How We Work Remotely from Our Camper

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How We Work Remotely from Our Camper

I've been busting to share this, because we found a game changer for how we work in our camper! Well, Adam's had this figured out for awhile. I'm late to the party and it's a good one!

When we transitioned to living and working in the camper, Adam set himself up with a stand up desk and a Roost Stand to protect his posture by bringing the computer to eye level. 

I didn't think this was important until I saw a video of me working. 

I'm a hunchback on my computer! 

You can look- the moment's only 11 seconds in. 

I couldn't believe what I looked like in the video! 

I freaked! I don't want to be a hunchback at 30! 

Adam's always told me my posture is terrible. However, he'd tell me when I was super focused on a project. I'd sit up straight for a minute then get engrossed in the project again resuming hunchback position. 

After seeing the video- I was converted!

I bought myself a Roost Stand on the spot. That's the fastest $70 I've ever spent! Knowing us, you know we'll debate and research days over spending $3 on a taco. 

Now, we both use Roost stands, but have had to make adjustments. 

Be warned! We're a sight when we both post up with our Roost stands at coffee shops. We get a lot of curious looks. The stand's have proved to be the best conversation starter to meet locals in a new spot!

Our Different Gear Setup for Working

Lindsey

I do a lot of writing and editing pictures as a photographer. To make using the Roost Stand comfortable, I needed to get two more things:

  1. Wireless mouse. Found this at Walmart for $10.
  2. Wireless keyboard. I snagged one for $15 at Staples.

For less than $100 I got myself un-hunched! I gotta prioritize my back and neck!

Lindsey's Gear for Writing and Photography

Roost Stand

Wireless Mouse

Wireless Keyboard

Adam

As an accountant, Adam's in spreadsheets and punching numbers. He's added six new things:

  1. Wireless mouse
  2. Ten key number pad
  3. USB hub to connect the iPad as a dual screen using the app Duet. 
  4. Stand up desk
  5. Rumble roller

Adam's Gear for Accounting Work

1. Roost Stand

2. Ten Key Pad

3. USB Port

4. Rumble Roller

5. Stand Up Desk

Custom built by Bel Espwa Designs

6. Dual Screen App by Duet

Changes your iPad to a dual screen

Wifi Setup

We have to duplicate coverage by having both AT&T and Verizon service on the road.

Our main source: Verizon's MiFi Hotspot. We get 12GB for $90 per month. 

For backup when there's no Verizon signal, we use our AT&T phones as hot spots.

To boost our service, we just got a wifi booster. We had trouble finding any signal in Florida and had to re-route ourselves. Hopefully this will help. 

Verizon MiFi Hot Spot

weBoost Wifi Booster

Check out more gear we use on the road here. 

Your turn! What's on your desk that you can't live without?

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Surprise Destination: Dead Lakes Recreation Area, Florida

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Surprise Destination: Dead Lakes Recreation Area, Florida

Thanks to Campendium!

After the holidays visiting with our families in Georgia, the plan was to head west to Arizona. Bah! Silly us! Plans- why do we make them? They always change!

With our Ford Explorer hauling our Casita, if Google Maps says 10 hours to get somewhere, it will take us double time to get there. We plan for a 20 hour trip. With tax season in full swing, for Adam that wasn't the best decision. 

We re-routed ourselves and headed south to Florida. We never expected 2017 would keep us in the Southeast.

Yes, we're 30 and snow birds already. We're claiming it!

Our destination in Florida: Camel Lake Campground in Apalachicola National Forest.

Why? It was a green spot on the map and only $10 per night. 

Morning Fog at Camel Lake Campground, Apalachicola National Forest, Florida, USA

We've learned too much research and too many decisions burn us out. So,  we make a decision and are flexible. Anything can happen along the journey.

We arrived at dusk and learned- no Verizon coverage. We never thought of ourselves as being "those" people attached to the internet when we're out in the woods. To live this lifestyle, we are. That's the reality.  

Dusk at Camel Lake Campground in Apalachicola National Forest, FL

Next Destination: Dead Lakes Recreation Area, Wewahitchka, Florida

Success! Four bars of Verizon. And, only $14 per night for water, power, fire wood, and laundry.

Lesson learned: Check out coverage at campsites before you arrive on Campendium! And, we called to triple check.

It's the perfect spot out in the middle of "nowhere." (It's only thirty minutes to Panama City, Florida if you want to get some activity.) It's the perfect spot to land for a lot of quiet time and little distraction. And- for photographers and fishermen/women.

The Apalachicola River changed course killing the trees in this area reasoning the name Dead Lakes. The bird watching is amazing here! Haven't seen gators- yet! 

The folks in the campsite have welcomed us as family and have been wonderful to us. Thankful for this gem near the Forgotten Coast of Florida.

Check out more photos from our Florida adventures here.

Watch a video of a Friday morning on the dock. 

Your turn! What are camping lessons have you learned the hard way? We all live and learn, eh?

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Camper Turned Glamper: Tiny House Remodel Before & After

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Camper Turned Glamper: Tiny House Remodel Before & After

You ready for this before and after? Woop woop! Let's do this! I've been so excited to share!

We took a video touring our new camper the day after we bought our 2009 Casita Spirit Deluxe Travel Trailer. You'll see my excitement! 

We had just come from five months living out of a campervan (ahem, minivan) in New Zealand. The bed served many purposes: bed, couch, kitchen counter, and as the kitchen table many days.

Living Tiny in New Zealand

Our campervan, Bernie, in New Zealand.

Our campervan, Bernie, in New Zealand.

My Aunt Janet visiting our camper. She was a great sport!

My Aunt Janet visiting our camper. She was a great sport!

Adam cooking on the bed frame.

Adam cooking on the bed frame.

Our campervan bathroom situation? Public showers and campsite drop toilets. Yuck! After five months of this-- you'd be this excited about your own bathroom, too!

The bathroom logistics aside, campervanning New Zealand changed our lives. So much so, I wrote a book for other travelers on how to do it: How to Buy a Campervan in New Zealand.  

Our lifestyle was on the move every day seeing NZ's beautiful sites. We were living tiny, with only what we needed, and the outdoors became our extended living space. By being pushed outside, we saw the southern lights and an eclipse at random! We loved it and we were hooked.

When we returned to the US, we wanted to continue this nomadic lifestyle-- as long as I had my own toilet and shower. I was firm on this and stood my ground against Adam's "truck stop shower" solution.

The arguments over the bathroom situation were real! You can watch how it went down on our episode of HGTV's Tiny House Hunters as Backpackers Go Tiny here.

Okay, you ready to see the before and after? Here we go!

Before:

Here's a tour of our 2009 Casita Spirit Deluxe Travel Trailer the day after we bought her. Welcome to Bernadette! Her name comes from being lovelier and classier than Bernie our NZ campervan. 

Now, nine months later... a few things have changed!

After: Camper Turned Glamper

Check her out! 

The view when you walk in.

The view when you walk in.

The bed area.

The bed area.

The breakfast table nook.

The breakfast table nook.

View from the bed in the back toward the front door and bathroom door.

View from the bed in the back toward the front door and bathroom door.

The bathroom door open... the toilet and shower are still in there:)

The bathroom door open... the toilet and shower are still in there:)

View of the kitchen with the sink, stove top, and refrigerator.

View of the kitchen with the sink, stove top, and refrigerator.

Our kitchen sink with two burners.

Our kitchen sink with two burners.

Aerial view of the kitchen space between the front door and bed.

Aerial view of the kitchen space between the front door and bed.

She's our home! Photo credit: Charlie K Media.

She's our home! Photo credit: Charlie K Media.

What Really Happened Between Before & After?

1. Bed Space

We initially thought we'd use both tables a lot. Since making the bed for the first time (by collapsing the big table down), the table's never been back. It's too much effort. So, we keep the big table down as our bed and couch, and use the little side table for all the meals, working, and craft making. 

Breakfast in Bernadette- our favorite part of the day!

Breakfast in Bernadette- our favorite part of the day!

2. Tow Vehicle

We're towing our Casita with our 2002 Ford Explorer. Her name's Shugs, because for her condition (200,000+ miles and she's on her fourth transmission) she's been super sweet to us. 

Sunset in Texas. Daggum!

Sunset in Texas. Daggum!

3. Making Her Our Cozy Home

My mom came to the rescue. How was I going to turn carpeted walls and faux wood cabinets into our home? Well, we did a lot of brainstorming, crafting and shoppin' til we were droppin' together! Thank you, Mom! 

My study guide? Glamping with Mary Jane. It was gifted to us from our friends, the Thompson's. I read this book front to back.

Gosh! It was so nice to be validated that what I really want is okay. To live nomadically, but still feel like a lady with my own toilet, shower and decorative pillows and bunting!

I gave roughing it a valid go. On our #nuventures, we've lived in a tent for five months; a minivan for five months; and we backpacked for six months. We did everything as low budget as we could to keep traveling. Many of you even hosted us on our journey. Thank you!

In our camper, we can travel in comfort and we have everything we need. 

Now, that we have our own space in the world, we can host folks. Aw, she's not too tiny. 

Please come on over! You're always welcome and we'd love to have you!

4. A Change from "Experiment" to "This Feels Right" 

When we first bought our camper, we knew this was an experiment. We had no idea if this was the right lifestyle for us or even the right size camper. We're living in about 100 square feet.

Our tentative plan was to live a year living this lifestyle. If it didn't work, we were ready to adjust and make a change. Honestly, we had no idea what we were doing (emptying tanks, getting water, how to get electricity), but we were curious and excited (obviously).

After nine months of living in Bernadette, she's our home. We've even started planning what Year 2 will look like traveling and living in her.

Through just going for it and experimenting, we figured out we love this lifestyle! 

Cheers to more glamping #nuventures! Come on over and join in!

On the road again...

On the road again...

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Travel Woes

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Travel Woes

Introduction to the Past Week

They say, "Everything comes in threes."

But, they also say, "When it rains it pours."

This last week, the challenges have been pouring on us

Because, it hasn’t been three it’s been four. 

1. Where's the Car?

5:51 PM. August 18, 2016. Bay Street. San Francisco, CA.

Where’s the car?

I don’t see it. This is bizarre.

 

Tow Zone

No Stopping

No Standing

4 to 6 PM

 

My heart is racing.

Now I can’t stop pacing.

 

This was the place.

The pin and pics he sent show this space.

 

6:01 PM

Where’s the car?

I don’t see it. This is bizarre.

 

“Excuse me, Mr. Towman.

Is my car in your tow can?”

 

“Why yes, we have it.

It’ll be $520 to get the outfit.”

 

“What? I cannot believe

I need that kinda money to retrieve…”

 

6:05 PM

“He said it’s at 450 7th Street.

Wasn’t there stuff in the backseat?”

 

“How do you use Uber?”

This has gotta be a blooper.

 

My phone’s dying.

I wanna start crying.

 

6:28 PM

Where’s the car?

I don’t see it. This is bizarre.

 

“Are you Marko?

We’ve had a big sorrow.”

 

“Oh, I know where to go.

I take so many, I’m a pro.”

 

“Heck, I’ve even been towed.

Get ready, cus they take all your dough.”

 

7:34 PM. AutoReturn. San Francisco Police Department. San Francisco, CA. 

“Here’s the $520.

This has gotta be plenty.”

 

“There’s your car in the metal thicket,

And an additional $95 parking ticket.”

 

“What? A thirty-minute mistake.

Please give us a one-time-offense break.”

 

“I don’t have authorization

To relieve you from this citation.”

 

Well this just takes the cake

Now I gotta tension headache

 

Now, where’s the car?

I don’t see it. This is bizarre.

 

8:07 PM

Well, my wallets $650 lighter.

Now I’m a certified nail biter.

 

SF parking ain’t no disco.

Looks like its time to go.

 

San Fran this is how you treat your guests?

You’ll be getting our protests.

 

Now, where’s the plane?

The Nubern’s are on that train.

2. Intruder! Intruder!

I pulled out a box to reorganize odds and ends.

Brown pellets? When did this become a trend?

 

Oh, no, we have new friends!

 

I spent four hours following the trace.

So many pellets all over the place. 

This was real. I was on an official mouse chase.

 

Unpacking, scouring, cleaning and scrubbing.

There’s so much poop. On what was he grubbing?

My anger is boiling. I’m ready for a slugging.

 

Discovery- Oh no! He made a nest.

Not in our flannel sheets in the winter chest!

Oh, that little pest!

 

I have to say, he does have good taste.

But, those sheets have to be replaced.

This is too much, his piled toxic waste!

 

Mouse poop is nothing to play.

Didn’t they carry the bubonic plague?

“Let me find him!” I prayed.

 

I’m after this intruder!

These aren’t old walls of a tudor.

This is a tiny RV and absolute pest excluder!

 

I scoured every nook and cranny.

Could it be an Annie or a Danny?

He’s lucky I couldn’t find his little fanny.

 

Well, did we ever find the little bugger?

Why yes, it was an ease catching this mugger.

That stinky, dumb, little sucker.

 

Through our laughter watching Sisters and the noisy AC

I heard a scrambling beneath me.

“Could this be him?” I thought with glee!

 

We turned everything off.

I held my breath not to cough.

I knew we were about to have a mouse standoff.

 

I silently put my ear to the cupboard

It was loud like a ruckus of buzzard!

Watch out, boy! We’re not Mother Hubbard!

 

I opened the door slowly not to induce

The beast to run off and be let loose

But, all we found was a cute, fury, little goose

poking his head up to see “Hey, what’s the news?”

 

Adam carefully took the trash box out

and quickly tied the plastic bag like takeout.

We couldn’t hurt the little sprout.

Adam let him go like a good boy scout.

 

I sighed relief. Done was the pursuit.

Gosh, he was so cute!

How could I have harmed the fury little newt?

I had been ready to prosecute.

 

“Where’d he run to, our newest pet?”

Adam pointed to the big rock next to our kitchenette.

“I’ve seen him hiding there by his tiny sillouette.”

“Oh, no,” I said “He’s still a threat.”

 

“He’ll be back.” My hopes crashed.

So away I went stationing a trap next to the trashed.

It’s been three days now with peanut butter and metal clashed.

I hope I won’t find him smashed.

3. Moldy Fridge

I opened the fridge with a blast to the nose

The smell of rank hit me like a blow

I saw spots of mold growing all over in trios

Thankfully there were only condiments to go

But I cleaned down those splotchy walls

Bernadette can't be smelling like bathroom stalls!

4. The Leak is Looking Bleak

We need a professional plumber

These rains from the summer

Are making us crazy.

No, we haven’t been lazy.

We can’t find the leak.

We’ve taken more than twenty peeks.

It’s not just a slow pitter patter.

It’s a serious matter.

There’s a lake forming at the the door.

To wait there is such a bore.

We gotta fill the invisible hole.

Or our heads are gonna blow.

 

We need a professional plumber.

These rains from the summer

Are making us crazy.

Conclusion

Poetry can be healing

When the emotions are up to the ceiling

And your brain won’t stop wheeling.

It’s joy your thoughts are stealing.

 

Challenges will come up spontaneously

Making hot anger your radiancy. 

 

If you take a step back

From the anxiety attack

You see your blessings way over stack

All the current negative whack

So protect your joy and don’t let it be easily hijacked.  

True stories of #nuventures. Who knew deep frustrations would lead to an outburst of poetry? I guess the pursuit of making it rhyming comedy is my coping mechanism.  

How do you handle the tough moments when you feel like everything's crazy and out of control?

 

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