Truck and other problems…

It has been a while since I have caught you all up on our life. About two weeks ago, Brian and I made the trip into a town that we have not been to yet, called Deland. I’m glad we went because I found an Aldi and it’s only 45 minutes away! There are a ton of other stores and restaurants as well. On our way home, we got a warning on the truck that said “WARNING! Exhaust Filter Overload! Immediate Service required!”

While we were out, we went to Sonny’s BBQ for lunch. I remember seeing a commercial on the TV there for Deland Nissan. So when I was driving and that warning came on, Brian called Deland Nissan and got an appointment to take it in the following Monday. Brian also thought that maybe we needed new batteries, so we bought batteries that same day. I think for two batteries it was a little under $500.

We bought an extended warranty when we bought the truck and we were told it covers everything… Come Monday, Brian takes it in. They told him that the part would cost $5,000. The dealership called the warranty company, and guess what… this part is NOT COVERED!!!! Nor would they cover the rental car we needed to drive 45 minutes back home because they were not covering the work that needed done. SIGH

But this is a needed part or the truck would blow up eventually, so he told them to get it done. After it was all done, it ended up coming to a little under $5,400.00 including the rental car. It was done the next day by 4pm. Needless to say, we will not be doing anything that costs money anytime soon until this is paid off. It may take a few months, but I am determined to pay this off by the end of the summer. I am determined to not purchase anything that is not a necessity. No eating out, no new personal items, just groceries and gas.

I was also thinking about selling my Vespa. There is a Vespa dealership in Daytona. That will help, since I am still making payments on it. I did put a big chunk of money down on it when we bought it, so I don’t have a huge payment, but I could put the money that I sell it for towards the truck repairs. I do love the Vespa, but it only goes 45mph, so I am very limited where I can drive it without pissing other drivers off. I can always get another Vespa that goes a little faster in the future.

The other problem, is not really a problem, just an emotion. I am feeling bored and lonely. Yes, I have Brian and the dogs, but I need a friend. I do get phone calls from an old coworker and that’s nice to talk to her every once and a while. I have never been great at making friends. I’m an introvert. I keep to myself. I like to sit in my recliner with my throw blanket over me, like an old woman. But my job in Maine requires me to be more outgoing and I feel I have been getting better. I’m still stubborn and I don’t reach out to anyone. I always feel like if I pick up the phone to call someone that I will interrupt their day. I’m not writing this to alarm anyone or for anyone to take pity on me, I just want to be real. It can be lonely on the road. The full-timers that are here are mostly older men and I highly doubt that they want to have girl talk with me.

I also have seen how much weight I have gained since we started full-timing. I am trying to get motivated to focus on myself and better my health. We did subscribe to Butcher Box, so that is helping to cut down on our grocery bill. It also helping me to focus more on getting more protein into my diet and cutting down on carbs. I looked into Keto, Carnivore, Adkins, and other diets, but I just can’t sit here and count my carbs or calories or let go of carbs all together. So I am just focusing on eating more proteins and vegetables. I love my crunchy salty foods (aka chips) and I am substituting them with nuts. I’m glad Brian has not been protesting. He still gets his candy that he snacks on, which I wish he would eat less of. I did get him to not drink Pepsi and now he is drinking water with me. Lets see how long that lasts (fingers crossed).

I do think I will get bored of salad as dinner’s side dish, so any side dish ideas that are not carbed up, post them below! I love getting new recipe ideas. As I write this, I am craving my homemade mac n’ cheese, so I have a feeling it is going to be difficult to let go of my carb cravings.

We did get some good sunset pictures these past few weeks and even did a Vespa photo shoot one night.

~Happy Travels!