adventures in your new RV.' What would we have said?"
"What the heck is fulltiming?" Boris answered. To which we added in unison: "Whatd'ya mean 'our new RV'? You must be talking to the wrong couple!"
What a difference a year makes, indeed. Are we ever looking forward to next year!
Tonight, as we reflected on how thrilled we were as we embarked on that big trip, I asked a contemplative question:
"Imagine if someone had walked down the aisle on that flight and said to us 'This time next year the two of you will be planning your fulltiming adventures in your new RV.' What would we have said?"
"What the heck is fulltiming?" Boris answered. To which we added in unison: "Whatd'ya mean 'our new RV'? You must be talking to the wrong couple!"
What a difference a year makes, indeed. Are we ever looking forward to next year!
Saving Lives
We received an interesting call tonight from Natasha's mom. It started something like this.
"Just wanted to let you two know you saved our lives," mom said.
Say what?
She went on to remind us that, once upon a time, we had given them a carbon monoxide detector. It's been so long ago, in fact, that we had forgotten. Turns out that long ago gifted and since forgotten monitor started beeping at 5:30 this morning. It got them up and paying attention. They switched off the furnace, opened a window and made a call to the furnace repairman. He showed up and took measurements. The furnace was pumping out the toxic gasses. By end of day, a new furnace and AC were installed and all was well.
As winter chill sets in across our land, we want to remind everyone to check their carbon monoxide detectors. You could save a life...or two.
"Just wanted to let you two know you saved our lives," mom said.
Say what?
She went on to remind us that, once upon a time, we had given them a carbon monoxide detector. It's been so long ago, in fact, that we had forgotten. Turns out that long ago gifted and since forgotten monitor started beeping at 5:30 this morning. It got them up and paying attention. They switched off the furnace, opened a window and made a call to the furnace repairman. He showed up and took measurements. The furnace was pumping out the toxic gasses. By end of day, a new furnace and AC were installed and all was well.
As winter chill sets in across our land, we want to remind everyone to check their carbon monoxide detectors. You could save a life...or two.
Jealous
I was on a call this afternoon when our receptionist interrupted and said, "Boris is on the line for you." She made it sound like it was urgent. I put my call on hold for a moment and took Boris' call.
"Guess what?" he said. "I'm sitting in Bullwinkle!"
That's it. It's official. We're losing it! He because he was compelled to visit our RV in the middle of the afternoon, and me because I was jealous that he was there and I was not. OK, and he one more time because he had to call and tell me about it.
Turns out he took advantage of a scheduled appointment nearby Bullwinkle's storage spot to drop off our bolsters and just make sure everything was OK with the moose. With the engine purring and the captain enjoying a mid-afternoon visit, all was well.
Did I mention I was REALLY jealous?
"Guess what?" he said. "I'm sitting in Bullwinkle!"
That's it. It's official. We're losing it! He because he was compelled to visit our RV in the middle of the afternoon, and me because I was jealous that he was there and I was not. OK, and he one more time because he had to call and tell me about it.
Turns out he took advantage of a scheduled appointment nearby Bullwinkle's storage spot to drop off our bolsters and just make sure everything was OK with the moose. With the engine purring and the captain enjoying a mid-afternoon visit, all was well.
Did I mention I was REALLY jealous?
Storage Plans
You know what you get when you have a couple of future fulltimers emotionally disconnected from their work? Plans that start moving!
This weekend we've formulated our plan for storing the stuff we can't part with. There won't be too much: china, crystal, a few books, some artwork and - of course - the mixer and my notions. Our plan is to arrange for a PODS container to be delivered at our house and moved to a family member's house in Kansas City. Once it gets there, we'll fly to KC, transport our goods to a small self-storage unit, visit awhile and fly back to get our house sold and have our "escape sale".
With family in Kansas City, we plan to pass that way several times during our fulltiming adventures. And, when it comes time to settle down, we're planning on finding a stick house in or around the Kansas City area. Plus, self-storage there is a fraction of what it costs in the Bay Area. Family members have offered to store stuff at their houses, but it's a small price to pay and just feels cleaner this way.
While talking to the good folks at PODS, they let us know it'll take 8 business days to get our stuff from here to there. And, of course, they were eager to schedule our pickup date. We said we'd think about it. And, we did.
Right now, we're looking at having our empty POD delivered here on January 30th and sending it on its way February 2nd. We'll meet it in Kansas City for President's Day weekend.
We haven't made a reservation just yet. But, just having those dates penciled in on our calendar takes us one very exciting step closer to our fulltiming dream!
This weekend we've formulated our plan for storing the stuff we can't part with. There won't be too much: china, crystal, a few books, some artwork and - of course - the mixer and my notions. Our plan is to arrange for a PODS container to be delivered at our house and moved to a family member's house in Kansas City. Once it gets there, we'll fly to KC, transport our goods to a small self-storage unit, visit awhile and fly back to get our house sold and have our "escape sale".
With family in Kansas City, we plan to pass that way several times during our fulltiming adventures. And, when it comes time to settle down, we're planning on finding a stick house in or around the Kansas City area. Plus, self-storage there is a fraction of what it costs in the Bay Area. Family members have offered to store stuff at their houses, but it's a small price to pay and just feels cleaner this way.
While talking to the good folks at PODS, they let us know it'll take 8 business days to get our stuff from here to there. And, of course, they were eager to schedule our pickup date. We said we'd think about it. And, we did.
Right now, we're looking at having our empty POD delivered here on January 30th and sending it on its way February 2nd. We'll meet it in Kansas City for President's Day weekend.
We haven't made a reservation just yet. But, just having those dates penciled in on our calendar takes us one very exciting step closer to our fulltiming dream!
Bolstered
An interesting package arrived at my office today. It was odd shaped and wrapped in yards of plastic. The mail carrier was so hesitant that she actually left it outside our office door. A co-worker and I spotted it and wondered what it was. With my co-worker expressing concern that it might be a bomb, I picked it up and took a look.
"It's mine," I declared and headed off to unwrap the blob. What I found was what I had been waiting for - two custom made bolsters and their fabric covers. It was two more purchases designed to make life as soon-to-be fulltimers much easier.
The purpose of each bolster is distinctively different. The smallest is designed to wedge into Bullwinkle's passenger side footwell and keep our kitties from playing hide-n-seek in there. It's perfect.
The other bolster is designed to solve a much more common problem. Our mobile bed is a "short queen", which means it's the same width as a regular queen-size bed but it's five inches shorter. Neither of us is height challenged, so this short mattress is, well, really short. So, we ordered a bolster that is the width and height of the mattress and adds the missing five inches to the length. When we're underway, it'll sit on top of the bed like a big pillow. And, when we're setup, we'll put it between the headboard and mattress and make up a bed that's just right for us.
Found them at Knox Foam. A few measurements, a couple of clicks, a credit card and you're done.
We can't wait to try them out!
"It's mine," I declared and headed off to unwrap the blob. What I found was what I had been waiting for - two custom made bolsters and their fabric covers. It was two more purchases designed to make life as soon-to-be fulltimers much easier.
The purpose of each bolster is distinctively different. The smallest is designed to wedge into Bullwinkle's passenger side footwell and keep our kitties from playing hide-n-seek in there. It's perfect.
The other bolster is designed to solve a much more common problem. Our mobile bed is a "short queen", which means it's the same width as a regular queen-size bed but it's five inches shorter. Neither of us is height challenged, so this short mattress is, well, really short. So, we ordered a bolster that is the width and height of the mattress and adds the missing five inches to the length. When we're underway, it'll sit on top of the bed like a big pillow. And, when we're setup, we'll put it between the headboard and mattress and make up a bed that's just right for us.
Found them at Knox Foam. A few measurements, a couple of clicks, a credit card and you're done.
We can't wait to try them out!
A Second Disconnect
Faithful readers, remember back in September when I said I Quit? Yes, that was the fateful day that I emotionally disconnected from my job and committed to moving forward to our dream of fulltiming.
Well, Boris had a similar epiphany today. Again, the details don't matter. The bottom line is that today he emotionally disconnected from his job, too.
Yahoo!
There is something wonderful about this day. Today we are both free to pursue our dream. Today we are both free of the emotional web of the place we call work.
From here, we can do anything.
Stay tuned!
Well, Boris had a similar epiphany today. Again, the details don't matter. The bottom line is that today he emotionally disconnected from his job, too.
Yahoo!
There is something wonderful about this day. Today we are both free to pursue our dream. Today we are both free of the emotional web of the place we call work.
From here, we can do anything.
Stay tuned!
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