Where We Began
I told you I’d tell you my current location later. That’s because it comes with a rather lengthy explanation.
We’re back where we began, in Las Vegas.
And we’ll be here for a little bit. No, not “home” because it has a distinct “not home anymore” feel to it. Which feels really good to me, I might add.
Those of you that have been reading this blog for any length of time probably remember how I feel about my hometown. That is to say I’m less than crazy about being here. In fact, I’m pretty sure when I signed up for birth, I thought it was going to happen in some other place. I’ve been a wee bit resentful ever since. Las Vegas has some great things about it, but it’s just not for me.
So what, you may be asking, are we doing back here? Well, I’m going to tell, complete with headlines, because that’s how I roll:
The Story
About a month ago began a really bumpy ride. A long, seemingly endless string of frustrations. The kind that force you to stop and ask “What the f*ck is going on here??”
No joke, it was insane. First, a major water leak that ruined some of our things and soaked our beds. Then the injector pump stranded us at the side of the road. Then it was the alternator, then the batteries, then a strange wire that runs between the two, then the glow plugs, then the shocks, then the driveline, then a timing belt, then the veggie oil’s fuel pump. It was a domino effect and each time we fixed one thing, something else would break the very next day.
Nearly four weeks of this people!
If it hadn’t been for friends meeting us in Albuquerque and traveling with us, keeping us sane and safe should anything happen, I’m pretty sure we would have ended up killing each other. I’ll spare you the ugly details. Because having friends nearby makes all the difference. But through the experience, one really cool thing happened:
We suddenly became really clear on what we wanted.
As thoughts of “settling in” long-term in New Mexico were dancing in our minds, we knew we were not ready to settle down. We aren’t ready to stop yet.
And the more we sat stranded in New Mexico, the more we felt it was time to put up or shut up, make the decision, commit, one way or the other. And so we did. We talked, the three of us, about what we wanted. And we all came to the same decision.
The Decision
We’ve decided to stay on the road for as long as we can.
The world and the economy are changing: peak oil, climate change, recession/depression, war and corruption. While some people see that as a sign to play it safe, we’re feeling pretty damn good about taking more risks. We’ve taken advantage of a huge opportunity, one that may not always present itself.
Life and circumstances may not always allow us to travel, to meet such amazing people, see such rich and diverse things. Life is uncertain and sometimes volatile and it’s all the more reason for us to enjoy what we can while we have it. For some that means loving fully the place they are, or the people they’re with.
For us it means loving fully not having a place yet and enjoying the road with each other. We want to give Zeb the opportunity to explore and experience. We want to explore and experience with him. We don’t want to put this off until Someday because we all know life never guarantees us a Someday.
Neither of our dreams is without sacrifices. We can sacrifice Now for the security of a permaculture, off-grid home or we can sacrifice a home for the adventure of a lifetime.
Not exactly an easy decision. But I’ve learned something about my sense of security. It’s a myth. It’s a false sense of something being there that doesn’t even exist.
The world is a dangerous place to be. Life is inherently messy. It’s full of hairpin turns and steep drop-offs and unexpected landslides. And we can sit far from the edge and feel secure but the risk is still there, maybe even greater, since we’ve made ourselves sitting ducks dependent on something outside our own daring ingenuity.
There is no protecting ourselves from danger; there’s only missing out on opportunity.
Ironically, as soon as we all made the decision to commit to this life, as soon as we got clear and cohesive on what we wanted, Ol’ Benny stopped giving us trouble. I guess sometimes decisions we’re avoiding will just demand our attention.
Where We Are Now
So that brings me back to Las Vegas.
After committing, the pieces fell into place smoothly and effortlessly. Benny is a great RV, but he’s not cut out for full-timing. So we need to upgrade and we needed a place to crash while we work out the details. My parents not only had a place for us to park, they have a handful of projects custom fit for us.
Justin is going to be installing a pergola, building a tool shed and probably helping to landscape a yard. After that he might be doing their crown molding and maybe a few other home improvements for them. I’m also helping my mom transition into a Real Foods, gluten-free diet.
And we’ll be using the time to sell Justin’s gasoline truck, sell Benny the Brave and various other things and purchase a diesel truck and a 5th wheel. The 5th wheel has been Zeb’s idea for awhile and he’s finally sold us on it. What can I say; he’s a persuasive kid. 
We’re also using the time to focus on working for ourselves. We have money to raise while we’re here, new ventures to launch and new ideas to investigate. Having this time at my parents’ place to focus on those things is an amazing blessing.
We’ll be here for three months, working, eating, playing with friends and enjoying the things we really do love about Vegas.
And come the beginning of the year, we’ll be back on the road.
Shameless Plug
The next three months are going to be crunch-time for us. Big projects, lots of work and more needed if we want to make this happen.
We would love your help.
Do you have a project you want done? Have you been considering scheduling a coaching session? If there’s something you need that we can help with, we’d love to work with you! You can check out our services here. (Travel may still be an option.)
And if you’ve benefited from this blog and from my writing in any way, if I’ve inspired you or if you just have a crush on my husband (because who doesn’t?), and want to send your support, would you consider donating to the cause?
I'm Tara Wagner, life coach and creator of the Digging Deep process, where I coach women out of survival mode to recreate their lives and families.
So, did we miss you at park day on Wednesday? When will we see you?! Sunday afternoon at Winchester community center for World Hoop Day?
We did miss you Wednesday! We need to hook up; my mama needs real food.
We’ll be at park day every week, Zeb will make sure of that. And I’m going to try to make it Sunday too!
Just so long as you someday come to see me…
You’ll LOVE a fifth wheel.
Great post – congrats on your decision!
I have no idea what a 5th wheel is. Explain?
Erm, it’s a type of trailer that attaches inside the bed of a truck. Google Images could probably explain it better though.
Ahhh, ok. I didn’t try to search it because “5th wheel” didn’t sound like an actual thing name and I thought maybe it was you guys’ name for something. Sorry.
Now that I’ve searched it though, that looks like it could be annoying to drive but I can definitely see the advantages. Especially if you can make the little area that sits over the pick-up bed into Z’s bed/bedroom. Nice little area kind of away from everything else with a curtain. Could be very cool.
He’ll have something like that but on the other end. The 5th wheel we’re looking at has a garage for tools, bikes, etc. Above that is a loft-style room that he’s claimed.
Yay! Sounds great all around, but mostly it means you will be able to make it out our way. I know the feeling of taking a risk to have “one last adventure” what with C’s potential job overseas and all. I fought it for so long, but now I am embracing it and I just can’t wait to be with my hubby full time.
As for work, we have a ton of stuff we would love to hire Justin for, so get thee to NY as soon as the snow melts, ya hear!? And I am sure I could rustle up some other people who need help, too!
It’s the plan! Don’t go gallivanting off around the world until we get there!
You are adorable (the crush on your husband part)~~and your family is inspiring (as we sit here trying to sell this house and downsize)~I’ve enjoyed reading your blog very much and look forward to your continuing adventures. I’m checking over your Jack and Jill of all trades~~there are a few things I could use…probably Maine is a bit far…but some day, perhaps!
~Maria
Congrats on getting “unstuck”! You sound so free and sure now.
I’m curious what Zeb’s persuasive points are for the 5th wheel…and will you be converting the diesel truck to veggie oil?
I’ll be getting back to you about your help asap. I joined Lisa’s next group!!
Many Blessings!!
Jessica
The diesel truck will definitely be converted!
Zeb was having dreams about it and talking to us about the options available (how he knew I have no idea), the space, the slides, the price, having a vehicle but not having to tow (then you have two engines – the RV and a vehicle – to maintain), the bunk beds, the layout. He’s been talking about it for several months now!
I’m so thankful you are where you need to be now. Hoping we can connect soon.
Miss you mama!! xxoo
Yay! I was selfishly nervous you were saying you felt like you were home and were stopping.
Glad you have a good direction and place to stay for now. We’re looking forward to spending a few months near my parents for the winter too.
you can just feel the happiness and contentment in every word of this. It sounds like it’s been a tough few weeks for you all, but it’s obviously been worth while in that you’ve found your course for the future, and it’s one that seems so right for you all. And yey, we get to hear more about your adventures and see more of the world through your beautiful eyes and photos.
Thanks Julie! You always have the most intuitive comments.
How did you know I had a crush on your husband?
HA!
Sounds fab!!
Please come to Seattle someday
Space isn’t overrated in an rv in my opinion. I am happy for your choice on selling benny that was stressful even for me! The kids have a blast in their own space and I am happy we chose this life even if we choose the wrong campgrounds – we are living in the hood
I love this! I love everything you wrote! It’s refreshing to see people living life and taking risks. We aren’t on the road (yet) but we hope to be someday, and reading your blog is one of the things that helps keep the dream alive and reminds me of why I want to do this. Thanks so much!!
sooooo awesome! yay, woohoo! good choice
hey, whilst i was looking for a link to the family travelling around the world on the smell of an oily rag in a chitty chitty bang bang car, i found another lot of people who seem to have done life on the road too – http://www.livingdreamsbook.com/
It’s sooo true, security is an illusion.
So inspiring! And yes, your husband is cute, but i think my husband has a similar style
Lucky gals, aren’t we?
Choose risk, I love it! Best wishes!
“But I’ve learned something about my sense of security. It’s a myth. It’s a false sense of something being there that doesn’t even exist.” A——MEN, sistah! When I became a semi-single mom this year, wishing, wishing, *wishing* for a stable, settled marriage and guaranteed co-parent, I was blessed to realize that not even those who are happily married to their babies’ daddy and living happily ever after have any guarantees. Security is an illusion — and I guess I just have less of it! (Not that I’m knocking illusion, mind you – I think it’s pretty rad stuff sometimes, and lots of life is composed of it.
)
Oh, and I agree with Margie! Happy you’re on the road!
Yay, YOU!
Good for you! I will continue to pray for you and your family.
I hope you continue to learn new things and find adventure as you continue to travel and I hope you get the upgrades you need to safely travel!
As always.. you ROCK! Big time.. I know how much courage it takes for you to be back in Vegas and how intense the next few months are going to be, but I am forever confident that you will be just fine and heading to Colorado soon..
There ARE no guarantees for someday, no risk free life. That realization is what spurred us to make the decision to live on the road. It works for us right now and when it stops working, we will know what our family needs at that time. I’m happy that things are falling into place for you guys and you feel good about your path!! We have a 5th wheel and we love it – me, my hubby, three boys, our dog and our cat
You are definitely an inspiration! You said some things in your Unjobbing post that really just CLICKED for me and I was finally able to recognize that I DON’T have to stick with my job! I CAN do… ANYthing!
So, I’m decluttering my life (of material things and otherwise) and researching possibilities in the world!
Thank you so much! And good luck getting your ducks in a row in Vegas so you will be completely ready when your 3 months are up!
I read this with tears on my eyes.
We did the same thing and I know exactly how it feels to get on the road and then have to back pedal all the way back home because of a million stupid things that all added up. I’m glad you’re back on two feet and you didn’t kill each other! 
Now that we’re back we’re trying to make enough money to buy a new rig and get back out there, but it seems like it’s taking FOREVER! 
We started in a 35ft fifth wheel and I loved the extra space, BUT it’s a pain to get that big boy up mountains, into gas stations, etc (anywhere really). 25ft is WAAAY better for fulltimers constantly on the move IMHO
Those snowbirds who have HUGE rigs usually just go north for 6 months, then south for 6 months and stay put. Towing the fifth wheel (rather than a travel trailer) was a breeze too!