Days 47-54
Time flies when you're having fun! I know, cliche, but geeze louise... how is it December already? I have totally lost track of days. We've been on the go for a while. Lazy days aren't a part of our existence. The end of day 46 had us driving to Orlando so that we could go to Universal Studios with my mom, brother and his family on days 47 and 48. We had a lot of fun but it was smaller than I expected...I guess smaller isn't accurate, there were fewer roller coasters than I expected. Most of the rides are simulation machines now. So there's a lot of audio and visual stimulation combined with movement. They're fun but definitely not the same experience as a roller coaster. However, when we finally DID go on a big one, I was dizzy for quite some time after. 😂 Definitely not as young as I once was. We met some new friends from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic when we arrived in Orlando. They were so entertaining, I had to strike up a conversation and connect with them on social media. My "friends list" on FB is getting quite full... I'll have to start sending people to IG I guess since all other pages are so rigidly watched by the FB algorithms. Sorry, my train went off the track a bit. 😁 Back to our new friends... they had us rolling in laughter. I look forward to seeing them again someday, now we have a place to visit in Puerto Rico! We headed back to Jacksonville after our day at the park because Wednesday we had to vacate our spot. Day 49, took us to Fort Myers to our longest stay so far. This is the first time I'll be in a space long enough to get mail. But first, another RV adventure in Jacksonville. Involving shit again. Thankfully it still hasn't gotten me. But, the tube fell off the rack as the black tank was emptying. I go to put it back up and somehow the connection just POPS loose. I holler to Jordan (that's my VIP - my adventure partner - my chef 😁) and say "look out! The connection came loose and it's coming your way." He was standing on the other side of the trailer ... downhill from the spill and the excrement was flowing that way. Thankfully, my first reaction was to close the tank so not very much spilled...AND, thankfully, most of it had already emptied. It was also very sandy (remember the sinking problem mentioned in the previous post). And that, my friends, is why you never walk barefoot in an RV campsite. Gross. We made it to Fort Myers though. A few odd things - the guy who tried to direct me when backing in was terrible ... I would've done better if he hadn't tried to help because what he was trying to get us to do made no sense with the size of my rig (our spot is a pull through but the location of electrical boxes - trees etc. made it interesting to get in). Anyway, we got in... only to find our electrical cord wouldn't reach their box. So we plugged into the site next to us. No one is there... so why not? Then began their phone calls... "you're plugged into the wrong site." Yeah, I know, but we couldn't reach the other and haven't had time to get an extension cord (which, of course, costs $50). We rolled in fairly late and were exhausted. The next morning was Thanksgiving... and we had another drive ahead of us. Back north to my brother's in Lakeland. We left after getting a few things done... but no extension cord because we didn't think stores would be open. We'd deal with it when we got back. Thanksgiving dinner was nice. Actually jumped on the trampoline with the kids 😂 Then day 51 had us up early (5am) to go swim with manatees. A little experience my brother set up. We got our wet suits - I was the first in mine. Then a short boat ride from Crystal River. A few rules of what's allowed and what's not ... how to make yourself more attractive to manatees. All that fun stuff. I was the first in the water. It was a bit cold - it took my breath away. I don't remember ever snorkeling before so I held on to the ladder for a bit, getting accustomed to having my face in the water. Jordan joined me and off we swam. Immediately we had a manatee friend. It came right up to my face. It really was an awesome experience. It rolled over so Jordan could touch it's belly. We got to hang out with it for a while before my brother's kids made their way over - and the manatee swam away. But we all eventually got to see them. I think the kids got to touch them as well. Mom and my sister-in-law didn't touch them. They were gentle giants. If I get the chance, I'll do that again someday. It was a peaceful experience for sure! We spent about an hour and a half in the water. I started shivering, and couldn't get warm even by swimming around so I knew it was time for me to get out. It took a while to warm up again. The kids and I stood in front of the heater on the boat, our wet suits steaming. But I couldn't stop shivering until our captain (Jordan and I were on our own boat) gave me some hot chocolate and I got out of my wet suit. We had a delicious lunch before heading back south. Arriving at our home around 5 in the evening Friday. I stopped by the office to figure things out... they were closed already. Went by again on Saturday. Closed. We want to figure out the mail situation so we can tell people our address. Guess we'll try again Monday - the office hour sign had Saturday and Sunday marked off. We decided to check out Fort Myers beach. It was really cool, restaurants - shops - bars. We spent a few hours on the beach then stuck around for live music. They played cover songs my mom would've loved... wasn't our cup of tea so we walked farther. Then, we ... well I ... sang karaoke. We had a blast, besides some drunk dude making passes at me. He was a bit out of control. People, if your friends have to apologize for your behavior, it's time to make a change. His friends thanked Jordan for his patience. Jordan was ready to defend me if need be... but I shut the guy down. I honestly thought that guy was into guys at first... that was the only reason I talked to him to begin with. Guess I'll have to be more careful. 🤦 Anyway, besides the obnoxious drunkard, we had a wonderful time! Sunday was a day of rest and a little bit of painting on the deck. But, as I was out emptying tanks, the guy who was terrible at directions pulls up in his cart and says "we've tried to call you for three days." My reply, "yeah and I've tried to go into the office every day but you've been closed." He proceeded to tell me what the message already said. He wasn't pleasant. Perhaps I want either because I'm pissed I'll have to spend another $50 on a cord. He says the office is open today. We go down to the office. The woman is not friendly either. Wtf? I ask Jordan if I'm being rude, he says no. He'd tell me if I was. So weird. They certainly aren't making me feel welcome. Yesterday, Monday, we drove to Parkland to visit Jordan's dad. I worked (grading and what not for iSucceed) as Jordan drove. That works out really well. It's nice to have someone here with me. Someone who SEES me. Guys reading this... tell your gal she's beautiful. She may say you don't have to say it, but damn it feels good to hear it. My ex rarely - if ever, said it (honestly, I don't remember him saying more than "you look nice"). All I ever wanted was someone to express their thoughts - to talk to me - to SEE me. Someone who didn't want me to change. Someone who didn't expect me to do things their way. It seems I've found him. My heart is so happy. My soul is so happy. We have a dynamic that I don't even understand. It is truly magical. I hope that you can find the magic in your life - in your relationships. Afterall, this life is short - choose love. Choose happiness. Don't stay in something because you're expected to. Life is too short for that bullshit. We were not made to be miserable. We're going to Miami today so I better get moving. Love you all! Have a beautiful day!
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AuthorI had a dream that I was traveling all over the world. In less than 6 months, I sold almost everything I own...bought a Toy Hauler (the "garage" is my art studio) and am now living wherever, whenever...just me, my art, and my cats. Archives
October 2021
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