Photo by Filip Mroz on UnsplashTo everyone who has ever said that RVing requires flexibility…
I really don’t want to hear it.
No, really. My husband will attest to the fact that I’ve basically been throwing the adult version of a toddler’s tantrum.
Because RVing requires flexibility.
I’m talking to myself, of course. Every list of RV “wisdom” we’ve ever compiled has contained this profound maxim. Of course, it’s the truest thing that’s ever been true. But sometimes you don’t want to hear your own advice.
For us, 2017 happened.
2017 in summary:
- We completed just shy of a year in one region, due to my pregnancy and Caspian’s pediatrician appointments. So we were out of our travel rhythm. As we got back on the road at the beginning of June, packing up and setting up took longer; the drives seemed longer; we felt tired as we tried to get back into our old groove.
- Feelings aside, I actually am more tired, considering I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in nine months. Speaking of which, we have a baby now. Said baby’s effects on our work schedule and every other schedule don’t have anything to do with RVing. We would’ve had transitions no matter what. But this has still been a major change for us.
- Just as we got back on the road, everything broke. Everything is a hyperbole, but it only takes a few things going haywire for you to feel like your RV is basically crumbling around you. We went without jacks for almost three months, which I don’t recommend. Then our main AC unit went out in the dead of summer. Et cetera, et cetera.
- At the end of July, Eric was diagnosed with diabetes after exhibiting some serious symptoms that eventually drove him to the hospital. The changes we’ve made as a result of his diagnosis have been positive, and we’re already feeling in better health than we probably ever have. But my new shopping/cooking schedule is insane for me (historically, I haven’t spent a lot of time in the kitchen, and now I’m making three keto meals a day). And, while it used to not matter that we had nothing to eat for breakfast the next morning, now it really matters because it’s vital for Eric to keep his blood sugar up. My kingdom for a dozen eggs?
- Somewhere in the middle of our month in Asheville, mid-August, life seemed to be stabilizing. We completed all our RV repairs. I started making weekly meal plans and doing all the grocery shopping at once. We were loving Asheville and finally felt like we had a moment to breathe and enjoy our travels again. We left Asheville this past Saturday and landed in the most beautiful national forest campground. But I woke up crazy sick on Sunday, which made our travel day on Monday really challenging.
- But things were looking up! We arrived in the Savannah, GA area. I adore Savannah. We spent one night here in 2014–our first year on the road–and I fell in love. I’ve been dying to return for the past three years. Then Hurricane Irma made her presence known. Today is my first day of feeling better and only our second full day here, and we’ve decided to evacuate tomorrow. I’m so bummed.
Thus, my tantrum.
It’s been three months of doggie paddling–feeling like I’m just starting to get above water when another wave comes. And RVing can make things harder; there’s no doubt about it. Not having a reliable doctor nearby, or not being able to find a service technician for your home, can be just enough to make one of life’s challenge seem insurmountable.
But I’m in a bit of a personal bind. As much as I should be able to excuse myself for being disappointed, frustrated, and a little bit angry for having to face so many challenges lately, I can’t. My faith dictates that challenges are placed in my life to grow my character. So as much as I want to sit in all this, I need to get a good night’s sleep so I can knock out my work in the morning and pack up for our drive inland, away from the hurricane. And as I do so, I say a prayer for all those who can’t move their homes and belongings away from the storm.
Because while RVing requires flexibility, the seriousness of our circumstances is really just a matter of perspective.
-B
“As much as I should be able to excuse myself for being disappointed, frustrated, and a little bit angry for having to face so many challenges lately, I can’t.”
I don’t think that owning up to the feelings generated by all the set backs and changes you’ve had over the last year does anything other than show that you’re human. And I expect that those feelings won’t define you, your family or your life going forward. I also expect that once you really get your sleep back and your routine starts to settle down, your batteries will get their charge back up and those weights you’ve been feeling will lift. I guess it’s just my secular way of saying, have faith.
Take care.
@edsonschaus:disqus, I appreciate your secular way of saying, have faith! Sometimes those batteries do run down, and it becomes difficult to maintain perspective. I’m feeling a lot better after a few days of stability and some more rest.
I can truly relate, having one of those tantrums myself lately because plans continue to be made in bubbles and feeling like it’s time to throw in the towel. But then I try to put it all into perspective and realize how much worse things could be, which makes me thankful despite things not going the way I want them to. Hang in there and stay safe!
Thank you, @Cherylbrv:disqus. I’ve also felt like throwing in the towel unless something “gives.” But things are really looking up this week. I’m thankful.
Brittany, That was a great article. As always, it was straight from the heart. With all that’s going on, I appreciate your taking the time to write the article. Writting articles takes a LOT more time than most people realize.
Hang in there,
Thank you, @jerryminchey:disqus. I’ve always processed through my thoughts by writing. Except this time I did it here, instead of in my paper journal!
1. We had been staying an RV park for 5 months as we finished work. We have never been that long without using our 5th wheel. Packing took longer, getting into the rhythm of driving takes
longer, etc.
2.We don’t have a baby, we have a grandson and cared for him as if he were our own. I can relate.
3.Everything broke? We had our tow vehicle stolen just when we took the rig in for maintenance and had to buy a new tow vehicle within a week or two. And then you do not want to hear about the $2200.00 rear brake repair when we left because it was smoking!
4.We both went to the doctor to get checked and my wife has Type II diabetes! I know exactly what you are going through.Food, cooking, grocery shopping, all has changed, costs more, and is harder than pouring some Froot Loops in a bowl for breakfast. I know what you are going through.
5. We have not been sick but know the feeling of trying to power through life while feeling like SH*T!
6.Yep, we are in Wildwood, FL and have decided to run for the west instead of waiting for Irma.
You are not alone. I can relate. Hang in there, this too will pass.
Wow, @notfor_youtoknow:disqus. Sounds like you can empathize very directly. Wishing all the best for you and your wife. Where did you land after leaving Wildwood?
I am very lucky that my wife loves to cook and immediately started cooking for diabetes. She registered at 112 this morning!
After Wildwood we went, as we planned to, to Three Rivers SP nears Sneads, FL. The afternoon of the 1st day there everyone lost power and the wind was picking up. Then the Rangers came around and advised us to hitch up NOW because we might have to evacuate in the middle of the night. We said F*ck it and left towards Hattiesburg, MS. Spent the night in a Cracker Barrel and continued on to Hattiesburg the next day. All was well, just cost some fuel. We are headed back to central Alabama next, then Northern AL. Hopefully that will work out. We have a home that moves so we are flexible. Take care of that little one!
IMHO, we do ourselves a disservice by not allowing ourselves to have tantrums and share them with others. If we don’t let the negative out, how is the good going to get back in?
My favorite quote to help me get through such times is from Arthur Ashe. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Agreed, to an extent. I think we all need to be honest with ourselves, but then turn that honesty into authentic progress forward.