Where Do I Sleep???

Note: I also have a new entry with a video & photos on my main blog here: http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/tips

I have been asked several times about where I sleep in the van & if it is comfortable. First: Here are pics: 2 with the bedding & 1 of it removed with open flooring. I leave the bedding down most of the time now as I use it for seating also. :) I have a 1" thick gel mat on the flooring, topped with a 2" exercise mat, then topped with a tri-folded deluxe memory foam mattress topper (thanks Mom & Pop! :) to create my bedding/seating. It extends from the front seat to about 6" past the full length of the other side of the sliding door. I sleep on my side so it works out well as I also put 2 body pillows down in front of it when I sleep that extend between the portable A/C unit & the port-potty which gives me ample length when sleeping. LOL I finally found a benefit to being only 5 ft tall! And by the way: It is extremely comfortable! :) This type of option works well for me to give me enough space for the other items I need & want for comfort. :)

I used to sit in the passenger side chair with my laptop to work & then put my "sleeping pallet" out at night when I was ready to go "to bed". But as in so many things do it has evolved to my current much better & more comfortable set-up. Currently, again I most of the time leave the pallet/bedding in place as I found that sitting on it to work is so much more comfortable than the passenger seat was. In my latest video on my Photo/Video Blog: http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/tips you can see how I set up a simple "desk" in front of me & put a couple pillows behind me (1 of them memory foam) to create a very comfortable seating option. Plus I like this option better because I have an almost 360 view of the scenic beauty around me. :) These pictures are a bit deceiving as with the height it looks like there is no room between the bedding/seating & the ice-maker ottoman etc., but there is actually a good foot at the smallest point of carpeted area in front of the pallet. So if you wondered... there you go. My son has sat on it & can tell you that it is quite comfortable! :) Just thought I would answer the questions & assure especially family & friends that I am quite comfortable. OK back to work for me! Have a great week everybody!!! :) ~Brenda


Note: I also have a new entry with a video & photos on my main blog here: http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/tips

On October 11th, 2009 I became a fulltime van dweller...

For the last few years I have talked about the next phase of my life as my "second life". Now I know there is a huge virtual reality group that came along a while back and made that phrase quite famous, but I came up with it first, so this is my interpretation of what that means to me.

For me, my "second life" denoted what my "intentional life" would be once I was able to leave the corporate/structured work life and live a life that I chose based more on my wants/needs. That life (now this life) was to be a life with much more freedom. My second life was a life that didn't have to be perfect (there is no such thing) but I wanted to live, really live before I leave this earth.

I have found that most of my adult life has been lived to take care of others (and myself) and factored into that endeavor, to a smaller degree but still a component was measuring up to the societal acceptance and approval. At 51, I am at a place in my life that only my monthly living bills need to be paid consistently. Thankfully, I have paid off my debt and am only responsible for myself now with my only child being a grown man on his own. Therefore, my financial needs are modest. Also thankfully, I own my vehicle (not the bank) and I don't need a lot of material things to be happy. What I do need and for the most part want, I pretty much have at this point. I am a gadget gal, love technologies' fun and helpful delights. But I don't have to rush out to get the newest glossy, glitzy, updated versions! So today, I am thankful for the preparations I have made (paying off debt, paying off vehicle, buying most of the things I need to take care of myself well with my "second life" plans) as well as having the mindset to move into a lifestyle in which I personally find more freedom, as opposed to staying within the accepted societal expectations only.

In June/2009 I finally left my latest several year "corporate gig" as the overall operations, office and marketing manager of a professional tax consulting/tax law firm, to embrace simpler choices in my own life. This phase of my life has been something I have sought and planned in abstract for the last 10 years, and in more specific terms for the last 2+ years. This past couple years I have literally planned what I needed to full-time Van Dwell. (What RVers often refer to as "full-timing"). I actually began full-time Van Dwelling on October 11, 2009.

I have a couple memberships that allow me use of a beautiful mountain/lake area for my home-base. I have the use of satellite cable, water and full electrical hook-up as well as a wonderful community atmosphere. The area has many amenities and perks that work well with who I am. I take about a 1 week close by trip every couple months & plan a couple more extended trips to further off areas during this year. (In 2011 I expect to be mostly traveling the USA & Canada.) If not basking in the beautiful scenery &/or enjoying the company of good folks, I am most often working on my websites as well as doing some writing that I am expecting to support me. My needs are minimal, but I plan to be successful enough to help others along the way as well as take good care of myself. I am determined to take very good care of myself in the also extremely important areas of health and spirituality.

Please check out my Photo/Video Blog on my website: http://www.lordandcurtiss.ws/tips

I will leave you with 2 quotes: "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." -James Joyce & "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo DiVinci

Blessings for Your Journeys, Brenda

2000 Astro HighTop w/Mark III Conversion "Latcho-Drom"