Summer is here......

Summer has arrived here on Long Island and with it its first heat wave. High 80s low 90s and humidity. Last night was my first experience and whew what a night! I wore light sweats and a T shirt rolled up. My fan became my teddy bear for the night. Also had 2 other small fans going. Opened the window a bit even though they tell you not too but I didn't care ...it was hot. I did OK!! Woke up a little late I think because I woke at 10:30 pm to open the windows so I was up for a while.

Going to hang in the Library/coffee shop/mall today. Yes its my day off and plan on having a good one. :)

Just a little undate.....

Been so long since I have been here. So many things have changed. Some for good and some well I don't know yet. Been having weepy days as the changes tend to overwhelm me.
My van still is my home and has been for about 2 weeks now and the adjustment is half /half. Some days go well some days I cry from frustration.
My food has been terrible as I have not adjusted to it yet. Having pizza for dinner tonight yet lunch was a healthy salad. Trying to eat more"in" but having a little frig is a little more difficult than I thought. I am working some things out at work so I bring my food over there. I shop every few days and use ALL that I have before I buy more.
Good side is that I joined a gym and work out 4 days a week and use that shower. I tend to go to a lot of parks and walk and sit with the ducks at the water. I see more nature than before and that is lovely.
I get distracted at work a lot and that is because I work on commission. So that basically means I can get by on less and so its a challenge just staying motivated.
I am hoping to show some pictures soon of the van. I am changing curtains so it will have to wait.
Hope everyone is enjoying there summer days :)

Blogger missing.....oh there you are!

I know I know...where the heck did she go? She is lost I tell you. You almost dived in a black hole but she is coming back out. Overwhelmed ...a little pushed for time? Yeah thats me. 3 weeks from now I will be living in a slightly different area of town....and we are not ready. We will be...... correction, we will HAVE to be out or the landlady will have to ask for another months rent.
Thats it for now.......Did you miss me?

A headache

Sometime on Tuesday I must have banged my head somewhere in the van. Or maybe not. I have no idea where I banged it but last  night was torture as I couldn't move my head up. It was to painful. Now in order to save a few bucks I drove 4 to 5 blocks to the grocery store to buy pain relievers as I was stone empty of them. I actually haven't used them in about 6 months time.  I could have taken a cab...but nah I am to cheap!! I managed to get there and back in one piece. I took 4 Advils!  Hey it was VERY painful.

I should have taken a picture of what I saw this morning. But that wasn't happening after last night. These cute little birds swarmed to my window to say good morning. In reality they were eating the dry cat food that I put out last night. They do this quite a lot. Free entertainment for the feral Mr Kitty.


So since I slept like a log last night decided to do a little something to the van.

Pictures are a little dark I know,its snowing and cloudy here in New York.

 There is a old TV and VCR behind this beautiful paneling. I am left with all these wires. I could put the paneling back on and use it as I planned ...a small little kitchen area. Just to hold all kitchen items. Even the stove. A portable 2 burner. Might work .....watch for future remodeling.

Tired but a good tired

The sun has been on our side mostly the whole week. Sure we had some cooler weather but its nice to see Mr. Sun back again.
Had a difficult time getting the bed frame ready for the van. After much planning  cutting, cursing and splinters and more cursing we have a bed frame in today.

Its Tuesday and nothing got done

Hate to say this but not much happened this week. The only excitement was the battery going on me and having to wait 4 days to get a new one in.  I can say though the van now purrs! Like a kitty!! Meow!

I couldn't get the rear seat out yet because I have the wrong tool. Will take care of it this Saturday. A friend will be lending me his. He trusts me for some reason. Most men aren't like that. They hold onto their tools like a woman and her purse!!

 I worked 5 and a half days this week. Which means I worked 66 hours. Its amazing I can still write here. 

Did a lot of walking which I love to do. If it was nice out it would be better but all we had today was cold rain. No fun in that. So this is just a hello!!! Next week I pray I get some more done. But I ain't promising even myself ...life has a funny way of getting in the way!!

A day off!

This is an actual picture from route 25 ,yesterday. 

The storm has come!! And what a storm...no matter what I got a day off. I got to do things like shovel a van and the walkway off. Good exercise I say so no complaints. Well maybe the bod complains a bit but nothing a hot shower can't cure.  My landlady and I are becoming good friends. I hope when I have to leave we continue to this friendship. We made shoveling so much more fun than if we had to do it alone. We were covered head to toe in white and we were cracking jokes. Her snow blower burned out and all we had were 2 women powered shovels.


I'm behind my van do over. I was suppose to remove the back seat by now and have a platform for the bed. The weather here has hit us hard and put me back by 2 weeks. But on the good side I am getting a lot done inside. I am now up to the spices...which ones should I bring or not. Most are going. Even though I will have a small storage room I need room where ever I can get it. Besides there are spices here that I haven't ever used so I am giving them to a friend who loves to cook.Tomorrow I am back at work but off Monday. Lets hope it goes fast tomorrow so I can do a little more on the little home on Long Island....mine.
     

Making a list,checking it twice

I am so into making a list for all the fun things to do with my new home to be. I am dreaming about it,day dreaming about it and thinking about it all the time. All I need now is THE time to do it!

Back into action

Sometimes being patience has its pluses. Sometimes its a wonderful thing when other people are more patience than yourself.

I wrote this yesterday just didn't post it till now

Turns out as of my last post that the van is fine. I was hearing pulsing when idling,it was a low rumble but never the less it made me nervous. Spoke to friends ,co workers and at last a mechanic. Lets go back a moment. Yesterday one co worker was telling me about this wonderful stuff called Techron Concentrate Plus from Chevron.  I put it in last night at the rail road, Because of the pulsing I decided not to ride it to work. That would be something if it died along the way. Think of towing!!! Think of the money towing it!! Filled it up with more gas as per say on the bottle. It did feel a little smoother but still it pulsed. This morning I took it to the local gas station and talked to the mechanic and he said the same thing, add some fuel additive because it doesn't sound serious. He said ride it for a couple days to get it real lubed in there. Would you know when I went home from there the pulsing stopped! Ya HOO!!!

This was today's writing. 

Then of course last night it rained. I went out to get something from the van and there I saw the back seat wet. Ugh, When does it stop!
A leak. Not sure if it was because I didn't shut the door right or what. It did snow...snow was on top of van. It did melt and I had no leak. So I am hoping its because I didn't close the door all the way. I tend to do that. I left the front door open the other day and guess what happened...yes it rained and water got on the front seat. I need to remember these things. Last week I left the oil cap off when I added a quart. Nothing happened cause I think the oil goes way down in the van. It was still filled up good.

I wanted to do more but I was very tired this two days off. This is my 1st 2 days off when I was working 6/7 days. So I should have more energy next week. Hope!!!

Van update

Finally got all the paperwork done. Who knew it was a pain and didn't inform me?  Today it was inspected and yes it passed!

Yesterday I rented the Rug Doctor from Waldbaum's.  What a delight that was!  Of course they way things were going in the pass few days I would get a very bitchy manager. Clearly she didn't have her coffee yet or something. She informed me I needed a CC for the 2nd Id and so I went home to get it...so it was a surprise when the lady at the customer service desk did not even look at it. HUH? Any way long story short I manage to use it 3 times before the temps dove down into the 20s and felt like 10 below. Large snowflakes pelted over N.Y. last night. We didn't get a lot but it froze.

These are before and after pictures of the same spot when I cleaned the rug first. Yes same spot!! I am not thrilled about the color but it was better then the brown that covered it before. I am getting a rug to cover the whole floor of the van...an out door rug.
Keeping this short. I am a little sore and tired and would like to rest a bit before tomorrow. Which is back to work!!!

Nothing really has changed

Work and then home. I play with my little pals, clean ,cook and sleep! Yeah my exciting days. Nothing really to post. I am still looking for the home on wheels but nothing is really showing for me either.
I did notice something about my self lately. All those things and dreams too I had one day of using my creative skills to make a small living. Its still there buried under all the hours I work each week . 72 hours to be exact . And we wonder why thee is always tired? Once I get my home on wheels we need to have a serious look at my work schedule. Because it is seriously killing me. I need to find time to put my creative side to work so I can make a little money on the side here. Its not going to happen when I work like this.
Hopefully next weeks post will be more fun. I doubt it though. LOL

Have a good week folks!

The New Year

Wow a whole year is gone can it really be?. Its been a good year for me. Sure I had some downers but mostly I had uppers. Starting with making new wonderful friends here on the blogs and from FB. I've met a few FB friends face to face and its wonderful,I mean we became friends because we had things in common so whats not to like.
The storm Irene from last year opened my eyes to what I could do with my life when I found the cheaprvliving.com forum online.
I learned to budget much better which has always been a thorn on my side. My diet has been improving I exercise more. It seems to me when you make New Years resolution that it has to be the WHOLE year to adjust to it. Doesn't that make sense? So this year it will be the van. I want to get more involved with some charities not sure what I can do to help them but I will keep my eyes open for suggestions.
I have also started writing again. Not just here but I have been writing a few short stories. I am rusty because it has been a few years but the more I write the better it comes. Its the creative part thats more important. Thats why we have editors! Would be lovely to write a novella about one of my ideas. Maybe not this year but to get most of it done. Its a start.

Just a few of my favorites thing and then I don't feel so badddddddd!

Happy New Years to everyone of my friends! Wishing you all the very best,your dreams to come fruitful and happiness to follow your trail.

Saving and a doggie goes to the rainbow bridge

My job asked me to work another day each week. That means 6 days a week.  We get paid a little different than most and that is daily instead of each week or every 2 weeks. So I said yes but also I told my manager this can not be permanent. At one point 6 days a week is going to run me down. The only reason I agreed to this was....yes to get my van sooner. All money I make on that day goes STRAIGHT to the van. Win win for me!!

 On a sad note....

My landlady is the nicest person....out of all the rentals I have had she is the only one I can call a friend. So with heart breaking news she told all of us on FB that her dear sweet doggie Princess has past away. I cried all morning. Walking to the train station is a time for reflection for me. I love it. I talk to god and I am thankful for that morning and life is good. But that morning I cried all the way. Princess was always out on the stoop when I came home from work. I always said hello and got a nuzzle in,she like when I kissed her nose LOL. I already feel the emptiness when I got home home yesterday and yes again got all teary. RIP little doggie....and mama loves you and hope you will be waiting for her.

Almost doesn't count

This the van I tried to get >>>>>> Oh a van! I almost had it. When my job decided to change the way they pay us and of course a lower salary(but not by much)I got insecure and delayed offering a price on it. Now 2 people are egging for it and I am sure(but NOT totally sure)I won't get it. I will find out Monday. The bitchy part about this is that I LIKE it!!!! The body is nice and roomy. Some things have to be done to it like a tune up ,brake pads and etc. But the motor runs smooth and no leaks. Hope!!

Do you want some free stuff? Plus diet is so important

Been a while seen I've been here. No nothing really big and exciting to spread around. Just go to work and then come home kind of thing. My days off have been really just cleaning and trying to pack things away.
I'm selling some stuff too so kind of chained here at the moment. I decided I didn't want the engine on my bike I bought for about 200 bucks. Some guy wants it for 50 bucks. Rightttt!!! Thats not happening. Selling brand new comfort handlebars for a bicycle for 5 bucks. What..... don't want to be comfy riding?
My apt. is a mess from doing the said above now even though I threw so much stuff away it still feel full. Tried to donate to free-cycle but nobody bit the bug yet. I have to give away some stuff because nobody really wants to buy them. If at the end nobody takes them I will be putting a sign out side free stuff and let them take it away.

The end of the month is coming and I've saved like I said I would, dear god please don't give me an emergency now!! It seems every time I try to save thats what happens.

After I have the van I will be getting ready in 1 month. Nothing fancy. One thing I will be doing before I leave is insulating. Once thats done ...I'm out.

On another note I have not lost any weight yet. It seems my digestive issue is still going around in circles. I can't eat wheat. I can't have too much dairy. And wham I now need to take digestive enzymes everyday now. Where does one get such bad inside like that? Its interesting at the same time...just trying to figure it out. Its so like a puzzle.

I have one more little old man rat that may be coming with me. I will have to downsize his cage but he is not as active so it will work. It will be cooler by then so it will be fine. Another item to sell..huge rodent cage with playpen and carrier. I will be selling it at a very low price. Its a good deal for somebodies pet. I am betting that will go fast.

Been riding my bike a lot these days. We have a beautiful town park that I am planning to ride through tomorrow. Its not a long trail but around 3 miles. Will take some pictures then and post.
So getting a bit tired and will stop for now. Thanks for dropping by. :)

Garage Sales

This summer I have been making head way with some items for the van. I haven't gotten her yet but it already its a she. In fact I may call her that "She" which in Australia it means Sheila. I am heavy into recycling and garage sales are a boon. I have gotten so far a big igloo for nightly and weekend food items. I got it for a whole 2 bucks!! Reason? No handle. Like I'm rolling it anywhere LOL. It has the sprout for water draining and cup holders which is perfect for me. 60 quarts.

This will sit between the 2 front seats. I also last year (at another garage sale) for 1 buck got a doubled walled styrofoam cooler which fits perfect inside for double(triple?)insulation. I bought a converter still in package for 2 bucks. Some thingie to hook furniture to the walls of the van. FREE 4 shelf collapsible shelf system. A wooden folding table(not cheap Walmart brand.... not that I don't like Walmart ...love it!)for 4 bucks. New double outlet new in box for 3 bucks. And summer is not over!!!!

3 more months ...in the clear!

In 3 months I will have cleared all my debt to credit cards. Yahoo! Damm right this deserves a BIG yahoo. I do have one thats on line. Very low ..about 150 bucks which I plan to hold on to for a while. Since I don't have a car to get places this has been a good place to buy things I need. But when I get the van up and I'm going say bye bye to that one too. My credit btw is shot. In a few years I guess I can make it better. But I really don't care less about it. Ta ta to them is really all I want.

This month of July I am writing down every nickel and dime on what I am spending. I would like to know how much I will be saving once I am on the road which is getting coming closer than I think. I get butterfly's and dizzy when I think about it. I only really have one thing I really want to get once I save up enough in the van. New hearing aids!!!

Life is good Life is simple

The weather here has been so nice. 70's all week but today is dark and gloomy and I was ready to take the bike out. Well if it ain't raining I'm going.


So I wrote that before I headed outdoors and it looked like it was going to pour. So instead of taking my bike and having the bad fortune of getting drenched I took the bus. Of course it didn't rain but it sure looked like it. I had shopping to do for the week. Ive been shopping different now because I am gluten free. I bought almonds,tomatoes,treats for my pets(thats always the same)heavy cream and organic chicken and eggs. I don't eat as much but Im always full. Sometimes too full so we we are going to scale back a bit. Not by much though. It seems that my body hasn't learn yet when its full?

My gas engine bike has been coming along. I got the engine, on the chain and then all ceased to go forward as Im a bit tired this weekend. I have the wheat fog from the wheat I accidentally ingested a few days ago to blame on. Seems I'm very sensitive to it and it takes a long time to release itself from your system. My joints also hurt when I have ingested it. On the good side is that my skin is smoother and when I don't have wheat at all I have tons of energy. 

At work they decide to change our days. This happens once in a while when new people come in. I only asked that I have 2 days back to back. I really hate having one day off then another day 2 days later. Too tiring!! 
Really nothing else going on here. 


So until next time (maybe something exciting going on) Have a grand week!

My aching back!

They said no rain today. With highs in the 60s and plenty of sun. Tomorrow they said 20% rain and oh darn I forgot the temp. They seem to be confused because tomorrows weather is today's weather. Just rambling.
Spring is in the air and having my weekend off I started on it(cleaning that is). Got some cobwebs off the ceiling(why didn't I see them before?) Did the bathroom inside out. Shook all the rugs out.  Garbage day is Tuesday's here. My weekend is Sunday and Monday. So I threw the garbage over the fence. And that was my big mistake. You see my Landlady locks all her gates except for one. So thinking it would be easier I threw the garbage can over. Ha bet you know what happened. I guess the title tells all. Crap I got a kink in my back. Just hand me a cane will you because thats how I'm walking. Hunched over LOL When will I learn I'm not 21 anymore. Maybe when when I'm 61? I couldn't get to work on Tuesday. Double crap. Cause it takes away money from the van.

I did manage to do a few things! 

I was able to get some things done. I put all the things Im putting in the van together Thats my Coleman heater, Coleman stove. My O2COOL 10" Battery or Electric Portable Fan. Among other things. This will be my bed  . Its going to be cut in half for a seat and a couch. Milk cartons will slide underneath.

                                    The boys cage

I also cleaned my boys cage out ...while sitting and cursing. Not at them but my stupidity of throwing that garbage can over. Nice smelling cage and 2 happy furry boys later makes it a wrap before I conked out for a nap. This is their cage, A martins  Rudd. Its over 5ft tall 24 inches wide 18 inches in depth. Has 3 full floors and 4 balcony's. I say balcony's because they are not skinny little shelves but a full balcony that you stretch out on(OK not us but them!). Spoiled little buggers.

Life is good...simply

Yeah its good when things are good!

Nothing crazy spectacular happened. Just good. Good day at work with the greatest co- workers. Wonderful customers. The sun was out but with a fast breeze. Made the flags flap like crazy ,the birds lose their balance a bit and and people sneeze. LOL Yeah allergies are among us. Me being one of big sneezers (is that a word?).  It was quiet. Good day to read outside with a good book. The biggest thing that happened...can't think of one guess that means nothing.

 Van is coming slower than I'd like

Hopefully by the middle of next month I will be searching. I'm working what ever hours I can. Walking back and forth to work. Brown bagging it. Taking buses instead of a taxi. No eating out. OK mostly. Did treat myself this weekend. Well is was my B day so had to have a little fun. What else can I do to save?

Yeah thats it for my exciting day,but it was good.
How was your day?