Things We've Learned So Far

So, we have been in our new home for almost a month now! We made a big change with our living situation, so we are obviously learning some things and have some thoughts on our new situation. At dinner this evening, Chris and I discussed out thoughts on everything so far…and we want to share some of these with you here!

This is a random list, in no particular order :)

:: We have already determined that all the space we used to have — well, it was unnecessary. Honestly. We only needed that much space because we had so much stuff. The lack of space in our RV isn’t bothering either of us. We do feel that it is the “American Way” to want more stuff, more space, more everything. It feels good to go against that.

:: Our stove and oven are propane gas, and that has certainly been an adjustment. It seems to cook much faster, and doesn’t need time to preheat — both of which are nice! I have to light the oven with a pilot and flame, which is new to me but quite easy. I’m still getting the hang of the menus I need now, because I only have space for one thing in the oven; so I am trying to use my steamer and crockpot more. This is all an adjustment, but not a negative one!

:: We are still without internet access in the RV…boo…we are on their schedule for set up, but it has yet to happen. We are having trouble living without wifi, and it is causing some added charges to our data plan. This, however, is a temporary issue…we should be set up soon!

:: Along those same lines, we need internet in order to set up the Apple TV we got. We decided we didn’t want to get cable, etc…we’re just going to get the tv apps we want. So, we are anxious to get that set up, but we have honestly found the local channels to be sufficient for now. Neither of us have watched much tv over the years, so it has been kind of fun watching the game shows, America’s Got Talent, the sitcoms, etc!

:: We can’t really envision much travel happening in the RV, for two reasons. One, towing the trailer is quite stressful and you have to really look ahead in the journey to avoid pitfalls. Two, we have it set up for full-time living…so we would really have to batten down the hatches every time we move it…that would be kind of tricky! We shall see. It was part of our plan to travel more…and we still might. We just aren’t sure.

:: The shower in the RV is actually great! It has plenty of space, and the water is hot and lasts plenty long. Yay!

:: This thing moves. More than we expected. We are investing in some stability tools that will hopefully help…some supports for the slide-outs, as well as for the 5th wheel portion. Chris also bought some stabilizers that go between the wheels. Our metal shelter prevents movement from the wind, but walking definitely makes it move. We are to the point where we constantly feel like we are moving (like on a cruise ship)…even when we are not in the trailer! It’s an interesting phenomenon, sitting at our desk at work, feeling like we are moving! We are working to improve it.

:: It has been an adjustment, not having a garbage disposal or a dishwasher. It is harder than you would think, preventing food from going down the drain! As for dishes, we have a new system in place — I wash and Chris dries. It’s become a nice time of togetherness :) I am very appreciative of his help!

:: We have other new “processes” in place that could be seen as annoying, but aren’t really bothering us at all. For example: the two dog crates don’t fit in the trailer, so every night we bring them out of the under storage…and every morning we put them back (because the dogs sleep in them). We also have to help both dogs up and down out of the trailer because they can’t maneuver those stairs. And there is a community trash can, so in the evening we’ll put the daily trash in our little trash can, and then we deposit it in the main trash can when we leave for work. All just part of our new system.

:: Chris is feeling lazy; lazy is not a feeling that he enjoys! Taking away endless yard work and things to be done around a 3000 square foot house, he now has a lot more time on his hands. He is taking the season to rest a bit, but will soon use this extra time to read the Bible more, do more reading, start training for his next event. I, however, am quite enjoying having less on my to-do list!

:: The black water and gray water system isn’t as tricky as we anticipated. Being parked in our spot, we are connected to the county water. So we can leave our gray water tanks open and flowing. Gray water is water from the sinks and shower. The black water is from the toilet, and we empty it about once a week. We use some chemicals there and it’s working well. Emptying is very easy; we pull a lever outside and it empties in the pipe that’s connected…then we close it off. No biggie!

:: One thing we haven’t had to do yet is refill the propane tank — so the jury is still out on that! We have two tanks, and we are still on the first one.

:: We are less concerned about things being perfect — this RV is obviously going to have things come up. The bedroom door doesn’t latch well; one recliner pops up unexpectedly at times; the pantry door sticks because it is slightly bowed. These things would upset us in a house, because we knew they would need to be fixed before selling. It’s different in the RV.

:: Chris and I are both very tidy by nature, which is extremely beneficial when living in a small space with another person! We don’t have a lot of clutter and we pick up along the way. 

Our first few weeks have gone very well…we are adjusting and creating new routines. We are enjoying our new season!!!