New Ventures

I have always had an aversion to RVs. Part of it stems from my preference for the indoors. Part of it stems from having witnessed the aftermath of an RV capsizing on an interstate. Part of it stems from the hideous beige exteriors emblazoned with cheesy graphics and hideous beige interiors that look like an old person's living room.

Despite all that, we have decided to buy an RV. But it will not be used for weekend getaways or summer vacations. No, instead, we are selling our house and most of our possessions and hitting the road full-time.

I am slowly overcoming my aversions. I still worry that our trailer will tip over, but Steve has assured me that good driving and proper equipment will keep our risk to a minimum. The trailer we are leaning toward (so to speak) has a white--not beige--exterior, and I am willing to overlook the cheesy graphics. The interior might be beige (this is yet to be determined), but some funky throw pillows should keep it looking modern.

As for my preference for the indoors...well, I'm pretty much taking a leap of faith on that one.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't exactly commune with nature. Sure, I'm a fan of natural things: natural birth, natural ingredients, natural light, natural turf. But nature itself? Eh.

The only time I ever went camping (real, honest-to-god tent camping) was with my friend Laura. We had just left the bathrooms when Laura pointed out a patch of poison ivy. Brilliantly I replied, "What?! Just out here in the open like that?!"

Clearly nature isn't my thing.

Steve assures me that camping--or, in our case, living--in an RV will be more like residing in a brick-and-mortar building than lying in a sleeping bag on the ground. Yes, we'll probably encounter patches of poison ivy, but we'll still have the conveniences of modern life: air conditioning, a stove and oven, a refrigerator, our own toilet (possibly two!), etc. The only thing missing will be the dishwasher, but that's why we have children.

I figure if Eva Gabor could live in Green Acres, I might stand half a chance in an RV.

We're still a few months from our new adventure, but in many ways the journey has already begun. The process of paring down a lifetime of possessions requires emotional and physical fortitude. Selling our house and preparing to say good-bye to friends and familiar places comes with a tremendous amount of sorrow, even if we do plan to return to Southern California on a regular basis.

That is why I have started this blog. I want to document not only our actual adventure, but the experience of getting there. The road to the road, if you will.