I am starting to get self conscious that so many people in my life are certain that the things I am doing are going to get me mutilated and murdered.
A person who loves me (and who shall remain unnamed) is worried about my blogging. She thinks I am putting myself in real danger by posting all of this information online.
So, I am asking you, is there anything that I am posting that makes you think, wow, I would really like to find her so I can kill her?
If so, please let me know so I can remove those posts.
What a nice fellow
Countdown: 162 days until I move into my RV!!
27 Comments
Hey Jen,
You don’t post on a blog anything else that other people would not.
Seriously look at some of the blogs out there.
Here’s a good one, Im sure her mother has read some of her posts and thought “what the heck is she doing?” – LOL
http://www.alifeintranslation.com/alit/
big hugs
Karyn
Just want everyone to know I am not the loved one that is saying that. And Jennifer, I can’t believe you posted a pic of my van/rv on your blog. Now everyone is going to want free candy!
Keep posting or this group may kidnap you and MAKE you continue.. that is your biggest risk.
**So, I am asking you, is there anything that I am posting that makes you think, wow, I would really like to find her so I can kill her?**
Ha Ha! That’s hilarious. Thanks, I needed a good laugh. Jennifer, you know my view on this already. Once again, don’t listen to the people that just want to hold you back from pursuing your dreams/goals.
Honestly, this blog is pretty anonymous in terms of your personal identity. Its not like you post things like your address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number! If it makes you feel better, just remove the actual pictures of yourself (like you mentioned earlier). There isn’t any information on this blog that is going to entice someone to knock you off. Its sad that a lot of people out there constantly think negative thoughts. Perhaps this “loved one” of yours could do you a favor and start channeling positive vibes out there for you so that your journey will be safe and happy. If people understood how the Universe operates they would know that constantly thinking bad thoughts only brings on bad occurrences in life. I hope that this loved one of yours can find true peace within herself and broaden her horizons a bit. Maybe teaching your family about this lifestyle will make some of them more comfortable with you living it. Most of the time people are negative about something simply because they don’t know anything about it. Fear of the unknown is very common.
I love your blog Jennifer and I hope that you can find the courage to continue sharing your stories with us.
HAHAHA! Sis is right…eveeel grin.
AND….NOW we know where you live (OK..sorta) and what your bookcase looks like!
BEWARE!
I AM curious tho…just HOW do folks find all these blogs? I did by accident when on RV Women….but all the other blogs? Can you somehow google specific blogs?? Color me unejukatid…
Naw!
We just want to adopt you!
Ladydi…there is a website you can vist (www.hitchitch.com) that groups dozens of these RV/travel blogs together. That is how I stumbled across Jennifer’s blog. Also, many bloggers provide links to their favorite blogs, which is how I have found others.
Jennifer……life presents all sorts of risks….many of those risks seem so benign. I would think you have a much better chance of drowning in your bathtub than being killed by a stalker….by a factor of maybe a 1,000!!!
Thanks Clarke! Will check it out…ARGGH! So many Blogs, so little Time!!!
And thanks Karyn for that link!!! Her blog is very fascinating! Exerpt on
“Fear” holding one back from Life…
http://www.alifeintranslation.com/2009/10/conquer-the-fear-of-failing-today/#more-239
And another interesting blog lifewithoutpants.com
The picture of that van is hilarious. If posting personal stuff on one’s blog is dangerous, there are thousands of us who are in deep trouble. How to reassure your loved one of your safety, I don’t know how to do that. I guess saying “everybody is doing it” doesn’t help.
Hey Karyn – thanks for dropping my link off in this comments section. Actually, my mom reads all my posts and thinks they are hysterical. Hugs!
*sigh*
You could be hunted down and killed while grocery shopping.
You could be stalked and murdered by your neighbor.
If you live your life by the ‘what ifs’ and ‘could be’s’ you’re never really living.
Relax. It’s a one way ticket. You get one shot at being here. Listen to that little voice in your own head. (Not all of them… only the one that sounds like you. ;0)
Ladydi- Jamie’s most recent blog about her on-line girl crushes is quite neat, she has linked to some other really great blogs out there much like hers. (well, sort of)…
Check it out, worth a read over a nice cup of coffee, but be careful, you may spill your coffee on some of the comments!!
Jamie- you are totally a treat! Your writing style is great and I am now addicted!!!
Dear Karyn, Thanks for the link! That is a great solo woman traveler blog (with links to other great blogs), that I’d not found yet. (Ha ha…and after reading several posts, I am no longer self conscious about mine. ; )
Dear Joey, I should have clarified that point… Of course.
Dear Angie, I think you are right that people can get trapped in a downward spiral of fear that can be self-destructive. (I mean, I’ve certainly done that myself.) You should be a personal coach! You always find an encouraging word.
Dear Lady Di, Looks like others are helping you on that question. Also, Jeff posted some good links under the “Untitled” post, and maybe one under the “I think she’s my girl” post. I will add them to my list, soon.
Dear James, Be careful. I have been known to show up on people’s doorstep!
Dear Clarke, Oh no, I never really worried about my bathtub before..? Seriously, thanks for the encouragement. I agree.
Dear Barb, Thank you for the reassurance. (Though I did consider trying to find your house to steal some apple butter.)
Dear Jamie, I LOVE YOUR BLOG! (Borrowing your all caps, style.
You are a great writer and hilarious. (I was watching you on CNN when you posted here.)
Wade, This is the second time that your final line has become a quotable quote for me. Sometimes it is so hard to tell them all apart.
Thanks!
Jennifer
The big thing we hear from people who have never lived like we (and you, just about) do, is: “aren’t you afraid of all the crazies out there?”
I tell them: “Kill your television. Then you’ll see that the world isn’t as scary of a place as Fox news wants you to think it is.”
We have met the best, kindest people through our blog, both online and later in person. In fact, our new rescue dog came to us from one of those people.
Anyone who wants to kill us would not put up with all the drivel we write about living on the road. No, only those who share a common interest in doing the same would care to read about our adventures, don’t you think?
Ignore everyone else’s paranoia. They have no idea what kind of cool, ,kind people exist in this world, even in the dueling-banjo backwoods of Cajun Country!
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. As you live authentically yourself, you provide an opportunity for others to experience, examine (and possibly release) their barrier issues to their own authenticity. Fear is usually the biggie for most people. Having said that, a friend of mine led a traditional life as a successful stockbroker … and never came home one day after work one Sept 11th. I’m thinking if that sort of day would happen to me, I’d rather not come home from an interesting day in beautiful New Mexico.
Dear Rene, Great link! Thanks for sharing that, I enjoy your blog, so much. I’ve been surprised not only with the incredible kindness of the people I’ve met through the RV community, but the wealth of wisdom. Not just with regard to mechanical things, etc, but their worldview, patience, and reflectiveness. It has already been an unexpected gift of this (soon-to-begin) journey.
Dear GypsySoul, That is a painfully powerful example. I feel like such a novice with regard to all of this (as I’m not even a year out from my complete collapse), but I appreciate your suggestion that my efforts could help someone else!
Thanks to you both,
Jennifer
Tell them to stop watching so much goddamn TV! :p If their worry has rubbed off on you, just post once a day and be REALLY detailed about where you are and when you’ll post again, that way we’ll know that something is up when you don’t post! We’ll be able to find you and save the day!
Just go with your gut feeling – if you think, “Man I really want some candy, BUT that van looks kinda creepy” just go with everything after the ‘but’.
“That looks like a beautiful ledge to park on (with a great view), BUT the brakes might go out and I’d fall to my death. Hmmmm.” See how that works? 
Dear Jessica,
Thanks for the tip. Maybe I should use that tonight…. “I really want a third glass of wine, but I’m afraid I’m becoming an alcoholic…”
Loved your candy comment.
Jennifer
LOOK at these photos!!!! Makes me wanna hit the road NOW!
http://www.alisontravelsblog.blogspot.com/
The woman has QUITE the eye!!!
And Jennifer….SHE is traveling the planet in a TENT.
“Fear” is imagined…..
Lady Di, Alison is my new hero. You need to grab a tent and go!
Jennifer
I just watched every video from Jessica’s site called traveling on the outskirts. Wow… loved them and her comment about the candy van, as well.
Yeah, we are planning ourselves to death! If Alison can do it on her own and the “Outskirt’s” couple… ohhhhhh it’s making me crazy.
I am waking up tomorrow and changing my plans. I am leaving sooner. I can’t take this garage anymore!
Yes… I am living in a garage.
Jennifer, your blog is having a major impact on my life and I love it!
She IS incredible!!! WHAT a True Spirit she is!!! Her photos renew in me the passion to paint again!
BUT…..My anchor: I live in Paradise. I have the coolest cutest cottage a block from the sea. I have LOTS of art (”Cha Chi”) I do NOT want to give up…anyone who comes in my house exclaims how much in love they are…so….”vacation rental” ($$$$) is what I am playing with…instead of selling. It is a different option than selling…and not as final, and scarier because of the lack of finality….(I do have a mortgage)
Yes….I AM a fear-oriented soul. UGH!
I think I need to be pushed…..like the mortgage is in stress….arggh!
Don’t worry. I’m doing it solo…so far..so..well, I’M ALIVE! lol…just post where you have been and not where you are going. Have fun!
Allison is here. oh my.. HI… I just discovered your site through this one and your pictures, honesty and primitive style of traveling is wonderful.
I’d love to welcome you but this is not my site and I could get ripped on for acting like a host. lol
Welcome!
People who don’t travel think that traveling is like walking through a minefield. I call this “Here There Be Dragons Syndrome”: anyplace where they don’t live is full of nefarious criminals lurking in every shadow intent on doing you harm.
There is nothing for this one, I’m afraid, or at least nothing I’ve found. The truth of the matter is that most of the places you’ll be going are safer than where you probably live — you won’t be spending much time in the inner city in your RV! But you can’t convince anyone of that who hasn’t done it.
People are astonished when they learn how often and how casually I sleep at highway rest areas. For some reason, they think rest areas are criminal dens, epicenters of murder and rape and drug dealing. I’ve never, ever had a single problem at one, nor seen a problem, but no one wants to hear that. They watch TV and they hear a story, and they don’t realize that the reason the story made national news was BECAUSE it’s so rare, not because it’s common.
This is just one of those things you may have to live with. Don’t let them get you down.
One thing that I started doing, though, when traveling, is posting things that reveal my current location on a “delay”. Save the entry and post it a couple days later. By the time you read that I’m in Las Vegas, I’ve left. I don’t think this is necessary but for some reason I decided that was my comfort level.
This is helped along by the fact that I’m posting photography a lot of the time, and thus I actually save some posts until MUCH later when I’ve processed the pictures I want to illustrate the post. Some of my “location” pieces are posted months after the actual visit.
Dear Joey, Yes, the Traveling the Outskirts videos are amazing! It is like a mini-reality TV show on a perfect niche topic for us.
Dear Lady Di, You can do it! Will your rental income cover your mortgage? The art will hurt, like my books, but everyone says it is worth it. Why don’t you just set a goal date and see what happens?
Dear Alison, Thanks for saying hello! I am reading your blog (and just posted over there) and LOVE it.
Dear Jeremy, Great post! My sister and I were discussing what you wrote on the phone. Thanks so much.
Jennifer
Even though Texas is the Wild West, have no worry. It’s when you get to the far North that you will look like a tasty morsel to some very large carnavores!!!
Don
Dear Don,
Ha ha. Thanks for the comforting thought. I was watching videos of drives down the Dempster Highway yesterday and realized I’d better not be driving a soft-sided Jeep!
Jennifer