4 years ago she began her travels after a 20 year career as a health inspector for the state of Vermont.
The perfect rig for a solitary traveler--a Toyota powered Dolphin motor home that will go about anywhere. 15 MPG --very dependable---cost under $10,000---containing all the creature comforts a sensible person could desire.
Illustrating the lightweight simplicity of her lifestyle----2 keys! How many keys do you use?
She agrees to an in depth interview. Her good humored candor amazes me. She is single--- debt-free---comfortably mobile----frugal--efficient in a hundred ways---computer savvy----financially comfortable---low carbon footprint----smart---sociable, with a wide network of friends---never bored--never lonely---is an atheist--- not superstitious. I resolve to dig deeper for clues that you might find useful.
Housekeeping--- impecable----bed enough
kitchen, fridge, bath and storage enough. Stashed somewhere is all the equipment needed for her antique business---including her current crop of antiques which she sells on e-bay, earning about $200 a month. (has tallied more than 10,000 transactions and 5000 positive feedback comments)
Workspace and dining area. Electronically she is well up to speed--with solar panels, inverter, phone, mifi for internet access and 2 laptops.
Yesterday she fixed her truck (check engine light) by unlocking its computer code. Today I find her repairing a bike tire.
Chris at age 38----a sensual knockout---but hear me sweet readers---she's more of a knockout now for the life wisdom she embodies---says NOW is the happiest time of her life and that it keeps getting better.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: After much digging in her history---a theory emerges---how she evolved to such a blessed state: AN UN-NURTURING MOTHER persuaded her very early to look elsewhere for nurture and guidance. SHE CHOSE TO LOOK WITHIN!---and to be her own meaning and morality maker. ( Her ethics are eclectic and extremely functional.)
A second cause of her extraordinary happiness is a HABIT OF SAYING YES TO OPPORTUNITIES.
something she learned early---by accident---a spontaneous yes---brought such rich enjoyment that she said YES and Yes again---it became a SELF ENHANCING SPIRAL UPWARD: Yes led to rich experience and more yesses to more richness-etc. ( people who say NO habitually--- spiral downward)
There you have it dear readers---a great suggestion for reaching a blessed life: 1. SELF RELIANCE 2. SAYING YES TO OPPORTUNITIES.
44 comments:
Hi Randy, Generally speaking, how is Chris different from most single women RVers? Are there many of them?R
You sure you got her age right Randy, 38 - 4 years on the road = 34 - 20 years as a health inspector.
Do they hire them at 14 in Vermont?
Maria.....that was an early photo of me when I was 38, the other pictures were taken yesterday....I am 67 now.
I love her rig its just the right size! My plan is on track...hope I can hold out till then!
My countdown clock come Dec 31st will be 720 days!
Ahhhh.....thought I jumped into a time warp!
Thanks :)
I should be on the road myself in a few months too. Don't have all my ducks in a row yet but I'm sure it will all fall into place nicely.
That's my Aunt Chris and my inspiration for selling my house and all that's in it so I too can bodly go where "I"
have never been before. Inward and outward.
I met Cris in Texas and found her to be a delighful lady and hope to cross her path again. Her pup was a real sweety too.
How about an ebay user name for those of us who go to ebay daily to buy or sell. Great story Randy.
Red Meador
ebay: timetwospare
Chris you are a true inspiration!! I am looking at rigs similar in size to your rig. My only concern is if the rv breaks down, then I am stuck without wheels and paying to stay in a hotel. Has this happened to you very often? Also, though I don't think I would get lonely traveling alone, I wonder if I would be scared. Do you ever get scared?
Thanks so much for the peek into your life. :-)
Hi Barney.....you who introduced me to Whataburger.
And Red.....my eBay username is vtchris
Great post, great lady and great rig! If I have to get another rig I'll be looking for those Dolphins.
Susan, The times I have had to have repairs , the garages has always let me camp in my RV, even providing me with water & electricity....one time for a whole week. I am never lonely, friends are all around me! RVers are wonderful people. If I am ever scared I just turn the key and move to a new location, easy peasy. And one of the reasons for choosing my rig....I don't have to go outside to get in the driver's seat.
Thanks, Chris! Well, that's really good to know that rv repair places let you camp in your rig. Also, one of the reasons I want a small RV is to be able to move at a moments notice. I would love to meet up with the Kodger group, you and others who have inspired me along the way. One more year till my youngest graduates high school, then I hope to have the RV within the year and start traveling. Any advice for those at the beginning stages? Should we JUST DO IT. ;-)
Susan
Chris, do you have a blog? Now I will quit pestering you. ;-)
Susan
I was trying to email you! I don't have a blog, but you can find me via email or FaceBook at nekvermonter at g mail dot com....
Yeah! Chris is the real deal! We got to meet her in Texas, and I hope we meet again soon. She's fun and practical, like a hybrid. :D
Good choice of interviewee!
The Good Luck Duck
Chris,
You are my favorite gypsy and I truly admire your courage. I love Roseville pottery, Weller and McCoy. If you ever come across a piece or two, let me know. Love you! Honor
Kudos to you, Chris! Your home is the perfect size and you have the perfect attitude! I just requested your "friendship" on FB. I hope we get to meet up one day!
Grace (in Tucson)
Randy
Isn't it time you settle down and get married, vtchris sounds perfect for you, send me the link to your wedding registry
My dear sweet Honor....I will be in your neighborhood Fall of 2013, hope we can get together.
Grace, I have accepted your friendship and hope to meet you one day. This winter I will be in TX, LA and FL.
Wow, anonymous, wouldn't that be something - the kodger - married!! Even I would come to that wedding - well, maybe not as I am totally against marriage. Maybe they could just travel together a bit first - make Randy a bit more interesting for a change LOL. Hey, Randy, what do you think?
Thanks Chris! I'll connect with you via email. :-)
Susan
>>that was an early photo of me when I was 38, the other pictures were taken yesterday....I am 67 now.<<
Great pictures, both at 38 & 67!
Oh Randy you are so lucky to have run into this beautiful wonderful person. I have known Chris for a long time. even before she "hit the road". Our relationship began on ebay. I would buy something and then ask about it, etc. We started chatting back and forth just for the fun of it (still do) and viola, a special wonderful friendship was born. When she was getting ready to liquidate and go, everything happened in perfect "Chris" style it seemed to just click for her. I know that meeting and becoming Chris's friend is one of the best things that has happened to me. She is my mentor in many ways!
Great blog Randy! I think I will keep up with you. Maybe one day I will be able to drive again and watch out world, here I come! Are you ready Miss Chris?
Bring it on Miss Ellie, I would love to have your sweet companionship!
Great post Randy! Love the life Chris is living what a great story.
Tina
I'd kill for that rig! I've been shopping and everything I find is way too big. That's the perfect size, what a cool woman!
I enjoyed this post as well Randy. Ash ley there is a yahoo group for Toyotoa Motorhomes: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-campers/
There is also a wesite that has plenty for sale: http://www.toyotamotorhome.org/classifieds/index.php
Tony is right....check out those two Toyota forums if you are inclined to buy one, there is a lot to know, the good & the bad. I am an active member under the vtchris handle.
Picture #1 says it all.
Smallest home, biggest backyard and no worries. :)))
Keep on Truckin'Chris!
Sven
(1993 Toyota RV owner)
Chris, another question. :-) Many full timers pull a camper so they can unhook and drive their trucks around. Other full time RVers still pull a little car. I want something like you have or a Class B Falcon and would prefer not to pull another vehicle but will I NEED a vehicle. It looks like you get by with your bycicle. In your experience, how inconvenient is it to have to move your rig whenever you want to go into town? If it's a major problem then I probably need to look into a little camper...don't want to pull anything big...but I'd rather not. Decisions, decisions.
Thanks!
Susan
Susan.....every person's "style" is a bit different, but I like to keep it simple. Any stuff I use while in one spot gets put back in its place as soon as I am finished with it. The only things I set outside are my step stool, my camp chair and my bicycle (chain locked). Therefore all I have to do is turn the key and off I go to the store/laundry/museum/whatever. No muss, no fuss. When I am in a "hook up" spot, I have "quick disconnects" for water, etc. and just leave the hoses at that site which I plan to return to. I love not having another vehicle that I have to pay to maintain, insure, register. Heck, my RV gets as good gas mileage as many pickup trucks! I have NEVER found myself wanting a car.
Thanks, Chris! Very encouraging! Look forward to talking more about all this when you get to Texas. :-)
Onward,
Susan
Chris, I saw your story on the Toyota site. Nice story. I would like to hear more about your travels, are you going to start a Blog in the future? Happy trails.
Roy in Fla.
Hi Roy,
Sorry, but no blog. Most people follow me on Facebook (I accept friend requests once I am convinced you aren't a stalker).
Chris
I am a woman and I must say that is the kind of lifestyle I always wanted to have. Unfortunately for me I was born in another country, where it's not safe at all for anybody, specially a woman, to live a life like that. I have been reading all your blogs about living on the road, nomad life, for three days now and I felt like living a comment at this time, to say you guys are so lucky to live in the USA or Canada! If only I lived there...
Cheers from Brazil!
Thanks Marie for reminding me how fortunate I am to be living in the USA! I will do my best to stop complaining about our politicians.
Hi Chris, Seems to me that your current co-star in life is your Toyota Dolphin. Could you please tell us what year it is, how many miles it has, and how many miles you put on it each yea? And, how's it holding up? How costly is it to maintain? Thanks...My best, Richard from the Buck and Doe.
Hi Richard in Argentina, This is my second Toyota, it has 78,000 miles on it, I average about 10,000 a year, the maintenance cost varies, but my guess is $1,000 - $2,000 per year. It is a 1993 Dolphin, I bought it July of 2011 from a private dealer for $11,000. My last one was the 1991 Itasca model (very similar), it had 120+ miles and a newly rebuilt engine when I sold it for $7,000. The buyer & I are still friends....
Randy
SOON YOUR DREAM will becoming true, 10's of millions will be living on nothing just like you are always preaching :-))
They will all read your Blog for advice on your perfect life I'm sure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/business/new-wave-of-adept-robots-is-changing-global-industry.html?ref=technology&pagewanted=all
Like Chris, I travel around by myself in my little 14-foot 1978 Toyota Chinook with only my fiddle for a companion. (Before I got the Chinook, it must've been in an accident and someone cut off the back 3 feet.) Women universally comment that they'd like to be doing the same thing. Women can see themselves handling a small motor home like this rather than a big rig! There's plenty of room in my little Chinook for me AND a guitar player who travels light, if I ever run into one!
Some of your comments are missing the point of this post....commenting on comments and being kind of picky about stuff.
I loved this encounter with "the queen of the road". There are many of us who would love to live like this. Maybe your post will give us the incentive.
Thanks.
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