Maybe We're Just Rambling

Even though the warnings abound, people tend to think of the full-time RV or van life as non-stop scenic vistas, Instagram-worthy adventures, and cozy mornings in the sunlight. It is all of those things but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges and issues. We have all been warned not to assume that someone's life is identical to what they share on the 'gram, but it's an easy trap to fall into. So this week, we wanted to talk about some of the lows of RV life and how we got through them. One of our favorite jokes is to look at each other during a tough time and say, "Man, I sure am glad we've never had to struggle or work for anything of our own!"- because reality could not be farther from that statement and the sarcasm always makes us smile.

Links from the show:

-Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

As we round out the year and look ahead to 2022, we're full of reflections of the last year and everything we've learned. There are so many takeaways, but especially when it comes to living off-grid. 

Links from the show: 

-'I Fight for Them': Maine Veterant Builds Temporary Housing for Fellow Vets Who are Homeless: https://www.fox6now.com/news/i-fight-for-them-maine-veteran-builds-temporary-housing-for-fellow-vets-who-are-homeless (follow the link for more information about volunteering).

-Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

This week we wanted to talk about our reason for the season, how our philosophy towards the holidays have changed, and why we choose to celebrate the season a bit differently. 

Merry Christmas!

Links:

-The Dog Cafe That Brought a Neighborhood Together: https://www.pressreader.com/canada/readers-digest-canada/20211101/281784222220423

-Follow highparkpups on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highparkpups/

-Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

This week Stuart sits down for an impromptu interview with Rebecca and asks her questions about something that is near and dear to her heart- health and fitness. From cardio-lover turned gym rat in Cuba to mindful yogi present day, we run the gamete and talk about it all, start to finish.

Links:

-Lush Cosmetics Leaves Social Media for the Health of Their Users: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59380458

-Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

Our reputations precede us a lot of the time. Usually because we are doing something out of the ordinary. In Stuart's case, it's not just because he lives in an RV. It's also because he just so happen to own the fastest NA SBE 4dr Ram in the world. Most people would probably be more than a little skeptical that a half-ton pick-up truck could be capable of such excessive speed, but setting records? In this episode, Rebecca interviews Stuart about his truck, "Murph", the different modifications and changes the truck has been through over the years, and what led him into the world of drag racing. We talk about the Ram truck racing community and why Stuart has grown to love it so much, as well as why it has proven to be such a positive influence on his life. 

-Follow us on Instagram: @maybewerejustrambling

This week we break some news that is fresh off the presses! We could not contain our excitement and it was the perfect opportunity to sit down and tell the world about Rebecca's decision to sell her current truck, and buy a stronger, more capable vehicle for all of our nomadic needs. It was a big decision that was the culmination of weeks' worth of research and consideration. We still need to name the new addition (a 2005 Chevy Silverado 3500) so if you have any suggestions, be sure to let us know!

Read our feel good story here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Parenting/comments/qyh6cy/why_dont_children_eat_the_crust_on_bread_mystery/

Follow us on Instagram to keep up with us outside of the podcast as we continue to tackle DIY projects and live our full-time life: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

This week we sit down and get a little controversial. We are talking about veganism and hunting, or more specifically, how our perspective of hunting has evolved- especially in Rebecca's case, since she has been plantbased for several years. Our relationship with the natural world is something that comes up quite a bit in our daily lives. It is something we have spent many hours discussing, and we probably will continue to devote time to it going forward. We choose to take a nuanced approach to this particular segment of the conversation, because we believe there is no black and white answer, as convenient as that would be. We consider the philosophy of our beliefs, and we also look to science to inform our decisions. 

Sources:

-Factors contributing to the success of a single-shot, multiyear PZP immunocontraceptive vaccine for white-tailed deer: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1223&context=hwi

-Effectiveness of Spayvac for Reducing White-tailed Deer Fertility: https://meridian.allenpress.com/jwd/article/43/4/726/124126/Effectiveness-of-SpayvacR-for-Reducing-White

-Partial Genome of Endangered Red Wolf Lives on in Canines Found in Texas: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2166634730?accountid=8289&pq-origsite=primo

-About the Wildlife Science Center: https://www.wildlifesciencecenter.org/about-us

-The Red Wolf Recovery Program: https://www.wildlifesciencecenter.org/red-wolf-recovery-program

-A Broken Toilet on SpaceX Capsule Means Astronauts Will Return to Earth in Diapers: https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1053383188/a-broken-toilet-on-spacex-capsule-means-astronauts-will-return-to-earth-in-diape

This week we talk about our path through higher education- which definitely hasn't been linear- and why we've chosen to take the route we have. We also talk about the Gabby Petito case, which resonated with us both so deeply, from the moment the news that she was missing hit the airwaves. Our hearts go out to both the Petito and Laundry families as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. Speculation aside, we can only imagine what going through something like this must be like.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive domestic situation, visit https://www.thehotline.org/ for tips and help. Please do not wait. If you are in a harmful situation, please reach out- there are people standing by waiting to help you.

My blog, The Ramblings of a Wanderer: https://rebeccagypsysol.wordpress.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maybewerejustrambling/

Let us know what you'd like to hear us ramble about next!

We wanted to provide resources for anyone who feels like traveling is just too expensive or too complicated. There is a lot of info in this episode, and we know it won't apply to everyone, but if just a few of you find it helpful, our job will be done!

Apps and websites we mentioned:

-UC Public CG

-Boondockers Welcome

-RV Parky

-iOverlander

-Freecampsites: https://freecampsites.net/

Some of the places we've stayed- and loved:

-Dawson Forest WMA, GA

-Mahanna WMA, MS

-Boot Hill Casino, Dodge City, KS

-Pawnee National Grasslands, CO

-Medicine Bow National Forest, WY

-The Bighorn National Forest, WY

-Black Hills National Forest, SD

-Buffalo National Grasslands/ "The Wall", SD

Follow us on Instagram: @maybewerejustrambling