The wedding is tomorrow. Manicures/Pedicures/Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party: done. Now we just have to get thru the final preps today and tomorrow will be here. Time is flying by and Lenae will be a married woman.
There were little cards handed out at the Bridal Shower last night that asked everyone to write down their advice for her. It took me a bit of reflection to find the right thing to say that would encapsulate what Joey and I have found. Is there a magic formula? What have I learned?
I think the best advice I could offer anyone that is seeking a healthy, happy relationship (marriage or otherwise) is to treasure each moment you have with each other, and be grateful. Life doesn't come with guarantees , and you don't want any regrets. Life is too short for pettiness or bickering. Choose your dragons. Share everything. Remember who your best friend is. Other people, places and things may come and go, but your life partner is with you for the long haul. Appreciate that fact, and don't forget to say thank you. I can't say it's always going to be easy, but I will say it will always be worth it. Strive to make a lifetime of happy memories together.
One thing that really amazes me: Texas has been experiencing a serious drought for the last few years. Ranchers are going bankrupt, crops dry up and wither while begging for water, fires ravage the land, and yet my daughter plans an outdoor wedding for February (which in South Texas is totally doable) and it rains, and rains, and rains. Foggy, cold, wet, nasty weather...Huh? Oh well, just makes it feel more like home in the Northwest, and there IS an indoor alternative so it's all good.
Quote for the Day:
"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." Lao Tzu
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
5 Days til the Wedding!
The big day for daughter Lenae is coming on fast! Only 5 more days to get everything ready. Lucky for me; she is taking care of most of the details herself. She has done an awesome job of getting the most bang for her buck. Sounds like it's going to be an amazing day for all. Joey and I still have to pick up a few items for our outfits, etc. Think we should be able to finish that all up by tomorrow. I'll post pictures of the event on here and facebook once I have them.
There is a boat/rv show in Robstown, TX this weekend that we are seriously considering checking out tomorrow. There don't seem to be many vendors listed, and they are offering very few seminars compared to some shows I've seen advertised, but there is one on RV 101 that looks like it MIGHT have potential. We would both like to have more training/information before we actually load up and leave. We are looking forward to taking our new home out for a shake down, trial run as soon as possible. I've been searching the web for all kinds of ideas for decorating, lists of essentials, how-to's and don't forgets. There are a lot of full-timers out there that are sharing their experiences on the net... God Bless them!
Need to finish up my Medieval Romance Essay rough draft, and get it ready for class this morning so I'm outta here for now.
"Character can not be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Helen Keller
There is a boat/rv show in Robstown, TX this weekend that we are seriously considering checking out tomorrow. There don't seem to be many vendors listed, and they are offering very few seminars compared to some shows I've seen advertised, but there is one on RV 101 that looks like it MIGHT have potential. We would both like to have more training/information before we actually load up and leave. We are looking forward to taking our new home out for a shake down, trial run as soon as possible. I've been searching the web for all kinds of ideas for decorating, lists of essentials, how-to's and don't forgets. There are a lot of full-timers out there that are sharing their experiences on the net... God Bless them!
Need to finish up my Medieval Romance Essay rough draft, and get it ready for class this morning so I'm outta here for now.
"Character can not be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Helen Keller
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Another Day
We were finally able to pick up the 5th wheel yesterday, and got it out to the in-laws for safe parking until we can get our new home out on the road. Decided that we had a great experience with Camper Clinic in Rockport, TX as far as the sales and financial departments, but their service department sucks! The work order for a few simple repairs/changes and basic detailing was put in on Tuesday. We were scheduled for the final walk-through and pick-up on Friday, no later than 1:30. Still not done! We re-scheduled for Monday morning at 10. Still not done. Hadn't even been washed yet! Finally got our walk-through about 1pm and guess what? They hadn't even cleaned the carpet. I think they threw some cleaner around and smeared up some windows and mirrors to make it look like they had done the "thorough" cleaning that was included in the price. Through all this though I must admit that Bud Swan our sales rep was wonderful. I did get my back up a bit while explaining to him that if/when we upgrade to a new 5th wheel down the road we would have to take the lousy service department into consideration. Service department might as well be taking money out of his pocket. Honestly it's just bad business to treat your customers like that. Bud was awesome about the carpet issue though. Told us to do whatever we need to do to get it cleaned, and send him the receipt and he would take care of it. (I really don't like the idea of it coming out of HIS pocket though, and I'll bet that's what would be the case.) Oh well. We have our new home. Took some pictures, but it seems that the ones of the outside didn't save to the camera for some reason.
Welcome to our new home
Joey is going to really miss his 42" flat screen
Going to need to REALLY down-size my kitchen equipment
Sadie just had to get in the picture
The only good thing about these mirrored closet doors is the effect of making the space look a lot bigger than it really is. I can only wish that there were that many drawers....HA
All in all we are totally pleased with and excited about our new home. It's going to be a lot of fun making it ours. We had a couple of wonderful surprises as we started going over it. It seems the previous/original owners had a complete Owner's Manual that they left for us with pamphlets for all the things they had upgraded and changed. We also realized there are quite a few extras that we weren't aware of.
Truck...check. RV......check. Now to get on with the REAL work.
"What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Johann von Goethe
Monday, February 20, 2012
We Pick Up Our New Home Today
In only 3 hours we will be picking up our new home. That sounds really weird! We will have to park it at the in-laws place as there is no room here in town to put it. I think that will work out pretty well as it will allow us the room/ability/access to do the few renovations we (I) have in mind before we actually start moving things into it. Right off the top we need to get the washer and dryer and probably the (UGLY & uncomfortable) hide-a-bed out of there. Will probably put them on Craigslist. Would like to turn the closet that they had the w/d in, into a coat closet with storage. Speaking of closets: I would really like to put cedar lining into the bedroom closet. Don't think it will be too expense or hard to do. I'll do some more research on what's involved...
Trying to decide on decor/colors to use. I REALLY don't like the bedroom stuff that's in there (besides it's used...eeeewwwww) so that will be out the door as well. Have been looking into rv mattresses and YES they do have sleep number beds for rv's, but oh my they do put a price tag on those suckers. Thinking we'll put that on the "wish" shelf right next to the roof mounted dish satellite. For now we'll probably just bag up the existing mattress and put a topper on it. As for the curtains and headboard; I'm so glad I'm handy with those kind of things. With my sewing machine and glue gun I can do anything...HA. I don't care for the mirrored closet doors and wonder if anyone has any ideas of what I could do with them? I'll post before and after pics as we go along.
It might seem strange to just buy something, then make all these renovations and changes, but 1) it's a used rv (in really good condition, but used none-the-less), 2) we don't plan on living in an rv, this is our long-term home so we want it cozy and livable, 3) I just like to do this kind of stuff....lol.
As we set forth on this adventure, I am overwhelmed by all of the aspects that need to be considered. The myriad of decisions that have to be made make my head spin! There's no big hurry though, and I can take some time getting things together.
We'll take lots of pic's today, and I'll try to get them posted right away.
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." William Morris
Trying to decide on decor/colors to use. I REALLY don't like the bedroom stuff that's in there (besides it's used...eeeewwwww) so that will be out the door as well. Have been looking into rv mattresses and YES they do have sleep number beds for rv's, but oh my they do put a price tag on those suckers. Thinking we'll put that on the "wish" shelf right next to the roof mounted dish satellite. For now we'll probably just bag up the existing mattress and put a topper on it. As for the curtains and headboard; I'm so glad I'm handy with those kind of things. With my sewing machine and glue gun I can do anything...HA. I don't care for the mirrored closet doors and wonder if anyone has any ideas of what I could do with them? I'll post before and after pics as we go along.
It might seem strange to just buy something, then make all these renovations and changes, but 1) it's a used rv (in really good condition, but used none-the-less), 2) we don't plan on living in an rv, this is our long-term home so we want it cozy and livable, 3) I just like to do this kind of stuff....lol.
As we set forth on this adventure, I am overwhelmed by all of the aspects that need to be considered. The myriad of decisions that have to be made make my head spin! There's no big hurry though, and I can take some time getting things together.
We'll take lots of pic's today, and I'll try to get them posted right away.
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." William Morris
Sunday, February 19, 2012
And So It Begins...
I don't know that I'll have anything profound or remarkable to share, but I hope that by sharing our experience, strength and hope with others; they may be inspired to live their lives to the fullest. That is truly our goal. My Honeyman Husband Joey and I are setting off on the adventure of a lifetime, and we would love the opportunity to share that with you. We hope you will join us as we learn how to live a more simple life that is filled with purpose.
So let me begin by introducing ourselves to you, if you aren't already aware of who we are.
My name is Elaine (family and close friends call me Lainy). I am originally from Northwest Washington, but found the man of my dreams in Texas 7 years ago; so here I am. Joey is a native Texan. We are both 50-somethings. I/we have 3 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren.
I am a student majoring in Sociology, and Joey is retired with a VA disability. Our dream/goal is to live simple lives that are filled with adventure. We are survivors and realize that life is too short, so make the most of what God has given us while we can still enjoy it.
With this attitude, we have set our dream in motion. We want to become full-time rv'ers and travel. That sounds so simple, but let me tell you there is nothing simple about letting go of 50+ years of accumulation and "stuff". I have read just about every book, e-book, blog, internet posting on simplicity, de-cluttering, and minimalism that's out there in search of an easy answer. There aren't any. Trust me... it all entails decisions and hard work. Downsizing our lives to the point where we can live comfortably in a 5th wheel trailer is probably one of the biggest jobs I've ever undertaken. I truly believe that the outcome will be well worth it though. There is a sense of freedom that comes from releasing old, worn, outdated dreams and things. Letting go of "what could have beens" and "what ifs" can really lighten your spirit.
We have recently purchased our truck (a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500-1 ton) and a 5th Wheel (2002 New Mar Kountry Star). Now the work really begins as we try to get everything ready for a life on the road. I have lists and projects that almost fill a spiral notebook. I will try to share our progress as we go along. Speaking of all that work; I better get back to it!
"By purging the excess from our homes, our schedules, and our minds, we empty our cups - giving us infinite capacity for life, love, hopes, dreams, and copious amounts of joy." Francine Jay
So let me begin by introducing ourselves to you, if you aren't already aware of who we are.
My name is Elaine (family and close friends call me Lainy). I am originally from Northwest Washington, but found the man of my dreams in Texas 7 years ago; so here I am. Joey is a native Texan. We are both 50-somethings. I/we have 3 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren.
I am a student majoring in Sociology, and Joey is retired with a VA disability. Our dream/goal is to live simple lives that are filled with adventure. We are survivors and realize that life is too short, so make the most of what God has given us while we can still enjoy it.
With this attitude, we have set our dream in motion. We want to become full-time rv'ers and travel. That sounds so simple, but let me tell you there is nothing simple about letting go of 50+ years of accumulation and "stuff". I have read just about every book, e-book, blog, internet posting on simplicity, de-cluttering, and minimalism that's out there in search of an easy answer. There aren't any. Trust me... it all entails decisions and hard work. Downsizing our lives to the point where we can live comfortably in a 5th wheel trailer is probably one of the biggest jobs I've ever undertaken. I truly believe that the outcome will be well worth it though. There is a sense of freedom that comes from releasing old, worn, outdated dreams and things. Letting go of "what could have beens" and "what ifs" can really lighten your spirit.
We have recently purchased our truck (a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500-1 ton) and a 5th Wheel (2002 New Mar Kountry Star). Now the work really begins as we try to get everything ready for a life on the road. I have lists and projects that almost fill a spiral notebook. I will try to share our progress as we go along. Speaking of all that work; I better get back to it!
"By purging the excess from our homes, our schedules, and our minds, we empty our cups - giving us infinite capacity for life, love, hopes, dreams, and copious amounts of joy." Francine Jay
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