5/1/18 Tuesday
The second month of my life in a van has come to a close. An interesting time full of surprises and unforeseen opportunities to learn and grow. I’m settling into my houselessness in many ways, and though it's not always comfortable, I'm stretching myself to adapt and sway with the wind, as it were. I'm also moving steadily forward in the build-out of the van’s interior. The electrical system was finally completed two days ago, which is a huge step forward and will allow me to finish the rest of the build in the next month (hopefully). More appliances and furniture (and comfort) will follow shortly.
I’ve managed to get away from the magnet-pull of the Ukiah valley a few times, once for a thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Pacific NW with a band I love and once for a week to attend and support my child’s medical procedure. Both times proved that having my home on my back, as it were, is highly advantageous and quite satisfying. It also proved to me that I have the space in my life to start making short trips to places I want to go, which is a liberating feeling.
Moments of anxiety and worry still come and go, stability an experience that needs to source internally more than ever. Still working on that one. Words (and acts) of encouragement still come at a steady clip from the people I see and spend time with, which leaves me humble and grateful.
THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN THIS SECOND MONTH
1. This still exactly what I want to be doing with my life. No regrets.
2. I’m more conspicuous driving around Ukiah than I thought. People can see me from a long way off and know its me.
3. I have the means to provide an interesting life for myself, and I need to make sure I’m taking full advantage of it. Falling into unconscious patterns of behavior can lead to being in situations and positions I don’t want to be in.
4. Having a functional sink in the van was a game-changer.
5. I’m still spending more time walking places, and I’m still strategizing constantly about bathroom use.
6. Writing this blog has been a surprisingly wonderful component to my journey, and I’m grateful for all the readers who’ve been sticking with me.
7. Parking the van in SF sucks, but isn’t quite as sucky as I’d imagined. Strategizing is key. So is patience.
8. I have more skills than I give myself credit for.
9. I need to spend less time in Ukiah.
10. I have the best friends in the world.
