I haven’t left the Family Shelter yet. I’ve enjoyed my visit here so much that I don’t want to leave. I don’t know if I am getting better at hanging out with people or if there is something about this junky little house that makes everyone more comfortable.
I talked pretty openly about my trip to the Arctic this time. (One sister had told some family members that I was driving to Antarctica, so I had to clear that up.)
With the exception of my oldest brother Jimmy, most are becoming supportive. Jimmy, on the other hand, is still very concerned. He is certain that terrible things await me on this trip and I don’t know how to reassure him.
My trip actually ended up being the central topic one afternoon — not a typical role for me in our family dynamic. Everyone came out to Joey’s RV so they could see the map of my route as well as a picture of my (most recent) RV selection. That was pretty fun.
So, now that they seem interested and supportive, I am wondering if I could share my blog with them. I definitely wouldn’t do it right now, but wonder about sharing when I take off for my trip in May.
I am sort of in love with this private space and the connections I have made here, so feel kind of protective about it. I don’t know if I am being too private and paranoid or not. I would have to warn them that I’ve been very candid about my life.
Ah well, like the RV, at least I don’t have to make that decision right away.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Jennifer
***
Countup: 35 days of sobriety
Countdown: 122 days until I move into my RV!
11 Comments
Everyone needs their privacy. This blog is kind of like your diary in a way. If you decided to share it with the entire family then where would you go to vent and/or ask for advice about the family? Joey is an exception. =)
As you said: “I am sort of in love with this private space and the connections I have made here, so feel kind of protective about it.” I think that you may regret opening this up to the family. Although I understand at this very moment in time you feel as though you would like to open up to them. I think it’s great that most of the family took interest in hearing about your journey! That’s a very good start. And allowing them to follow you on your journey is an awesome idea. Maybe then they would all feel more relaxed about your safety knowing exactly where you are and what you’ve been up to. Maybe you can just set up a mass E-mail for family only instead of opening up your blog. Just a suggestion.
I’m really glad to hear that you are enjoying your time at the Family Shelter! And the family opening up a bit about your RVing adventure is absolute progress on their end. We’ll still have to work on Jimmy. I think that the E-mail updates (or a separate blog..but that can be time consuming) will put Jimmy at ease about your safety. He may never be 100% supportive of your idea but once you make him part of the journey via the Internet chances are he’ll be hooked! =)
These are just a few opinions and suggestions of my own. You are a very smart woman and will make the right decision on what to do. The only thing I ask is don’t jump to conclusions and make rash decisions just because that very moment feels good and happy. Give it some time. As you know, things could change overnight with some people.
Continue to have fun with the family! Have a safe drive back to Austin. It’s suppose to rain around here for a day or two. <3
A couple of questions……does your family already know everything you have written about in your blog? By that I mean, your history? What will be the positive, or good result of sharing your blog with them….how will it benefit them, and you?
I can see having them start reading when you start your adventure so they can keep up with, and share it with you vicariously.
Maybe when you are on the road you will be motivated to share this space. It doesn’t sound like you are ready to at this time. That’s just my two cents.
you run the risk of pissing some of them off if you had them read all as now been published….of course they would come around sooner or later but why aggravate the situation …..i’d either edit some past postings or start a new blog when on the road….like “living in my coach” or some such thing….if you start a new one, keep “living in my” as the first part of the new name cause it will be easier for the net to find you
There are some things best kept to yourself IMHO. You certainly open yourself to the possibility of the most painful sort of rejection if you do share it.
In large families, people have a way of making ‘your stuff’ all about them (and sometimes some siblings build their own egos at the expense of those they perceive with less ‘power’ … kinda like in the Celestine Prophecy). Examples: THEIR fears for your safety, THEIR responsibility as older siblings (or parents) to stop/control you, THEIR upset about what you’ve shared (and how it reflects on them) etc. It ends up being all about them, and that ends up draining YOUR energy. Some of the most AWFUL things are done in large families under the guise of ‘good intentions’. It’s not necessary that everyone agrees/supports your journey – it is what’s right for you. Yes, it’s nice if they do of course, and I expect enthusiasm will grow as you near your departure date, but you’re an intelligent, full-grown woman. Remember, each of them are on their own journey too, and they are at different places. They will learn about themselves by their reactions to your lifestyle change and adventure. I second the idea of sharing with them via another avenue (email or 2nd blog).
As for your rig, I see you’ve gone from one end of the spectrum to the other LOL, 40ft to 23ft. I think you’re on the right track (especially not pulling a 2nd vehicle!) but am (humbly) going to suggest you consider something in-between, 25-29ft, which is still easily driveable and manageable, but which you will also likely be much more comfortable in. I’m not a guru of rigs like some others here, but I’ve seen bunches of floorplans in this range that have 2 or 3 slides and interior comfort is all about the slides (assuming you’ve got strong underlying mechanical systems, the first priority of course). Here are a couple that catch my eye: Winnie Via/Itasca Reyo 25R or 25T http://www.roamingtimes.com/rvreports/3/winnebago-via-class-a-motorhome.aspx , Forest River Lexington B+ http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=floor&choice=lex&nav=rec , Gulfstream Conquest (several models) http://www.conquestmotorhomes.com/# ,
Check out this B+ with Triple Slides. 2007 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5291 $54k Ford V-10, generator etc. OK so new bed linens are a must ha, ha. http://www.quietwoodsrv.com/2007-gulf-stream-bt-cruiser-5291-WI-i115109#
“He is certain that terrible things await me on this trip and I don’t know how to reassure him.”
I don’t know about “terrible” but shit will happen that tests your ability to..um…deal with stressful situations
As for sharing with the fam, I dunno, it doesn’t sound like a good idea. My family knows about my blog and it sucks – I can’t vent about them (or the inlaws). I have multiple blogs to keep it all separated and send mass emails to family members just to keep them in the loop – that way they don’t have to visit the blog.
Thanks you guys. I think that settles it! I would say my family has a very loose idea of my history, but much/most of it has been toned down or slightly modified to keep it from hurting or upsetting anyone.
I think I’ll keep this private and do email updates to family.
Thanks!
Jennifer
As soon as you know the family is reading it’s likely to affect what you write.
Obviously any of them could stumble upon it, but they probably haven’t and probably won’t, and I get the impression that you’re being more free and honest as a result. I’m not writing nearly as “personally” as you are but I can imagine your dilemma!
I concur with others – your audience does impact what you share. Our blog, Technomadia.com – started out specifically to keep family and friends up to date, and has grown to a wider audience from there. Chris and I both have more personal venues for sharing our more inner journey with a select audience.
I think having two different blogs with different purposes is a reasonable way to go.
- Cherie
Man, you are getting more and more popular everyday. TONS of comments on these things. I feel like I’ll soon be lost in the shuffle.
Take it from me…I wish I wouldn’t have included my family in my blog. I can’t vent like I want. I have to answer questions about innuendo and points I am making to make sure it they aren’t about them. It really sucks.
So, I vote to start a trip blog which is separate from your personal, “private” blog.