Monday, April 20, 2015

In the beginning.......

What possesses two moderately good looking people such as ourselves to want to sell our nice house and move into an RV with 350 Square feet of living space? We had good jobs, we have our health, a nice house in a good neighborhood, great kids (who need to discover thier own paths) and a community where we have lived nearly all our lives. Why? Well let me tell you.

Work first.
Our jobs where good. We came from the Fargo, ND. area of the country. The bad economy or recession never affected that area. So jobs were plentiful and not enough people to fill them. Cost of living is low. So no big incentive for company's to pay large wages. So we figured that if we ever had to get off the road, we could pick up where we left off in the job market. Also all the retirement benefits wasn't enough to keep us working until we turn 65. There's a chance you may not even make it till you retire. We just didn't want to be one of the millions of people to say"if only" or "what if?".

Health.
We are both healthy and want to stay that way. We figured that the RV lifestyle would be a healthier lifestyle for us. We love hiking and biking, and just being out in nature. Also we are at that age when a simple doctors visit could be life changing. Nobody knows how long they have  before somebody starts singing "Drop kick me Jesus through the goal post of life".

Our house.
Our house was a nice house. I did a lot of improvements to it. We raised two wonderful kids in it and has many fond memories. But in the end it is just 4 walls and memories go with you. They don't stay in the house if you leave it. Possessions are just that, possessions. Some people get so attached to thier things and can't imagine life without them. Not us.

Our kids.
Our kids are probably the biggest regret that we leave behind. But they are both great people and they need to spread thier wings on thier own. Sure, we could have kept our house and let them live in the basement but what good would that have been for either of them or ourselves. All it would have done is cause conflicts and resentments and that wouldn't benefit anyone. The quality of the time that we spend together now is 100% better than what it could have been. Mainly because we know it is limited.

Community and I am adding friends and family.
We could have stayed in our home, in our town only because it was familiar or comfortable. We have always been wanting to travel and see new things. Besides there are the frigid winters in Fargo. Its like living in the Arctic circle in the lower 48. Our friends and family will always be there for us and we for them. I hope. Everybody has thier own lives to live. And everybody has to live it the way they see fit.

So these are the reasons for why we should get out and travel. Experience new things, meet new people and explore this great big beautiful country of ours. There is so much out there that most people never see. We have been on the road for nearly a year now and we have seen so much and have met so many new people and have become good friends with some. Campers are some of the friendliest people you will find.

Next post will be of the last year that we spent on the road.

7 comments:

  1. Like you and Lisa, we left good jobs and a nice house. We don't miss either of them. Leaving friends and family is definitely the hardest thing to do. In our case, our kids moved west several years ago so we see them more now that we otherwise would have.

    But I have always believed......You only live once, live it for yourself.

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  2. I am telling Lisa you said YOLO! She hates that saying so she will slap you next time we meet. Have fun.

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  3. I love the description of your house, Dino. So very true. And the health? We have seen way too many people with health issues show up out of the blue. Their chance to live their dreams is pulled out from under them before it happens. Best wishes and home to see you out on the road!

    Jim ( and Diana)

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  4. Thank you for the sentiment. We hope you enjoy Michigan. We have been to Silver Lake area a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I believe it is just south of where you will be. Safe travels.

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  5. Just discovered your blog (saw it on Kelly's) and I really love your summation of why your doing this. We also have kids who needed to spread their wings so I totally get that.

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