God Just Turned My World Upside Down

     Well, I know it's been almost a year since I have posted anything, but...let me explain...I didn't think this would ever happen! Long story short...I have fallen in love with a wonderful, loving and caring man. I had been 'man-free' since my previous divorce over 12 years ago...the thought of a man being in my life at this point had never crossed my mind. I guess it's true when you aren't looking, that's when it happens.

    So go back about 8 months...knowing that my sister and I have been planning to hit the road full time within a year was heavily weighing on my mind. I was so afraid my sister was going to be really upset since this relationship now changes everything for us, especially since my last words to her jokingly were 'now don't go and fall in love'! As I eat my own words, I hear her tell me how excited she is for me and so accepting of it. She is very happy for me and him. She is a wonderful sister. I do not know what she is going to do now as she does not want to RV alone. I feel horrible about leaving her hanging like this and offering to have her come along with us, just isn't the same as the two of us traveling together. Sad to say, but this new man, Tim is not interested in full-time RV'ing, at least not right now. He is younger than me and still working, so maybe by the time he retires I can convince him to do more RV traveling. He does own a travel trailer!

     This relationship developed out of a long-term friendship. Neither one of us would have ever guessed this would have happened. I met Tim and his wife, Joanie 20+ years ago at church and they became instant friends with me and my soon-to-be second husband. Tim and Joanie had two little girls, Lorianne, 7 and Makayla 4 at the time and Sarah was born 3 years later. We were like a big family and the girls all considered themselves 'sisters.' Joanie and I were best friends. I never had any kind of relationship with Tim, other than that he was Joanie's husband. He actually kind of annoyed me sometimes by his attitude. Tim and Joanie were named Sarah's Godparents. My second marriage didn't last and I was divorced by the time Sarah was 5. I have two sons from my first marriage and at that time, my sons were Adam, 21 and Dave, 18.  When Dave joined the Army and was serving in South Korea and Iraq, he made friends with Lorianne via online. When he came home, he asked me what I thought about him taking Lorianne out on a date! Of course, Joanie and I were excited about the idea and the thought of us becoming in-laws and grandparents together...we already had them married off at the first date! 

     As time went by, Lorianne and Dave did get married and had a boy, Wesley who is now almost 3.
Shortly before their wedding, the relationship between Joanie and me started to change, but I couldn't figure out why. I would ask her and she would blow it off and act like we were still the best of friends. As far as I knew, we were best friends, but this tension...wall...whatever it was continued to grow between us and I would continue to ask her, but I had a difficult time trying to explain it, because I didn't know what it was. 

    A year ago, things really started going down hill fast, and the night before new year's day Joanie left a note for Tim telling him she wanted a divorce. He was completely blindsided and most of us were, too. We found out that she had been having an affair for quite some time and that she actually hated me, couldn't stand to be around me, but couldn't give a reason why. I tried to contact her and she ignored all of my texts and phone calls. Later I found out she did the same to most of her friends. 

     When the break up happened, I didn't know what to do. I texted both Joanie and Tim and said I was there for both of them. I didn't want to side with either one and if they wanted to talk, I would listen.  Dave contacted me, because he didn't know what to do. He was so hurt and blindsided himself as he thought they had the marriage he was hoping for Lorianne and himself. He knew his mom had married twice and divorced twice and that Lorianne's parents had been together for 30 years and that was what he wanted. We talked and some things came up that Joanie had told me over the years that Dave said I should probably let Tim know about. So I met Tim at Dave and Lorianne's house to talk about those things. Tim appreciated me sharing those things and I could see how very broken he was.

     Time went by and Tim would text me and ask me questions which then turned into phone calls. He would call and talk for an hour or more! Then he asked if I would be willing to meet him for coffee, so I did and Tim would talk and talk and talk! We would meet for lunch, coffee and just talk and talk and talk. Tim was also counseling during this time, which was good for him. And I also noticed a change that had occurred over the past few months that his attitude had changed a lot. After a month or so, I came home from another long evening of talking and I remember saying out loud, 'oh, God I can't fall in love with Tim"! 

     A day or so later, we both knew we were falling in love with each other and then we wondered how our kids were going to take it. We thought it was weird between us only because we had known each other for so long and that our kids were married to each other, but they aren't blood related. It never crossed our minds to think of each other in this way before and so it was really weird to see this happening to us! We still think it's weird at times.

     However, we are now struggling with Dave and Lorianne over this relationship. They refuse to accept any part of it. They started out saying they were step-siblings and are embarassed for their son, Wesley.  We explained to them that if Tim and I were married to each other when they were younger, then they could be step-siblings, but they were not raised together. Everyone we have talked to so far, does not see anything wrong with our relationship. We are both Wesley's grandparents and I am still Lorianne's mother-in-law, and Tim is still Dave's father-in-law. They will not allow us in their house together and we cannot be at any family functions or gatherings. They are isolating themselves from the family this Christmas already. We are praying for them to put their own selfishness aside and think about family and Wesley.

     I haven't sat down with Lorianne and talked to her about this yet. I know I need to do that. I know that her sister, Makayla is also struggling with the relationship. I never felt like I was more than a family friend to the girls, so I'm not sure how they feel about me. 

     I still watch my full-timer RV'ers on YouTube and FB and still think about full-timing. It's still in my soul and I still want to be on the road. I never expected to fall in love either, so you don't know what God has in store for you!
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Grateful

     Most of the trees around me have lost all of their leaves and the rain fills most of the days now.  Although, there have been some beautiful sunny days lately; with the background of bright blue sky, the sun shining through the near leaf-less trees and that cool Autumn breeze fills my heart with thoughts of Thanksgiving and thinking about all that I am grateful for.

     First and foremost, Jesus Christ who saved me from the darkness of sin and who has given me eternal life. Then where do I begin? My children, my grandchildren, my health, my friends, my home, the material things that I have...? There is so much in my life to be thankful for. God has blessed me and my family so very much. I have everything I need and then some.

     There isn't a day that goes by that I haven't searched through RVTrader looking at RVs, watching YouTube vlogs of the many full-timers I am subscribed to, or talking to my sister on the phone about our dream. I am looking forward to that day when we purchase our RV!

     With school for Sarah and my commitments to the church and school, I have been very busy this fall. I am trying to cut back from some of my obligations, especially at the church as I almost feel like I live there!  

     Oh yea, we are getting a new pastor in about two weeks. Our previous pastor of 35 years, retired a year ago in December. We had a pulpit committee that worked hard at finding a new pastor for us. He is young, married with a family. We are all excited and looking forward to some, hopefully positive, changes. I haven't met Him, as I was on a family camping trip when he came to visit, but I've heard a lot of positive feedback from others.

     The holidays are nearly upon us, Thanksgiving just next week, Christmas soon after and before I know it, it will be January. And I'll be celebrating a milestone birthday...6-0! It does not 'fit' and I'm not ready yet! Well, the only thing good about time slipping by, means I'm getting closer to launch day!

     Sarah and I have planned Thanksgiving at home with just the two of us! Both of my sons are married and have extended families, so they usually spend Thanksgiving with them. Sarah and I have often joined them, but this year we're staying home.  Sarah wants to cook our favorite Thanksgiving dinner foods, play games and watch a movie! It will be nice to spend some one-on-one time together.

     Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

     

     

     

     

No, Not Fall Already!

     There are only 7 days until Autumn begins...I am sad, because I absolutely LOVE summer...sunshine...very warm weather...blue skies...no rain...gentle warm breezes, but now that is all going to change. I don't hate the other seasons, it just feels like summer is so short, it goes by super fast to me. I know, it's still 3 months long...That is why when I am full-time, I can follow summer everywhere - sort of. 

     So my sister and I have not been on the chat room. It seems like we can't even find time to chat just between us, let alone both of us make it to the chat room at the same time.

     Sarah got her driver's license! And I surprised her with a car of her own. Young driver insurance, is crazy, with her discounts for excellent grades, driver's training and safe driver discount, I cannot image if I had to pay full price!!! Her job right now is school or I would have her work part-time to help out. She is a honor student, takes AP college courses and has tons of homework! And she participates in band and choir. She is amazing! She is so grown up now. We were able to watch the Solar Eclipse in totality on her 16th birthday, August 21st! That was so amazing-it was beyond words to me. God is so awesome. 

     My sister, Earline and I went RV window-shopping this summer. She has never been to look at RVs all day long. I have her hooked and we will attend the RV show in Salem, OR next month- October. We had planned to go in September in Portland, but those plans fell through. We found two motorhomes that we really like. #1-2018 Forest River FR3 30ds and #2-2018 Dynamax Isata 4. We love both of the layouts so far. We've heard that looking in Arizona (since we live on the west coast) you can find good deals on RVs. I am not sure if that is really true.

     The desire to Full-Time RV just burns in my soul everyday.  I am very quick to see any kind of RV on the road; I'll mumble to myself, 'Oh, there goes a Class C. I wonder were they are going or if they are full-timers.' My daughter just shakes her head whenever she is with me. I try to 'feed' my desire with YouTube blogs by other full-timers. Some of my favorites are: Keep Your Daydream, Pippi Peterson, Long Long Honeymoon and a few others. I also keep in touch with a few people on Facebook.

     So much for thinking I was going to blog once a month! I don't even know if anyone ever reads my blogs, besides maybe Dee and/or Lorne. Thanks guys!

     

Summer is Coming!

Summer will be here next week and school will finally be out for our children in this area. Due to several snow days this past winter, the schools had to go about a week+ longer. And I can hardly wait for summer to begin and fill our days with blue skies and sunshine!

Sarah is taking driver's training this summer. She has class every Saturday through mid-August. I am thankful I was able to afford the training as I believe she will get a lot more information than I would provide and we won't have any parent/teen issues while she is learning to drive! The class provides all of her instruction and testing, so she will receive her driver's license at the end of the training.

Today, it's raining 😒but typical for Oregon, so a good day to stay inside and write another post.  We are expecting warmer weather (upper 80's) beginning this weekend, so I'm super happy about that. I really enjoy the beautiful, warm mornings where I can sit outside on my patio with my cup of coffee and thank the Lord for days such as these.

If anyone reads my posts, they probably think this lady is so wishy-washy! First she is planning to hit the road with her teenage daughter and then that doesn't happen. Health and financial issues become a problem. Then she starts talking about full-time RV'ing again with deciding to pull a small trailer with her older vehicle and later the possibility of traveling with her sister! Yeah, well, you know plans can and do change. It's this deep-seated desire that keeps me going, keeps me dreaming about how I can finally start this amazing adventure of my lifetime.

So...now my younger sister is super-excited to go full-time with me and both of us are talking almost daily about our future plans.  I do have some other dreams, bucket-list items like taking a trip to Ireland, possibly traveling to Africa (Cote d'Ivoire) in 2020 to visit with my sponsor child, Marie and visit a day spa for a full, entire day of pampering!

Catching up with the Dream...One plan for me is to get my sister, Earline to come into the chat room and meet all of you wonderful people soon. I think that she will get a better understanding of Full-time RV'ing in general and learn a lot. I know that all of you have been so helpful to me as I have journeyed over the past few years of struggling to put this dream in gear.

We have looked (online) at different classes and models of RVs and we are planning to take a trip to actually walk thru RVs soon. We live 4 hours apart, so we plan to meet at a central point this summer and we will attend (her first) RV Show in the fall (September). I have been to several RV shows and have looked at many different classes and models, but Earline has not. I often have to drag her back to reality when she starts drooling over the Berkshires and Monaco coaches!


I pray you all are well and daily fulfilling your own RV dreams.

Blessings!

That Ember is Hot!

Last post I mentioned that the desire to rv was a glowing ember in my soul...well, it's a little hotter now! I've been online researching mini travel trailers lately as I am hoping I can pull a tiny trailer with my car. I have to figure out all of the gross weights, vehicle pulling weight, hitch, trailer, etc. because I want to be safe and not ruin my car's tranmission or any other parts, but I would like to at least take weekend camping trips and NOT in a tent!

At least until Sarah graduates from High school and moves out, then I will be able to decide what I want to do at that point.

My younger sister and I have talked about rv'ing together. We haven't been in a day-to-day living situation for over 40 years, so I'm sure we both have 'set in our ways' some. I spoke with her about maybe renting an rv and spending a week together and if I didn't kill her or she didn't kill me, then maybe it might work out!  She also has some health issues which warmer weather would greatly benefit, myself included. I guess if it was something both of us really wanted to do, we would make it work.

On August 21, 2017, my daughter will turn 16 and we will be watching the total solar eclipse!  We waited too late to get a campground site, so we are going to drive up to my son's place (45 minutes away) and then hike up to get a even better view.  Every campground and open space in the path of the eclipse in Oregon is FULL! There is even a place in central Oregon that is having an Eclipse Festival and charging $1500 for a 4-person pre-set up tent site! A couple of sites have come available as I am on a wait list, just in case, but one was a group site (bigger than our group) and the other was a horse camp site and you had to have at least one domestic horse or pack animal. We thought we could throw a pack on one of the Boxers (dogs), but the camp host probably won't go for that!

So I dropped in the Chat Room last week and I'm going to do it again tonight! I stopped visiting when things got really busy for me after I realized I wouldn't be able to full-time for a few years. Things are still real busy for me, but I am also burning with the rv'ing desire again! I also want to blog more often - just because.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day and I hope all the mothers out there did also. My youngest son had to work, the oldest son was with his wife and her family, so my daughter took me out to Outback for lunch, then we went and painted pottery (it will be ready to pick up next week!) and then we went to a movie! We saw 'Gifted' which we both liked very much, except for the rude women that were sitting next to us! They talked all through the movie, rattled stuff in their purses, answered their ringing cell phones - YES! and gave a play by play of the movie loud enough for us to hear! We had reserved loungers and the theater was full or we would have moved. We should have reported them.

Blessings!
   Miriam

Bam! And now it's Spring...

...and just like that February, March and nearly April are gone! I blame it on getting older. I remember my mom always said, 'The older you get, the faster time seems to go.' Isn't that the truth?! There are things about growing older that I don't mind, like not worrying about things as much or at all like you used to and shaking your head at the younger generation - who know it all! Well, I did too. And being an older mom, I hear 'you're old' often from my teenage daughter. You'd think I was in my late 90's the way she talks!

I was surprised to find that my last post was in January! Well, I guess it's time to write again. Just so you all know, I still have stuff and in fact, I have even MORE stuff now!

I think I dream more about Rv'ing when this time of the year comes along and I see more and more RVs on the road. I look at them as I drive by, fifth-wheel being towed by a big ol' dually, motorhome with a couple of bikes strapped to the back, the shiny Class A streaming down the highway...I wonder where they are going, who they are, if they are full-timers. It all makes me hunger for my dream even more. I know there is a reason why I have an RV'ing ember glowing in my soul and I believe that God put it there. It is pretty incredible how He works things out. We, impatient eager beavers tend to run off in every direction, thinking we know best and it all has to happen right now. There's nothing wrong with dreaming and yearning as long as it is a positive thing and you don't get so caught up in the dream that you don't know reality anymore.


So, the desire or longing to full-time RV grew over many years with a hope that after retirement it would happen. Long story short, but after a life time of sexual and emotional abuse, two failed marriages, and taking the reins of my own will, I left God in the dust. I was going to take charge of my life now and I would make things happen, but things didn't go my way. That's when ten years prior to my retirement, God stopped me right in my tracks and took over. If you have followed my blogs, then you know what happened after this. Most importantly,  I have learned to wait on the Lord. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 
Jeremiah 29:11

I don't remember how I connected with the RV chat room, but I was one step closer to catching that dream. Chatting online with 'real RV'ers' who were feeding my desire to RV and I even met a couple while they were traveling through Oregon - Dee & Jim Walter. For that very brief time online, I met some wonderful, caring and helpful people and I knew that I wanted to be with friends like this.

I don't go on the chatline any more as my life is really busy now. I do sort of keep in touch with a few of the group through Facebook and blogs. They are all good people.

I decided that I would like to do a little more blogging than just every quarter! So we will see how that goes. Until then, take care and blessings to you all.

Too Much To Do...Too Much Stuff

I often feel like my life is so full of things I have or need to do, let alone the things I WANT to do, that I am so overwhelmed I don't want to do anything! When I am having a good day physically, it seems like I have way too many other things to do than what I WANT to do. Other days I wish I could clone myself so the clone could do all of the have-to do stuff and I could enjoy doing the want-to do stuff. Then there are days that I don't feel like doing anything, because I don't know where to start or I just feel too consumed by it all that I spend the entire day doing something that wasn't even on my To-Do list!

Recently I found the idea of becoming a minimalist very intriguing and it really does make sense to me. I recently began tossing clothing out that I haven't worn in years, most of which are 'skinny clothes', but now I have to get my minimalist wardrobe!  Oh, and those tiny houses are very appealing because there's no room for stuff. Sometimes I feel suffocated by all of my stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am not a hoarder by any means and I usually keep my home in good order - clean and organized. Then I think about how claustrophobic I am and wonder if I really could live in a tiny house with no stuff. Would I be able to live in an RV full-time with minimal stuff?

My stuff - I have 'things for the yard sale' stuff in the attic which has multiplied over the years while waiting for me to have that yard sale this summer, well maybe next summer...And office stuff, keepsake stuff, grandchildren's toy stuff, household stuff, scrapbooking stuff...the list keeps growing, just like my stuff! And the ironic thing about all of this stuff, is I really don't like stuff being around. So I hide all my stuff, in the attic, in cabinets, drawers, closets, totes and under the bed. Not to mention the stuff I still want to get! 

There's only one group of stuff that I do like and that is my scrapbooking stuff.  I still scrapbook on good days or I'll make a greeting card for someone occasionally, but I would like to have on-going projects to work on several days a week. Scrapbooking is relaxing and it is something that I enjoy doing. Creating fun and beautiful pages of memories and hopefully something my great-great grandchildren will enjoy and not think it's 'just grandmother's stuff' and toss it out!

Today I sit here writing about all of the things I need and want to do, while thinking about all of my stuff that I want to get rid of, so I can get more stuff. I hope that no one is trying to psychoanalyze me as I do that to myself enough! 

Speaking of which, I started out this morning trying to interpret the meaning of a reoccurring dream of mine, but everything I search is too vague. I know there is underlying meaning to the dream and I don't want to have to deal with that right now! It probably means I have too much stuff and too many things to do that its invading my sub-conscious. 

Although I believe dreams are helpful in resolving underlying issues and I also believe that God speaks to us through our dreams and that we can receive answers to what we are feeling or dealing with at the time. Several months after my mother passed away, I had this deep concern wondering if her soul was at peace and if she knew I was thinking about her. Soon after that, I had a very vivid dream where my mother came to me and she was glowing with happiness and joy. She was not the way I remembered her; in pain, unable to speak due to a stroke and such sadness in her eyes. In the dream, she came right up to me, gave me a kiss, hugged me close and told me she loved me. I 'felt' her closeness as if it were physically real. I woke up with such a peaceful feeling and reassurance of knowing my mom was also at peace. Those types of dreams don't happen very often, but they are so wonderful. 

So my birthday is near and my sister sent me a package which I need to go pick up from the post office....oh, good, more stuff!

Have a blessed day

Summer Coming to an End

I cannot believe that summer is nearly gone already. I love summertime so much, "living" in shorts, loving the beautiful blue sky and warm weather. Even when it's 90 or 100 degrees I love it. This month (August) is super busy for us.  My oldest son gets married in 8 days (August 20), then Sarah's 15th birthday is the next day!

Things are beginning to change for Women's Ministry and Bible studies as our Pastor's wife had been leading the Bible studies in our church for over 20 years and has now resigned. My Women's Ministry Leadership Team and I are working hard at getting Bible studies ready for Sept! We may have to push the start time to October. We have a Pre-Fall Bible study event coming up at the end of August where we will provide options to the women of our church. Change is good, right?

So I haven't blogged since April and I was hoping to do it more frequently. I put the Leadership Team together in April and we had our first meeting in May. I went to Nashville for the Women's Ministry Beta Conference and came home with a huge stack of Bible study materials, reference books, etc. The training was awesome and the trip went by rather quickly. I met some awesome women from all over the US and Canada - although there were only 26 women there.

I attended our Summer Celebration (church of God event) via webinar. That was the first time they offered the webinar and since I don't have a vehicle, it would have been very difficult for me to get there - some 120 miles away.

It is really hard for me to say what I've been doing for the past 8 months, besides what I already told you. It seems like time has flown by and I can't seem to account for it. I had all these wonderful plans to get rooms cleaned up, painted and organized in my house this summer - yet so far, I've only partially organized one room!

I've been struggling for several months with my health. The doctor now thinks my thyroid is hypoactive and has changed my medication. I started on Enbrel for my rheumatoid arthritis, but the side effects, although minor are annoying. I am not sure I want to stay on this medication - one, I have to inject it and two, are the side effects worth what the medication might do?! And now I have canker sores in my mouth/tongue which I haven't had an issue with before I started Enbrel, yet the doctor says its not from the Enbrel, but from the methotrexate which I've been on for years!
Enough about that...

With September looming over my shoulder, I find it hard to believe that Sarah will be in the 10th grade already. Sarah has become quite a singer and this year she will be in two choirs! She is still taking AP classes and getting very good grades. I'm so proud of her.

Now you know what I've been up to the last 4 months - sort of. Thank you for reading, commenting, and visiting my blogspot

More Changes...Some Good and Some Not So Good

It is kind of sad to see Dee & Jim's RV up for sale, but we all have to make changes sometimes however; I am happy for them, too. Moving into a non-mobile home seems to be exciting for them.

I am in the process of some changes that are not so good. I had to file bankruptcy because I was unable to keep up with my debt after losing my job and (less income). I'll be saying good-bye to my vehicle (Blue Jay) which was originally purchased as a toad. I plan to save to purchase a vehicle later on.  For now, I do have two feet and the bus is available too!

I have a conference coming up next week in Vancouver, WA for my Women's Ministry, then the training in Nashville at the end of June and my church now wants to send me to another conference in late July!

I am super busy right now. Oh! and we are going camping in eastern Oregon over the Memorial Day weekend with family and friends - there will be 16 of us and 8 dogs! I forgot to update you all in my last post, about my newest grandchildren, I have a 3 1/2 month old grandson, Wesley and my granddaughter, Phaedra is now 16 months old. 

It's been gorgeous here for the past few days - in the 80's. I love it. I cannot wait for summer!

Thank you for reading my post. I do appreciate that and your comments too. ;) Take care...

Miriam

God Has Other Plans

That was a really long dry spell. Although things have changed a lot for me and my situation, I still do long for the 'Dream'.

Not long after my last post, I had another surgery which left me still weak, painful and with the addition of no feeling in two finger! Around the same time, Sarah came to me and said she really wanted to go to High school here and graduate with her friends. She said she only agreed to RV'ing because she wanted to make me happy. :( At that time, I decided to put my RV'ing dream on hold.

Three months later, I was still not able to work, lost my job and applied for social security disability. It took about 6 months for that to get approved and to make financial adjustments from losing my job.

During this time, God began working in me. He led me, 'kicking and screaming' to Women's Ministry. I say that because I, personally would have never chosen this as my calling.  But then again, we don't get a choice! I really thought God was talking to the wrong person, but over time, He showed me where He wanted me and what I was going to do for Him.

I am the Women's Ministry Coordinator for our church now. It has been about 8 months and now in just a few more months, I will be headed to Nashville, TN for a Women's Ministry Leader Training conference at Lifeway. And believe it or not, I am thrilled to be going.  God has brought me to this place where I am actually excited for this ministry. And since this all began, I have been up in front, speaking to groups three times!  I do not do that! God does that.

So now I face this RV blog where nearly 3 years ago I truly believed we were headed out the door and on the road. Then without warning we came to a screeching halt and an immediate left turn!

I am Chasing the Dream of Jesus now and I still have hope that one day I will get the opportunity to live the dream of full-time rv'ing.  I often wonder if God already has a particular Christian man in mind (who currently owns an RV) to bring to my attention when His appointed time arrives. 

I keep in touch with Dee and Jim via their blog and Facebook and some others, too. And I feel a little guilty for not going to the chat room anymore.  Although, it has been awfully painful for me to type over the past couple of years. I just work on emails and this blog a little at a time now. 

I began a Bible study online with IF:Gathering.com. It is amazing, so if you would like to see what it's all about, go to IF:Gathering.com or download the app for both iPhone and Android. I attended a local IF:Gathering event recently and it was so incredible. The Holy Spirit was present as we worshipped. God is so amazing.

Now you know where I've been and what I've been up to since my last blog...I hope to keep this going. God bless you.

Miriam

BlueJay

     One step closer to going full-time. I recently purchased a new car, one that can be flat towed and it also gets better gas mileage than my other car.  Sarah named the car "BlueJay." I don't know why other than the color is candy blue, but it will be 'flying' behind our motorhome soon.

BlueJay

     I am in a holding pattern right now with my medical condition. The pain and weakness returned after the second surgery, too. I have an appointment at the end of October for a CT scan and nerve conduction test to be completed. My primary physician said this may be a permanent condition and that I may have to apply for disability, but I need to wait for the surgeon's results first.  I also looked into early retirement, which I do qualify for.  We, my doctors, the attorney and myself are all waiting for the tests to be completed and to get the results, so this can be all settled!

     In the meantime, I lean on Jesus for everything. With all that is happening right now in my life, my medical condition, being off work for 7 months now, living on long-term disability, living with this pain and weakness, I am able to be content with my situation through Christ. I know that God has plans for my life, huge plans. I know that He has set this desire within me to begin working toward fulfilling my lifelong dream of full-time RV'ing. And I know this is true, because of what He is doing in my life right now. His plan is unfolding before my eyes! God is awesome.

     Soon the weather will cool down (still in the 80s and it's October!) and I will be able to get into the attic and start downsizing. It's time to get rid of all those ridicules things that I have kept for all these years - and for what?! 

     298 days to go...

Launch Date Set!

     Sarah and I finally set our Launch Date!  We decided that waiting to see how things will go isn't a very good way of working towards a goal, so we set AUGUST 1, 2015 as our official launch date to begin this full-time RV'ing journey.  I even set up a count down app on my tablet - just 325 days to go!

     I am looking at getting a 'toad' for our journey as I would like to have an inexpensive vehicle that can be flat towed behind my motorhome.  I have narrowed it down and will be going out soon to trade in my Mazda6 (which I love :( but unable to flat tow) and purchase one that I can. And something a little more economical than the Mazda, too.

     I had a pre-retirement meeting recently to determine whether I can retire early and I have met all the requirements for me to do so, I just need to work on some things to make it all happen in 325 days!

     Sarah and I created a Vision Board to help us move forward with our dreams. Having the vision board posted in a place where we see it every day, will keep that dream alive and in our forethoughts. We can focus on making our dreams come true on a daily basis.  We love the idea.

The photo (above) just shows one area of the vision board where all the photos of Full-Time RV'ing are located.

     I am still doing physical and occupational therapy 4 times a week and trying to get this arm/hand strength back (better). I can type a little better, but not for very long before the arm/shoulder starts hurting.  I've been without the pain since surgery, but noticed recently after certain activities the pain feels like it's coming back.  And on that subject, I am appealing the denial for my worker's comp claim and need to call the attorney tomorrow. It is odd that WC denied my claim, yet they have ordered me to see an independent doctor (two of them) for evaluation - maybe they are having second thoughts?

Have a blessed day

     

Where has the Summer Gone?!

Nearly two months have passed without a word...however, I've had a lot going on.  Since June, the Creeper has struck three more times and is due to strike again soon. We still haven't been able to identify him, but the cops are looking for him and trying to figure out who he is. He is still a creep to me.

I had cervical spinal surgery (2nd one) on July 15th. I am still in the recovery process, now attending physical and occupational therapy four times a week. The surgery was successful as I have no pain running down my right arm into my hand! That is amazing. Now I just need to continue to heal and strengthen my muscles which have atrophied over the last year. This has been a very long summer having two surgeries and going through the therapy sessions, etc. I cannot believe that I have been off work for 6 months already. I still don't know for sure yet when I will go back to work, possibly in Sept or early October.  I am dealing with workers comp on top of this. I filed, they denied, but now I have to talk with the doctor and therapist to see why it would have been denied. I only filed because they told me it was work-related - I'm not the expert!

On August 21st, my beautiful little girl turned 13! I guess she is not so little anymore. :( She is growing up so fast. Sarah is a great kid and I am so thankful to be blessed by her.  We celebrated with her friend and family at Putter's in Eugene with pizza, laser tag, arcade games, etc. Then a huge surprise at home where her brand new Xbox 360 was set up and waiting for her to play! She said it was her best birthday ever.  I hope to make more of her birthdays the best one ever while on the road discovering America!

Just 8 days from today, my youngest son, Dave will be getting married to my best friend's daughter. That's right, my best friend that I have known for over 15 years and I are going to be mothers-in-law or something like that. Our kids kind of knew each other through us, but they are 7 years apart, so they didn't exactly 'grow up' together.  Lorianne, my best friend's daughter and my future d-i-l, started communicating with my son while he was serving in the Army while stationed in Iraq. When he came home, they went on a date and that's all it took! Things are beginning to pick up for me - thankful I'm not the mother of the bride!  We have the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner, August 28th which is earlier than most rehearsals because of the type of venue, we can't get in the day before due to another wedding taking place.  The wedding is on Monday, Sept 1st. They decided they wanted to get married on a weekday which happens to be a holiday too - Labor Day. This last week will go by fast and we have a lot of things to finish up too. And with this wedding, means more grandchildren!

After speaking with Jim and Dee (Tumbleweed) in July, I have decided to look at Class A's & C's, mostly thinking about a Class A instead of the 5'r and a truck. I agree with Jim, that it would be better for me physically and for safety to go with the Class A/C. So I have been looking and have fallen in love with the Forest River Georgetown - love it, love it, love it. I have also narrowed down my list of what I want (must haves) and what I would like (extras) in my mh. I also found out I can't flat tow my current vehicle (Mazda6), so we are thinking about buying a different vehicle. I am thinking about getting a Jeep Wrangler as I've heard they can quite easily be flat towed and I've always liked the Wrangler. This is still in the processing phase, so things can always change!

I have an appointment Sept 4th to determine whether I can retire early. I am hoping that this will work out in my favor. I would like to set a launch date for us, but with so many things still up in the air, I can't just yet.  We did clean out Sarah's room and hauled out 5 bags of stuff the other day. I swear the stuff is multiplying on its own! Once the weather here cools down I will be able to access the attic to begin that clean out-ugh! Hoping to have a yard sale before the fall weather comes too.

Now you know what has been going on with me for the past two months, I will try to do better with keeping my blog more up to date.  Thanks for reading...

The Creeper

Even though this is not related to my dream of living full time rv'ing, I have mentioned this situation to some of my rv chat friends and I had some follow up information.

In December of 2013, I noticed a woman's undershirt (lace camisole) in my front yard near my car. It had snowed, so I actually didn't find it until after the snow had melted. My only thought was how disgusting it was that someone would throw their clothes in my yard. I picked it up and threw it in the trash can. In January, it happened again-I thought nothing of it. Again in February this time a bra and March, panties. So I contacted one of the sex crimes detectives at the police department where I work and he told me not to take it so lightly, to file a report the next time it happens and have an officer come out and pick up the "evidence." He also suggested I get a security camera.

I had to research security cameras to see what type to buy and that took some time. Also during this time I had had my spinal surgery and was recovering. The creeper, as I began referring to this guy, had hit again in April, three times in May and now twice in June. Every time a nasty looking bra, crumbled up women's panties, swim suit tops and bottoms and once a little girl's dress - one sick pervert. I got one camera with the intentions of buying more, but not sure what kind to buy as I was having difficulties with the one I bought. I finally got the one working and it was recording 24/7.  Today, the creeper struck again, but this time he was caught on video by my camera doing his dirty deed! Now at least we know what he looks like.

The police came out and took possession of the sd card and the nasty bra left behind. The photos have been distributed to the local porn shop owners and patrol officers. Hopefully someone will ID this creep. I feel a little relief knowing we finally got him on video as all along he's been this elusive stalker out there preying on us and remaining unidentified. I don't know who the creep is nor does he look familiar to me.

I hope today leads the police to find the creep and soon he will find himself behind bars. Now more than ever, I wish we were on the road!

This and That

I saw the neurosurgeon today for the results of my most recent MRI and I have to have surgery again!  I knew that there could be a chance that it could happen, so I'm not blown away by the news. Of course, I have to go through the surgery again, all the recovery and wearing a neck brace for 4-6 weeks, no driving, etc.  The doctor did say that she would put in writing that the cause of this 'occupational disease' was my job. The occupational therapist has already confirmed that, so it should help with going through worker's comp. I am hopeful that this surgery will be successful and I will be pain free and regain the use of my right hand. Just waiting now for the insurance company to approve the surgery and then it will be scheduled. Timing sort of sucks, because the wedding is 9 1/2 weeks away.

I got my new crown today, too. It feels awkward - foreign object - in there. I'll get used to it soon though. At least that is done.

We got Sarah's final 7th grade report card:  5-A+'s, 2-A's for a grand total of 4.0! I'm so proud of her.
She managed to keep straight A's through 6th and 7th grade. Sarah is also feeling better - no more fever and her tonsils are even back to normal.  I think I was just tired and needed rest as I am doing fine now.

I've been looking online again at fifth wheels. I am starting to make notes on some of the things I think I want, which of course, there are a few things I can do without if it just comes down to one or two things.  Some things I will not give up on.  I'm looking at so many, all of the floor plans are running together! There's only so much that can be done with limited space. Other than building your own design, how do you find all or most of the things you want in one fifth wheel at the right price?!  I've been reading more RV websites and blogs too.  And I'm looking forward to the Fall RV Shows here in Oregon. It takes a lot of research and planning - well, it does for me because that's just my nature.

I'm looking forward each evening to chatting with my new RV friends at RV-Dreams.com. They are a great bunch of folks. I hope to meet one of them in a couple of weeks and I'm excited about that. One day, I hope to meet the others during our travels.


More later...

Amazing!

This is amazing to me. Even if you aren't a Christian and don't believe in God, I still want to share it with you.  I came across this a couple of days ago - perfect timing. I had asked God if this was just my own dream or if this was something He had in mind for me to do! Wait for It!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it...”

(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you’ve tried and failed doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your set time is coming. Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won’t be long before you see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for placing dreams and desires in my heart. I trust that You are at work to bring them to pass even when I can’t see it, even when it’s taking longer than I thought. I know that You are faithful, and I trust You completely in Jesus’ name, Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen AMAZING GOD!      I had a very busy day today. I helped out at the church with our annual clean up day. Then I came home and took care of Sarah who is still running a fever and not feeling well.  I did a couple of things around the house, but now I am needing some relaxation and some heat/ice on my arm/shoulder.      Sarah showed me her tonsils and they are HUGE!  I guess, I'll be calling the doctor on Monday.      Sorry about the format of this post. I copied the Joel Osteen stuff and it messed up the columns.      More later...

Long Term Disability

Well, today I received a call from the insurance company that they have now approved my long term disability and that I should receive a check next week. Thank God! I thought it was difficult living on short-term, getting a check once a week, now LTD only pays you once a month. Once I know what I will be getting, I'll feel better about it. Looking forward to Monday (June 23) as I see the surgeon for my recent MRI results. I don't want to face another surgery, but I do want the pain to go away.

Today Sarah woke up with a fever, cough and overall not feeling well. :(  She has only been out of school for the summer about a week. Hoping she gets over this right away and that I don't get it!

I added a few more things to my blog today. Played with gadgets, adding images, etc. This is my first blog so it will take me sometime to get things where I like them.

Looks like today is turning out to be nice again. I see blue sky and sunshine. I can hardly wait for summer to get here as I love sunshine every day!

That's it for today... <3

One Day at a Time

Was it God speaking to me or the current circumstances in my life... or both? For many years, I have dreamed of living full-time rving. Being able to see this beautiful country at my pace and not because I happen to be rushing here and there, moving from place to place or headed to one destination without stopping to breathe in the beauty of God's magnificent creations.

Now I begin...the dream is now unfolding before my eyes. Recently, I had surgery on my cervical spine in hopes of relieving pressure on the ulna near of my right (dominate) hand. I had been having pain for a couple of years, aggravated by the repetitive motions of my job. About a year ago, I developed weakness and started losing the use of two fingers, the pain was growing intensely and I had to seek some relief. It took several months before surgery was the final answer, however it did not bring me relief and my hand continued to become weaker, muscles atrophied and I was 3 1/2 months into recovering with only about a 10% improvement. At this time, I am on full time disability waiting the results of a second MRI.  And this is where it all began, I was beginning to realize that I may end up permanently partially disabled and not be able to do my job of 17 years! What was I going to do? What changes in my life was this going to bring?

I prayed...At first, I just let go and let God to do his work in me. Later, I began to ask Him to show me a glimpse of what His plan was for me, to give me something as not knowing was so scary. I am not a patient person - oh, is that what He was teaching me?! I trust in Him as I know God has bigger plans for me. Something so much better than I can dream. 

I don't remember how or who said it, but there it was..."maybe now is the time for you to begin that dream of full-time rv'ing." It wasn't long before I began to really think about making this dream come true, so I mentioned it to my 12 year old daughter, hoping the raging hormones would not explode into "NO! You're not dragging me around in a stupid trailer."  Surprisingly, her face lit up and smiling she said "I would love to do that." Well, that made it so much easier to share my ideas and together we decided we would be leaving our sticks and bricks in the summer of 2015!

We haven't set a launch date yet as I am waiting to see what the outcome will be regarding my medical/career situation.  I have some debt to take care of first and I need to know where my income will be coming from. I have been doing a lot of research about full-time rv'ing, reading books on the subject, comparing the pros and cons of rv types and visiting chat rooms - made some awesome new friends already.  We have visited several rv sales lots to see what type of rv we would want. For a while, it was down to a motorhome-class C or A, or a fifth wheel - the fifth wheel won out. Yesterday, we found the one, unfortunately we aren't ready to buy yet. At least we have narrowed it down to what we want!  It has been awesome having Sarah, my daughter participate so willingly in this dream. It has become her dream, too. We decided to wait until next summer, because she wants to finish middle school here. She is an excellent student and has been accepted as a teacher's assistant and a WebLeader (mentor for students and special activities participant), so it will be a memorable last year of middle school. I am so very proud of her. 

Still haven't figured out how it's all going to work out with 3 cats and a dog. The dog, a Chihuahua will be fine. It's the three cats I'm concerned about. I'm sure we will work that out as we still have about a year. 

We have started downsizing...at least in my mind! We have two large bags of clothes for the yard sale this summer and I've noted items throughout the house to sell. Room by room, piece by piece we will get there...one day at a time.

I hope you enjoy following us on this journey...