Anxious to crawl into bed

Ok. So, I am going off the cool factor here, like I have ever been close to being cool but I am just giddy with excitement. The bed situation in the Fun Finder isn't exactly fun. To be honest, it wasn't the least bit comfortable and my back has let me know it everyday. Well, today my friends, that has all changed. I am the proud owner of a pillow top mattress. Possibly trivial to you younger people but mark my words, someday the comfort of your bed will be everything. Without a cozy, comfy bed, you will wake up sore,
spend your entire day in pain, and get *real cranky.* That all ends tonight.

 Being a pillow top, the thickness of the mattress is what an average box spring and mattress together would be. I'll see over time how that effects trivial matters like hitting my head on the upper bed and sleeping even with the windows. Also, the depth of the bed is deeper so it cuts into my dining area, but adds to the storage area underneath. Bonus. I took the table out a few days ago as it was something to maneuver around so I am use to it not being here. And don't miss it. Of coarse, adding a bed completely changes everything about the Fun Finder. The cushions that came with it are now in the back of the truck until I decide where to store them. I really dont want to get rid of them just yet as none of them fit now. Luckily, I have several extra pillows that neatly fit next to the head of the bed where I am typing this from. Yes, it is very comfortable to sit here now. Opposite me I am considering building a shelving/storage unit that can be easily moved to access the water heater, etc. underneath yet stay put while driving down the road. Believe it or not, a little extra storage in 15 foot would be nice too.

  This simple change has made me anxious to manifest more in my life. The bed is new and was given to me by my hosts Kevin and Paul. Christmas day their wireless router stopped working and I just happen to have an extra one that I freely and joyfully gave them. Thought creates.

Keeping the Spirit

The holidays have proven to be a busy time. Lounging in the Fun Finder for an entire 'day after' has been sweet. Gearing up for more visits to numerous friends in various parts of the state; Neil in St. Pete, Regg in Tampa, Andy in Ft. Myers, and Patricia who I met at a rest stop on my way here. Looking forward to seeing faces that I haven't seen in years. And the Florida weather is a great backdrop to this time of year: palm trees with Christmas lights. Gotta love it.

New Attitude

Well, after giving my blog comments much thought, I have changed my attitude. Although, there is nothing that I can do about the weather. Driving the Fun Finder today was completely different. Not that we didn't sway from side to side when the wind blew or feel like we were being pushed off the road every time a semi passed us. And I mean every time. I focused on what I accomplished. I drove a total of 1100 miles with little incident. I managed to successfully drive through 3 metropolitan areas in one day with no trouble. Focusing on the positive accomplishments has given me attitude. And we all need a good one. Today the unknown is my friend, my co-pilot.At a rest stop, I talked to Patricia who lives in her 36 foot A class. We talked for 2 hours without pause for my travel plans. That IS what this is about. Being open to whatever comes my way. We shared the same attitudes about food, people, this lifestyle, and many other things. Funny how striking up a conversation with a complete stranger in a highway rest stop can lead to really cool conversations. The weather is still dogging me. I am now in Brunswick, GA and it is to get down to the teens tonight. My heater doesn't run without electric so I am using the stove as heat. I have yet to sleep in the upper bed but with all the heat staying close to the ceiling, I am writing this from my oh so cozy perch. Dang I'm loving this lifestyle. There are several of us parked here. I talked to an old timer who is living in a step van. He told me apparently someone left a note on my truck. Funny as I know no one here. Finally, feeling blue about my family is something that is going to be expected on the anniversary of their deaths. I deem it ok to be melancholy- as long as I don't bring someone else down.

Settled in

 It's been a while since I have written. I had a great week with Greg and Mary in King, NC. It was a place of feeling safe to begin this journey.  I spent the time getting familiar with the Fun Finder, selling the final items on ebay, and just breathing. I went from one type of life to another in a matter of a day, not realizing the strain of the adjustment. Driving the Fun Finder turns out to be the most stressful. A few hours of driving feels like a full days worth. The cold from the north has dogged my entire travels, actually snowing 2 inches in King. I hate being cold. And finally, being faced with the anniversary of loosing Mom and brother Bill around the holidays is hitting me much harder than I thought. I cry at songs that we listened to as a kid, and thoughts of Christmas past. The beginning of this adventure is turning out to be off track from the vision. It seems to be turning into learning quite a bit about myself. A vision quest unintended. I'm not sure I'm ready for this.

I'm writing this with a bit of delirium about myself. I shortly arrived at my couchsurfing destination in Harrisonburg, VA. Mapquest stated that it would be a 5 hour 40 minute journey while it took the Fun Finder and me just over 8 hours. The weather this morning was just short of a typhoon with incessant rain and wind the 3 Little Pigs would be envious of. Several gusts caught us yet we weren't deterred. Although I believe there to be a permanent hand imprint on the steering wheel. I was neglectful of removing my eyes from the road as when I did, we consistently wandered where we weren't welcome, or at least where I didn't want to be. In the same lane as another moving V-hickle as Sherman Potter would say. Ann helped me pack this morning while the typhoon was under way but not in full force. Last evening we attempted to back the Fun Finder into her driveway. Picture her standing on the sidewalk in the rain with an umbrella in her hand, all closed, not open, shaking it every so often as if ringing a chickens neck while shouting out directions to me sitting in the truck. Did i mention it was dark out and that every car in Wellsboro decided right then to drive down Nichols street. Really. I did manage to add another scar to the Fun Finder but no success backing into her driveway. The mastering of that minor necessity will have to wait, along with all too numerous other trivial necessities such as leveling the trailer, maneuvering gas station pumps, and when not to use overdrive.

  Yesterday was the sale of moms house. I flip back and forth about what I call it. It really wasn't mine. I simply inherited it. Mom, Dad, Grandpa Stager and numerous other family members assisted in the construction on land that was from my paternal grandparents. Family members that have commented state that it is sad that it is gone, and I guess that it is for them.  I am not sad. Maybe someday, but life's too short and things are just things. Until we attach a memory or emotional value to them. Wherever I go, the past and all the people who shared it will always be with me

I am ready for this adventure of life to begin.