All is going really well with me, but a lot has changed.
I moved back into my Mini last month. I decided to move to a smaller town and so am living in an RV park for now. (Not as fun as a National Park and it is hot!) The owner came by today to collect rent. I was having trouble with my AC, so was red-faced and barefoot, in an old denim skirt and a sleeveless ribbed undershirt. I had to stop and look at myself, and my life, and thought, “Wow! This is quite a bit different from a couple of years ago!”
It is a hell of a lot better, by the way!
I love Austin, but after my time on the road, Austin started to feel a bit too busy and expensive.
I’ve also decided that I am not going to work in the business I have with David anymore. We organized a buy out, so I will get a tiny stipend over the next five years as I make this transition into a different career — one that is more meaningful to me.
I am still in the early “what do I do?” stage of the sex worker stuff. For now, I’ve decided to volunteer at a domestic and sexual violence shelter to learn more about working with women in crisis as well as all the organizational logistics of running a nonprofit. I think transitional housing is something that is key to being able to quit. (It was always the rent payment that brought me back to the club!)
I’d like to create a place where a woman who wants to get away can just take three or six months off from everything and focus on herself. I’d like to create a space that feels healing and nurturing and allows a woman to get off that crazy treadmill and breathe.
But, I have a lot to learn. I just got the application completed, so have to wait 2-4 weeks for all the background checks before I can get started at the shelter.
I am excited! I feel like I am on the right path.
I hope you all are doing well.
47 Comments
Hi Jennifer! Wow, these are cool changes, and big. I’m so glad you’re checking in and letting us in on your life.
Roxanne
Glad to learn that things are going well for you. Keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out!
Thanks for the update Jen. Good to hear all is well and life is still on the right track for you.
I don’t know anything about the industry, but I would suspect a big hurdle for many young women in those self-destructive jobs has to do with addiction and substance abuse. If that’s the case, then the kind of transitional housing you’re talking about, with knowledgeable and caring people around, could really help young women get sober, and stay that way until they are in a more stable state of mind with a healthy support network.
It was so nice to see your post this morning! Your goals sound great. Good for you! I’ll bet it feels good to be living in your Mini again. We have a new travel trailer and are looking forward to getting out on the road.
Jennifer,
As I posted my comment, I noticed I needed to update my email address, so have now done so.
I am so excited to see an update! Glad to hear your moving forward and are excited about the changes.
Cyndi & Stumpy @ RVly Ever After
happy i read my blogs in a blog reader, as it allows me to know when new posts happen! was happier still to see a post from you and catch up on what you are up to. Good luck with the new direction, sounds like a really good one.
So good to have you back online! Maybe we will meet up again sometime in the future.
Wow! … so glad I clicked on your blog to see if you had posted! and you have… great to hear from you… I’ve been a follower from the beginning… please keep us posted…
Was getting concerned there for a while. So glad to see you post again. Like it, or not, you have become a part of our lives.
Thanks for the update. Glad to know you’re doing well and are still following your path.
It’s so wonderful to hear from you Jenn, I think of you often. So happy to hear that you’re at peace and pursuing what is near and dear to you. There’s a saying that I like: “When things change, change everything,” and that’s what I’m doing too, having begun serious downsizing and selling most of my furniture etc. I have a little metal wall artwork piece that simply says, “Breathe” and have taken it from my bedroom in my stick house and put it in my van. Even though my van is tiny it is so peaceful. Wonder where I’ll be this time next year? You were missed at the Georgia GTG of WGS btw. We had great fun and of course that never would’ve happened without your creation. Take care and hope to hear more from you soon
All is well.
She’s baack! Glad I check once in awhile. I’m still looking forward to hitting the road once I retire, though the how has changed since my husband has been sick since January. Thanks for inspiring many of us to believe we can travel alone.
I’m glad to hear you’re pursuing your goal. I think you will find a way to help women and continue to heal yourself in the process.
*gasp*! A post!
You’ve been missed. Posting is good.
Come back.
That is all.
GREAT news and I second Bob – though he could use a dose of his own advice ;~} (hope all is well Bob).
Yay! I kept checking your page to make sure my rss feeder wasn’t broken.
Glad to hear you’re still kickin!
Hi Jenn, Rachael here, good to hear your still making progress toward finding yourself and happiness. Moonbeam and I are still on the road seeking and searching trying to find the right place, right someone or a passion that calls to me to finally get an address and make a home again. But for now, both the van and I are doing well. I tried to start a blog but got bloged down, and couldn’t get running. Stay in touch, K? By the way, the videos are doing well! I still get e-mails weekly from all over the world! Keep safe and happy….
Rach
It’s good to see you back, Jennifer. I really enjoy your posts. I have nothing further to add.
Wow. Your blog is really, really inspirational. Thank you for making your struggles public. I can very much relate & am actually preparing to do the exact same thing. I’m buying my rv in the next week or two.
Like you, I was born in 1971. Graduated college, worked in finance and then Iraq. Two tours, one driving a fuel truck. Pretty much mind f*cked me. My wife & I are thankfully getting a divorce, I’ve literally given away everything I own except my truck & laptop. I’m excited to experience the adventure you’ve had. Learning to live again after choosing not to die. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ganjavet.
“I’d like to create a place where a woman who wants to get away can just take three or six months off from everything and focus on herself. I’d like to create a space that feels healing and nurturing and allows a woman to get off that crazy treadmill and breathe.”
I believe you have. At least for one woman. And this is that place. It concentrates the mind.
Unlike, for instance, this place:
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bermuda-triangle-.jpg
Good to hear from you again, Jennifer. I wish you well.
Bob G.
Hey Jennifer, I know what you mean about the heat! We just came north from Houston and it is HOT HOT HOT!
Take care, thanks for the update and please keep posting!!
Cheers!
Great to see your latest post and to know you are doing well. When you get a chance it would be nice to see pics of your new location. Will you be traveling again before you start working ?
Keep posting.
Be well.
Roger
Hi Jennifer,
I’m a newcomer here. Read your blog a couple months ago (Steve pointed you out). It really helped with my decision to go Full time. Yep, I got a rig with minutes to spare (my rent is up today! but got an extension through this weekend).
I agree with others, going out solo is going to help face the demons of self, work through them, and come out swinging on the other side. I have a few of my own. Scared of the inevitable loneliness, but also looking forward to learning to be more self suffiecient, and use less resources (well, except gas, but I will go slow).
I can’t wait till this move is done so I can read more of your blog from the beginning. I have been documenting some of my prep emotions and happenings, but so much more to say, just have to spend the time meeting that July 18th deadline.
YIKES! only 4 more days to go!
I have to be the devil’s advocate here.
I have followed your blog for quite some time and have enjoyed all of your travels/tips/how to’s/etc. But I have to finally say it. Move on from the industry. Enjoy life, you have a great path! The girls that are in the stripper lifestyle are not your problem. You can’t tell them right from wrong. Imagine yourself now (future you) telling you (back then) to stop. It is their thing and they do what they need to do.
You are different. You’re “retired”. Move on from it. Stop associating with it.
If you feel that you still belong in the circle then take your clothes off to “sweet child of mine” to a group of drunken college guys. Otherwise, move on, and be done.
It’s a phase. nothing else. We are strippers at one point. Whether it be on the stage, or a one night stand, we all make the decision.
MOVE ON FROM THE STRIPPER CLASSIFICATION!
I have to be the devil’s advocate here.
I have followed your blog for quite some time and have enjoyed all of your travels/tips/how to’s/etc. But I have to finally say it. Move on from the industry. Enjoy life, you have a great path! The girls that are in the stripper lifestyle are not your problem. You can’t tell them right from wrong. Imagine yourself now (future you) telling you (back then) to stop. It is their thing and they do what they need to do.
You are different. You’re “retired”. Move on from it. Stop associating with it.
If you feel that you still belong in the circle then take your clothes off to “sweet child of mine” to a group of drunken college guys. Otherwise, move on, and be done.
It’s a phase. nothing else. We are strippers at one point. Whether it be on the stage, or a one night stand, we all make the decision.
MOVE ON FROM THE STRIPPER CLASSIFICATION!
You are a cool chick that likes to travel around the country in an rv (my dream), but you are not a stripper. You are a sweet girl in a failed relationship (from what i’ve read) who needs a breather… Take that breath, but don’t bring an old “one night stand” with you to weigh you down. You are you, and they are they. You can’t change anybody, just work on your own future. A future filled with sweet trips in an awesome rv, and lots of smiles!
I think this point gets misunderstood a lot, so I will clarify it…
When I wanted to quit dancing, there seemed to be no way out. I started using drugs and planned to commit suicide. Fortunately, someone stepped in and provided a transitional space for me to get out. That is what I want to do for women.
I think women (and men) should be able to choose to do sex work as a profession.
I also think women (and men) should be able to choose NOT to do sex work as a profession.
I’m interested in helping women who feel like they don’t have (or somehow lost) that second choice.
Maybe it is something you have to have experienced to understand. That is something else I feel like I can offer….
Hi Jennifer,
I stumbled on your website about a week ago and really was mesmerized by your writing. Loved your travels and hope to do something similar. You have great spirit. I hope you find happiness and fulfillment.
Dan
Hi Jennifer… so good to hear from you!
I’m very proud of the direction you’re going. You have a unique experience & perspective that can definitely help those who are seeking a way out .. when they are ready. I say.. GO YOU!
Jennifer, It’s great to hear from you. Sounds like you are getting clearer about how you want to move towards the next step. Kudos.
I know how hot it is. I’ve been in Temple, TX since 5/31 learning to use my RV, selling my old car and buying a smaller one. I’ll be heading north end of July finally but now it’s gotten very hot there too
Miss you on womengosolo.
Interesting blog. Checking it out because I’m moving into my car tomorrow. It’s a Saturn. I’m doing it because I have two jobs and want to stop paying rent and buy an RV. Been stuck in ruts here in my home town for too long.
Jennifer!
It’s so good to hear from you. I thought you might’ve been gone for good. And here you were, sweltering in the TX heat –which can’t be any worse than sweltering in the Ohio heat. Really.
Work at a womens’ shelter is a good way to help yourself by helping others. Great advice, huh. I could take it myself.
Got the Mini’s electrical demons straightened out? They are demons, too, I cry over anything more complicated than electronic ignition. Took me a week to put a CD player in the Merc.
Hope to see you around the yahoo group.
Trish
Hi Jennifer! Thanx for the latest insights into your experiences – have missed your posts. Your work at the shelter sounds like a win/win – an ongoing exchange of life experiences between you and the guests which will enlighten and enrich you both. Take care and be well … and keep in touch with all of us out here who care about you.
Jennifer,
I enjoy reading your blog. Seems, living in an RV, would bring new adventures each day. I think you are one brave person and ahead of your time.
Food for thought, you are living a unique and interesting life, consider writing an autobiography, find a publisher and share your story with the world.
Your new profession could be “Successful Author.”
Keaton
Oh, my day has been made! I have missed your “voice” and am looking forward to whatever you have to say. LG
Hi Jennifer,
Add my voice to the others who are delighted to hear from you again. I am so happy to know that you have decided to not give up the R.V. lifestyle. You were correct from the beginning in recognizing the need for having your own space. This lifestyle so uniquely and affordably allows for that option. Living in an R.V. park may be a whole new experience for you now, but is another mode of living that can come in handy should you decide to become an extended-time traveler in the future. Whether you decide to pursue the type of volunteer work you are presently considering over the long haul or not, you have infinitely increased your options in terms of where you can live, work and serve your community. I hope you’ll keep in touch with us all, and continue the lifestyle. Two more years of stationary living for me, and my husband and I plan on becoming ‘extended-time R.V.er’s.’
Take care,
Mary Ann
Hi Jennifer. I’m happy things are going well for you.
I work part time in an emergency shelter. There is quite a mix of people there, including battered women, homeless, etc. If you have any questions about this, please email me.
I had a couple of quick questions for you. I am leaving in a few months for my second year of travel in a conversion van, and am currently getting the van ready and doing my homework.
I prefer to ask these questions off the comment board so if you can send me an email I would really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Denis
Hi, Jennifer. I’m not sure if this sounds crazy, surely you get requests like this….but do beginners or people toying with the idea of moving into an RV full-time email you and want to become “pen pals” in some sense of the term?
I’ve been day dreaming about this for a few years, recently returned from some beautiful driving in Western PA and was just over come with the desire to take the next steps. Obviously, as you know that’s not buying a motor home Day 1. But things like getting the house cleaned up for yet another attempt at selling it, get a leasing company to stop by in case it won’t sell, start seriously looking at my finances, etc….but I have some direct, serious questions about how you went about a few things that I would love to ask.
I found you from your YouTube videos….loved them, which led me to your blog, also loved that because until I read and saw all of your adventures and mishaps….it just seemed like an idea floating in my head with nothing to seriously grab hold of. Anyway….I’m rambling. I consider myself your newest fan, I’m on Day 3 of a conscious Gratitude Binge and today I am grateful that there are people brave enough to live my day dreams! Makes me believe if you can do it….I can, too!
I’d love to hear from you but will follow your adventures regardless. I will watch and re-watch your videos and be that much more prepared because of all of your efforts. Thanks for that….like I said, Day 3 and I’m grateful
My name is Melissa, maybe we can catch up. Safe travels.
Just finished reading your entire blog (and the comments!). You are such an amazing person. I’ve enjoyed peeking into your life and I’ve learned quite a bit about RV’ing from you and your commentors. Thank you. Thank you all.
Hi Jennifer: I has been a while again since we have heard from you. I read through all the responses to your last post and am amazed that it has been almost 2 months since your last post, and yet you still generate responses to your last post as recently as a few days ago…..most of us who have blogs would be happy with just a few comments. You have a gift to move people to speak. Your writing style is captivating, and speaks to many hearts. I hope you will take time every few weeks to update us on your journey, if not in depth, but at least superficially. We care about you, and have been drawn in, by you, to your circle of influence. I hope all is well with you, and maybe sometime in the future when we hit the road (just a few months away now….Elaine retires in 29 days!!!!) we may meet in person. Whatever you decide we wish you the best in life….God Bless!
Hi ya –
Good to see you posting. Glad to hear you are making decisions/changes that fit you. Awesome that you are pursuing something that means a lot to you even if you don’t quite have it figured out yet.
Kari
Long time no see. Hope everything is okay.
Bob
Good By Jennifer, the blog has been great while it lasted.
Great post! Blogging is actually a work and I like very much your blogging work…
Such a nice post
Glad you’re moving forward !
I’m curious to see if JMW is living in her car still.
van wraps
Hi,
My name is Sheldon Rhodes. I’m working on putting together a new web site about the adventures of driving the Alaska Highway. The site will be a place where people like you will be able to share their pictures and stories for family members and others to enjoy. My wife and I have driven it 7 times and look forward to driving it again in the next couple of years. Back in the days that we drove it most of the pictures we took were slides. Ya, I know, old technology. I really need some pictures for the new site. I see you have driven the highway and have some really great pictures. I would love it if you would be willing to share some of your pictures and stories on the site or at least give me permission to use some of your pictures. I would be happy to link them back to your site. You can contact me at Sheldon.rhodes@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks in advance. Sheldon