Desert Diva

It seems I’ve always been somewhat hypnotized by the lure of the open road.  For some odd reason, I the most content and happy when I’m traveling (with Cali at my side).  Lately, I’ve been resentful of those spending their time chasing their dreams on the “highway of life.”  A careful and cautious person (and solely reliant upon myself – i.e. no one is going to “bail me out” or “put me up” if I don’t have the means) I’ve felt I needed to “earn my way” (or my freedom) as you will…

Many people I know retired early (or just quit their jobs) to pursue a life full of adventure.  They either must be:  a.  more financially savvy, b.  independently wealthy, or c.  living on (or near) the “grid of life.”   Recently, someone in my RV group remarked that I was “well off financially.”  Uh, what’s your measure?  Yes, I’m going to retire July 1st and collect New Mexico teacher retirement.  Yes, I have some savings.  And yes, I’ve worked my “tail” off to get there.  I’ve worked in some way, shape, or form since I was sixteen.  On the advent of sixty, I think I’ve paid my dues and bought my freedom.

So now, I’m looking for something more “comfortable” than my 1985 Toyota Dolphin.  Something not too fancy, (but not too plain) where I can be comfortable watching sunrises and sunsets and hearing the pulse of nature.  I think about those out dreaming and exploring and I become depressed and jealous.

Watching this video today was strangely comforting and reaffirming.  I’m not alone in my desires and feelings.  It’s how I want to live my life.

I hear the road calling my name and know that the key to my happiness is in that experience…

Tags: "American Nomads", "recreational vehicle", "Richard Grant", "RV Nomad", "teacher retirement", "Toyota Dolphin", adventure, BBC, freedom, life, New Mexico, nomad, retirement, RV, sixty, Travel, wandering individuals network, wanderlust, WIN's

Best wishes for a blessed, happy, and healthy New Year!

I’ve always considered myself an “open” person – to the beliefs and rights of others, and to new experiences. However, the older I become I find that the behavior(s) of some people are unacceptable to me.

I left the Christmas/New Year’s gathering at Yuma since it wasn’t “fun.” It started on my way to Yuma when I was supposed to “meet up” with a friend (who earlier “finked out” on me by not stopping within 30 miles of my house.) He didn’t meet me in Tucson because he had a “new friend.” Great, good for you – just don’t be adamant about wanting to see me then bow out at the last minute. Friends like that I don’t need – and I told him so. EoF (End of Friendship)…

A “gal pal” went on and on about me coming to visit, but was to pick me up at 4:30 p.m. for dinner before we went out to a dance. She called and told me that she probably said 4:30 p.m., buy had 4:10 p.m. “in her mind.” She didn’t even stop by my rig to get me and my phone was on the charger. Sorry, but in the world of Cheryl that’s a lame excuse.

Then we come to the ex “cruise ship dance host” who went out with me a week ago and danced practically every dance with me – until another person came in and I was left to the wind. He still wanted to flirt, but danced exclusively with her. Uh, I’m not buying it…

The last straw came when I had my purse (and drink) at my seat at a dance. A guy plopped his a$$ in my chair when I got up to dance and decided to stay. The desperate women around him said it was “his chair” but I sat there for at least 1/2 hour and there was no drink, jacket, or any other item to “mark his spot.” And yes, I did utter the f-bomb and found another chair. (And for those that want to point the finger, I was drinking Diet Coke!)

Damn it, I’m attractive, a good dancer, and intelligent to boot. I realize that if I love myself, I won’t put up with “lame crap” from people anymore – and I’m not. I wont’ reduce myself to “desperate” to please someone – male OR female.

So, I’ll be home tomorrow and my New Year’s Eve date will be Cali. I’ll have a steak, some good wine, and watch a movie. I know I’ll be much happier…