Identity crisis
It has been more than 6 months since leaving the van back in Colorado and started this new chapter of duo-tramping with Kerri in her Airstream. Anyone would consider this a huge upgrade, and the reality is just that. However, the longer I am clear of Big Blue, the larger the feelings of loss are becoming. I do not wish to go back, but deep down inside I am at conflict. I have spent many hours thinking about it and I believe I found the root of the problem.
No longer do I have to ponder how to survive each day in a van. My living space doubled in size, all of which I can stand fully upright in. I have access to a full sized stove and oven powered by two large tanks of propane, 40 gallons of fresh water, black and gray water storage, more LED lights then I can shake a stick at, enough storage space for a month’s worth of food, a queen-size bed with an actual mattress, and not one but two televisions to choose from. All of this is a major culture shock coming from my life in the van.
So, my issue is that living in an Airstream is just too easy and I miss the daily challenge that is van-life. In the van everything I did was an accomplishment; cooking a meal, storing enough food, bathing, exercising, staying warm, budgeting, sleeping, even getting dressed, all required some real work to accomplish, but in the Airstream most things are just done for you. It’s not easy being a van-tramp without a van. Even my blogging is taking a hit now that life is just so easy.
So with no further adieu I direct your attention to the recent blog name change: Tales from an Ex-Van-Tramp
You’re so funny. You can always come up with daily challenges if you’re really need them. How about using just one hand to make breakfast tacos?
Be careful what you wish for, you should enjoy the days without challenges. :)
I actually have had to go this past week one-handed thanks to Byron, who bit my left index finger. Breakfast tacos were no problem one handed :)
Try no hands! ;)
Same URL, so that name change doesn’t count! ;)
Ah shoot!
I think Leigh and I actually changed Big Blue forever when you let us borrow it last year. Sorry. I’m not sure it will ever be the same again.
Oh it is for the better after you two had your way with it, for sure.
Ah, the things we sacrifice for love.
Same issue as it is in living “on the grid.” Sometimes it seems that the more things come easy or the more you have, the less you appreciate it. Looking back it’s the process of the struggle that adds interest and intrigue to life. Good post.