Lol, i qas looking for "birdie" the other day, couldn't find you, but now here you are!!! Your chanbel will blow up, because you ve got great energy!!!👍🎉👍
That's so nice of you to say!! I'm sorry I caused confusion with the name change. I'm still Birdie, I just wanted the channel name to be more inclusive, if that makes sense. I'm glad you found me again!!
Hi there! Shawn from San Antonio here. I have been watching your videos and I just wanted to tell you that I think you're amazing. I am probably going to be a nomad too soon. Life sucks but watching you gives me hope. Be safe!
The possible reason for that car following you for a long time and not going around, could be because he’s an inexperienced driver and doesn’t want to go fast. One are the things I taught my (son and many other young drivers) that are anxious about using the freeway and concerned about speeders that zoom around and make them scared, is to find a slow moving vehicle, get behind it, then relax. Of course, I don’t tell my son to tailgate… But the inexperience of the driver might be the same reason why they tailgating. Lol. I hope this explanation helps you figure out the phenomenon.
Birdie, Do you take your battery pack in with you to planet fitness and charge that bad boy some at least while you are showering? I watch another van lifer does that with hers. She changes her cell phone and battery pack in several places like Loves or flying J’s, Like gas/convenience stores. She scopes out booths that are near a plug 🔌. Also Library are her main charging and computer use places for her, because she can sit at an actual table! Happy place is wonderful with daughter. I am so proud you get to do that. Loving you and your videos!
There, unfortunately, is not an outlet anywhere near the shower so that's not possible for me. But I definitely make liberal use of the library for using/charging my laptop. They're a lifesaver!!!
If you can afford it, a great resource is to rent the smallest Public Storage unit you can find. In the climate controlled buildings, there's always a bathroom where you can stock up on water. It's good for urban vanlife because you can put some of your stuff that's not ultimately necessary for every day in there, and fewer people will notice that you live in your car. Like instead of ALL your clothes, you could just have a few day's worth. And find a hospital with a parking garage that doesn't charge for parking. Easier to sleep in the rain when it's not pouring on your roof. @@WaywardAbode
Speaking to freeway diving-I notice a lot of driver’s just follow you. Like you’re the leader and they don’t have to think too deeply. Love your channel.
I'm a professional test driver. Sometimes I stay behind a particular vehicle because I like the way they drive and they influence me to drive better. Without them I might be tempted to speed. It's like cruise control without using the cruise control. I often choose a freeway buddy. 😊👍
I had a hard day today but your bubbly personality put a smile on my face what you are doing gives me strength to put one foot in front of the other also I know you're going through some things to trying to balance❤ everything out in your life as well I wish you abundance of strength happiness in your heart & faith 💟🌹 sending lots of love and positivity your way .. thank you for this great Video..❤..
I'm so sorry to hear you had a bad day. Meanies better be leaving you alone! I wish I could send you a hug in the mail. Sometimes putting that one foot in front of the other can take every ounce of your energy. I hope you're giving yourself a rest now and then too. ❤️
Hello Birdie, shout out to you for your courage and strength you are finding in your new life adventures. I can’t help but smile when I watch your videos. You are an inspiration to me, to many of us 50+ females with struggles and on the verge of “van life “ out of need. Thank You! I was born and raised in central Washington, it’s beautiful!! You’d love it. Safe Travels!
Glad you’re close to your daughter again. I can’t wait to do the same with my daughter. Hopefully in a few months I’ll get to see her and my future grandbaby. May/June time is her due date. I’m Sooooo excited 😊 My full time van life go-to’s were… mcds, planet fitness, parks, library & Walmart. 👍
Grandbaby!!! That's so cool! Congratulations to you and your daughter. :) I just got myself a planet fitness membership. Being clean feels better than it ever did before. Lol
I had my oldest at age 17 and thirteen years later I had my youngest. I’ve felt a little guilty about how excited I am they are grown now and I was divorced 8 years ago. I feel a freedomI’ve never felt in my whole life. I’m so inspired with your videos. I am planning to get out at least part time next year. I’m getting my finances and business situated so I can hit the road. Love your videos.
Thank you for that! I get my fair share of criticism for it. But all I know is I have a smart, healthy, happy daughter. So I can't have done all that bad! :)
Birdie, I'm 77 with many health issues so I doubt if I will ever be able to do what you do. But I admire you ---- I'm a writer and want to do write about a woman who escapes a terrible marriage and goes on the road. I'm learning so much from the videos like yours and Bob Wells' I wish I were younger and in better shape...Blessings.
Well you're doing something I wish I could do - write! Having no imagination has been a lifetime struggle for me. So writing isn't in the cards for me. But I'm glad it's in the cards for you! Please let me know when your book is done. Sounds like I would love it!
Im so glad I stumbled across your channel! I am New New to SIV Camping. I did a no build GMC Envoy and I have been camping as much as possible. I play with the thoughts of Selling it all and hitting the road some day. Im turning 64 Next month 😬 Yikes. You have been a breath of fresh air. I love your Wit and realness✌️❤️🌞
Whether you leave your sticks and bricks or not, you're doing something awesome!! Do you know Lindy from L.A.V.A. (Lindy's Awesome Van Adventures)? She's 74, I believe, and she's rocking it! :)
@WaywardAbode Yes Yes I watch lindy. She is also amazing. Im just thrilled to see so many ladies of age doing this. Just amazing woman in general like yourself. Its a whole new exciting world for me. Safe travels Birdie. Looking forward to your next Video ✌️❤️🌞
@WaywardAbode You still a youngin lol Im 64 in 3 Weeks. That number does Not match me at all. I do believe my birth certificate has an error 😂🤣 Thats my story and Im Stickin to it🤌
That sunset was beautiful! (The pee bottles not so much lol) Good job staying alert, that vehicle was a bit sketchy. We're learning vanlife = constant cleaning and rearranging.
How do you pick your spots to sleep? Are there a lot of safe places to choose from? Where do you shower? What do you do for a living? You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are providing for yourself and you made sure your daughter is in a good place. Love your perky attitude! Loved seeing the geese.
When I'm in the city, I will choose a parking lot to a 24 hour business so as not to raise suspicions about why a vehicle is parked there are 2am. And of course, I'll be sure the place feels safe. When I'm in the wilderness, I use the app Gaia GPS to show me public land, like BLM land and national forests, where you're allowed to camp for free. There are also apps that can help you figure out where to park like iOverlander and Campendium. There are not a lot of safe places to choose here in my city. I've only found about 4 parking lots I'm comfortable parking in, and I have to be super stealth in all of them because they don't really want me there. I shower at the Planet Fitness. Since I'm staying in one place for now, I was able to get their $10 monthly membership to go to just one location (you can pay $25 to go to any location any time). I'm sort of in between jobs. I'm dealing with some mental health issues that make it difficult to do much of anything reliably - which is why I couldn't afford an apartment anymore. I've tried all sorts of things, but none of them have worked out long term. Right now I'm looking into an app called Instawork. Wish me luck! :) Thank you so much for your kind words. I certainly have a tendency to think the worst of myself. So it's nice to hear not everyone does.
Even though you might prefer the country, it's good to learn the skills required for living successfully in the city, as well. A great channel to follow for learning the ropes of city van living is the Minivan Lee channel. Lee prefers to live in the city fulltime, and she has several Arizona cities she knows and rotates through, depending on temperatures. Like you, I prefer the country, but, I have to say I have learned so much from Minivan Lee. Wherever you choose to live, I wish you well, Birdie. I love your channel!
I think you're absolutely right it's important to know how to do it in a city. So ultimately good I'm doing this. I'll be a pro by the time I get to get in the country! I have recently started watching Minivan Lee. I remember seeing a video of her van a while ago, but I hadn't actually found her channel. Now I have and I'm super happy about it. Thanks!!
You’re in my old stomping grounds. Born in Sacramento and lived there off and on for 20 years. I still get cravings for Jimboys and Suzi Burger. Enjoy spending time with your daughter. ❤
Wonder if the white van behind you is you as a wind block so they get better mileage? Usually stupid car drivers ride right behind semi truck & trailers. Truckers hate it. Pee bottles: usually dumped by inconsiderate truckers. Trash tossed on the turnouts of highways: we used to volunteer to pick up trash 🚮 from a given area. Learned the habit as a Girl Scout we would pickup trash from our campsite upon arrival. That way we could enjoy the cleaned up🧹site during our stay. “Pack it in, pack it out, leave it better than you find it.” 🎉 Safe travels! 🚙
Maybe you're right about the wind shield. I didn't think of that! And yeah, I figured it was probably a trucker who left those bottles. I do usually clean up any trash I find at spots, but I just couldn't bring myself to mess with pee bottles. I'm a wuss! 😆
Hang in there girly. Never ask for forgiveness for just being you. Ps Can I still call you Birdie? Being from the south myself, I just love it so much. ❤
You’re so funny 😂 I love listening to you. You’re making the most out of a crappy situation and your daughter is lucky to have a mom who puts her needs first and will do anything to be there for her ❤
Hi Birdie, love the view in the park, if you don't look left or right, you can imagine that you're right out in the country, no people, no buildings, just the peace & beauty of the countryside all around you. I used to live right near a very busy road and using my imagination I turned the noise of the traffic into a waterfall, the beautiful sound of nature instead of heavy traffic. The rubbish left behind was horrendous, & the worst thing about it is, that eventually, a lot of those places will close to travellers. Whoever owns/manages those places will get sick of cleaning up after people. So it hurts everyone. I'm happy for you that you're able to spend this time with your daughter, & who knows, one day she might decide to join you at RTR, what a great experience that would be for her & perhaps it will give her better understanding & appreciation of the life you have chosen to live. But in the meantime, maybe she'll join you on smaller excursions. As long as she's comfortable & the outing is interesting, I would think that it would be something that she would enjoy doing with you. And, one day, if you really want it, you can have your dream home in the country. A little plot of land with a cabin & a veggie garden, whatever you want it to be, with time, it's doable. Never let the dream die. ❤
I love using your imagination like that. Totally gonna try it. Those horns and sirens are about to be pterodactyl calls and unicorn songs! You're so right about the trash. I'm so scared we're going to lose our beloved public lands because of it. :( I hope you're right my daughter will come with me sometime. That would be so awesome! But if she never does, maybe years from now I'll get that house in the country and she'll spend time with me there.
@@WaywardAbode Gotta love your imagination. Mind over matter. I hope I'm right about your daughter too, but I don't see why she wouldn't. You love her, she loves you, that's all that matters. ❤
I wasn't 100% sure till I saw the Sacramento sign but I definitely followed you way back on youtube. Maybe even when I had another channel, can't remember. But it's great to see you and your wonderful personality again. subbed
We love you despite no van tour Birdie! Don’t apologize ❤ Happy to see your vlog. Welcome back to Sacramento enjoy your girl ❤❤❤ Maybe try to find a place out of town but close to town?
Thank you for being understanding! Yes, totally gonna try to find some camping out of town but close enough to see my daughter regularly. Wish me luck!
Ok again, I'm going to recommend getting a Public Storage spot. Will make life much easier to spend time with your daughter and make room for her in the van. But check around. I looked in Sacramento and it said $78 a month. But just over in Roseville, it said $39 a month. The hours are usually awesome (you can get in at 6 am) and it's not a bad place for the morning bathroom stop, if you know what I mean 😉.
Great video! I LOVE your glasses. I'd love to see a tour of your rig. I believe van tours are highly viewed. I would think you'd get a lot of views of a van tour...one step closer to being monetized. Great job of staying positive. And yes kids grow up so fast!!
I just found you on CZcams and I’m thoroughly enjoying your journey. Your positivity and can-do attitude are inspirational! I admire your resilience and ability to face each challenge with a smile on your face. I know the dark times are still there, and there are tears as well, but you always seem to overcome with much grace thank you for sharing your journey, your life, your trials, your victories, I am looking forward to continuing to see your progress and accomplishing all the goals you put in front of yourself! Stay safe!
I have an OLD run down house in the country with dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks. Its exhausting trying to do everything at 60 as well as working part time
If you're new to long travel the rules of the road are: If in the left lane, it is for fast drivers!!!! If you are a slow driver STAY in the right lane!!! Oh and if you see a car off the side .....and a Deiasel comes up on it......the Deiasel will try to get over as they pass the off road vehicle. Don't forget it is illegal to pass on the right side!!! Just a FYI!!! Be safe no worries!!!
Birdie, I feel like you and I are somehow related. Your speech cadence, vocabulary, observational humor and tone of voice make me think we are twins! Needless to say, you are hilarious and charming. 🥰 Love, your sister from a different mister, Lori
I never promise. (Except my love for my family) That way there is nothing to break. Sometimes i say nothing and when its done, its wonderful. When pressed i say, we shall see. It saves everyone at least that disappointment.
❤❤❤folks who don’t walk out our mental struggles do not understand what a push we have to do…to do! It was actually refreshing to me that I found someone else who owns it and does the best we can. Thank you!!! You are getting good! You’re out there and allowing yourself to heal and progress… that’s more than what I can do most days. Enjoy your journey sweetie
Hi Birdie! Glad you’re over the hate/shame thing. you’re doing a great job being successful with van life, and hope to follow along with you to that someday old house, some chickens, a dog and that garden. Stay safe, some crazies out there. fortunately most of them seem to be on planes these days.
I’m in the Tucson area full timing in an RV. I have a similar situation in that my 17 yo daughter resides with my ex. I also have to stick close to her and float around the area. I am also from Texas- Houston, then Austin!
Enjoyed your video. Your commitment to your daughter just shows you are a great mother. When you knew you could no longer provide a home for her and she had to live with her father you lived in your mini van so you could be close to her. Now that is a good mama.
I love you BECAUSE of stuff like that. My van was stolen and trashed for one month. THe thief is in state prison now and I've still not cleaned it out properly. who gives a crap?
That is a nice park. I have never seen a metal toilet seat….thank goodness as I am not a hover gal either. I honestly don’t think the hover gals are good at it either, because often times when I go into a public bathroom there is pee on the seats….so I know it was from a hover gal..lol Thanks again for taking us along on your journey.
So glad you got to spend time with your daughter! I know she is number one in your life, and that’s so lovely!! Is she planning on going to college or is she going to stay around and work for a while?🤗💕
Thank you!! She is still deciding what she wants to do. Right now, she's working for Kumon, a tutoring place. She likes it but doesn't think that's what she's going to pursue. She's still in the figuring it out phase. Which I fully understand because so am I, and I'm 35 years older than her! 😅😆
P. S. Don't worry about your van being a bit grungy, & should you choose to show us, grunge & all, we know that it's just part & parcel of van living. We're comfortable with you, grunge & all, so never fear, you can be just as comfortable with us. ❤
What if you consider your time in Sacremento as part of your "exploring"? In a city that large there are probably LOTS of parks, historical, or scenic places that you either have not seen or not seen in a while. Please consider doing a series of videos to show us what you think is special about the city. I would love to find out more about it since I have not visited yet. ❤
This is an absolutely amazing idea. And it looks like I might be receiving enough money from CZcams to afford gas money to do that. How exciting! Thank you! 🥰
Yey your back, well done for keeping so upbeat. Go with your gut feeling on park ups,if it doesn't feel right don't stay. We have moved on a few times and there's two of us in our truck. Take care lovely lady x
Hi! Yes, listening to your gut is so important. I have self trust issues, so I often ignore those feelings. But thank you for the reminder that I really shouldn't do that.
I’m watching a teeny bit out of order and I’m so enjoying getting to ‘know’ you! I’m more of an ocean/water person but those desert sunsets are amazing!
Just sending you lots of love to stay in the zone with my youngest as he finished that growing up and growing out process in the city in a similar situation was hard as hard gets especially in the winter. But a mama’s gotta do what a mamas gotta do sometimes to be there in the best way they can the only way they can for their baby. Kudos to you! And that swing between this is horrible and awful the sorrow and grief to the optimism I’m just trying to paint a silver lining around a really black cloud is the daily to get through and get through you do. The sacrifices made are made. Loving your country girl executive function challenged self. Feel that!!!! I hope you get your country dream space back soon I can at least make it back to the desert in the RTR with friends new friends new family a new social community I’m very proud of you❤❤❤ The shame struggles are so real and I love that quote from that line I’m gonna latch on to that one I don’t get a lot of hate where I’m at and I’m thankful for that But the shame was still Ever present in the looks that you get the comments you get the questions you get it’s a tough one. No more shame!
The white car behind you was using you as his pace car. I usually find a truck that's going at the speed I want and tuck myself behind it for that purpose. It's a windbreak and serves as cruise control for those of us with vehicles that don't have them installed.
I vanlife part time, home base is Sac. I wear that frown mask every time I return to Sac as well. That so resonates with me. I also just got back from Quartzsite.
@@WaywardAbode well hello there sister! I caught the bug 🦠 while in AZ been down since I got back. As soon as I’m on my feet I’ll be off. Hope you can get away soon too!
Heyyy Birdie 👋🏻😊 great to see you and I know you are excited to see your daughter. Heyy I ordered the same refrigerator for my Van, It should be delivered tomorrow Yayy! Do you love it? Like it? Hate it?
I like it. It fluctuates the temperature a bit, so I keep it at 2 degrees lower than you normal so when it fluctuates up, it doesn't go into the danger zone. But the fridge side is pretty dang efficient. I haven't used the freezer side a lot cause it chugs power. But it's nice to have the option. :)
We'll have to agree to disagree. I also live in a van, and it's become common, which makes it feel "normal", but it's not. It's really not. Unfortunately, it's unsafe on many levels. I'm not projecting any hate or shame. I have an extremely nice van, but it's still living in a vehicle. While there's no need to feel shame about it, I do think it's smart for us to keep our eyes wide open as to how we are actually living. Stay safe.
You're very right that it can be less safe and isn't really normal in today's society. I just want us not to be so judgmental of folks who do live in their vehicles. Humans being nomadic isn't new. We have a long history of that. But even if it's no longer normal, it's not wrong or bad. But you are right about the safety aspect. I just hate the shame and hope we can get past that as a society.
Get outta here! I grew up an hour away from Austin! A few of my friends went to TU. I went to TAMU because I wanted to major in Animal Science. Glad you made it there safely, and get to enjoy being with your daughter.
Lol, i qas looking for "birdie" the other day, couldn't find you, but now here you are!!! Your chanbel will blow up, because you ve got great energy!!!👍🎉👍
That's so nice of you to say!! I'm sorry I caused confusion with the name change. I'm still Birdie, I just wanted the channel name to be more inclusive, if that makes sense. I'm glad you found me again!!
Hi there! Shawn from San Antonio here. I have been watching your videos and I just wanted to tell you that I think you're amazing. I am probably going to be a nomad too soon. Life sucks but watching you gives me hope. Be safe!
I'm so sorry life is sucking for you right now. I really hope things get better soon. ❤️
@@WaywardAbode you're a sweetheart 💕
You are so fun. Breath of fresh air
You're so sweet. Thank you!!
Birdie I came to watch your mental health videos and I’m staying because of your lovely personality. I love your personality and your resilience. ❤
van life, camping and mental health, all my favourite interests combined told by a very sympathetic person, so amazing! thank you 😊
Wow! I'm honored! Thank you so much for being my friend. :)
You just described my ideal life. Tiny house, chickens, garden, country and sun. Maybe even some goats for milk and off grid.
Some day hopefully we'll both have that in our lives! I'm rooting for you!
Hi Birdie I’m watching all your videos now
You are freaking awesome!! Thank you, and it's awesome to meet you! 🥰
Me too. I had to subscribe. Love her Outlook, her energy, and her smile😊😊😊❤
The possible reason for that car following you for a long time and not going around, could be because he’s an inexperienced driver and doesn’t want to go fast. One are the things I taught my (son and many other young drivers) that are anxious about using the freeway and concerned about speeders that zoom around and make them scared, is to find a slow moving vehicle, get behind it, then relax. Of course, I don’t tell my son to tailgate… But the inexperience of the driver might be the same reason why they tailgating. Lol. I hope this explanation helps you figure out the phenomenon.
Thank you for giving me a different perspective on it. ❤️
I do that. Hate highways
Birdie, Do you take your battery pack in with you to planet fitness and charge that bad boy some at least while you are showering? I watch another van lifer does that with hers. She changes her cell phone and battery pack in several places like Loves or flying J’s, Like gas/convenience stores. She scopes out booths that are near a plug 🔌. Also Library are her main charging and computer use places for her, because she can sit at an actual table! Happy place is wonderful with daughter. I am so proud you get to do that.
Loving you and your videos!
What great ideas to charge when in the shower.
There, unfortunately, is not an outlet anywhere near the shower so that's not possible for me. But I definitely make liberal use of the library for using/charging my laptop. They're a lifesaver!!!
@@WaywardAbodemaybe you can "work out " and charge them.
Even if it's just sitting on a row machine and doing a row now and then 😒
When I am not camping in the desert with the solar panels, I can charge my Bluetti in Starbucks.
If you can afford it, a great resource is to rent the smallest Public Storage unit you can find. In the climate controlled buildings, there's always a bathroom where you can stock up on water. It's good for urban vanlife because you can put some of your stuff that's not ultimately necessary for every day in there, and fewer people will notice that you live in your car. Like instead of ALL your clothes, you could just have a few day's worth. And find a hospital with a parking garage that doesn't charge for parking. Easier to sleep in the rain when it's not pouring on your roof. @@WaywardAbode
"With the sunflowers, broccoli, and shit" 😂😂😂 you could become a comedian. I just adore your humor. I laugh along with you while I watch.
Speaking to freeway diving-I notice a lot of driver’s just follow you. Like you’re the leader and they don’t have to think too deeply. Love your channel.
Thank you so much!
I'm a professional test driver. Sometimes I stay behind a particular vehicle because I like the way they drive and they influence me to drive better. Without them I might be tempted to speed. It's like cruise control without using the cruise control. I often choose a freeway buddy. 😊👍
I had a hard day today but your bubbly personality put a smile on my face what you are doing gives me strength to put one foot in front of the other also I know you're going through some things to trying to balance❤ everything out in your life as well I wish you abundance of strength happiness in your heart & faith 💟🌹 sending lots of love and positivity your way .. thank you for this great Video..❤..
I'm so sorry to hear you had a bad day. Meanies better be leaving you alone! I wish I could send you a hug in the mail. Sometimes putting that one foot in front of the other can take every ounce of your energy. I hope you're giving yourself a rest now and then too. ❤️
Great energy, and all the freedom of love on the road without the ties of fixed brix ownership! I love your channel.😅
It’s good to show your daughter there are different ways to thrive. You don’t have to have a big house and everything the world tells you you need.
Love and peace from Australia as always 🦘😘
Love and peace back to you, beautiful soul.
Hello Birdie, shout out to you for your courage and strength you are finding in your new life adventures. I can’t help but smile when I watch your videos. You are an inspiration to me, to many of us 50+ females with struggles and on the verge of “van life “ out of need. Thank You!
I was born and raised in central Washington, it’s beautiful!! You’d love it.
Safe Travels!
Thanks for the post, happy camping!
Back at ya!
❤🎉❤ total rockstar, keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you do.
Thank you! Back at ya!
Glad you made it home safely! Looking forward to your Sac adventures
Thank you!! I'm super happy you're along for the ride. :)
Glad you’re close to your daughter again. I can’t wait to do the same with my daughter. Hopefully in a few months I’ll get to see her and my future grandbaby. May/June time is her due date. I’m Sooooo excited 😊
My full time van life go-to’s were… mcds, planet fitness, parks, library & Walmart. 👍
Grandbaby!!! That's so cool! Congratulations to you and your daughter. :) I just got myself a planet fitness membership. Being clean feels better than it ever did before. Lol
I had my oldest at age 17 and thirteen years later I had my youngest. I’ve felt a little guilty about how excited I am they are grown now and I was divorced 8 years ago. I feel a freedomI’ve never felt in my whole life. I’m so inspired with your videos. I am planning to get out at least part time next year. I’m getting my finances and business situated so I can hit the road. Love your videos.
Yes! It's your turn! I'm excited for you. Keep me posted!
From one homeschooler to another, great way to raise them kids!! What a MOM ❤❤❤❤
Thank you for that! I get my fair share of criticism for it. But all I know is I have a smart, healthy, happy daughter. So I can't have done all that bad! :)
Another wonderfully upbeat video fromyou! Looking forward to seeing you again.
Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you again.
❤️🚐🇺🇸❤️
You’re crushing it Birdie.❤
I'm a lucky girl, no doubt. 🥰
Birdie, I'm 77 with many health issues so I doubt if I will ever be able to do what you do. But I admire you ---- I'm a writer and want to do write about a woman who escapes a terrible marriage and goes on the road. I'm learning so much from the videos like yours and Bob Wells' I wish I were younger and in better shape...Blessings.
Well you're doing something I wish I could do - write! Having no imagination has been a lifetime struggle for me. So writing isn't in the cards for me. But I'm glad it's in the cards for you! Please let me know when your book is done. Sounds like I would love it!
Fabulous vlog. Looking forward to seeing how you get on. Greetings from Scotland.
Hi! Thank you so much. I adore Scotland! 🏴 🥰
Hello Birdie, Stay optimistic. 💚💚
Thank you so much. You too!
Always good to be checking your surroundings ❤, Glad you back in sacto safe travels 👍
Gotta be on the lookout when out in the world, no matter where you live, right? :) thank you!! 😊
Im so glad I stumbled across your channel! I am New New to SIV Camping. I did a no build GMC Envoy and I have been camping as much as possible. I play with the thoughts of Selling it all and hitting the road some day. Im turning 64 Next month 😬 Yikes.
You have been a breath of fresh air. I love your Wit and realness✌️❤️🌞
Whether you leave your sticks and bricks or not, you're doing something awesome!! Do you know Lindy from L.A.V.A. (Lindy's Awesome Van Adventures)? She's 74, I believe, and she's rocking it! :)
@WaywardAbode Yes Yes I watch lindy. She is also amazing. Im just thrilled to see so many ladies of age doing this. Just amazing woman in general like yourself. Its a whole new exciting world for me. Safe travels Birdie. Looking forward to your next Video ✌️❤️🌞
@@TheBoujeeCamper Us older chicks rock!! It's funny how we didn't know that when we were younger. 😂
@WaywardAbode You still a youngin lol Im 64 in 3 Weeks. That number does Not match me at all. I do believe my birth certificate has an error 😂🤣 Thats my story and Im Stickin to it🤌
@@TheBoujeeCamper Birth certificates are known liars. I believe you!! 😂
That sunset was beautiful! (The pee bottles not so much lol)
Good job staying alert, that vehicle was a bit sketchy.
We're learning vanlife = constant cleaning and rearranging.
So true! Luckily, I love organizing things' cause there's no end to it! 🤣
We still love you!!!
Thank goodness! I love you!
How do you pick your spots to sleep? Are there a lot of safe places to choose from? Where do you shower? What do you do for a living? You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are providing for yourself and you made sure your daughter is in a good place. Love your perky attitude! Loved seeing the geese.
When I'm in the city, I will choose a parking lot to a 24 hour business so as not to raise suspicions about why a vehicle is parked there are 2am. And of course, I'll be sure the place feels safe. When I'm in the wilderness, I use the app Gaia GPS to show me public land, like BLM land and national forests, where you're allowed to camp for free. There are also apps that can help you figure out where to park like iOverlander and Campendium.
There are not a lot of safe places to choose here in my city. I've only found about 4 parking lots I'm comfortable parking in, and I have to be super stealth in all of them because they don't really want me there.
I shower at the Planet Fitness. Since I'm staying in one place for now, I was able to get their $10 monthly membership to go to just one location (you can pay $25 to go to any location any time).
I'm sort of in between jobs. I'm dealing with some mental health issues that make it difficult to do much of anything reliably - which is why I couldn't afford an apartment anymore. I've tried all sorts of things, but none of them have worked out long term. Right now I'm looking into an app called Instawork. Wish me luck! :)
Thank you so much for your kind words. I certainly have a tendency to think the worst of myself. So it's nice to hear not everyone does.
You are stronger then you know
Can you park at her dad’s? Or is that a silly suggestion.
Even though you might prefer the country, it's good to learn the skills required for living successfully in the city, as well. A great channel to follow for learning the ropes of city van living is the Minivan Lee channel. Lee prefers to live in the city fulltime, and she has several Arizona cities she knows and rotates through, depending on temperatures. Like you, I prefer the country, but, I have to say I have learned so much from Minivan Lee. Wherever you choose to live, I wish you well, Birdie. I love your channel!
I think you're absolutely right it's important to know how to do it in a city. So ultimately good I'm doing this. I'll be a pro by the time I get to get in the country! I have recently started watching Minivan Lee. I remember seeing a video of her van a while ago, but I hadn't actually found her channel. Now I have and I'm super happy about it. Thanks!!
You’re in my old stomping grounds. Born in Sacramento and lived there off and on for 20 years. I still get cravings for Jimboys and Suzi Burger. Enjoy spending time with your daughter. ❤
Wonder if the white van behind you is you as a wind block so they get better mileage? Usually stupid car drivers ride right behind semi truck & trailers. Truckers hate it.
Pee bottles: usually dumped by inconsiderate truckers.
Trash tossed on the turnouts of highways: we used to volunteer to pick up trash 🚮 from a given area. Learned the habit as a Girl Scout we would pickup trash from our campsite upon arrival. That way we could enjoy the cleaned up🧹site during our stay. “Pack it in, pack it out, leave it better than you find it.”
🎉 Safe travels! 🚙
Maybe you're right about the wind shield. I didn't think of that! And yeah, I figured it was probably a trucker who left those bottles. I do usually clean up any trash I find at spots, but I just couldn't bring myself to mess with pee bottles. I'm a wuss! 😆
Hang in there girly. Never ask for forgiveness for just being you.
Ps
Can I still call you Birdie? Being from the south myself, I just love it so much. ❤
Thank you for that! And absolutely, my name is still Birdie. It's just the channel name that changed.
Hi Birdie your energy is contagious
You are adorable!
Keep going!
I don't live full time in my van, but I absolutely love my getaways in it.
Have fun!!
That's awesome! The best of both worlds.
👍🤩💝🙏Wishing you the best.
You’re so funny 😂 I love listening to you. You’re making the most out of a crappy situation and your daughter is lucky to have a mom who puts her needs first and will do anything to be there for her ❤
That's incredibly sweet of you to say. Thank you so much! 🥰
Hi Birdie, love the view in the park, if you don't look left or right, you can imagine that you're right out in the country, no people, no buildings, just the peace & beauty of the countryside all around you. I used to live right near a very busy road and using my imagination I turned the noise of the traffic into a waterfall, the beautiful sound of nature instead of heavy traffic.
The rubbish left behind was horrendous, & the worst thing about it is, that eventually, a lot of those places will close to travellers. Whoever owns/manages those places will get sick of cleaning up after people. So it hurts everyone.
I'm happy for you that you're able to spend this time with your daughter, & who knows, one day she might decide to join you at RTR, what a great experience that would be for her & perhaps it will give her better understanding & appreciation of the life you have chosen to live. But in the meantime, maybe she'll join you on smaller excursions. As long as she's comfortable & the outing is interesting, I would think that it would be something that she would enjoy doing with you.
And, one day, if you really want it, you can have your dream home in the country. A little plot of land with a cabin & a veggie garden, whatever you want it to be, with time, it's doable.
Never let the dream die. ❤
I love using your imagination like that. Totally gonna try it. Those horns and sirens are about to be pterodactyl calls and unicorn songs! You're so right about the trash. I'm so scared we're going to lose our beloved public lands because of it. :( I hope you're right my daughter will come with me sometime. That would be so awesome! But if she never does, maybe years from now I'll get that house in the country and she'll spend time with me there.
@@WaywardAbode Gotta love your imagination. Mind over matter. I hope I'm right about your daughter too, but I don't see why she wouldn't. You love her, she loves you, that's all that matters. ❤
i am not a big "commenter" ,but wanna say "keep on, keeping on".
Thank you so much. 😊
I wasn't 100% sure till I saw the Sacramento sign but I definitely followed you way back on youtube. Maybe even when I had another channel, can't remember. But it's great to see you and your wonderful personality again. subbed
We love you despite no van tour Birdie! Don’t apologize ❤ Happy to see your vlog. Welcome back to Sacramento enjoy your girl ❤❤❤ Maybe try to find a place out of town but close to town?
Thank you for being understanding! Yes, totally gonna try to find some camping out of town but close enough to see my daughter regularly. Wish me luck!
@@WaywardAbode Good Luck 🍀
Ok again, I'm going to recommend getting a Public Storage spot. Will make life much easier to spend time with your daughter and make room for her in the van. But check around. I looked in Sacramento and it said $78 a month. But just over in Roseville, it said $39 a month. The hours are usually awesome (you can get in at 6 am) and it's not a bad place for the morning bathroom stop, if you know what I mean 😉.
Great video! I LOVE your glasses. I'd love to see a tour of your rig. I believe van tours are highly viewed. I would think you'd get a lot of views of a van tour...one step closer to being monetized. Great job of staying positive. And yes kids grow up so fast!!
Totally gonna get that van tour out soon! Hopefully in a couple of days. And yes, kids, show down, dang it! Lol
I just found you on CZcams and I’m thoroughly enjoying your journey. Your positivity and can-do attitude are inspirational! I admire your resilience and ability to face each challenge with a smile on your face. I know the dark times are still there, and there are tears as well, but you always seem to overcome with much grace thank you for sharing your journey, your life, your trials, your victories, I am looking forward to continuing to see your progress and accomplishing all the goals you put in front of yourself! Stay safe!
It's so cool to meet you! Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it. ❤️
I stumbled upon your channel. Love your honesty and full of life. Keep up the work. You will get there.
Hi Birdie, I found you a few days ago and love your outlook on things! I subbed and now watching your videos! 😊
Hi, there, Tracy!! Thank you so much. I look forward to getting to know you. :)
I’m thrilled I found your channel! Your energy and vibe is so real. You’re doing great!
I'm thrilled you found me too! Thank you for putting a big ol' smile on my face. :)
I have an OLD run down house in the country with dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks. Its exhausting trying to do everything at 60 as well as working part time
Sending happy thoughts from Wisconsin 🎉
Hi, Anna! You have one of my favorite names of all time. Very good to meet you. 🤗
If you're new to long travel the rules of the road are: If in the left lane, it is for fast drivers!!!! If you are a slow driver STAY in the right lane!!! Oh and if you see a car off the side .....and a Deiasel comes up on it......the Deiasel will try to get over as they pass the off road vehicle. Don't forget it is illegal to pass on the right side!!! Just a FYI!!! Be safe no worries!!!
YES! GET GOOD! Never heard that because I'm not a gamer, but I like it and it makes sense.😊
That's awesome! Thank you. 🤗
Birdie, I feel like you and I are somehow related. Your speech cadence, vocabulary, observational humor and tone of voice make me think we are twins! Needless to say, you are hilarious and charming. 🥰 Love, your sister from a different mister, Lori
I've always had a feeling I might have a long lost sibling out there somewhere! You found me!! 🤣🥰
I never promise. (Except my love for my family) That way there is nothing to break. Sometimes i say nothing and when its done, its wonderful. When pressed i say, we shall see. It saves everyone at least that disappointment.
❤❤❤folks who don’t walk out our mental struggles do not understand what a push we have to do…to do! It was actually refreshing to me that I found someone else who owns it and does the best we can. Thank you!!! You are getting good! You’re out there and allowing yourself to heal and progress… that’s more than what I can do most days. Enjoy your journey sweetie
Welcome back to Sac!
Thank you!!!
Hi Birdie! Glad you’re over the hate/shame thing. you’re doing a great job being successful with van life, and hope to follow along with you to that someday old house, some chickens, a dog and that garden. Stay safe, some crazies out there. fortunately most of them seem to be on planes these days.
How cool that you'd like to be with me through the whole journey. That is so great to hear. Thank you so much!!!
I have family in Castaic - the lake there is amazing!
I’m in the Tucson area full timing in an RV. I have a similar situation in that my 17 yo daughter resides with my ex. I also have to stick close to her and float around the area. I am also from Texas- Houston, then Austin!
Enjoyed your video. Your commitment to your daughter just shows you are a great mother. When you knew you could no longer provide a home for her and she had to live with her father you lived in your
mini van so you could be close to her. Now that is a good mama.
Thank you. I try so hard!
I love you BECAUSE of stuff like that. My van was stolen and trashed for one month. THe thief is in state prison now and I've still not cleaned it out properly. who gives a crap?
Safe journey! ❤
Thank you, love!!
Sso good to see you! Safe travels! 💛
Good to see you too!! I hope you're having a great day!
That is a nice park. I have never seen a metal toilet seat….thank goodness as I am not a hover gal either. I honestly don’t think the hover gals are good at it either, because often times when I go into a public bathroom there is pee on the seats….so I know it was from a hover gal..lol
Thanks again for taking us along on your journey.
You made me laugh out loud more than once! You're so right that many hover gals could use some practice! 🤣
I was thinking about you ❤
That's awesome! Hopefully I won't take so long to put another video out. :)
I've heard sometimes people driving stay behind you because you are their reminder to go the speedlimit.
It's such a kick to hear your enthusiasm! You are just a delight. Love to you 💝
Hi, Kandi! It is always so good to see your name. Thank you so, so much. 🥰
So glad you got to spend time with your daughter! I know she is number one in your life, and that’s so lovely!! Is she planning on going to college or is she going to stay around and work for a while?🤗💕
Thank you!! She is still deciding what she wants to do. Right now, she's working for Kumon, a tutoring place. She likes it but doesn't think that's what she's going to pursue. She's still in the figuring it out phase. Which I fully understand because so am I, and I'm 35 years older than her! 😅😆
Be careful
I try to be. :)
The pee bottles are one of the reasons some wallyworlds don't allow parking anymore. Their employees are the ones who have to clean that crap up. 😢
Shout out from Central Texas just 2 hours North of Austin.
Howdy, fellow Texan! How do you do? 🥰
P. S. Don't worry about your van being a bit grungy, & should you choose to show us, grunge & all, we know that it's just part & parcel of van living. We're comfortable with you, grunge & all, so never fear, you can be just as comfortable with us. ❤
You saying you're comfortable with me grunge and all is just about the coolest thing you could say to me. :)
Thank you for letting us ride along with you ☺️!
My pleasure!! Thank you for joining me!
What if you consider your time in Sacremento as part of your "exploring"? In a city that large there are probably LOTS of parks, historical, or scenic places that you either have not seen or not seen in a while. Please consider doing a series of videos to show us what you think is special about the city. I would love to find out more about it since I have not visited yet. ❤
This is an absolutely amazing idea. And it looks like I might be receiving enough money from CZcams to afford gas money to do that. How exciting! Thank you! 🥰
Love you Birdie!,
Love you too!!
Yey your back, well done for keeping so upbeat. Go with your gut feeling on park ups,if it doesn't feel right don't stay. We have moved on a few times and there's two of us in our truck.
Take care lovely lady x
Hi! Yes, listening to your gut is so important. I have self trust issues, so I often ignore those feelings. But thank you for the reminder that I really shouldn't do that.
I’m watching a teeny bit out of order and I’m so enjoying getting to ‘know’ you! I’m more of an ocean/water person but those desert sunsets are amazing!
I'm usually more of a beach gal myself too. But i'm really starting to appreciate the desert in a new way. ☺️
Happy Monday.
You too, Irene! 🤗
I love a cold toilet seat, reminds me I’m alive. I am my Grandmother’s - Granddaughter.
Just sending you lots of love to stay in the zone with my youngest as he finished that growing up and growing out process in the city in a similar situation was hard as hard gets especially in the winter. But a mama’s gotta do what a mamas gotta do sometimes to be there in the best way they can the only way they can for their baby. Kudos to you! And that swing between this is horrible and awful the sorrow and grief to the optimism I’m just trying to paint a silver lining around a really black cloud is the daily to get through and get through you do. The sacrifices made are made. Loving your country girl executive function challenged self. Feel that!!!!
I hope you get your country dream space back soon I can at least make it back to the desert in the RTR with friends new friends new family a new social community I’m very proud of you❤❤❤
The shame struggles are so real and I love that quote from that line I’m gonna latch on to that one I don’t get a lot of hate where I’m at and I’m thankful for that But the shame was still Ever present in the looks that you get the comments you get the questions you get it’s a tough one. No more shame!
So true about a mama having to do what a mama has to do. Good mamas, anyway!
You can do it. Just keep trying.
Metal toilet seats - two pot holders, one for each "bun".
The white car behind you was using you as his pace car. I usually find a truck that's going at the speed I want and tuck myself behind it for that purpose. It's a windbreak and serves as cruise control for those of us with vehicles that don't have them installed.
I'm enjoying you😊
That's so sweet. 😊 Thank you!
I love McDonalds' large coffees and cokes!
I vanlife part time, home base is Sac. I wear that frown mask every time I return to Sac as well. That so resonates with me. I also just got back from Quartzsite.
We're basically sisters now. Sacramento frowny face sisters. 🤣 Hope you get to get back out there soon.
@@WaywardAbode well hello there sister! I caught the bug 🦠 while in AZ been down since I got back. As soon as I’m on my feet I’ll be off. Hope you can get away soon too!
Heyyy Birdie 👋🏻😊 great to see you and I know you are excited to see your daughter.
Heyy I ordered the same refrigerator for my Van, It should be delivered tomorrow Yayy! Do you love it? Like it? Hate it?
I like it. It fluctuates the temperature a bit, so I keep it at 2 degrees lower than you normal so when it fluctuates up, it doesn't go into the danger zone. But the fridge side is pretty dang efficient. I haven't used the freezer side a lot cause it chugs power. But it's nice to have the option. :)
@@WaywardAbode
Cool! I can’t wait to start using mine 😊🩵
Be safe and stay happy :)
Thank you! You too!!
Your van is same color as mine lol
Right on! We're the golden girls! :)
I subscribed or tried to today
My phone said I have subscribed to too many. Anyway I apreciate your bravery.❤
❤
That white car may have been on your air drag closely to save on his gas.
Hi, Janet. It's really nice to meet you!
I'm holding you to the van tour I need some more fresh ideas. 😊
Heck yeah, keep me accountable. I love it! I'm actually planning on filming it today. So, with luck, it'll be posted by tomorrow.
❤
Such Beautiful Energy and a beautiful woman!!!!
That's so sweet! Thank you!
We'll have to agree to disagree. I also live in a van, and it's become common, which makes it feel "normal", but it's not. It's really not. Unfortunately, it's unsafe on many levels. I'm not projecting any hate or shame. I have an extremely nice van, but it's still living in a vehicle. While there's no need to feel shame about it, I do think it's smart for us to keep our eyes wide open as to how we are actually living. Stay safe.
You're very right that it can be less safe and isn't really normal in today's society. I just want us not to be so judgmental of folks who do live in their vehicles. Humans being nomadic isn't new. We have a long history of that. But even if it's no longer normal, it's not wrong or bad. But you are right about the safety aspect. I just hate the shame and hope we can get past that as a society.
We have a lot of tailgates here too. Makes me crazy.
It's so frustrating! 🤣🫠
Get outta here! I grew up an hour away from Austin! A few of my friends went to TU. I went to TAMU because I wanted to major in Animal Science. Glad you made it there safely, and get to enjoy being with your daughter.
Right on! Austin's pretty badass. We were neighbors! :)
@@WaywardAbode Yes we were!
Most of us are one paycheck from homelessness. Noone should be ashamed of having hard times
2:18 They might be sleep-driving. In a taillight trance. Or using you as a speedometer.