dotanadash
"I'm supposed to be a bus driver..."
...So said my high school career profile assessment. Now, many years later, I'm not only driving one, but I'm living and working in it while I travel the country visiting family and friends. This site is for you - family and friends - who have been cheering me on, and asked to come along with me. It's also for anyone thinking of doing something like this, but are wondering what it is really like. I will share what I learn, what I wished I would have done, what I am thrilled I did and everything in between!
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Why dotanadash?
It's simple really.
Dot: The name I gave to the jeep I bought so I can explore more places easily.
Ana: The name of my dog/travel buddy/bff
Dash: The name of my bus/house on wheels.
I named him Dash which is inspired by the poem Dash by Linda Ellis. It speaks to all the life represented by the dash that separates our date of birth and the day we leave this earth. And although I am not much for poetry that rhymes, I let it slide with this one. Here is a snippet:
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"For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash."
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About My Blog
I am no different than any of you reading this. I was comfortable in my ranch home on almost 1/2 acre, I enjoyed mowing the lawn, growing a small herb garden, visiting my favorites breweries and clothing stores, I had an enviable shoe collection and when things broke I called people to fix them. I loved - and still covet - spending time with my kids - who are now grown adults and truly living their best lives and I couldn't be happier for them. Maybe it was watching House Hunters International or travel shows, but I found myself with time, wondering why I have not seen the places in the country I wanted to see. I was fortunate to find a virtual corporate job where I could work from anywhere. I sold the house, and gave away or sold 95% of my belongings and moved into a 25 foot skoolie which was custom built by bemyvan.com (too bad for you they don't do buses anymore but their vans are amazing. You should check them out @bemyvan). I still home base out of NC but now I am living the "work hard, play hard" mentality.
The huge majority of days are amazing - but there are rough days too. I will share all of it - but most of it will be joyful and filled with love and gratitude for this journey - because that sincerely, is what I feel.
I avoided starting a blog for several months - wondering who would want to read it - but after many friends pestered me about living vicariously through me, I gave in. But once I started - I realized this is for me. It's my journal, my memories, so I don't forget the thousands of special details, the people I meet or the things I see.
So, welcome to my journal. Welcome to my journey. I sincerely hope you are entertained and maybe even inspired!
