I know this blog is probably considered an RV blog, since that is mostly what I have been focused on over the last year or more. But, for me, it has really been a blog about my psychological and spiritual healing resulting from my three years of intensive psychoanalysis.
That journey (which started about two years before this blog did) took me from suicidal depression, compulsive shopping, and dangerous drinking habits to a more contented life of simplicity and sobriety. It has also been a long journey from isolation toward connection; that is where things are taking a turn in my RV lifestyle.
I’ve been quiet off and on since late last year because I’ve had a few things on my mind that I didn’t want to write about.
I’ve realized that I don’t want to be away from my husband anymore. I am able to spend extended time around the person I love most without feeling a desperate need to run away for days at a time. We’ve decided to find some place where we can more comfortably live under the same roof.
I am also revisiting my desire to have children. Genetic reproduction is off the table for me, but I’ve realized that (however I build it), I do want a family.
Finally, I feel a more desperate need to make a contribution and to do work that I feel connected to. I’ve decided to apply to a graduate program in social work. My goal is to eventually organize a nonprofit to help women trying to get out of adult entertainment and sex work. I actually made an attempt to do this at one point, but was quickly overwhelmed and had to quit. Several women reached out to me for help, so I feel a strong pull to strengthen my skills and make a second effort.
So, I’m not sure where the blog is going to go. I will, of course, keep my Mini, but as I slow down my travel and focus more on social work and family, I am not sure how “RV Adventure” this blog is going to be.
The last thing I want to say is how grateful I am to you for reading my blog! I’m sure it was more inconsequential to you, but for me to have this opportunity to write about myself, to be honest about myself, to integrate the things I am proud of with the things I am most ashamed of into one coherent sense of self has been such a gift. You may have just been reading because you are into RVs, but your attentiveness to me has been a profoundly healing experience.
Thank you!
Jennifer
P.S. As part of my own record of this journey, I may continue to blog on these new topics. I just know that most readers are RV readers, so wanted to thank you before you tuned out!
P.P.S. I have almost completely built out a Web site on RV stuff that I’ve learned, but I need some editors to check my work. If you are willing to check my work on RV mechanical and electrical stuff, please post your email address in a comment and I’ll send you the link. Thanks in advance!
54 Comments
Life is changes and you’re changing and growing. Good luck with your non-profit. *fingers crossed
I came here for the RV stuff, but I’ll hang around and keep reading. You’ve told an interesting story so far. No reason to think that will change.
Go you! Choosing your own path, whatever that path is, is completely inspiring. I continue to wish you all the best.
I’ll stick around for any RVing but mostly for the LIVING that you are doing. I have told you before that Fulltiming is just Living in a RV all the time. It is the Living that is interesting.
Jennifer, Good for you!
Life is a journey, thank-you for sharing yours with everyone here.
I don’t have any official training in mechanical or electrical work but am an accomplished handyman with lots of hands on experience in both. Now retired and preparing to go on my own RV (extended) trip I have some time to look it over if you want.
rwoody.240 at gmail.com
Anything but inconsequential.
I’m very happy for you and the solidifying of what you want from life. Go you!
Roxanne
The Good Luck Duck
It sounds to me like congratulations are in order! Yay for you!
I’ve deal with a number of the same issues and I know fulll-timing is part of the answer (for me) to deal with it.
I’m glad you’ll continue to share your journey with us!
Congratulations!
Cyndi & Stumpy @ RVly Ever After
Jennifer, Great news! I never kept reading because of the RV angle so I’ll continue reading as long as you continue writing. There is nothing as stable as change. Life is just that way.
You have my support and encouragement.
Andrea E
Hey, it’s been a trip. Hope it continues to be. For some reason I get a kick out of hearing from you, whatever it is you are doing.
I have no engineering expertise. But I do have several years worth of experience with RV systems, the sort that usually starts with me being broke down on the side of the road. If you think any of that might be useful, feel free to ask.
Meanwhile, happy trails. And keep in mind what old Kris says, about “the goin’ up is worth the comin’ down…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NAaiRYUBos
Bob
i love your voice, so will also continue to follow your blog, life is about learning and evolution and sometimes that means leaving one adventure behind for another. good luck and keep writing!
Dear Jennifer,
I am so proud of you and happy for you.
Good luck with your plans and goals, both with your career and your family plans. You must be so excited to look ahead! Isn’t that great?
I look forward to continue reading about your journeys.
I found your site because of the RV travel. I enjoy reading your blogs wherever it takes you. I have the same thing with my blog and that is it was meant for poker but I tend to talk about a number of things that are going on in my life. I will continue to follow your blog and wish you the best in your new adventure.
Jennifer, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE continue to blog. This blog should go in one direction only, and that is whatever direction you go in. My God, the things you’re talking about doing (and nobody doubts for a second you will do them all)… What amazing stories you will have to tell. If this blog were a book, it sounds like we’re approaching the end of Chapter 1. Can’t end it like that, can you?
I don’t think it matters one iota that a lot of your past entries have been RV-related. People who are interested will continue to read. People who aren’t, won’t, but I’d bet money that 98% will continue to read your blog, even if they originally found it because of the RV content. I know I will. In fact, I bet the readership grows and grows as the blog changes. Can’t leave us all hanging, forever wondering about the great things you went on to accomplish!
Jennifer, I started reading your blog for the RV info but I kept coming back because I enjoyed reading about your struggles with depression. It is something I struggle with myself. Keep posting and I’ll keep reading. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I started reading your blog because you were a woman who had the strength and courage to take control of your life. Full time Rving was one chapter. I’m gear to follow on to the next.
Please keep blogging. We care about you and are inspired by your journey.
follow your bliss girl!
I will miss your travels! I have enjoyed your journey!
You are AWESOME!!
We started reading your blog after finding it on hitchitch.com shortly after you started it. We long ago stopped reading for the RV stuff. You have been remarkably brave and honest here in a way that so few of us could or would. You are such a compelling writer. Like many of the others, I seriously doubt you will lose many readers if you decide to share your new non-RVish adventures here.
Here’s hoping you will.
Best wishes,
Mark & Barb
You can’t live in an RV and NOT have a spiritual journey. It makes you think about what you NEED in life.
I love the cross-section of society that RV’s bring together…
http://www.rv52.com/2010/06/rv-lifestyle-untruths-about-rv-people.html
Marlan
You sound healed. However and wherever your life takes you, follow your bliss. Best wishes for the next steps in your journey. Go you!
Jennifer, really interesting to see you reconnecting with your husband. That is the best news. He must be some kind of guy to have given you the space and time to find your way back to him. Life is not meant to be lived alone. Will continue to follow your journey…with, or without the RV.
I’ll certainly continue to read your words, Jennifer. Belva
Have been following from the first. You have been an insperation to many of us. I will continue to follow as long as you post. You have a deep sense of belonging. Ed
“If you are willing to check my work on RV mechanical and electrical stuff, please post your email address in a comment and I’ll send you the link.”
nomad@nomadichome.org
You’ve been an inspiration to those who don’t RV on a regular basis. Your journey is the journey of many. I wish you luck in graduate school and your decision to open a non-profit. But mostly, you seem full of love and that is joy.
Ditto on the others encouraging you to continue blogging. I found you via RV connections but life is what is interesting. After a year + of reading you are kind of an extended family. We all grow as you do.
Good Luck and Good Choices!!
– Kevin
Best of luck in however you handle the rest of your life. And, yes, I will be a continued reader, no matter the topic. I am an avid RV’er, but it isn’t my only interest. I read many blogs on various topics, and am always pleased when I see a new one from you available.
Keep of the good/interesting work!
judilyn
I visit you the best on your “new adventure”, after all life is an adventure regardless of the form it takes. I think it is a great move! We wish you the very best!
Please continue your blog be it RV related or not. I have read all of your entries and have been so amazed at your strength and endurance. What an inspirational journey yours has been! Your writing is quite powerful and would be missed.
I’ve been interested in your blog all this time simply because I found your life fascinating. The RVing was just part of that. Now reading of your plans, goals and dreams adds to the fascination and admiration. Please don’t leave me/us hanging. I can relate to you not wanting to be away from your husband. I’ve put off another major road trip for over a year because I miss my wife when I am away. But I am not getting any younger and will push myself to head off next month. I would venture to say by now you know as much if not more than I on RV stuff…especially the electrical, so no help here. I hope your social work goal becomes a reality for you.
Hi Jennifer – yep, found your blog becuz it was RV-related, but have been so touched by your sincerity, chutzpah and style, I’ll keep reading as long as you are posting, and hope you will continue. Your goals are ambitious, admirable and DOABLE. I, too, feel your husband is a special man … half of a very special couple! God’s blessing on all the days of your future – please keep sharing. LdB
What they said!
Kim
I sincerely hope you find what you are searching for. I enjoy your blog very much and look forward to reading about the new phase in your life.
I am glad to see that you are willing to take risk and evolve and grow. Most resist change, so go for it.
Jennifer –
There really isn’t anything else I can add that’s already been said but wanted you to know I’m still following your blog regardless of RV’ing or not. I love reading what you have to say. Quite often it is thought provoking and other times I just love your humor – the funny humor, your dark side humor – all of it! If the desire is there, I hope you keep writing. Don’t take that as pressure! I think your idea of what you want to start up is great. i’m sure there is a humongus need for that. I had a friend who took the sex trade path and women are greatly misunderstood in this area.
For what it’s worth – you’ve inspired me to *DO* things. I’m the kind of person who will wait and wait and wait and then make a move. Sometimes it’s good to wait and do tons of research but the overkill of that can take the fun out of doing things sometimes. So..thanks for just totally opening yourself up to us readers out here. Really.
Keep on keepin on Jen.
Kari
Jennifer – This is all such great news, despite the fact that we’ll lose your regular (wonderful) writing. My very best wishes to you. I’m going through some changes too, so your post came at just the right time to remind me that it’s okay. That even though I set out to do one thing, I’ll likely end up doing a different one (or three, ha). Growth is good.
Jennifer, Since I first made my decision to plan for a life in an RV I have visited many, many blogs by RVers. I keep coming back to only a few and yours is one of them. I so appreciate your honesty, I mean you posted your credit card debt for god’s sake!!! Who does that? I think that allowed your readers to think about their debt in a whole new way.
You discussed depression, drinking too much, your fears etc. Not many writers put it out there like that. I want to know more of your journey to see where you are going. Hope you will continue to post.
I am excited about what you have planned. I can see how a young woman might be enticed into sex work and might claim to enjoy it and even to feel empowered about it. (A claim I cannot accept, but do understand) I am looking forward to following your efforts to show women a way out of this profession.
Looking forward to the future,
LG
What a journey you have accomplished. Whatever you do next, I wish you happiness.
Good luck with your plans – I’ll continue to follow your blog, your’s is one of the first I started reading and I’ve always enjoyed it. You are still so young, you’ll do many more things, some might even include trips in the RV from time to time. I look forward to your website about RV stuff.
I sincerely doubt people follow your blog because of RV-ing. Rather, it’s the way you go right ahead, no matter what.
Without ego or attitude, your story is universal and strikes at the heart of peoples’ fear of self.
Thanks so much,
Trish
what a satisfyingly peaceful post Jennifer, warmest wishes to you and David! though i’ll deeply miss all the traveling adventures, something tells me your new direction will be just as interesting to write and read about (but maybe not so much in the picture department)
Hi Jennifer,
It’s been awhile, I know. We have been checking into your blog from time to time to see what you have been up to.
We have been following your blog before you set off into the RVing lifestyle. We even had the opportunity to meet you in person while we were in Texas prior to your departure. We keep in touch and follow your blog because of *who* you are, not *what* you do or how you choose to live.
The post you wrote today is very interesting! It’s obvious that you have been able to really take the time to do some major soul searching. I am so happy to hear that you and David will not only be living together now but also that there are thoughts of starting a family together. How exciting!
Your idea of reaching out to help women mixed up in the adult entertainment industry is inspiring. For you to use your past experiences and help others is heart warming. I’m excited to hear all about your endeavor, if you choose to share that avenue with us.
It has been amazing to witness you bloom and blossom as you went on your own path did your own thing. I admire you and congratulate you for so many reasons!
So, thank YOU for allowing us to be a part of your very personal life. We appreciate you sharing all of your details, good and bad.
Sending you and David an abundance of love, light, guidance and laughter as you continue on your life journey together. {{hugs}}
You have our email if you ever need anything.
Love always,
Ang
I don’t see a way to email you, but just found your blog and it seems we’re sharing the same journey but in opposite directions! I am a social worker who is running away from that after healing at home – the order of the journey doesn’t matter, just that we take it!
I think you’ll get my email if you read this comment and would love to hear from you to share info on what we are both moving into next!
Jill
hi jill i love your story.i brought a old rv and i was wanted to know how you can have a micro wave in the rv.how do you power it.good luck and i hope your feeling free..jeff
Hi Jennifer! My name is Nicole Willson and I am a Community Specialist for RVParking.com, an RV park review website for RVers from all walks of life. One of the things I do is manage the guest blogging program for blog.rvparking.com .
Since many of our readers are solo women RVers, I am working to develop a series of posts for them. Would you be interested in wringing a post about how women can get started in driving big rigs or DIY RV repair? In exchange, we would link to your blog and you could also mention your new website.
If you are interested in guest blogging, please send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Nicole
i’ve just stumbled across your blog in an effort to do research on possibley embarking on rv lifestyle with my husband and son in the near future. you have an incredible wealth of information and i love your interviews of other rv’ers and their homes on the road. i am sad to hear this news but wish you the best; looking forward to reading up on your endeavors with your non-profit as i have met and known a few women in that industry who would’ve loved some support. i would like the link to your rv website when it becomes available. best wishes and thanks for sharing your rv knowledge!!
Jennifer~
Where to begin? I searched the term “living in my car” in anticpation of that very real possibilty and stumbled across your blog. You know the expression that when the student is ready the teacher will appear? That’s you girlfriend – You are the teacher and I am the student. I started this morning in 1980 and have read every post you made and the majority of comments from others. It was like a great book. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your journey, both literal and figurative. You have helped me in ways I can’t express on a comment box on a blog. I’d love to email with you privately if you are so inclined. Hope you are having an excellent day!!
Stacie (stacie@passionateaboutlove.com)
Jennifer, a journey is a journey. I echo what others have said here about your blog, whether it’s about RVing or not. You are not only a skilled writer, but you have a gift for honesty and insight. The closer you bring us to your own heart in your writing, the clearer we can see our own. One thing that you said recently is staying with me. You said that it isn’t helpful to model one’s life on someone else’s, that we need to understand and follow our own journey.
You have some wonderful goals ahead. I hope that one day you can make room for a book about your journey. And yes, I’m yet another reader who began following you because of the RV slant but will stick around to see what’s around the next bend for you.
Julie
Thank you! I’m not updating the blog very much right now, but appreciate hear from you.
Take care,
Jennifer
There’s some info here that might be useful:
http://deepthroated.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/reaching-out-and-connecting-with-outdoor-street-based-sex-workers/
Jennifer,
Please start blogging again. I so much reading what you write. You’ve inspired me to buy my on RV, which I’m now shopping for.
Hope you are well and content. You ARE missed.
Glenda
Jennifer,
Please start blogging again. I so much miss reading what you write. You’ve inspired me to buy an RV, which I’m now shopping for.
Hope you are well and content. You ARE missed.
Glenda
Jennifer,
I would be happy to check your technical content. I write a monthly column on RV electrical issues for Bus Conversions Magazine as well as semi-regular technical feature articles. I also live full-time in my converted bus with my wife and three pets.
Feel free to email me.
I truly hope that everything is going great for you.
Thank you for your blog and your thoughts
DAvid