Chasing dreams

Are you on the road?

I read a great book this week called 'The Pilgrimage' by Paul Coelho ...

This is one book that has challenged me and inspired me. It made me realize some of the things that have led me and my family to hit the road in our little home on wheels. As you can read about many families who have decided to change their lives and hit the road, there is one overwhelming common denominator, we want to live a life more fulfilled.

That isn't to say, you cannot have a fulfilled life living, and working as 'normal' people do. Often you will read about families who have lived on the road, and then came to a conclusion that it was time to leave the road and live more conventionally. For reasons all their own, they decided that it was best for them to stop the nomad lifestyle. They experienced what they needed from life on the road, and now they can return to normality with a sense of accomplishment. I applaud those who have achieved this and feel that they have found what they are looking for, and settle down to a normal paced life so that they can apply the experiences and knowledge they gained on the road.

finding a geocache

The experiences achieved is like our own pilgrimage. We 'knew' that the conventional life had changed us somewhat. The idea of the open road, living on less, and experiencing more became a rallying point for our ideals of 'freedom.' This can be deceptive too.

The ideals of freedom are just that, an ideal situation. Little do they realize that cramped spaces, inconveniences of living on the road, can and will set you back. My brand new camper was all shiny when I picked it up in July. It didn't take too long before perfection revealed its flaws. So you really have two responses when such things happens. One is to learn and adapt, and use it as part of the experience. The other is to let it get you down, frustrate you, and diffuse your dreams of an ideal perfect experience on the road.

We really dig home schooling

Learning to adapt to change is part of the process. Like in the book, the author had an intellectual ideal of his purpose of the pilgrimage. He had a purpose which was to find his sword, a symbol of mastery in his walk in life. Little did he know of the pains, the suffering, and the battles that awaited him. What was intellectual became experiential. What was an ideal, became a hindrance, yet molded him to achieve mastery in a way he never imagined. We too, who chose a life much different will face many challenges. It will question our very choices to live on the road. How we respond and answer these challenges will mold us and change us, for our own benefit if we allow it.

For my family, we have had things broken. We experienced inconveniences to normal things we thought were a necessity. We had to be creative and adjust our well thought out plans. In the end, we have grown in this short time. By no means have we mastered this life on the road, however we have grown stronger as a family. We have had experiences that will last a lifetime. We put wheels and feet to our dreams in hopes to experience more. Ultimately these experiences will teach us that our dreams are possible, tangible, and we are worthy to pursue them.

Come along for the ride...

I truly thing that is why people do what we do, to experience something extraordinary such as climb mountains. We want a life more fulfilled. We just needed to get out of our normal day to day life in order to define it. Why we go on the road is less important than what the road leads us to discover. The challenges, the experiences, and what we learn form us, change us, and teach us what is truly our own prize.

The other response is to let it agitate us, conflict us, and defeat us. There are some who have chose to leave the road due to hardships. They leave the road because the idea of freedom felt overwhelming, unattainable. That is part of the human condition, simply to allow life to get us down. To allow others or situations to define us. Little by little, we give up our dreams and 'settle.' Of course, we all have the freedom to make our own choices, to determine our own happiness and far be it from me to condemn those who 'settle' down and find contentment. I only challenge those who give up, to find another dream, another purpose, because it was what led them to the road in the first place.

A road less traveled...

So, we continue on the road a few more months before the harshness of winter sets in. We will winter at home for a time to connect with family and friends, and for the practicality of it. However, it will not keep the road from our hearts and inspire us to dream.

The Ever-Creative Evie

Duct Tape Purse Perfection

As I  walked through the door, I was tackled by Evie. She was excited to see me and have her daddy home. She was overwhelming excited to show me her knew art/craft project. A purse made from duct tape. I have seen a lot of things and I have to say that I am very impressed. 

She had made it for her friend back home she is planning to visit with today. Evie is like that. She often gives of herself and time to her friends. She like to make them happy. Making things, either drawing or using her 'other creative' forces to conjure up something fills her day.

School had gone by so much better today. Kids were up, happy, and much more focused today. Jen had several projects around Arrakis to finish before she heads back home to take care of some personal business, visit family, and check on the house. I for one will fend for myself for the next couple of days. I think I can manage.

A family dinner, a day of unfortunate events

Kids setup the picnic table for a great summer dinner

Today was a tough day...

From the very start of the day, it started to rain. This made travel to my new work location difficult having to almost travel by the Force due to the heavy rain, crazy traffic, and newness to the area. Luckily, with my Waze App loaded on my iPhone, I was able to get turn by turn navigation and avoid some costly delays. Even with the bad weather, I was able to make good time and arrive to my new client site ready to work.

As with any client, there are politics and culture. I have to say that the culture at my new client location is the most difficult I have experienced in recent past. It seems that there are those who are the 'culture police' to make sure that everyone is following 'the policy.' So, I was a little put back by the change in scenery. Especially with worrying about every step I make could lead to someone sending some email to higher ups because of something I may have done. 

Use of headphones... Nope

Eating at your desk...Nope

Use of cellphone... Only in approved areas

Texting.... Nay, Nay!

Jen kicking back to enjoy a book after her tough day

I am a take charge kind of guy. You give me something, I get it done. I am diligent, hard working, and work fast. Part of that is due to my ability to focus a midst distractions. One of my tools is the use of headphones. Being able to listen to music or podcasts in the background allows me to drown out the drivel around me. So, the culture in this location will test my wits and my ability to focus. Change is always hard.

Jen had her own list of struggles today. For one, our oldest was falling behind in her schoolwork and only putting in minimal effort. That is a struggle with homeschooling. The more 'open' environment, can lead to laziness. It is important to identify the struggle, offer encouragement, and if necessary enforce proper habits so that they can succeed. Homeschooling is a pleasure for sure, but these struggles can be daunting. You don't want your children to fall behind. You want to make sure they are making steady progress. At times,  you have to reset, re-evaluate, and make a course correction. Jen, the trooper and mom-extraordinaire, had to take a stronger stance than usual, and Uno followed suit.

On top of that, we had another camper misadventure. We forgot to batten down the hatches so to speak and left the outdoor kitchen door lifted up. This has never been a problem in the past. I guess I say that a lot since we are still inexperienced as full timers. Water seemed to fly sideways and collect on top of the counter in the outdoor kitchen. It then flowed underneath and got the floor wet in the minion's bunk room. So Jen battled getting all the water up, closing the outdoor door (getting soaked in the process), and getting all the wet things dry. We had to go out and get a wet dry vac to help finish the job and using fans to help finish drying the carpet. 

As you can tell, both Jen and I were in foul moods by the evening. Instead of cooking for ourselves, we got take out Chinese and had a lovely evening at the picnic table. The weather was much cooler due to the rain and quite enjoyable. We finished dinner, kids biked, and Jen and I grabbed books, our zero gravity chairs, and set ourselves to a quiet evening. This lasted a while until the swarms of mosquitoes decided to descend to our location. Packing up the books, T-Rex, and a few odds and ends, we headed to the camper. We finished the evening watching '1911', a historical movie about the Chinese Revolution starring Jackie Chan. Tomorrow, will be a better day, at least we hope it to be.

Seasons and change

Dos enjoying ice cream from Bubbles

Well our time up in Northern Indiana has come to a close. We will be transitioning to our next location in Indianapolis Indiana. The saddest part about this lifestyle is that you make acquaintances, meet lots of new people, and have fun experiences, and at some time, you just have to walk away. Much like leaving Disneyland without riding all the rides, it feels like you haven't yet begun to experience all there is to see and do.

We definitely feel like that with our church friends at Calvary Chapel Sunset Coast. What a great fellowship there. Sadly, we will have to be moving on. We pray that God continues to bless them and their ministry. Hopefully we will find a solid church with a heart of fellowship in our new location.

That said, I believe our experiment is not going to end with this month! Jen and the kids have agreed that an extended stay is in order. The kids are having a blast. They love the travel, the experiences, and the freedom to ride their bikes just about everywhere. I enjoy having my family with me while I travel. So as long as we can muster it, we will continue this little adventure and see where it takes us!

You see, I finally got it this morning! There is more freedom in my 300 square feet than your 3000 square foot McMansion! Here is why...

If I don't like my neighbors.... I can move
If I don't like the weather...... I can move
If I don't like how the sun hits my face the wrong way in the morning... I can move
If I don't like the homeowners association(we don't have any)............  I can move
If the drunk rednecks across the street decide to light fireworks at all hours in the night.... I can move

I have more freedom in my choices, in where I go, than being locked in on a mortgage, a home, or permanent place.

Hiking the day away...

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Minions Posing For Mom at the Bailey Homestead

part of the National Park Service

So today was adventure day. Or for those less acquainted with homeschooling life. This would be the equivalent to a school field trip. Except this field trip didn't include riding the over stuffed, non air conditioned, half way broken down old school bus. No waivers had to be signed. While they did pack lunches, plenty of water, and set off for an adventure.

I was told by Jen that they took the hike by themselves without a guide and got lost. Here is a picture of that moment, for your viewing pleasure. The good thing is that in this modern day of technology, Jen was able to navigate her way back on course and off to more adventures. There are days, where you think, 'how did we ever get along without all this technology stuff?' Oh, that is right, compass and a map! Might need to dust that off!

Interesting Tree Fungus

The kids also got to visit the 'Sugar Shack.' In my day of summer camps in Arkansas (camp "Wildwood"), that was the local snack hut where you could buy soft drinks, candy, and a myriad of other things. However this actually was the sugar shack where they make... maple syrup, and sugar of all things! It is still the location where they have a sugar/maple syrup festival each year.

Minions on the search for S-U-G-A-R!

One of those rainy days...

You know it is one of those rainy days....

On those rainy days, sometimes camping out and
watching a movie is the best thing you can do

The kids are rambunctious and full of energy. Being trapped in the camper, our home, 'Arrakus' to us, tests the limits of controlled chaos. I fully expected Jen's hair to be completely white, and Dos bouncing off the walls from the sheer confinement.

I was greeted with none of that. Jen and Jr. were on the couch reading a book together. Tayla ("T-Rex") was playing with her naked barbies. Don't ask me why they are naked. Rest assured that if you buy this child a Barbie, it will inevitably end up naked. I think, clothes on these figures are just extra wrapping to her. Either way, she was having a great time playing with them.

Jen had stewed chicken on the stove cooking away while I sat and unwind. Uno and Dos were out making new friends and riding their bikes. The weather had been clear for just a short hour and they took full advantage of getting on the bikes and 'vamoosing' away.

Funny thing these kids. They were so worried about not having friends, or being able to make new friends. But not a week goes by and they have made numerous new friends and pen-pals. Is it still called pen-pals when they just email each other? I digress.

I remember the fears of family members that our kids were grow up awkward. They were afraid are children would turn into the 'social pariah' of weirdness. Rest assured, my kids are socially healthy, have tons of interests, and can make friends at a drop of the hat. I challenge the notion to say my kids are better at making friends that 'normal' kids. You see, my kids don't have a social ladder to climb. My kids don't have to have approval from others in order to fit in a specific pecking order. My kids are kids, and can be just that. My kids are not pressured to fit into a specified peer group. My kids are 'free range....'

Free range? Doesn't that sound ultra hip and veggie? Oh dear, does that mean I am a hippy? Well, so far I don't dress like one, I still like to hunt, shoot guns, and guns shows are second or third most important events to attend other than church and evening supper. But yes, I am a little free range I guess. I am happy my kids are home schooled, and I am happy my kids are free to explore the world instead of confined to a specific geographic location. Just this last month, you would be amazed if you could see what I see in my kids eyes. It is like a world is unlocked to them. They have explored, done things, and seen many new things that they would never had a chance to see without this opportunity to be with me on the road.

The Waze To Go

Waze is a life saver!

How can I count the Waze?

How would you like instant notification of police in the area (if you like to drive fast)? You get an audible letting you know that you should be looking out for them.

Need to know if there are hazards on the road? Waze will alert you of cars, or other items on the road that you need to watch for.

Is the weather bad? How about traffic (how fast, how heavy, standstill)? Waze will let you know of the hazardous conditions, speed of traffic if slowed down, and other conditions that make your daily commute more informed.

Would you like a turn by turn navigation for free? Waze provides that as well. I am very impressed with this app. You earn points, can build a social network, , edit maps, and make the experience shared by all much better!

We used it to help find dinner yesterday. I wanted chicken wings. Something called out to my soul... 'Buffalo Wild Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings.' I said to my soul, 'It's not on my diet.' My soul could not be abated. I found myself traveling, with family in tow, and the Waze app running on my phone, delivering me to the promised land of wings.

What a great place, Sports, kid friendly food, chicken wings, buzz time trivia. I asked the manager if we could take up residence. He shook his head no, he said something like 'policy' and 'strange request' and 'you are freaking me out.' So we parted ways, I with full belly and the kids in tow. Even little T-Rex ate her Mac-N-Cheese, so that was a plus.

We were able to leave our table with only one spill. Dos, though drenched, had enjoyed herself too. We finished the evening with some kid movie that was interesting, a little over acted, and well... boring. I left to my comfy bed with book in tow. It was a great evening.

Art and History Night

The Board Game of Se-net

Tonight turned into Art History night...

We started the evening with chili on the stove and an evening of sharing. Kids were in rare form for sure. We had a stressful day. Tonight we planned a simple evening filled with quiet times of reading, or other less involved activities.

Jen had to deal with our 'black pyramid' and had to flush the tank again. I had a brutal day answering the phone and fixing user issues. I think the quiet time was much needed as I really didn't want to have a lot of noise in the background. Spend a day in a cramped room surrounded by unhappy folks and dealing with critical issues does that to you.

I started the book 'Midnight in the garden of good and evil' and Momma-San went to bed early leaving me with a disquieted and rambunctious group of minions. No problem I thought. My book will have to wait. Uno asked for a game of Se-net. She is enthralled with everything Egyptian. She got this really cool book with fold outs and activities that she bought from her trip to the Museum in Chicago.

She told me the rules, we played. It was surprisingly fun. Much like a mix of chess, Othello, and 'Sorry!' all rolled into one. I like playing board games, the problem with two person games is that everyone else wants to play. Trying to keep T-Rex, the most annoyed minion who wanted to play, occupied was a tough job.

I haven't sketched in years, this was my result

That is when we turned to art. T-Rex was satisfied coloring in her new coloring book. Uno and Dos wanted me to teach them how to draw. We spent the next hour and a half working on drawing the human head and how to sketch things so that they eventually come out the way they wanted to.
In the end, all off to bed. I settled the minions down with a little struggle, and I am off to bed.

Drums and Soda

Trying to keep our children well rounded on the road, we have tried to keep our children's music lessons as part of our program. Both my oldest and middle daughter keep busy with guitar lessons and piano lessons. However, my son is much more laid back and both of those options didn't seem to be a good fit for him. Well, while trying to get new strings for Jayelle's guitar, Jen and the minions visited a music shop. They were quite friendly and helpful. They even installed the strings for Jayelle. That is a plus because normally, I am the one having to do it for her. I don't mind, however this gave her the opportunity to practice during the day while I am at work.

JJ found his calling I believe. He wanted drums. While we don't have the room for a full percussion ensemble, we did find a djembe. It allows him to practice rhythm and work on different sounds made by striking the skin of the drum in different ways. I am excited for him. Normally, he loses interest rather quickly. I think when things become difficult or a sibling may be more gifted, he likes to stray away.  Since nobody in the house plays the drum, it is his opportunity to shine all by himself. We may have to struggle with him banging his lil' drum for a while, but I say 'bang on, my son!'

We also ventured out to the local outlet mall in Michigan City. Pretty cool place. The weather was nice for walking even though T-Rex, our littlest decided not to cooperate. We visited one of the chef supplies places and found a SodaStream with all the different flavors. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Diet Dr. Pepper. Being a soda addict is an affliction, I know. However buying all those expensive cans and bottles does hurt the budget a little. More so, having storage for all of it doesn't make good sense. We are so limited in space, buying extra and storing like we normally do at home is not an option. There have been nights I have had to do without (how sad, right?). With the SodaStream, they even have a Diet Dr. Pepper flavor. I guess that is all I needed to splurge on the unit.

I am very impressed .The flavors are great. They taste so close to the real thing, you will be surprised. The added benefits of cost, no plastic bottles to throw away, and the reduced calories in the other flavored drinks  makes this a real win for the Barnes family on the road!

The Adventure Begins

The Adventure Begins...

My name is Jeff, I am the father of four awesome 'minions' and the husband to a wonderful wife. We plan to spend the next month living in our new 2013 Cougar High Country as a way to learn about home schooling on the road. As a health care consultant, I have been given the opportunity for an extended stay on location. We thought it would be a great opportunity to experience something new, grow as a family, and just see where this adventure takes us. Wish us luck, I am sure we are going to need it.

Our goal is for one month to experience what it is like to live on the road together in an RV. From homeschooling, cooking, and just plain living, we plan to share this adventure together. This all within our travel trailor (2013 Cougar High Country). We started this week as I pulled the camper onto location and waited for Jen and the kids to arrive after they had finished their summer swimming lessons. Already, we have climbed Mt. Baldy, met numerous new people, ate fresh produce from local farmers, fished, and played! And this isn't even our vacation!

I will post more interesting thoughts and musings as we experience this adventure together!