2018 Reflections

Welcome to the New Year! Most people make New Year's resolutions in some shape or form. But by the time December rolls around, 99% of any and all resolutions made earlier in the year are now forgotten, and a "new" resolution is made in January, albeit the same resolution from last year. So instead of looking continually forward, what if we look back and learn from the past? That's what I'll do in this post. 
Seven months ago, when we left Georgia to start our shakedown trips, we dreaded travel days. Each of us was tense about doing our jobs correctly. We were the inexperienced folks who were just beginning to learn the ropes of RVing. I think that a few people in the campgrounds were secretly laughing at us from behind their RVs. Nevertheless, we jumped the hurdle of "free entertainment for the rest of the campground", and learned to trust each other to do their jobs and move much more efficiently.
Another example of a skill learned is doing my schoolwork on the road. When we travel, I bring schoolwork with me in the car. Sadly, some states' road quality is disappointing, and with a truck with rigid shocks, it makes it worse. My car hand writing is not a good indicator of my regular hand writing. I've learned not to bring certain subjects in the truck with me. While in the RV, I have an easier time about it, but sometimes it becomes difficult to do school without being distracted by something. For example, at the time of me writing this, my background noise is a movie that Nate is watching. Putting on my noise canceling headphones during these times helps a lot. 
These past 12 months have been a real mind-changer on how much stuff we had at our house versus how much stuff we actually need. If any of you have moved before, you'll know how this feels. But think about moving into a 300 sq. foot space. You really don't need that much 1990s memorabilia, the same photo from 10 angles, or the old baby toys that you'll never use again. You know what I mean? I had the job of "trash man" before we left, and every Monday during the last 2 months in Georgia, the curb was piled with trash. But now we've lived on minimal stuff for 7 months! (I know, 7!)
I'll challenge all of you to think about what you'd need on a trip like ours, and comment your top 3 things. Here are some ideas: pots and pans, books, toys, favorite clothes, cameras. Put down anything that is not included in the RV when you buy it, for example, furnishings. 

-Woodsman Will-