View Full Version : The Nomadic Life
Velveteen.Rabbit
03-21-2016, 08:57 AM
I did this for like a year. It was fun! But not compatible with my long term goals. The plus side is now I have friends in multiple places :)
PhatGirlDynomite!!!
03-21-2016, 09:28 AM
We are finally almost out of here ! It's so exhausting to sell everything in a house. I can't believe how badly it wore it me out ! :/
I can't wait until we are down to just 4 bags each ( and two each is work stuff ). That's all we will own after a few days
I have officially boxed most of my stripper stuff ( I kept a few things just in case ). I'm donating it, so goodwill is going to have the most interesting donation bag they have seen in a long time !
So glad I revisited this thread. You just inspired me to get my butt in gear. We bought a house in PA a few months ago, but it needs repairs. New roof etc So it's taking a little longer to move it. Right now Im living in Florida with waaaay more stuff than any of us needs. Ive been procrastinating but what I should be doing is selling off our stuff like we'd planned. A love the idea of new beginnings and nice clean spaces. A clean slate to build on. I used to be more nomadic and move around a lot, but I wanna settle in for a few years and have a garden. That's all I want really. I big ol garden and studio in the shed. We plan on having more shit on the outside of the house than indoors. I need to start taking pics of our stuff today and getting it online for sell. WE got good stuff too. But they are only things and aren't really attached to them.
carmen_b
03-21-2016, 11:50 AM
^ awesome !
Yeah, get started on it ! It takes longer than you'd think. I did 2-3 weeks of selling stuff we weren't even USING ( items we hadn't touched in over a year ) before even getting to the bigger things.
There is an art to it too ! Always " stage " the photo by taking each item to an uncluttered spot. You might not think it makes a difference but it really can in terms of speed / getting people to come Smoothly ! I would also always put in my ads the time blocks I was available and to TEXT at least two hours ahead so that all the info is there ( not that half will read the info anyway). Hopefully those tips can save you a little time ! Both the bf and I HATE receiving phone calls for simple sales so we would usually just ignore / delete anyone who called instead of texting.
I'm glad we de-cluttered but we would have kept half the stuff if we hadn't needed to cross an ocean ! The container prices were just not worth it.
carmen_b
03-21-2016, 11:59 AM
Oh, and our secret weapon was a yard sale group on FB ! If you search " your town " and " yardsale " on FB your area might have a similar one.
carmen_b
03-21-2016, 12:03 PM
You may want to consider even using google voice ( separate from your stripper number ) instead of your real phone. We each had a low level weirdo to shake from the process.
It led me to being nervous about using my real phone ( which is attached to my day job ) and I might advise against it!
PhatGirlDynomite!!!
03-21-2016, 12:14 PM
You may want to consider even using google voice ( separate from your stripper number ) instead of your real phone. We each had a low level weirdo to shake from the process.
It led me to bring nervous about using my real phone ( which is attached to my day job ) and I might advise against it!
I used a google voice number to sell some beach cruisers we had. I forgot to remove the ad once the bikes sold and some crazy lady called three times in a row to curse me out because I wasted her time? Yes google voice is a must. I just blocked her. Good tip on the pics. Thank you
PhatGirlDynomite!!!
03-22-2016, 06:53 AM
Good News! Just got someone who wants to buy our sectional sofa AND the framed photographs I put on craigslist. However Im gonna get my brother in law to come over before I have this person drop by. Im stalking this persons fb right now. Wanna make sure a crazy isn't gonna show up at my house. But the photos worked.
kortneykay
04-01-2016, 01:00 PM
Yassss on the FB yard sale groups. The housewives seem to be the top buyers, lol. If you're close to a military base see if you can get someone to add you on their base yard sale group and it'll be a gold mine. My fellow military sisters are cray when it comes to buying. I cleaned up every time I posted and within the hour. Ebay takes too long, now.
I think another cool idea would be like a mobile cleaning service. Clean-On-The-Go. While you're traveling you can earn some extra money cleaning people's homes in the visiting state. I used to clear $300+ a house using natural cleaning supplies that I made and it took a few man hours.
Making plans on going back to Toronto for 3 weeks and then it's onto the UK in the summer. I'll holla!
carmen_b
04-01-2016, 04:43 PM
^ Your cleaning idea seems good for raising cash nomadically if you have a case of sex work burn out ! Simple websites or blogs to market it ( if you want to beyond postings ads ) are so easy to make these days and I could definitely see that working. Did you find you got enough work from just ad postings?
You could even keep your marketing going in the areas you know and send other cleaners out ( if adequetly insured ect.)
+1 for the military wives buying all your stuff. We were a few miles from a base and those ladies had their furniture hunting dialed in. I wanted to reach through the phone and punch a few though when they suggested I bring the stuff to them. Eventually I started fucking with them ( offering to deliver things for $50-$100 which was more than the things most bought ). It got the point across.
carmen_b
04-03-2016, 12:48 PM
I'm happy with how things are going right now. We are in a much more affordable area than where we were and it's REFRESHING.
It's not quite the low low cost of south east Asia that I wanted to do but it'll do for now considering the ease of USA living. :)
Glamourmilf
04-04-2016, 09:52 AM
I'm happy with how things are going right now. We are in a much more affordable area than where we were and it's REFRESHING.
It's not quite the low low cost of south east Asia that I wanted to do but it'll do for now considering the ease of USA living. :)
So happy for you! I'm now living in a much more affordable area. It takes so much pressure off.
My new house cost what 4 months rent at my last apartment in the city was.
Totally loving it!
SweetJulia
04-04-2016, 03:39 PM
@KK was the cleaning service hard to get off the ground? Cuz I could so do that with the weather getting nicer. A girl who was in my class for phlebotomy certification worked for a cleaning company and did some work under the table. In this particular phlebotomy class, we had to practice on each other, so we were always covered in what looked like track marks. On top of paying her a whopping nine dollars an hour, they made her wear long sleeves. So, yeah-I'd have to go independent.
thisunrest
04-05-2016, 06:11 AM
Aurora_Sunset's idea, and I love it. Discuss your nomaic/drifter/wanderer lifestyle.
As I said in the Random Thoughts thread, I have not been able to stay in one place longer than a year (actually I realized I lived in Japan for 2 whole years but that's the longest I've stayed in one place since I was 18.)
In the past 10 years I've lived in Alabama, Florida (two different cities), Louisiana, California, Japan, central Illinois, and Chicago...Even if I stay in the same city/state I usually end up moving after a year (or less) to a new home/apartment. Sometimes it's by choice, sometimes necessity. If I didn't have my son here in IL I'd love to backpack through western Europe or hop around southeast Asia. I still want to when he's older, or maybe just take a month and travel around.
I also love not having any "baggage" like furniture or tons of belongings. I don't like being attached to "things." I've always seen my life as somewhat problematic as it's so different from everyone in my family who have all lived in the same place their entire lives....They buy a house and stay there, forever. I always saw buying a house and settling somewhere as the epitome of reaching adulthood and growing up..but I'm almost 30 and still wandering around. I've lost interest in buying a home or establishing permanence in one place.
What do y'all think? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Do you enjoy being a gypsy or would you rather put your roots down somewhere?
I kind of envy your courage. If living free isn't hurting you or straining relationships with loved ones, I say go for it!
I used to think that I'd save up, and just go around the country for a few months. Can't do that anytime soon, but someday,who knows?
It's easier to stay in touch with people you've met now, too. As long as you don't feel lonely, isolated or adrift more than you feel free, capable and excited about the next destination, there's no harm in it.
More people live outside the LifeScript than I ever imagined. Buying a house,getting married, owning two cars, ect is good if that's what you want, but being capable and responsible enough to live all over the planet sounds like a much more enjoyable way to establish adulthood.
wednesday86
04-05-2016, 07:52 AM
I kind of envy your courage. If living free isn't hurting you or straining relationships with loved ones, I say go for it!
I used to think that I'd save up, and just go around the country for a few months. Can't do that anytime soon, but someday,who knows?
It's easier to stay in touch with people you've met now, too. As long as you don't feel lonely, isolated or adrift more than you feel free, capable and excited about the next destination, there's no harm in it.
More people live outside the LifeScript than I ever imagined. Buying a house,getting married, owning two cars, ect is good if that's what you want, but being capable and responsible enough to live all over the planet sounds like a much more enjoyable way to establish adulthood.
Well I am back with my husband now...and I know he wants to stay in Chicago, so it looks like the free life might be over for a while. We've talked about moving somewhere warmer someday, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. :/ All his friends and family are here so I don't blame him. I'm already starting to get a little restless though...We need to go on a road trip or something soon. His mom is always in and out of the Philippines and wants us to go with her sometime, which would be awesome too. I'm sad that I've only been to one other country. :(
ScarletKitten
04-05-2016, 07:21 PM
For some reason, Memphis, TN is drawing me again. It's such a jazzy, bluesy city. I love it. Kind of like New Orleans. Although nothing is quite like NOLA. :)
Wednesday, going to the Philippines sounds so fun!
SnuffleUffleGrass
04-06-2016, 12:37 PM
I'm going back on the road soon but not really digging it. I thought I was done for sure in early 2012. Shows how unpredictable life is
carmen_b
04-12-2016, 02:25 PM
We hit a snag. We have a Free space to stay in the suburbs for a couple weeks but I want to be in the city NOW.
:/
wednesday86
04-12-2016, 06:49 PM
So MIL has inherited her mother's house and farm in the Philippines and I think she's moving there at least semi-permanently soon. She's already talking about us going to visit her whenever we want, for as long as we want. We may go the end of this year or next year. Gotta get a passport for the kid! I would be so down to live there for a couple of months and work on the farm, travel to Manila and visit Hong Kong since it's close.
carmen_b
04-13-2016, 01:43 PM
So I guess I will relax now.
I was panicked yesterday over not having the " loft of my dreams " and turning the key in the door.
There are some reasons we don't ( yet ) have that in this new city ... Having not looked at a single one is up there .
Now part of me feels like the dream loft is silly and wasteful when we could just rent a room or small apartment and have more $ for road tripping / more flexibility.
MissJu
04-13-2016, 01:56 PM
things happens for a reason.
I hate lofts.:)I hate everything about it, because you live literaly in one big room. No personal space, when you are cooking smell is everywhere. I remember when i was dreaming about loft, i got it and after 4 years living in that loft from hell im happy to have doors and walls.
carmen_b
04-13-2016, 04:35 PM
Sounds awesome !
So MIL has inherited her mother's house and farm in the Philippines and I think she's moving there at least semi-permanently soon. She's already talking about us going to visit her whenever we want, for as long as we want. We may go the end of this year or next year. Gotta get a passport for the kid! I would be so down to live there for a couple of months and work on the farm, travel to Manila and visit Hong Kong since it's close.
ScarletKitten
04-14-2016, 09:42 AM
I want to visit Toronto before I leave this country next week. I just want to walk the streets downtown, go inside all the cool shops, and get drunk as a skunk. lol
carmen_b
04-16-2016, 09:47 AM
^ Yeah ! :) Sounds fun.
LilLadyLux
04-16-2016, 10:06 AM
Here's a blog I love called "Hobo Stripper" her article on 'Re Cosmic Titty' was sooooo on point. http://www.hobostripper.com
carmen_b
04-24-2016, 07:43 PM
We are back from a national park trip .
A friend is traveling so we have our own place soon (it's been two months of not having that other than 4 nights of hotels). I'm counting down the days ( there's 10 - 11 ) so we may just cough up some cash for some privacy a few nights and do a hotel a few nights. It's takes ENERGY to not have your own space ( duh ).
Mid-May the weather will allow access to a cabin we can stay at for free. I am leaning towards it BUT to keep our incomes steady , we will need to drive to town ( 20-30 min away ) to get phone and Internet at least 3-4 hours a day 5-6 times a week . I'm beginning to research on *possibly* getting a hot spot. It is only open in summer and is completely off grid with no phone / internet .
Glamourmilf
04-25-2016, 10:59 AM
. It's takes ENERGY to not have your own space ( duh ).
.
It does indeed. That's why I'm hesitant to be the nomad I think I want to be.:-\
carmen_b
04-25-2016, 01:07 PM
^ If you are camming though .... you can totally DO THIS via Airbandb or hotels ( it's just hard to find affordable ones that are not ugly so setting up a decent background would be key) . :/
Have you ever considering out of country to save on costs / be able to afford a beautiful and upgraded place to cam from ?
carmen_b
04-25-2016, 01:09 PM
( delete )
carmen_b
06-06-2016, 11:38 AM
( delete )
Nyla19
06-09-2016, 07:56 AM
This is a great thread. I have to keep checking it out. It puts me in a good mood.
carmen_b
07-09-2016, 09:03 AM
Goals for where I'm living :
1. Be Involved in THIS place ! Volunteer / enjoy the city ect.
2. Don't hassle the poor bf anymore for the next out of country trip ( for at least 30-45 days ).
3. Make some money here so I'm not completely reliant on the old business in the old area and the awkwardness of running it from afar.
Cashmere Star
07-09-2016, 01:20 PM
Speaking of moving... I don't know if I should stay in California anymore. To be honest the only reason I am here is because I am already a CA resident and I am here for the schools. I can transfer from community college to a UC or CSU while getting in-state tuition. That's really the only reason I am here. Otherwise it's so expensive, even Sacramento, one of the cheapest places in CA.
The taxes are high, the ratio of income vs the cost of everything else is relatively bad, and if I can transfer to a reputable out-of-state school on a scholarship, I would do it asap and get out of here. As much as I like the people here, it's too damn expensive and it's hard to save money for my future. :(
I am itching to try Dallas TX some time, during winter break. Then I might go back to Santa Fe NM again.
PhatGirlDynomite!!!
07-09-2016, 01:35 PM
Speaking of moving... I don't know if I should stay in California anymore. To be honest the only reason I am here is because I am already a CA resident and I am here for the schools. I can transfer from community college to a UC or CSU while getting in-state tuition. That's really the only reason I am here. Otherwise it's so expensive, even Sacramento, one of the cheapest places in CA.
The taxes are high, the ratio of income vs the cost of everything else is relatively bad, and if I can transfer to a reputable out-of-state school on a scholarship, I would do it asap and get out of here. As much as I like the people here, it's too damn expensive and it's hard to save money for my future. :(
I am itching to try Dallas TX some time, during winter break. Then I might go back to Santa Fe NM again.
What did you like about Sant Fe? Ive never been myself. Im an East Coast girl. When I hear people speak about the South West I draw a blank.
carmen_b
07-09-2016, 01:37 PM
^ Expense was one of the largest factors why we left Hawaii. I know what you mean.
I still get irritated sometimes that we didn't leave sooner. 5 years was too long for me in a high cost area with such a giant income disparity. It seems to be celebrities / untra wealthy and people scraping by. I started a business there so I hope to still pull more income from the area to ( somewhat ) make up for what a hassle it was to live in a high cost place !
carmen_b
07-10-2016, 10:42 AM
I did a test to see if we could successfully get interest renting the place ( posting it with just our initial minimal furniture which is all we plan to put in here ) and it looks like it will be no problem to rent the place a month or more when we are ready to go again ! I had a couple inquiries come in pretty fast.
carmen_b
07-10-2016, 10:45 AM
Seeing the pueblos and going to 10,000 waves spa is high on my list of that area. I hope others add to this because I'm heading here in a month or two most likely!
The south west is INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS and shouldn't be missed!
What did you like about Sant Fe? Ive never been myself. Im an East Coast girl. When I hear people speak about the South West I draw a blank.
carmen_b
08-04-2016, 11:25 AM
Where is everyone traveling to lately ? We were in Montana on the most recent road trip we took and I DEEPLY REGRET not seeing Glacier National Park. We almost got there but it was about 5 hours more and we thought we needed to add 3-4 days and couldn't spare it. I may not have flexibility to travel for the next 30 days but would like to hit Glacier or possibly the Northern CA coast in Sept.
Velveteen.Rabbit
08-06-2016, 11:36 PM
I'm obsessed with hostels. About to travel through rest of month. I used to be creeped out by hostels and now with social media connection I basically view it as live social media. So many adventures
kortneykay
08-07-2016, 08:55 PM
I'm planning on going back to Canada, Jamaica, and London in the next few months to a year so I'll be updating as the months go by.
DelishIrish
08-08-2016, 07:59 PM
After I move to France Sept 1st (I'm American) I'll be going to London too. And hopefully Ireland during or right after winter.
I love reading this thread as well, Nyla. Gets me excited to be leaving!
DelishIrish
08-08-2016, 08:02 PM
I'm obsessed with hostels. About to travel through rest of month. I used to be creeped out by hostels...
I still am creeped out cuz I've never been, but I know I will soon since it's the best value. Can you tell us about some of your experiences? Multiples to a room or not, best locations, etc? = ]
DelishIrish
08-08-2016, 08:07 PM
Speaking of moving... I don't know if I should stay in California anymore. To be honest the only reason I am here is because I am already a CA resident and I am here for the schools. I can transfer from community college to a UC or CSU while getting in-state tuition. That's really the only reason I am here. Otherwise it's so expensive, even Sacramento, one of the cheapest places in CA.
The taxes are high, the ratio of income vs the cost of everything else is relatively bad, and if I can transfer to a reputable out-of-state school on a scholarship, I would do it asap and get out of here. As much as I like the people here, it's too damn expensive and it's hard to save money for my future. :(
I am itching to try Dallas TX some time, during winter break. Then I might go back to Santa Fe NM again.
One of my friends just moved from Cali to Texas and she is loving it so far! A lot of people are constantly flocking to Cali, but I don't think I could ever afford to stay there too long. Best of luck with whatever you do!
Velveteen.Rabbit
08-09-2016, 10:29 AM
One of my friends just moved from Cali to Texas and she is loving it so far! A lot of people are constantly flocking to Cali, but I don't think I could ever afford to stay there too long. Best of luck with whatever you do!
The prime areas of CA are like NYC in that majority of people have Peter Pan syndrome so they never need to own a home and could care less. That's why I've noticed. Its worth it if you're theatrical or have commitment problems lol
carmen_b
08-09-2016, 10:43 AM
Delish : Where are you going next ? I may be able to recommend hostels that are not scary or are good for newbies ( nicest / cleanest ). They vary but you would be surprised on how nice and well run most are.
For my day job, I travel to San Francisco and get a $100 per day credit for a hotel for example but instead of staying in one , I often just stay in my fave hostel ( it's $33 ) and pocket the other $67 a day or use it to go out.
I've stayed in them in almost every state in the Western USA so I may be able to help.
There are so many tricks to doing them well ( my fave trick is to bring two flat sheets and get a lower bunk to create a privacy screen if you don't want anyone to chat with you). Put your screen up and viola .... it's a hint you just want to zone out or sleep. Pull it down and instant new friends. Haha. Oh and tip two is to ALWAYS BRING AN EYE MASK AND EAR PLUGS.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you might score and get the room to yourself for a hostel price or just have one other person in there.
Maybe you should try one and get a private room first ? Then you can test the vibe of staying in one out.
Glamourmilf
08-10-2016, 08:28 AM
45614
Layla.00
08-13-2016, 02:16 PM
We're leaving Athens Greece tomorrow and heading north to Thessaloniki. From there we'll catch a train to Serbia and then go to Bosnia. It'll be a loooong journey but incredibly scenic and I love trains. South eastern Europe is the bomb guys.
DelishIrish
08-19-2016, 02:59 AM
Delish : Where are you going next ? I may be able to recommend hostels that are not scary or are good for newbies ( nicest / cleanest ). They vary but you would be surprised on how nice and well run most are.
For my day job, I travel to San Francisco and get a $100 per day credit for a hotel for example but instead of staying in one , I often just stay in my fave hostel ( it's $33 ) and pocket the other $67 a day or use it to go out.
I've stayed in them in almost every state in the Western USA so I may be able to help.
There are so many tricks to doing them well ( my fave trick is to bring two flat sheets and get a lower bunk to create a privacy screen if you don't want anyone to chat with you). Put your screen up and viola .... it's a hint you just want to zone out or sleep. Pull it down and instant new friends. Haha. Oh and tip two is to ALWAYS BRING AN EYE MASK AND EAR PLUGS.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you might score and get the room to yourself for a hostel price or just have one other person in there.
Maybe you should try one and get a private room first ? Then you can test the vibe of staying in one out.
Hi thanks, I will be in Strasbourg! It's near the German border (40 minute walk to Germany) so it's a very unique French city with about 200,000 ppl.. I have to sleep with earplugs regardless of where I am so no problem there, and the sheet trick is def a good idea. Then the first place we'll be traveling to is London which I know will be an expensive trip...
SnuffleUffleGrass
08-19-2016, 08:10 AM
Speaking of moving... I don't know if I should stay in California anymore. To be honest the only reason I am here is because I am already a CA resident and I am here for the schools. I can transfer from community college to a UC or CSU while getting in-state tuition. That's really the only reason I am here. Otherwise it's so expensive, even Sacramento, one of the cheapest places in CA.
The taxes are high, the ratio of income vs the cost of everything else is relatively bad, and if I can transfer to a reputable out-of-state school on a scholarship, I would do it asap and get out of here. As much as I like the people here, it's too damn expensive and it's hard to save money for my future. :(
I am itching to try Dallas TX some time, during winter break. Then I might go back to Santa Fe NM again.
Finish school out of state. Trust me I know...
carmen_b
08-19-2016, 12:18 PM
This sounds amazing ! SW totally needs a travel pictures thread. :)
We're leaving Athens Greece tomorrow and heading north to Thessaloniki. From there we'll catch a train to Serbia and then go to Bosnia. It'll be a loooong journey but incredibly scenic and I love trains. South eastern Europe is the bomb guys.
carmen_b
08-19-2016, 12:19 PM
Delish : Yeah, give hostels a try in Germany and especially expensive cities like London would be perfect to hostel !