As anticipated in last year's post, it feels a lot better to say "This year we are heading out...." Actually it feels better than better - it feels amazing and about fifty more flowery, exaggerated adjectives, all meaning GREAT!
There was never any doubt that we would realize this dream, just whether we could pull off all the things that needed to happen to keep us on schedule for a June, 2015 launch date. When I clicked "publish" on my very first blog post I remember thinking I might regret putting all those goals "out there", inviting public accountability :-(
Looking back now I am so glad I'm recording this critical part of the journey. We worked hard to get to where we are, stayed on track, and have been incredibly blessed at every turn. There have been some sad times, the passing of Bill's brother Wayne was particularly hard; and a couple potential side-liners like the wheel-bearing on the trailer and the huge income tax bill.
We took a leap of faith and listed the house four months earlier than our original plan, and it turned out to be the best thing we could have done!
We learned some important lessons - like purging has no end-date, and keeping your options open might find you an even better motorhome :-) The learning continues.
Now that we have the rig, school is definitely in session! We finalized everything yesterday, and made arrangements to pick it up in February. Yes, it took a lot of will-power not to say "We want it tomorrow!" But a month of free storage while they prep the rig, and we get the Jeep set up with the tow and brake package, was the smarter way to go.
In yesterday's Bayfield Bunch post, Al talked about the forward-feeling of a new year. I can so relate to that feeling - putting up a brand new calendar, starting the first page of a new journal, making commitments that you might or might not keep.
THIS year that fresh-start, unlimited-potential, open-opportunity feeling is nearly over whelming!!
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Congratulations on the new rig! What a great 2015 beginning. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! We are definitely loving 2015 so far :-)))
DeleteI am so excited for you and can absolutely feel your anticipation with every blog post! Looking forward to meeting you two on the road somewhere!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, it's so much fun to share with those who already know where we are and how it feels. I'm looking forward to that meeting as well :-)
DeleteI just love the excitement in this post. There is almost nothing that tops watching your dream come true and feeling like the future holds endless wonderful things. Lucky Lucky you!! Thanks for letting me share it!
ReplyDeleteEven after "talking" about it and seeing the rig again and making travel plans, I'm not sure it's completely sunk in that we're really doing it. One of my friends who doesn't read the blog (most don't which is so funny) when they heard we bought the rig said "Oh, you were serious...." Yep, I guess we were :-))))
DeleteIt is amazing that almost none of our friends in Virginia read our blog or if they do they don't comment so I know about it. Lots of people thought we were crazy and still don't understand but a few are actually very envious but can't let go of their stuff. But that's OK since finding campsites is getting more and more difficult with each year. LOL
DeleteSometimes by posting goals it helps us keep to those goals. And, if it doesn't, we can just change them. I've learned to be very flexible. Congrats to you and to your new lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteSee you on the road ... for sure.
Thanks Jeri, our goal for the first several months on the road is to have no goals :-)))
DeleteStill thinking we might make it to Quartzsite on the 24th in the Jeep, but I'll let you know officially on your blog.
Barb and I can totally relate to your feelings right now. We were reminiscing one New Years Eve about where we were last year at this time.....our house was sold, we were living in a rental, and counting the Mondays until we were on the road. At that time we had 10. We were loading what we were taking in totes, purging and planning our first couple of weeks on the road......Now you only have 11!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNow 10 months later it still seems surreal but we are living our dream! Hang in there, it will be here before you know it!
That's amazing how similar your last year was! While Bill has 11 Mondays left, we do have to wait for Richie to graduate before we can hit the road in June. But you can bet we'll be taking a lot of shorter trips in April and May :-)))))))
DeleteWahoo!! This is your year, for sure! The two of you have worked so hard to plan and prepare and begin life on the road the proper way. Great job:) I can feel your excitement and know quickly these last few months will go.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam!! It's an amazing reward to be where we are now :-) So appreciate your support!
DeleteHey Jodee when do we get to see some nice outside pics of your rig?? Thanks for the shout-out & keep that feet off the ground excitement going for as long as you can..
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to post some when we pick it up - then all may become really sick of seeing it :-)) We're "getting stuff" for the rig now so we're able to sustain it a little longer with the goodies!!
DeleteYour excitement shines through, when going through the transitions our motto was "keep an eye on the prize" and what a prize it has turned out to be.
ReplyDeletePerfect motto! I'm sure everyday you've been out there enjoying the life has made you feel like a winner :-)
Delete2015 is starting out great for you two! When you come up to the Sacramento area, you better give me a call. We'd love to see you both again.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We'd like that too - and can't wait for you to get on the road next year :-)))
DeleteIt's so exciting to start a brand new chapter in life! And how wonderful that you seem to enjoy every step of the journey as you prepare for your full-time life. Soooo many adventures to come! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt truly is. It's fun to have ideas and dreams and then go back and read the chapter to see how they all turned out!
DeleteCongratulations on beginning this great adventure. These past years have been the best of our lives, traveling to beautiful destinations, making new friends. So as we start our 20th year, I wish you the absolutely best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynda! Wow, 20 years is quite the milestone - and very encouraging !!
DeleteI seem to be following your comments on some of the blogs I read..thought I would come on over and have a peek and see what you are all about! congrats on your new rig!
ReplyDeletewe are hitting the road 'sort of'..next month..it's been a long time in the making..since 2008..be sure to come on over and ride along with us!! there is always room for another reader!!
Welcome Sue! I did get over to your blog and see you have recently been in similar "purging is our life" mode along with us. I can sure relate to the freedom of getting out from under all the stuff! Your retirements are a month ahead of Bill's - you are so CLOSE!! Glad you stopped by and thanks for the invite. 2015 is going to be a very exciting year for all of us :-)
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