I have received so much generous encouragement for my planned adventure that I think my Internet reality has skewed my immediate reality.
Having dinner at a recent family get together.
Unnamed family member,”So, Jennifer, what have you been up to?”
Me, “Well, not much,” pausing, I tentatively offer, “I think I might sell my house.”
Unnamed family member, “Really? Why? I thought you loved your house?”
Me, “Well, I don’t know if I want to stay in Austin,” pausing, “I am thinking about buying an RV and traveling around.”
Unnamed family member, “Oh my god! So, you have completely lost it!??”
I had no response.
13 Comments
It never ceases to amaze me how people, no matter the relation, will demean and bemoan an idea that someone may have that might be contrary to what they may believe to be normal or fun.
Thanks. I’m an adult. If I choose to do something that I might think will be enjoyable, I don’t need criticism or degradation. Do I mind some unsolicited advice? Not really. Shoot me your thoughts on the idea. If you think they are crazy then that will usually solidify my stance on the subject. That usually means I am onto something.
Sure, you HAVE lost it. You have lost the desire to be tied down in one spot. You have lost the need to be chained to a house note. You have lost the will be part of the working class who live paycheck to paycheck and never see anything outside of the local Walmart.
You’re insane!!!
Heh.
Well, I know that wasn’t my comments you posted but am I allowed to guess?
Keep it up. I’m tired.
I have to say Jennifer, that your blogs are really awesome. I am addicted to your “crazy” / normal lifestyle approach. You are making me look so boring.
Joey
I think I have a new favorite blog to read, I love it. Hope to take off myself in the next year or two. Good for you!
Dear Wade – I am going to use your last paragraph next time! That was a perfect response. (I am usually struck dumb in social situations.)
Dear Joey – Remember, you are not allowed to disclose anything I am writing! You are the only person reading this that actually knows me… and it kind of scares me. (But I love you.)
Dear Jeff – Thank you! You are going to take off? Tell me what you are planning to do. I love to hear about others plans and/or adventures.
You are welcome to use it.
Tell you what Jen… you pick out a nice spot somewhere up there in the crazy white north and I’ll load the wife and dogs up and come meet you for a week or so up there. :0)
Of course, I am too scared to just drop everything and leave (although the temptation has been MUCH GREATER as of late) but we are going to start doing some loooong vacations in the near future.
Dear Wade,
Once the temptation starts, you are doomed. You may well just pick the date you are going to do it and start planning.
Round trip to the great white north is 9,000 miles for me, so you might need to plan for longer than a week of travel!
Jennifer
Much like you, I ran my company from 21 to 37, and although I didn’t have a break down, I simply was exhausted beyond belief. So I sold my home and rental property and kept a small piece of land I have on a river here in WA. Bought a 22 foot Nash travel trailer and have decided to follow the sun. I have some commitments that will keep me in WA for another year or two, but after that I plan on heading south in the winter and back up here in the summer. Keeping my property here will be sort of my home base.
9,000 miles. Wow. It sounds so far when you put it like that.
I have to say though… I think my dream would be driving around taking and selling photographs. I could supplement my income with running and documenting projects like I do already…just independently instead of for a company.
You just might give me the inspiration I need. Well… maybe the inspiration the wife needs too.
Dear Jeff – Oh, that sounds wonderful! Keep me updated. (Or let me know if you start blogging about it!)
Dear Wade – Yep, you two are on your way…
Jennifer
I love, love, love Wades quote:
“Sure, you HAVE lost it. You have lost the desire to be tied down in one spot. You have lost the need to be chained to a house note. You have lost the will be part of the working class who live paycheck to paycheck and never see anything outside of the local Walmart.”
You’re insane!!!
Keep your head held high. You are the one on the right track!
I agree. I think Wade’s comment may become our collective mantra!
I had this long post typed out about how to overcome their doubts of your sanity and then my browser crashed and it’s gone forever. d’oh
The summary of the post was ultimately “Fuck ‘em” ;D They’re just jealous of your huge balls ;p
Sure the people on the internet are going to tell you to “go for it” from the safety of their own homes, but in reality there are a TON of us out here doing exactly what you want to do. It’s hard, but the rewards are sooooo worth it. The ONLY thing I miss about my house is the garden. Maybe we’ll see ya on the road.
Dear Jessica,
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I needed them today…
I visited your Web site and blog. Great site and great videos!
Jennifer