My First Night Sleeping in the Van Again Wasn't What I Expected 😩 | Living in the Van
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- After several months of being out of my van, I'm dipping my toe back into the van lifestyle. Needless to say I wasn't ready and had some unexpected challenges!
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Oh, GIRL! If you are here in Texas and it’s the beginning of summer, GET OUT OF THIS STATE BEFORE THR HEAT STARTS! I’ve been a Texan all my life, I’m almost 65 now, and the summers NEVER get easier!
I’m 64 now but active. I so want to just retire and go. I have my SUV built out and have a little dog. I enjoy your encouragement. Please keep posting! Btw I read my Bible too. I’m a minister.
🙏
If you do
ER parking lots are normally pretty safe to sleep in . ❤
I just started vanlife today 😂 I will say I am going in with 0 expectations. I know its not an easy lifestyle. I spoke to my boss a year before I planned all of the specifics out so I could avoid having to find parking after work. Luckily he allowed me to park in our work parking lot and it is gated with cameras and 24 hr surveilance. I am currently in the honey moon phase but will take it a day at a time. I done this for my already isolated lifestyle in apartment. I am hoping this allows me to open up and see more of the world. All I know is I'll learn lessons and continue to grow. I am so grateful and hope the tough road ahead won't be too rigid.
I wish you lots of success. Stay safe. Have fun.
@@Lilbovi how r u exploring the world if your still working n parking on there lot. I had a secure place as well but I'm retired n it again is not easy nor cheap. U want to explore then save n go on a vacation or retire. People don't wanna work a normal life is not exciting enough the house marriage kids are all over the place n they all think the smarter than us they the reason everything so high priced don't wanna be an adult wanna play hve fun no matter the price.
@@candaceeffle6552 Wtf was up your arse this morning? Angry at life? Thats your fault lol. Plan better or simply do what needs to be done and be an adult. I work fulltime 12 hrs a day. I've saved 80% of my weekly income by parking at work. Obviously I don't travel on work days you clown. I go out exploring every weekend. I just got back from vacay in Samoa and plan on going again in december. You projecting your issues onto me won't help you lmao. How about you take your own advice and be an adult about it.
@@Dodgeowner Cheers mate its been amazing so far
Do u work remote? Oh what I wouldn’t give for a remote job
Lordy girl, I can't be the only one wondering where you're at. Best wishes to you wherever you are.
I been wondering also. I thought she was going to travel and take us with!!🤔 I sure hope everything is ok!
I've been wondering too...hope she's ok
Me too! Where did she go? I hope she didn’t have an accuse!
Still wondering and just keep checking to see if there's any word, Prayers for your safety and health that you are okay and out there living the dream whether its on the road or in sticks and bricks. we love you and if anyone knows anything could you please post as many are left in limbo worried. Love ya girl where ever you are !!!
With the state of things going on in the United States right now, I wish you the best, but honestly its getting dangerous on the streets nowadays, stay safe, one caveat of parking in library parking lot that I learned is always contact the local police explain your situation to them so if they happen to come upon you at 3:00 AM they won't bang on your door scare you and wake you.
Oh. I’m sorry that you don’t live in a safe area. I didn’t know that you could contact the police. Where I live, I’m more afraid of the police than the criminals. But mostly because there isn’t much crime here. I always thought there was. And I do feel unsafe at times, so maybe God has just put his hedge of protection around me. But I used to live with my mom for 30 years, because I thought the world was a dangerous place. But now she won’t let me live with her because my brother’s family moved in and her house is full. That’s ok. It wasn’t at first. But I’ve come to terms with the fact that I don’t want to live with them anyway. They have made me suicidal in the past, but now I don’t have time for that. I’m trying so hard just to live and survive. The biggest surprise is how safe I feel in my car, even when I have to go somewhere in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. The gym is only open half of the nights, so the other times I go to a gas station. Sometimes Walgreens or whataburger. It’s surprising safe. I mean, don’t be stupid or anything. But also no reason to be afraid. I was afraid of being in a car wreck for the longest time but just gave my friend a ride last night, and she had me driving all across town. We almost got in multiple car accidents. I’m kind of pissed off because she should have known better and I should’ve known better than to believe her. But honestly, I’m just more relieved than anything. I know God protected us, and even though it was stupid, I think she needs a friend right now and I want to keep bringing her to church. I know God can turn a mess into a message. Yes, the world is continuing to get worse. But that just means that you have to continue to get better. Ask your church about “celebrate recovery”
It’s based off of Alcholics Anonymous, but anyone (over 18) can go and work on any issues. Some churches even have a children’s version for your kids. If not, they will probably at least have free childcare. I don’t have kids of my own, but it’s never too early to start talking about mental health. God bless all. Stay safe out there! 😊
do not ever call police! NEVER. Frisco is home of Cowboys football.
aahh. nope. churches are like cults these days.
@@angie-xy5sf what does that have to do with her sleeping in a library parking lot???? 🤷🤷
@@annaburns2865I think you have issues that this channel venting on will help you. Only think helping you is meds, a job, and your own place, or a living center.
I'm traveling in Norman, Oklahoma, now; visiting friends. It was very cold day here. A day for hunkering down.
Parking - I just park anywhere I want. I don't mind "getting the knock," even though it only happened two times last year.
Not bad for 365 nights.
- Once, last year, a teenager came and tried to open my van door. I said on my under hood speaker, in a threatening voice,
"Move... away... from... the van."
He about soiled his britches and ran away.
Oklahoma has an open carry weapons law.
Most men, and many women, here have a gun ready to take drastic action.
I had a few kids rocking my van at midnight once. I yelled "get lost or I'll call the Police".... the van stopped rocking...one of them said "Police?"... and I literally heard them scamper away 😂
I used to fall asleep in my car in the hospital parking lot after work .. no one ever bothered me 😂 I would have my head on my steering wheel 😂
So I feel like ER parking lots are good
That’s funny. I love it cause you scared some brat away.
Have you ever thought about make peep holes in your window covers? You could make a little cover for it so the light doesn't peep through.
Woohoo!!
Goodwill doesn’t wash any of the clothes! I’m actually glad they don’t, since obviously they would raise prices to make up for the cost of laundry!
Ahhhh.... on the road, again!
Thank you for the vicarious road trip. It's nice to get out of town... AND to try some... TRAVEL SNACKS! YAY!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
So happy to see you back in the van, but more importantly, praying that you are happy being back in the van.
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Your channel has been such an encouragement to me. I am a 14 year old boy and have been really interested in vanlife, and have been wanting to do it when im older. I am christian so the main thing ive been thinking about is if its alr for me to do it being a christian, so it is very encouraging to see anogher christian do it. Thanks!
Before you do it take advantage of learning a or many trades to make it smoother for you, lean to fix cars / trucks so you can repair your own vehicle, or a different trade so you can always make some money when needed. Your really young and go do whatever you want. Just think it over.
@@24k_roses Oh yeah I didn't even think about that. Thanks
Every mother that has recently had small children got wide eyed when you mentioned touching everything adds up. Because we've taken our kids to public restrooms and played, "EVERYTHING IS LAVA!" For some reason, my son thought touching everything he could reach was hilarious so he peed behind the car door or in a bottle until recently. He's 7. Bathrooms are just nasty places and everybody doesn't wash their hands. Before they go back out and start touching everything 🤪
I am a mom to 3 young sons, the peeing in the bottle is a lifesaver. Lol
Watching from Sweden 🇸🇪, in the morning and drinking my coffee.
Awesome!!!
Sorry for your nightmare but glad you did find a great place to park. Also, thanks for the lovely words of affirmation, and right back at you! Blessings!
Thank you kindly! 🙏🏼
I love going along with you....riding along.
Sitting in my cozy little house as quite the wind storm blows around it... I had cauliflower gnocchi for dinner, but I am jealous of you! I'm itching to get back out in my van for another long trip. I just bought a cool little Rocket Stove. Can't wait to make my dinner over its tiny but fierce little flames.
I just want to let you know my son and I made the toilet that you and your dad made for my van. Works out great. THANKS 😂
I live approximately 50 miles from Columbia, SC… and originally from Oklahoma City. As soon as I purchase the van I have my eyes on… I will be a full time Nomad! Hope to cross paths one day! Be safe out there! ❤
Wow loved the $2.75 gas....$4.39 here. Had beans/rice tonite, spaghetti w/ meat sauce earlier. What a great parking lot....quiet, huge, well lit, mostly empty! Happy travels!!!! See you on the next one.
Have I missed your YT vids or did you change your channel name? Is this the most current? Hopefully you have been well and had a great Easter! Just concerned, that’s all. I enjoy your vids and was just checking in. Take care & God Bless!
Me too, where are you kid?
Good to see you hanging in there, Alison. Wishing you well in your journeys and new home 💜🙏
Thank you so much!
If you have internet on your phone you can use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect your iPad. I do it all the time since I prefer watching CZcams on my iPad. Safe travels!
I wish I knew more about how to do that so I could use my phone for a hotspot for my iPad would you explain please?
@@Paula-po9kx just go into your phone settings cut on your hotspot. if your using all apple devices and you iPad is not connected to internet it will typically have a pop up asking if you want to use the hotspot click yes and you should be good to go. If not you will see a password select your phone and pop in the hotspot password and it should connect. I’m horrible at explaining things so if that doesn’t make sense do a quick google search. I’m sure you will find the step by step according to device. ❤️❤️
@@ronaliveshere7422 thank you I will give it a try
I’m getting ready. April 1
Enjoyed your video. Happy to see you’re back on the road. I’m with you all the way.
Awesome! Thank you!
Those nachos looked so good! Now I want some. LOL! Be safe out there.
Fun visit....you are awesome, and I'm glad your back enjoying the van...it looks nice...👍👍😊
You are important and wonderful too❤😊
Showers. I ended my PF membership. I was just too far away to utilize. I now look for recreation centers for showers. They're anywhere from $4 - $10. Yep. I canceled data on tablet, too. I have no problem winding down with TV on phone. Good luck
Good to see you back in the van again.
I lived 10 years in car in Los angeles County traveled little but home base as SFV out of necessity not choice n I will never understand why people choose but ok. I would not do this today's time to many nuts out there n have had more knocks on door at hotels than Walmart or 24 hr fitness.
Hi Allison great to see you back in your van and really thankful that you were safe sleeping overnight at the library thank god. So looking forward to seeing the next episode praying for your safe travels
Are you going to be a full time nomad again?
Great to see you back in your van Allison! I just love driving the freeways! God bless you!
The first night on a trip does feel a little anxious for me. Then I just start enjoying the travels.
Yes! I think it's just getting back into the swing of it.
@@travelsnacksI remember you when you were blonde. It always looked great✌🏼
That parking lot looked to be a good choice for overnight... well lit... large area... mostly clear without bushes for lurkers. BTW... those nachos looked yummy!
Yes it was a great spot! And the nachos were great!!
Hey Allison and Chat👋🏽. Happy Traveling❤. I go to every Goodwill When I travel to different states. I’m eating Salad and vegan Spaghetti. I would’ve paid either just to Walk. Library seems good too stay . I remember one evening I seen a Van dweller posted up at one and although I knew what it looked like from the Windows . I didn’t keep looking so they would not feel frightened.
Love your videos. Congrats, you really put out great video's that are easy to watch. My father used to tell me that good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement. You've got tons of experience. It feels like I am in the same space with you, just having a nice chat. You don't have one of those irritating lilts at the end of each sentence. That'll drive ya crazy. You put out info for in a manner that everyone can identify with. Thank you so much for sharing useful info that really helps people. I wish you the greatest success.
Have you considered ring doorbell for outside your van so you dont have to open the door to deal with people
By the way when I heard you say you were stopping in goodwill I knew you wouldn’t be out of Texas before sleep. Lol I live outside of Austin Texas. So I know where you are. lol wish I wasn’t so old I’d buy me a van and go travel around. lol I hope you stay safe and take care. I’ll be keeping up with you. lol
Safe travels Allison. 🙏🏼
Cute bedding and love it being light and airy!
Hey snacks.. started watching when you were converting the van with your dad..your looking well xxx
I use disposable gloves when I go shopping. Even at the grocery store.
I m a germ a phobe. Always have home-made sanitizer in the car.
Then when I get home I ultraviolet light the things I can , and use vinegar and teatree oil on the others.
Stay safe and groovy.
FINALLY a creator that contributes to iOverlander app instead of just looking for a place. 🎉
Happy to help!
Great to see you back on the road. I love the new colors. Sorry you had a nightmare.
Welcome back! Loads of love, prayers, and best wishes from Islamabad, Pakistan! ❤
If a cop came to me over night at a library I’d say I am parked here under all these lights. Besides some stupid scared me when I was driving to the truck stop and I was crying so hard I had to get where I could see ll around me. I was just going to call the police. Can you go see if the black Chevy truck is around here? Maybe he ran off if he saw you?
Hi Allison, dinner tonight for me is ham sandwich and lemon cream biscuits. Happy trails, Safe Journeys and Be Blessed
If you are going to be in Oklahoma may I suggest Langley, Oklahoma and Disney Oklahoma to drive across the Pensacola Dam. It's Northeast of Tulsa about half way between Tulsa and Joplin Missouri
Hope you're doing o.k. I haven't heard from you in a while. Stay safe & wish you well.
From a chilly 🇬🇧
Hello! I'm still around, just taking a much needed break! I'll be back.... 🥰
Glad to hear that you are doing ok and are safe. Take care of yourself.
Praise YAH sister so glad first night out was blessed (other than the nightmare) could be a warning dream as you may know but believing in faith all things work together to the good for those that love YAHUVEH God and are called according to His purpose 💝🥰🙌
I shop at that Goodwill. I was raised in that area. Stay safe
You do know Goodwill is a for profit private corporation? They take donations and jack the prices up almost to retail cost. I will never give them another dime. I donate to youth or women charity thrift stores
Just a thought. A local Arby's restaurant has bathrooms with a lock on the doors. I think you could get away with washing yourself and your hair if you came ready. You would need your clean clothes, wash cloth, shampoo, and towel. If there is an automatic electric hand dryer, you may be able to dry your hair. Otherwise, you could dry your hair as much as possible with your towel and put it up into a ponytail. Of course, you would want to do this as quickly as possible as to not arouse suspicion. No need for a gym membership.
A poster in another forum suggested parking in a hospital lot because the security guards who patrol regularly are used to seeing family members of patients sleeping in their vans or cars and it’s no big deal. Have you ever tried that? Does it work out OK?
So happy for you back in the saddle Allison!!! Van looks awesome!! Wish we had a Taco Bueno, seems so many good foodie places we don’t have up north. Don’t recall seeing any notifications for this video, I went to your channel to see if you posted any vids lately and found it. Praying for you girl 🙏👍🥰
I felt that MMMM when you took the first sip of the coffee!!! 😅😍 Glad to see you on the road, looking forward to adventuring with you as you share!
Allison, if you have iPhone you can have your iPad be on Bluetooth… That’s what I do now… I have also a hotspot on the iPhone at cross the extra five dollars a month, but it’s not working and then I found out that the Bluetooth does. 🥳🧡🕊✨
An interesting take on wild camping. Am glad it's so much easier here in the uk...due to the way of life here there are thousands of small, residential streets with cars parked on the streets, so any size motorhome literally just blends in - for a night at least. Having to park in the middle of a huge space would absolutely creep me out! I would be terrified some nutter would try to vandalise the van while I slept, and there would be no-one near enough to hear my screams! You are very brave!
I’m having Walmart pizza rolls & surprisingly they’re really crispy & good cooked in my new oven. I’ve sacked on some weight accepting all the voluntary time off at Amazon. Close to 3 weeks off will do it! 😂😂 I don’t care today, since these little suckers are delicious! 🍽
Refreshers are awesome. I luv them & i luv the shaken expresso to. Yum
I love your energy, and your ability to express yourself without self-consciousness. I feel like I'm in the passenger seat and I really enjoy your company ❤
Q: Do you entertain yourself with self talk when you're not recording? I hope so 😂
It is safer out driving then in an apartment these days. Dont be afraid of the police.
But to stay in the mountains would be great.
Safe travels 🙏
Thank you!
I got my own duplex now. Roommates are always disaster eventually . I quit van life. Too many scary incidents with attempted breakins and im spooked now knowing how unsafe it really is out there for vans. They dont seem to bother the rv's as much . I dont miss it at all. I can always go on day trips or camping in summer
I watched this twice! I used to live in Texas, Crowley. Had a beautiful home but my son and family moved. Didn’t want to be alone so I followed him. I’m in WA State now. Mobile home park in a 55 plus community.
I’m new to your channel. Im a retired widow. I’ve been a widow for 23 yrs. I was a 50 yr old widow. Lost my husband to cancer. He was my high school sweetheart. I miss him still everyday.i just wish I had thought of buying a van when I sold my house. I just couldn’t stand to go to my house anymore with out Bill. My MIL (also a widow) encouraged me to find another man and marry again. However, I just couldn’t do that. I’ve never married again. I had a 10 yr relationship with a msn who I dearly loved, but the VA gave him a bunch of shots in one day. In about two weeks he died. The heart hospital doctor said it was the shots that caused all the blood clots He said he’s seen it over and over. The VA didn’t care Thry gave him too much. Thry just don’t care enough not to be careful. Anyway thst was 2 yrs ago I lost him to blood clots which caused him to have about 6 heart attacks in a few hours. By the time he got to the heart hospital it was too late. Very sad because I really cared allot about him. And everyone I knew including my family were used to him and liked him allots
Sorry for your losses, God bless you
@@gaylecarroll2129 thanks!
Enjoy your trip
Just for future reference, they do NOT wash the clothes at goodwill.
Eeeww
🤮 that's why it smells so weird in Good Will.
Nope. St Vincent de Paul DOES though. (So consider them)
@@jessicathompson236 wow that’s awesome. Most of them just don’t have the money, equipment and/or time to do that.
@@Thatgirl1976 , It might not be all of them, but the ones anywhere near us have washers and dryers for it though.
Honestly I'd wash clothes/shoes before wearing them even if they were from a department store based on the fact that people try clothes/shoes on. Ya know?
I enjoy watching your videos I have my minivan it cold and very hot ..... I know like in Washington..... Freeze water so thank sharing and tell without food cook and nowhere no parking tow 24 without notice,,,, 😊😅😢
I use recreation centers for my showers... Go early in the morning when they open... I find the showers cleaner at that time...
God keep you safe my sister🙏🏽❤️👍🏽
Thank you kindly!
Be careful out there hun
There are some fellow youtubers who do vanlife and they listed a bunch of locations you can check or are friendly to parking overnight. One of them is Cracker Barrel. They said often if you go in and ask management, they will allow you to park and let you know where on the lot. There are also other people friendly to people traveling, allowing them to park on their property, driveways, etc. Please see youtubers David and Tanya, "Turn It Up World" is their channel. They have an episode with locations you can legally stay at, etc, so you don't have to drive around all night looking for sketchy places to stay.
I can tell you that Goodwill does not wash things/clothes before putting them out.
Awesome. I just found your car video and channel. Came to some of the same conclusions you did about sleeping set-up. I'll just be doing day camping & and 1-night over fighters. Great tips! I agree that I could not travel in hot weather or rough it in the summer. I'm too old for Alladat lol 😂.
Thanks for sharing, safe travels
Oh honey, they absolutely do not wash the clothes at Goodwill before they hang them out😂
Oh, ew. 😬 Thanks for the heads up!
I guess everything REALLY IS bigger in Texas 😆 That Goodwill and library were massive! Enjoyed the vlog and looking forward to seeing where the road takes you 💜
Thanks for watching!
Welcome to Oklahoma!!!
What you said at the end of your video brought to mind Kim Walker-Smith's song Just Be. Take care of yourself xx
Omgosh!! I live in Oklahoma. ❤
I moved here around 2021. Just on a whim.😅
I'm considering Van life.❤
I had corned beef hash and scrambled eggs for breakfast while I was watching your video- then I put the calories in My Fitness Pal and realized the hash was 400 calories!!!! Won’t be having that again.
Cool. Goodwill. Thats nice so big. Ares are ok
I hope it's getting better for you; you definitely seemed to be nervous and a bit overwhelmed at being back in your van. Part of me thinks this would be a fun thing to do, and part of me thinks it would be very lonely, especially being a single older female, but maybe I'll try this out some day.
Stop at any of the casinos in Oklahoma..... Winstar is just across the Red River on the Texas/Oklahoma border
that's where I guessed she might end up, didn't get that far :)
You should park in apartment parking lots.
I had corn dogs for dinner yum!
I hope you're able to get comfortable w/ Van life again.
i worked there before goodwill does not wash the clothes some come in clean though it all gets mixed in big boxes and sorted wash your hands
Wish I knew how to run a fridge in a van and hook up a sink 😮ER Parking lots are good to sleep no one will bother you. I used to fall asleep on my steering wheel after work all of the time 😂 I invested in a rechargeable tv . I get like 70+ channels and there’s some good movie channels on there for entertainment when you don’t have cell service.
Those nachos sure looked yummy I don’t feel like cooking either so I think I will heat some pizza rolls up in the microwave I know their not healthy but I like them
I had a honey ham stick and cheese for dinner so, I feel ya!
Your ending message hit my heart.❤
Oklahoma! ❤ Well get ready ! We had 80 degrees yesterday and 20 with horrible winds ast night. Colder tonight and a we bit chilly today. Tomorrow is supposed to be chilly then Summer again this weekend enjoy!
Have a bless day☺️
I'm having chow mein for dinner, those nachos look pretty good
That gas at $2.75 is cringe worthy when I compare it to Cali at around $4.59 rn smdh 🤬
I miss Taco Bueno, don’t have that in Tennessee. Was born and raised in Oklahoma
As a native okie, it’s changed drastically in the last decade. Nothing like it used to be. I live back in OK and couldn’t tell you the last time I chose to eat it.
I moved in 2019.
❤ great video.
I live in my van irs 2am and I’m eating a salami sandwich I added pickles and Doritos
Gren beans with sausage and onions for dinner. Not my best batch. I have hamburger to cook and can make a taco salad for tomorrow.