Baby steps

So I got a call from the work peeps saying that my credentials have been cleared *high five* which means I have a job BUT I still do not have a start date.  I am 2 weeks after my original start date :( That is two weeks later than I hoped without a paycheck!
Good news for us is that we will be moving into our condo tomorrow!  We found a fully furnished 2 bedroom condo in a nice part of town.  One thing we did not realize is that due to it being higher in elevation, it is usually 7 degree cooler than the valley which is going to come in handy pretty soon!  It looks like we will be in the 90s within the week and probably climbing! Also....I will be able to lay by the pool while waiting for a start date!
We cannot wait to have our own space and be out of this extended stay hotel.  Even though we have a small kitchenette, we still have been going out more than we should to eat.  I think the main reason is because we just need to get the hell out of this room!  
Joe and I do well in small spaces. Hell, we were living in a studio apartment for 8 months with no problems. The problem we are having now is that neither one of us does good in a holding pattern where we have no control over things and we are just waiting on other people.

Since starting this update this morning plenty of things happened and are lining up!  Will finish later...

Got an update about my job, there is only one person to do security appointments and she was out all this week...so, fingers crossed for at least a Tuesday start date.
Condo....getting cleaned for us as I type and we can move in as early as this evening!
Truck/camper build: I know I haven't given much updates on that but we got an update on part of the build this morning and Joe is happy with the quote and the plan for the build so that is moving forward!

One thing I have learned, and Joe and I do well together, is not to get caught up in things we don't have any control over.  We are not bystanders in our lives but we are also not going to get overly emotional about things.  I realize that the energy we put out is what we get back so if we were pissed about all these delays, complaining about every little thing, I will put money on the table that our lives would be worse off right now.  We've acknowledged the upsets, felt the irritations and anger about things falling through but then we let it go and move forward to what we can do.  Sometimes it takes longer than we'd like but things work out as they should and it's all good :)

One of our many jaunts to The Strip to kill time and get some walking in....we have to stop for refreshments of course :)

Kicking tires to find a good fit

In a few years we plan on being part of the Overlanding community, making our way down to the most southern part of S.America!  We are in the planning/research phase.  It's amazing how many people are doing it.
Things we are focusing on right now:
-downsizing...actually get rid of everything
-narrowing down the vehicle we want to move forward with
-do little camping trips here and there with Stevie
-save money
-get rid of debt
-find a travel handle :)

us doing research in Florida!

We have some friends that are well on their way and they have been inspirational for us. They are getting their rig together as I type this and should be on their way later this year.

Things and rigs we have talked about:

-truck campers: pop up

-pop up roof tents

-vans

-what are have to have items are

We've done lots and lots of reading online, Joe more than me :P. Yesterday we looked at some truck campers to get a feel for the size and to just stand in a few.  We tend to be "feel" people.  We can justify a lot just looking at pictures or floor plans but we have to see it!

not too bad...not a love connection

One of these had a slide out... not on our radar what so ever!

We are good at seeing the pros and cons with everything and with all the information out there it's easy to get caught up in research.  We've decided...bottom line, whatever we choose to go with we will be fine because of how we are.  

Initially in our discussions, Joe was set on the truck camper idea (we really want to have a 4 wheel drive).  I am and was good with that.  My "requirements" are a toilet and the capability of showering inside.  I'm fine with the outdoor shower but when it's cold outside, not a fan.  Everything else is under discussion.  Whenever we do look at something I focus on the storage and layout.  In my Internet viewing I came across the Revel and was hooked on THAT idea.  I came across that when we were in Florida last year.  Since then I have been looking at the Van Life community and following so many people on Instagram that are living out of transit vans etc.  

With this new possibility, Joe and I are looking at van conversions.  Things I like about the van idea...well, the main thing is  we don't have to get out of the vehicle to get in the camper.  We seem to base weather discussions on Medellin in Colombia, don't ask me why it just happened that way.  Joe has the weather for Medellin on his phone and every time he checks it, it's raining!  The last thing I want to be doing in the rain and/or cold is get out of the vehicle to get in or set up our living quarters!  With a van, you park and walk to the back... get settled, make dinner, go to bed :)  One of the reasons we got Stevie to play around in up here in Alaska, was that walk through Class C design!  Plus the safety of it also.  If we are in an area and need to leave quickly, we don't have to worry about getting out to get in to drive off!  We have not ruled out truck campers as of today, but it's quickly loosing in the pro/con list fight with the van!

It's going to be an interesting ride for us emotionally / mentally / and physically.

Unemployed in Alaska

at our camp site in Homer AK

Yep, we are still unemployed but I got a firm job offer yesterday and may be starting my new job 14 May, so that has taken some stress off.  Joe is still looking and has applied for some government jobs of his own but is in no real rush due to starting his last two classes for his bachelor's degree.  He is using his post 9/11 GI Bill, so he's getting paid a decent amount of money to take classes :). As Joe said a month ago...we will be fine!

Chris, Grandpa, and me

Things have a way of working out when you don't fight them. After I submitted my 2 weeks and was on leave, my Grandmother in Missouri took a turn for the worse.  She was in her 90's so it wasn't a big surprise.  Everything happened quickly and within a matter of days I was flying out to support my Dad during the funeral.  I got to see a lot of family I have not seen in awhile in addition to my brother.  If I was still working, it would have been stressful for me taking the time off and navigating all of that.  So I'm grateful that I could just do my thing and fly out with no additional stress.  I got to visit with Grandpa.  He suffers from Alzheimer's but he's happy.  With Grandmother gone, she was slightly controlling, he gets to watch westerns all day :)

Off to Homer AK

Stevie

When I returned, Joe and I took our new family member to Homer AK.  Stevie is a 97' Fleetwood Sport Jamboree.  She is are trial run for living small :P and a way for us to get out and explore more of AK without worrying about hotels etc.  Homer hadn't woken up yet, so it was more of the sleepy fishing town while we were there.  We boondocked on the spit and practically none of the stores and restaurants were open yet.  I guess the magic open time is in May.  We spend 2 nights there.  One thing that Homer is known for is the bald eagles.  There wasn't as many as pictures show, it's probably a season thing too, but we saw enough!  They are amazing birds!  The size of them and to see them just flying around...we were constantly in awe!

boat docks at the Homer spit

We had a decent walk about in Homer, walking 8.8 miles one day!  Joe and I usually end up doing a lot of walking.  It's a great way to see things and take up time when you got nothing going on, which is usually the case when you're camping.  

all to our selves!

Stevie is great!  The heater is awesome!  We had some things things that brought up questions but we either figured them out on the road or just adapted until getting home.  Joe has a friend that rents RVs here in Anchorage and he cleared up some of our questions.  We did good for our first packing for a trip too.  We under packed kitchen stuff but over packed clothing LOL. It's a learning process but we are good and going with what we got, working together to solve problems.  The only thing we didn't try out was the shower.  

a must have for AK traveling!!!

We may be taking another short weekend trip next month.  We will see how things go.  Stevie needs a good washing, outside and in before our next adventure.  

down time while camping

My goal is to do quicker blog updates... there is so much to say and share when we go on our trips and even life here in AK.  We tend to have a lot of relaxing time while we camp so there is no reason not to do an update ;)

And SWITCH

Joe and I don't do anything "normal" and it works for us.  A few weeks ago Joe gave his notice at his job.  He enjoyed the people and the concept of the job he was a fan of but he had similar issues with his work environment as do/did I.  

My work environment was having a negative effect on my mental health.  Joe was beginning to worry about me.  I was coming home in a mood, either angry/frustrated or depressed.  I was in a constant state of being tired no matter how much sleep I got.  Every morning I would have to force myself out of bed, there was even one day I didn't even shower before going into work!  My depression was strong and deep, only getting deeper the longer I struggled in that work environment.  Joe said we'd be o.k. financial for a few months if I put in my notice.  I hate not having something lined up and I also don't like not having an income but my unhappiness at work was overriding those worries.  One morning Joe sent me a picture of me from Florida, I was on a beach cruiser and smiling...he text "I remember this girl".  I cried and knew I had to quit work, the environment was not going to change any time soon.  Coworkers have shared with me their struggles that have been going on for years.  I did not have the motivation to fight the system.  So a week after Joe put in his notice, I submitted my two weeks and yesterday was my last physical day at work.

Before I put in my notice I had a telephone interview for a position on base.  It's a slight pay cut but it sounds less stressful, smaller work community, structure, and more follow through and accountability.  As usually I feel as though I bomb telephone interviews, thinking I sound like an idiot or after the call replay conversations thing "I should have said this".  I submitted my 2 week notice at the VA on Friday and on Monday I received an tentative offer email for that position! 

dog sitting Luna, dog cuddles make everything better

This process of quitting my job has been interesting for me.  It's always a hard decision even if it's for one's own sanity.  My frustrations with work were echoed by a majority of my coworkers and we were banding together to bring issues up to the managers and leaders in hopes of a change.   When I decided to quit my job, with no other employment lined up, a coworker stated "You are amazing".  

This gave me pause, it was said as she was leaving my office.  Amazing? Really? for leaving a toxic work environment that was doing me more harm than good?  I got to thinking about it and I've been commended for just doing stuff like that before.  I left a government job in Utah and moved to Hawaii.  I had a safety neat but no real job.  I just moved.  After graduating with my MSW I went against what "made sense" and followed my gut, things have been working out wonderfully.  When I went off to India and volunteered for 2 weeks, I had no job and shouldn't have spent the money but I went and had a profound experience and things worked out.  I am blessed!  I have been in positions where people have been helpful and have provided some security and safety but at times I just go and do.  That is what I did with this recent situation.  I have been at the VA for 7 months and gave my 2 weeks.  People were surprised at how sudden I was leaving but NOT surprised as to the why.

Joe and I both have our history of jobs that suck your soul.  We are making it a priority to enjoy life, even if that means taking a pay cut at times.  We are o.k. with that.  We don't have to make X amount of money, we just need to pay off our debt and then move on to our next big thing.  

Although leaving the VA was best for me, it's always hard to say good bye and stop therapy with Veterans.  I did my best to inform them of my leaving, ensuring I personally talked with each one either by phone or in person.  One of them gifted me with this painting.  I'm always in awe when a client takes the time to do something to give to me.

gift hand painted from a client

So here we are, both unemployed.  I'm working towards a start date...the DOD hiring process is never quick.  We have time off to focus on down sizing, selling things, and enjoy more of what is in our back yard!

Next adventure bound

A lot has happened since I last wrote...more traveling that I wrote about (I need to get better at this).
The 3rd September was our last full day in Panama City Beach, FL.  It has been our home for the past two years but we are ready to go and an opportunity presented itself!
We are on the road to Anchorage Alaska!  I got a job at the VA Hospital there and Joe will find a job once we get there, he is still on terminal leave so he's getting paid to move!  We are going to take about 3-4 weeks to get there.

We have been staying with friends and in AirBnB's which have been amazing.  We got one in Panama City Beach that was two blocks away from the beach!  It was chill and relaxing, a good way to leave the area before Irma made her presence known.

Our first stop after leaving Florida was Wynne AR where Joe's family is.  It's the farmland of Arkansas, similar to where my grandparents are.  We spent a full day there and two nights.  It was a good visit, and even Joe was surprised how well everything went.  His family is lively and some are chatty, there is always some drama and we were caught up on that!  One thing that we laughed about was the day to day living and how it goes when visiting family in the country.  We drive a lot, because nothing is near anything, sit, eat, visit, drive some more, sit, visit, eat, and repeat!

After AR we were off to Amarillo TX.  We again lucked out with an AMAZING AirBnb!  We got there early enough to do some touristy stuff and checked out Cadillac Ranch before having wine and Joe a cigar at our little cottage!  We also found a local eatery that was great!  We do very well at avoiding chain places as much as possible!

With all our sitting and eating I'm going to need to start a hard core exercise routine once we get settled in Alaska!
After Amarillio we were off to the Denver CO area.  
On the way to Denver we stopped at a random deli in Pueblo CO.  It was a legit Italian deli, Gagliano's Italian Market and Deli, it has been a family business since 1921!  We got a couple of amazing sandwiches, found a little lake, put Tux in his carrier and had a leisure lunch by the water!
Once we got to Denver we stayed with a friend of mine from my time in the Utah Guard.  They opened up their basement to Joe, Tux, and I.  We had some awesome dinners in the local area.  It was here that I realized I was not use to the dry weather like I was once before.  It's taking me some time getting use to the dry air.  
One of the reason for staying in Colorado for a couple of days was to check out the 4 Wheel Campers who had a dealer in the area.  We went and checked them out but we both didn't have a love connection.  We are the beginning parts of our research of them but it was good to get eyes on and physically get in one instead of just looking at them online.  
I had applied for jobs in that area of Colorado and Joe mentioned that he was glad that I didn't get that job, which I agreed with.  We like the area but maybe not the best fit for us, living wise.  
The next stop is Salt Lake City, UT.  The first few nights we had another AirBnB before moving in with my Aunt for the rest of the week.

It's been awhile....

Wow!  The last post was in August 2016!  I have been busy living life so I cannot complain one bit!  A quick run down/update....
-still working towards my LCSW in Panama City Florida
-Joe will retire October of this year
-2016 ended awesomely
     -had an awesome vaca visiting the UK and Ireland in September

     -had some Halloween fun in PCB

     -had a great visit with my Mom

     -learned how to ride and promptly bought a bike!

     -took my first cruise

     -rung in 2017 in New Orleans

Things have slowed down in 2017, mainly due to needing to build my back account back up from all that fun!  We've been working hard but we have a trip to Miami in a couple of weeks so we have to balance work and fun!

Birthday Month!

It seems like I'm posting after an adventure and we are having more and more of them :P  Last post was the beginning of July and here I am at the end of August.  I turned 40 this month and Joe turned 41!  He had a TDY to Atlantic City so I flew up there and had a long weekend checking out another new place.  Bonus was that I didn't even have to pay for the plane ticket!  It was a free trip with my credit card rewards....Happy Birthday to me!  
Even though we are always out and about we also have fun here in PCB.  There are days where we just need to get out of our apartment and enjoy the local places and music.  One of our regulars is Buster's Beer and Bait, and yes Buster has both of those things!  He has great outside seating and regular live bands!  

What's not to like :)  On weekends we will go for bike rides, out to a breakfast spot and then wherever we end up riding!  I'm all about exercising that doesn't feel like exercise! 

We enjoyed Atlantic City but we were also sadden by how run down it was.  It still had it's charm but we could see how amazing it use to be.  Talking to a local barista he said it's due to casinos being everywhere nowadays and not just Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City...and of course politics :(  I got there early afternoon and once we checked in we did a walk around and figured out a show to see.  Ended up seeing a very good burlesque show after some tapas.  The next day it was a pool day and we scored a cabana platform (which is normal $75) for free!  Nothing like laying around a rooftop pool on couches drinking mojitos!  We walked the boardwalk that night, stopping where ever for drinks, hookah, food.... and good people watching!  

Second time doing hookah!  First time was in Baltimore with my girl Natalie!  This time we sat on the boardwalk, had drinks, and watched the city go by!

Had to have a little fun!  

Happy birthday people!

Before flying out we did a quick visit of Philly, a city we want to go back and explore further!  

It's always hard to come back into adulthood and our jobs :( but again... we make the most of being here. This past weekend we finally got out and did some stand up paddle boarding!  It was fun and relaxing!  We'll be doing it again for sure! 

 In 20 days we'll be checking in for our Ireland/Scotland trip!  Work is just a means to fuel our adventures! Loving my life!

Back to the grind

Everything has been cleared for now.  I had the biopsy, they took three samples and left a little "clip" in.  Everything came back as benign and I'm on the watch program so in 6 months I'll get another ultrasound on both breast to just keep an eye on everything.  It was a nice sign of relief, especially since I have a high school friend who I heard via FB that she things are more serious for her.  I don't know why things happen the way they do for people...I guess we all have to just do our best to survive and live our lives to the best of our ability.  
Joe went to the appointment with me where we found out the results.  As soon as the doc said things were good, Joe looks at me, smiles, and says "I told you so".  He has been a good grounding for me during all of that stress.  

Soon after that appointment, Joe and I had already planned on taking a little mini vaca to check out Tampa.  It was pretty chill and it was a good change of venue from PCB.  We actually stayed in St Petersburg in an old hotel a block from the wharf.  The hotel, The Ponce de Leon, had a lot of character and the bathroom was smaller than my bathroom in my old apartment in SLC, Ut!  I didn't think that was possible :P  We lucked out and there was a nice little Irish pub right around the corner that we went to a couple of times to just chill from our day's activities.  Tampa, downtown itself, wasn't all that for us but we found a nice little town Ybor City that was more our style: historic, walkable, coffee and cigar shops everywhere, and a good vibe. 

We checked out a couple of museums.  We were surprised to find the Salvador Dali museum just a couple blocks away from our hotel.  We were both surprised that his work was more than melting clocks!

We found some great outdoor places in St Pete to hang out, eat, and have some drinks.  

We will probably go back again, they do have Busch Gardens after all :P  
Now it's back to the grind of adult living :(  We have a big vacation planned in September and October, and then I have a girl trip planned in December!  I'm definitely working to these travels and live life to the best of my ability!

Troubling path

It's been a couple of days since my appointment for my MRI results.  These past couple of days I spent working long hours so it was a blessing of sorts.  So I had my MRI, with contrast, on both breast the other week.  I was told the results would be sent to the provider that day but I knew I would need to give her a day or two to review them.  I got a call with an appointment for this Tuesday to get the results.  That in itself is always stress inducing but I am forcing myself to take the news as it comes and not get caught up in the "what ifs" or focusing on negatives.
My appointment was not the best, mainly because the appointment was scheduled for 2:15 and I didn't see the doctor until close to 6!  I shit you not!  If it wasn't my MRI results I would have walked out!  When she walked in she was apologetic and I explained I can understand how busy she is but if I would have gotten some "check ins" or updates from her staff I would have been a little less irritated about the wait.  She acknowledged this and went on...  So my right boob got cleared via the MRI, she'll get a re check via an ultrasound in 6 months.  The left is problematic and I will be getting a biopsy on lefty.  Not sure when that is happening but I'll be calling the office tomorrow to get an update.
Of course this progression is nerve racking but then I just check myself and remind myself that negative thoughts and "what ifs" are not beneficial and do not help but can actually harm.  I challenge myself to meet each situation as it is and look at what I can do so I can press forward.
Additionally I keep living my life and enjoying things... at the end of the month we are planning a trip to check out Tampa and this past weekend we bought our tickets to check out England, Ireland, and Scotland!!! I've already paid off my cruise for December :)  Good times ahead even if I have to get my boobs prodded and cut on! LOL

Interesting blessings

Enjoying Florida while I am here.  Yesterday I utilized Meetup.com and joined some folks checking out some caverns here in Florida.  It was a beautiful park and the people were nice.  It's such a small world.  I do these things to try and meet new people, get out of the military circle and over half of the group was military :( Oh well...it gives us something common to talk about :P  After the cavern tour I went with them and had lunch.  It was a nice morning.  Came home and did some cleaning.  

Today it was beach day!  Spent about 3 hours at the beach before getting some froyo and taking a well deserved nap on the couch.  I have to laugh about the "diversity" here in Florida.  At the beach, one of the guys next to me had an ankle monitor on!  That was a first!  Then when I was walking back to my truck, a young woman with her husband and child was next to me and I noticed dip in her teeth!  Not chip dip but I'm talking about skoal dip!  I can only shake my head and focus back on the beauty of the beaches here and that it's only a 10 min drive for me to be there!
Life is a truly amazing gift.  Living in the moment and appreciating all that I have allows me to be truly happy!

Garden City Love

We took a few days off and drove up to Savannah.  Joe has been there before and wanted me to see it thinking that I'd love it and he was right!  The history, the Spanish moss, and just walking around looking at everything was awesome.  We went in the middle of the week so it wasn't crazy busy and the weather was almost perfect!
We stayed in an historic house, well... we stayed in the carriage house so we had our own little place :) It was off of a main road and it was perfect for the two of us!  We got there before we could check in so we just parked at started walking.  We were about 4 blocks away from the river...so much to see!  All the old houses, the gardens here and there.... words cannot capture the beauty of that city!

us walking around checking out everything!

After we spent time walking around, checking out some pubs, we were able to check in.  Joe was trying for a bed and breakfast but this was not like that, it was like we were renting out our own little apartment!

the headboard, our house number was 109

Once we got unpacked and situated and I put on some warmer clothing we were off again.  The joys about these cities is the random happy people you meet.  We stopped at a pub that was right around the corner from our place and a girl next to us, from the UK, was talking to another man getting some traveling tips.  Once the guy left we began talking to her.  She's in her early 20's and decided to save her money, sell everything, and go traveling around!  Awesome!  We found it funny that she'd never been to Ireland because it's "too expensive".  We had a good chat and we were off doing a thing I started "apps and drinks" :P  We stop at places, sit at the bar, get an appetizer and a drink, enjoy some chit chat and then we go off to another place!  After few places it turns into just drinks but it's a good way to extend the visit and make sure one didn't get too toasted along the way.  Oh Savannah is an open carry city.  I got drinks "to go" and in the doorway of every place is a stack of plastic cups!  The city is beautiful and to walk around drinking.... it's like walking around with a drink in a museum!  

We didn't realize how many movies are made in the area until the next day when we did a trolley tour of the town.  We knew about some of the big ones but it was good to hear about others.  That pub next to our place, we stopped in at least twice, was from "Something to talk about"!  "There is Forest Gump" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".  We found the bench area where Gump was chillin and the tower where the feather floated down, and the house where the killing took place from "midnight...".  Once we got home we watched "Midnight...." We are still working through Savannah movies :P

Outside of Six Pence pub

We walked around and took pictures and just enjoyed the city.  

crossing the street.... so much green and beauty everywhere

We had a good time, listened to some music and just walked everywhere!  

this was an awesome pet store :( went through it and thought of Sami...had a chuckle with their signs though!

Not sure what city we have our sights on next but either way we'll have fun exploring!

November in Flip Flops

We still keep our sliding door open, the weather is awesome here in Florida!  It gets chilly every now and then, chilly to where I have to wear socks and shoes :P but nothing less than a hoodie is needed :D  

The last few weekends, one of us has worked a day...either myself or Joe.  When we do have days on the weekend together we like to get out and about.  The other weekend we went and checked out Eglin AFB (Joe needed to check out the clothing sales there).  We stopped at a neat Irish pub for lunch and then headed to the base.  It was a beautiful drive along the coast.  I learned something new about Eglin, they have this huge hanger that they can make extreme weather conditions to test planes, vehicles, weapons..... anything really.  It's really cool!

Mom and Dad came for a visit and had planned on staying with us for a long weekend but due to other circumstances only stayed one night with us. Hopefully we'll meet up again soon. We took them to a beautiful place on the water for dinner and made sure to cue up a colorful sunset for them ;)

Some days we have a relaxing time out and will stop at random places. One weekend it was overcast but we stopped and had drinks at a nice little place on the water.  There were some surfers for a little bit.  It was so peaceful!

The ocean is so relaxing to me.  I am truly blessed to live this close to the water.

This past weekend was a big car show.  We only went to one day of it but all the old cars were amazing to look at!  One guy let me sit in his car that he put together.  He had amazing random things on his car.  He had lights from WWII that flyers used to send out emergency signals if they needed to. All the little things he had on the car...I could look at it for hours.

Our Veteran's Day was amazing.  We didn't go to any of the restaurants that give the free food.  Neither one of us is a big fan of that craziness.  We have found a favorite bar/restaurant that serves great Cajun food.  We went there for lunch, had a couple of drinks, and then met up with one of Joe's friends that is military.  Had a couple of drinks outside enjoying a little hole in the wall place before going to a place on the water.  While sitting outside we saw numerous dolphins out in the water and had a gorgeous sunset.  Another military member, retired, showed up and I couldn't think of a better relaxing veterans day.  I spent it with good military members, having a few drinks, and enjoying a beautiful day!