I went through my second test run on changing my own tire, using only those items I’d have with me on the side of the road. It took me a long time, but I did it!
I think it was almost as difficult for others to watch me, as it took me forever. Passerbys, seeing me struggle at every stage, repeatedly ran over to offer some assistance.
After a while, my fellow students started yelling to those they saw coming my way,
“SHE WANTS TO DO IT HERSELF!”
I’m not sure what to say about these two pictures, but I think they speak for themselves. Looking at my hands the other day I realized my life has changed a lot over the last year.
Before
After
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I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed. I’ve spent all of my energy making sure my motorhome is ready for my trip, but my renters move in on May 15th and my house isn’t ready. Final exams and projects are due next week and I’m not ready for those either.
I really don’t know how I am going to get everything done. I have a stomach ache!
I think I am posting a lot this week because I really need to feel connected to other RVers. Sometimes I think I am insane to be doing this, especially to be doing this alone!
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14 Comments
Go on and rent some storage. Empty your house problems into it. Quickly. You can whittle on that stuff later. The only deadline you have to meet precisely is to be out of the house when the renters are moving in.
Then get your Projects and course work finished.
Everything is going to take longer than you think, including getting away. That’s all right. The Arctic won’t go anyplace if you leave a week or two later in good order.
Be methodical, work steadily, don’t panic, and give yourself some slack on the getaway.
Bob, who finds it easy for him to say.
Awesomes! That’s one of the things I really like about the smaller Sprinters and such… at least you CAN change the tire should there be a problem. With ours, we’re calling someone and waiting. Sounds like you’re about as prepared as you can be.
Just start going on the house and it’ll get done. As you start running out of time, you’ll start figuring out how important things are or aren’t… that collection of stuff you absolutely had to keep three weeks ago is now stuff you’re not going to mind getting rid of with only a week to go.
1. Did you mean you have a physical stomach ache, or the thought of it all is giving you a stomach ache? If you’re not feeling well, relax while you get better. It’s better to take care of yourself when you’re sick than push yourself and get worse.
2. When you feel better, do what you can. One of my (new) philosophies in life is that I can only do what I can do. If somebody wants more, that’s just too bad if I’m already giving it my best effort. After all, it’s ALL I CAN DO.
3. You will be amazed how things fall into place as the time nears. Things always work out when you do your best and keep a positive attitude. That’s another one of my beliefs.
If you have stuff you need to move out of the house, Bob’s storage space suggestion was spot on.
If the house needs repairs or maintenance like painting, instead of tackling them yourself, hire them out if you can afford it. There are a lot of out-of-work people who will paint some rooms or do general handiwork for cheap. Check Craigslist. This might be an option if you need help moving stuff as well.
Most importantly, stay positive, trust fate, and revel serendipity.
I like Bob’s idea…..rent storage space and defer decisions on “what to keep, what to get rid of” until later. Many in your shoes find it takes them a couple of years to whittle down their “stuff”. No point in putting extra pressure on yourself. Also, as Bob says, be a little flexible on your departure date…nothing like arbitrary deadlines that will drive you nuts.
I second Bob about the only hard deadline being on your place; the true final exam on mechanics will be when you put what you learned to use on the road and the arctic will only be getting warmer for you (i think it is still snowing up there).
There is alot of truth to point 3 Dan makes too.
All things will come in time and patience will help you keep your smile as you get them
Good luck!
It’s all good. Just do it, do it, DO IT!
I’m sorry Jennifer but I don’t have anything encouraging to say. I’m like you I suppose for I would be overwhelmed also. I know though that afterwards while driving down the road leaving all that behind I would go “Whew! That’s all over with.” Then a some time later I would reflect back thinking that wasn’t so bad after all. Hang in there and treat with “salami tactics”, meaning you cannot eat an entire salami at once but taking it in little slices you are able to eat the entire salami in time, eventually.
Jennifer… I just love your blog – and your readers! I know you must be such an inspiration to so many people. I think your readers have provided so much valuable information too and with such a sense of humor …and at times with that “respectful irreverence”? love it!
I didn’t realize how few women are really out there soloing it. And I didn’t realize how many women who are traveling with a companion of some sort don’t know how to DRIVE the rig!
Let’s plan a women’s solo RV Rally next spring! You could teach so much on how to do things and I could teach them how not to. LOL
Thanks so much for the feedback. I decided to call a service person to do the needed work on my house (tomorrow), booked movers (Monday) to move stuff into my detached garage (garage was not included in the rental), and am giving away stuff that I *know* I don’t want on Craigslist.
Getting rid of the stuff is pretty cathartic.
I am feeling better….
Thanks!
Jennifer
Good job on the tire – and I loved the before and after pictures. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. I thought I would be, but in the last 11 years, I have never been lonely. Belonging to the WINs ( http://www.rvsingles.org ) helps.
Ah, you are at the best part–the last final manic rush!
When I got down to the wire, I just put stuff out on my porch with a giant “FREE-DONATION$ WELCOME” sign. Got rid of everything in two days flat and made ten bucks.
I can’t wait to meet you next month!!!
You rock. Seriously. Who cares if your stuff is packed? You can change a tire on your RV. That’s superhero stuff in my book.
good for you Jennifer , very happy for you .