We have traded in our fulltime travel trailer living for a 'real' house. So in order to fund my (I would say our, but let's be honest) many home improvement dreams we are selling our travel trailer.
Our much loved home on wheels can be yours for $6,000! We will consider all offers.
Here are the specs.
1996 Alumalite Holiday Rambler
Brand new tires!
Super slide in the living/kitchen (electric with manual backup)
Electric jack
Propane heater in living room
Propane Furnace
Electric A/C
Electric/Propane Fridge
Microwave
Propane Stove/oven. However the previous owners told us there may be an air leak in the oven. We never used it for baking.
Upgraded kitchen faucet with detachable sprayer
Sound system - radio, tape player, Aux hook-up
Water pump and grey/black water monitor system
Outdoor shower
Black water flushing system
Manual Awning
The cosmetic improvements include painting, and upholstery.
The buyer will need to provide their own mattress (queen) and living room seating (small couch, loveseat, futon)
email mjohn21@wgu.edu if you're interested!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Painting RV Interiors
As a follow-up to my last post I thought I'd share the lessons learned from our little DIY, specifically, how I painted the walls.
We used Dutchman paint, latex. All the paint was semi-gloss except for the grey, that was satin finish. If I could do it all again I would have gotten all satin. The semi-gloss is a little too reflective and took a lot more coats.
I read blogs online to prepare, and every one of them said something different. For vinyl walls the most complicated method said to wash, sand with fine sand-paper, wash again, dry, prime, paint. For the living room slide-out I did just that. Then I realized that me sanding and washing the entire camper myself would take forever. I didn't feel like the sanding was doing much anyway, so I skipped that step for the rest.
I washed all the walls with soap and water, primed, and painted. I did two coats of primer on the slide, and one coat of primmer on all the rest... I don't think two coats made a difference.
The green paint took FOREVER. I probably did at least four coats of the green, and touch-ups on spots where you could still see through. I started painting the green with a bristle paint brush, then switched to a flat sponge type one. The sponge one covered way faster and thicker. The rest of the colors only took two coats using a sponge brush/roller.
I didn't tape a thing, just free handed the trim and floor/ceiling.
I will say it's not exactly like painting a wall in a house. The paint seems a little more susceptible to scratches and such. We have the leftover little tubs of paint to make touch ups as necessary.
General Tips:
Use a sponge roller/brush/flat brush thing (don't know the proper term)
Carry a rag with you that has soapy water on it to fix your mistakes
Use an artists paintbrush to get into the small spaces (around outlets, doors, and windows)
Don't be afraid to lay it on thick, but not too think that it creates drips
We used Dutchman paint, latex. All the paint was semi-gloss except for the grey, that was satin finish. If I could do it all again I would have gotten all satin. The semi-gloss is a little too reflective and took a lot more coats.
I read blogs online to prepare, and every one of them said something different. For vinyl walls the most complicated method said to wash, sand with fine sand-paper, wash again, dry, prime, paint. For the living room slide-out I did just that. Then I realized that me sanding and washing the entire camper myself would take forever. I didn't feel like the sanding was doing much anyway, so I skipped that step for the rest.
I washed all the walls with soap and water, primed, and painted. I did two coats of primer on the slide, and one coat of primmer on all the rest... I don't think two coats made a difference.
The green paint took FOREVER. I probably did at least four coats of the green, and touch-ups on spots where you could still see through. I started painting the green with a bristle paint brush, then switched to a flat sponge type one. The sponge one covered way faster and thicker. The rest of the colors only took two coats using a sponge brush/roller.
I didn't tape a thing, just free handed the trim and floor/ceiling.
I will say it's not exactly like painting a wall in a house. The paint seems a little more susceptible to scratches and such. We have the leftover little tubs of paint to make touch ups as necessary.
General Tips:
Use a sponge roller/brush/flat brush thing (don't know the proper term)
Carry a rag with you that has soapy water on it to fix your mistakes
Use an artists paintbrush to get into the small spaces (around outlets, doors, and windows)
Don't be afraid to lay it on thick, but not too think that it creates drips
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The After
Here are pictures of our RV remodel. Enjoy!
New paint and upholstery.
Magnetic and chalkboard paint for the freezer.
One of my favorite things... retractable faucet thanks to Carrick's dad!
Removed the couch and put in our reclining loveseat and book shelves.
You can see our electric heater that works great! We don't use our propane one.
New paint and curtains. I just made that painting today.
We also switched out the mattress for our ultra-comfy but slightly larger one.
Towel storage inside the bathroom door.
New bathroom paint for the walls and fixtures.
New paint and curtains. I just made that painting today.
We also switched out the mattress for our ultra-comfy but slightly larger one.
Towel storage inside the bathroom door.
New bathroom paint for the walls and fixtures.
Bathroom artwork...
How to be an Artist, and a picture of kids from all over the world
I picked up at an artist's shop in Korea.
Monday, March 5, 2012
What's Not Important to Us: Stuff
While on this search to find what is truly important to us, we have discovered instead something that is not... well, many things to be exact. I'm talking about stuff. By stuff I mean the things that we fill our lives with, spend our paychecks on, and then throw away within the year because it no longer fits, matches our tastes, or is out of date.
We realized, mostly after packing up all our stuff, then unpacking, then packing... well you get the idea, that we spend so much of our time, money, energy on these things that do nothing to make our lives better. We found large discrepancies between what we thought we needed, and what we actually need to survive, be happy, and live comfortably.
I'm sure downsizing into a 31 x 10 ft-ish living space has had a lot to do with this... but I think we were coming to this realization even if we didn't move into a RV.
We've grown tired of the pressure to consume that we feel from society, and although it's hard at times we're on a path to avoid unnecessary purchases. For example, everyone at Carrick's work thinks we're absolutely nuts for moving into a camper, buying used cars, and our general philosophy on life. (I think Carrick has been called a hippie daily). When one of his higher-ups heard we were selling most of our furniture he remarked, "That's good, then you can go out and buy some new stuff that is in style now." Really, I think he missed the point.
No doubt our feelings are somewhat of a reaction to what we see happening around us... Many people experiencing foreclosure and debt because they were caught in this consuming game and needed something without having the money to pay for it at the time.
After doing some research on the internet it's no surprise that we are not alone. There are many people who are working on downsizing and changing there consumer habits. One website I particularly enjoy is www.storyofstuff.org.
Here is a great video that sums it up:
So here is our plan:
1. Only make purchases that we have the money to pay for immediately (with the exception of our cars). We don't have credit cards and we pay for my school up front which is something we've worked and saved to be able to do.
2. When we do make purchases we have an established need or justified want. We talk about it for awhile and shop around to find the best deal.
3. Buy items that are multi-purpose if possible (this is mostly due to limited space). For example we have a shoe rack doubling as a book shelf and our kitchen table is also our computer desk.
4. Purchase items that add to our lives, will get a lot of use, and bring us beauty (that last part is mostly for me, I'm sure Carrick doesn't care if things are pretty :).
5. Buy used if possible. Buying used saves us money, keeps something from going into a landfill, and and I'd like to think is a disruption to the crazy consumerism cycle.
I'd like also to add that we don't think all things are bad. We highly value and cherish the meaningful things in our lives like family heirlooms, special gifts from family and friends, mementos from our travels... We feel like if we limit some of the meaningless stuff we bring into our lives we are able to appreciate better the things that mean to most to us.
We realized, mostly after packing up all our stuff, then unpacking, then packing... well you get the idea, that we spend so much of our time, money, energy on these things that do nothing to make our lives better. We found large discrepancies between what we thought we needed, and what we actually need to survive, be happy, and live comfortably.
I'm sure downsizing into a 31 x 10 ft-ish living space has had a lot to do with this... but I think we were coming to this realization even if we didn't move into a RV.
We've grown tired of the pressure to consume that we feel from society, and although it's hard at times we're on a path to avoid unnecessary purchases. For example, everyone at Carrick's work thinks we're absolutely nuts for moving into a camper, buying used cars, and our general philosophy on life. (I think Carrick has been called a hippie daily). When one of his higher-ups heard we were selling most of our furniture he remarked, "That's good, then you can go out and buy some new stuff that is in style now." Really, I think he missed the point.
No doubt our feelings are somewhat of a reaction to what we see happening around us... Many people experiencing foreclosure and debt because they were caught in this consuming game and needed something without having the money to pay for it at the time.
After doing some research on the internet it's no surprise that we are not alone. There are many people who are working on downsizing and changing there consumer habits. One website I particularly enjoy is www.storyofstuff.org.
Here is a great video that sums it up:
So here is our plan:
1. Only make purchases that we have the money to pay for immediately (with the exception of our cars). We don't have credit cards and we pay for my school up front which is something we've worked and saved to be able to do.
2. When we do make purchases we have an established need or justified want. We talk about it for awhile and shop around to find the best deal.
3. Buy items that are multi-purpose if possible (this is mostly due to limited space). For example we have a shoe rack doubling as a book shelf and our kitchen table is also our computer desk.
4. Purchase items that add to our lives, will get a lot of use, and bring us beauty (that last part is mostly for me, I'm sure Carrick doesn't care if things are pretty :).
5. Buy used if possible. Buying used saves us money, keeps something from going into a landfill, and and I'd like to think is a disruption to the crazy consumerism cycle.
I'd like also to add that we don't think all things are bad. We highly value and cherish the meaningful things in our lives like family heirlooms, special gifts from family and friends, mementos from our travels... We feel like if we limit some of the meaningless stuff we bring into our lives we are able to appreciate better the things that mean to most to us.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
What's Important to Us: Each Other
This seems pretty basic right? Of course we're important to each other. But when we really looked at how we were living, it sure wouldn't seem that way. Ask anyone who is/has been married they'll tell you that marriages have their ups and downs, and that has been the case for us too, we'd just like to make sure the ups last a lot longer than the downs!
I'd say the boiling point was right before I came out to North Carolina. We were living apart, both doing our own thing, and not really focused on the other person. We were playing the blame game... both focusing on what the other person was doing wrong, not noticing how we were making the other person feel. At least that was the case for me.
Carrick and I would talk on the phone daily, but I was not really there. I'd be watching tv in the background or working on school, or more often than not on facebook or pinterest. Then he'd ask me a question and I'd have no idea what he was talking about. Busted! Turns out I'm not as good at multi-tasking than I thought.
It was then that we made a promise to each other to do better. To think about how our actions would make to other person feel, to give our undivided attention when it's required, to give up some of ourselves so that together we can be stronger. It has made a huge difference.
We speak kinder to eachother. We have new hobbies that we enjoy together. We've started disc golfing and hiking/biking together at the local National Forest. We share more about our day, and spend more time together when we're both home, instead of us being off in our own corners...
And now I see that being together is more important than ever... Carrick will deploy to Afghanistan in a couple months, and once again we'll face the world together but apart. It hasn't quite hit me yet, that he's leaving. It probably won't until he gets on the plane, but I do know that I will cherish our time together and be in every moment.
I'd say the boiling point was right before I came out to North Carolina. We were living apart, both doing our own thing, and not really focused on the other person. We were playing the blame game... both focusing on what the other person was doing wrong, not noticing how we were making the other person feel. At least that was the case for me.
Carrick and I would talk on the phone daily, but I was not really there. I'd be watching tv in the background or working on school, or more often than not on facebook or pinterest. Then he'd ask me a question and I'd have no idea what he was talking about. Busted! Turns out I'm not as good at multi-tasking than I thought.
It was then that we made a promise to each other to do better. To think about how our actions would make to other person feel, to give our undivided attention when it's required, to give up some of ourselves so that together we can be stronger. It has made a huge difference.
We speak kinder to eachother. We have new hobbies that we enjoy together. We've started disc golfing and hiking/biking together at the local National Forest. We share more about our day, and spend more time together when we're both home, instead of us being off in our own corners...
And now I see that being together is more important than ever... Carrick will deploy to Afghanistan in a couple months, and once again we'll face the world together but apart. It hasn't quite hit me yet, that he's leaving. It probably won't until he gets on the plane, but I do know that I will cherish our time together and be in every moment.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
To the Future...
I haven't blogged in awhile party because we were transitioning to life in the states, and I was completing my pre-student teaching, but also because I just didn't have much to say.
This blog started as a way for us to fill in our families on what we were doing while living in Japan, and I think I've done an ok job so far keeping it updated and meaningful. Our lives are changing though, and for a while I didn't know what the new purpose of this blog would be, or if it would even have a purpose.
I've decided to keep it going, and to write about our new life. I don't know if anyone will read it or find it interesting, but at least I will have a record of where we are now, and who knows... someday maybe our kids will enjoy reading it and laughing at how nuts their parents were.
As this blog finds a purpose, we hope to also. Coming back to life in the states combined with the end of Carrick's enlistment looming over us (only a year away!), we've had to decide where we go from here and what is truly important to us. We're starting on another journey of sorts because we've felt called by God to be more, do more, for each other and the world.
We're very much still learning and trying to figure it all out, so if you'd like you can come along for the journey on this blog. Cheers!
This blog started as a way for us to fill in our families on what we were doing while living in Japan, and I think I've done an ok job so far keeping it updated and meaningful. Our lives are changing though, and for a while I didn't know what the new purpose of this blog would be, or if it would even have a purpose.
I've decided to keep it going, and to write about our new life. I don't know if anyone will read it or find it interesting, but at least I will have a record of where we are now, and who knows... someday maybe our kids will enjoy reading it and laughing at how nuts their parents were.
As this blog finds a purpose, we hope to also. Coming back to life in the states combined with the end of Carrick's enlistment looming over us (only a year away!), we've had to decide where we go from here and what is truly important to us. We're starting on another journey of sorts because we've felt called by God to be more, do more, for each other and the world.
We're very much still learning and trying to figure it all out, so if you'd like you can come along for the journey on this blog. Cheers!
Korea
I know this is very late, but for documentation's sake I figured I would include a post about my trip to Korea. As I've mentioned before, the trip was to train adults in Girl Scout programming. I had an incrediable time, and it was great to be able to spend time with my friends before I moved. Two days were spent training and meeting other Girl Scouts, and we took two days to see the sights. We went to a shopping/cultural district on one day and to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the second.
Stephanie, a Korea GS Leader, and I after training.
Seoul Tower
Me outside the GS Korea store.
At the DMZ.
Arwen, GS Director - Okinawa, and I standing in N. Korea.
Stephanie, a Korea GS Leader, and I after training.
Seoul Tower
Me outside the GS Korea store.
At the DMZ.
Arwen, GS Director - Okinawa, and I standing in N. Korea.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Where are we going from here?
You may be wondering what is next for us.
I have one week left in Okinawa, followed by one week spent with Girl Scouts in South Korea.
After that I will be moving in with family for about 5-6months to complete observations and tasks in an elementary classroom. These tasks are pre-student teaching. We decided it was best for me to be in one place right now so I can knock out these tasks and get it done... instead of starting and stopping in three different places. Because of this I will be moving back to Iowa sooner, and staying later, than Carrick will.
Carrick will be staying in Okinawa until sometime around the 1st of Nov. He will get to come to Iowa for about 30 days of leave, and then move to North Carolina before Dec. 2nd.
I'm not looking forward to us being apart, but I know it is only temporary and will be worth it in the long run when I finally have my degree! Because I won't be able to move to NC until I get my tasks done in Iowa it will also be great motivation and keep me working hard so I can join my man sooner!
So that's the outlook for the Johnsons. Up next, Korea!!!
I have one week left in Okinawa, followed by one week spent with Girl Scouts in South Korea.
After that I will be moving in with family for about 5-6months to complete observations and tasks in an elementary classroom. These tasks are pre-student teaching. We decided it was best for me to be in one place right now so I can knock out these tasks and get it done... instead of starting and stopping in three different places. Because of this I will be moving back to Iowa sooner, and staying later, than Carrick will.
Carrick will be staying in Okinawa until sometime around the 1st of Nov. He will get to come to Iowa for about 30 days of leave, and then move to North Carolina before Dec. 2nd.
I'm not looking forward to us being apart, but I know it is only temporary and will be worth it in the long run when I finally have my degree! Because I won't be able to move to NC until I get my tasks done in Iowa it will also be great motivation and keep me working hard so I can join my man sooner!
So that's the outlook for the Johnsons. Up next, Korea!!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
International Move Take 2
So it begins the packing up of our life in Okinawa.
Everything is bitter sweet. We're sad to be leaving, but happy to go on to our next adventure.
I will miss the friendships that I have made, which are really beyond words to describe on this blog. I have met people who will forever be a part of my life, and I hope to visit them again on their island in the Pacific! It is a great feeling to know that you have people who care about you all over the world. Thank God for facebook and email.
We'll both miss the food... we've already been searching online for Thai and curry restaurants in the states. We're not to hopeful that we'll find much, and we're pretty sure it will never be as good as it is here.
I will miss perpetual summer (but not typhoons and 100 degrees at 7am).
I will miss having every outing, whether it be going out to dinner, or to the beach, or shopping, be an experience in culture.
This really has become our home. Our marriage has grown, we've added a dog, we've experienced happiness and heartache, and we'll be moving on to our next home eager to continue learning and growing.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Recent Crafties
I recently finished this monstrosity of a quilt. It's made from my old t-shirts from high school, Girl Scouts, and life guarding. I love my old tshirts and couldn't part with them, but was tired of them taking up so much space in my drawers. This is a great way to display them and hold on to those memories!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Our (soon to be) New Home
In between my turns to love up on my new baby niece, I set out on an alternate mission while I was visiting in Iowa, to find us a new home. For the past few months we (really 'I' with Carrick following along reluctantly) hatched a plan for our living arrangement when we move back stateside to allow us to save as much money as possible to eventually buy a house when we choose to settle permanently.
Living Room
Are you ready to hear our crazy plan?! We will be living in a 31ft travel trailer for the 18 months that Carrick will have left in the Marine Corps once we return stateside.
I have been researching online families who live fulltime in campers and rvs, and it really seemed like a viable and inventive way to live while we work on saving. Many of these families travel the world, which is why they choose a more moble lifestyle. However, we will be parking our trailer, which has been fittingly named "Happy," at our next duty station, most likely North Carolina. I'd love to take some time after Carrick get's out to do some traveling, but that will probably take some more convincing :).
So here are the specs of our new home:
1996 31ft Holiday Rambler travel trailer
Super slide in living room/kitchen
Super slide in living room/kitchen
and of course pictures!
I plan to do some redecorating and painting, so these will be the 'before' pictures.
Kitchen
Living Room
Entertainment/Storage in LR
Hallway Closets
Bathroom
Above toilet and little bit of vanity
Shower
Bedroom
Abbey is Here
I'd like to introduce you to my niece Abbey Mae! She was born June 17th, and I was honored to be at her birth. I made it home just in time to see my sister, Meagan, pregnant for a day. I got home on Wednesday night, and Thursday night we were at the hospital!
Abbey is so precious and already cracking us up. She is so animated with her facial expressions and has her own little diva personality at times! I loved getting to spend so much time with her, and it was sooo hard for me to leave. I can't wait until we're back stateside so I can visit this little peanut.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
It's June?
In the words of Albus Dumbledore... "Time is making fools of us again."
I seriously can't believe it's June. I can't believe this is our last summer on Okinawa, or that I will be home in 10 days, or that I will be meeting my niece in around 16 days!
Everything is happening fast, but I like it that way! If you know me you know I am not very patient and I hate waiting.
So since the last time I wrote here... I survived Girl Scout Camp. I was planning on writing a post about it afterwards, but it turns out I would rather block the whole experience out of my mind! Well not the whole experience I guess... We did manage to have an adequate amount of fun. I met some really amazing women, who I can now call friends, and I hope to visit in Korea before we move, but some aspects I will be happy to forget forever!
I'm still trudging away at school and will be one more semester down in August. I will start observing in classrooms this fall which I'm pretty excited about.
We had a pretty big typhoon hit a couple of weeks ago. The largest one since we've been here. There were a lot of trees broken and uprooted and some property damage. Carrick's car was the worst hit for us, with a big dent in the front fender. He just got it fixed this weekend though.
He's been keeping busy golfing, and I'm hitting up the pool and beach like it's cool. I'm also rereading Harry Potter for at least the seventh time. I just love my HP. I'm almost finished with the sixth book and I'm just reminded how much I love these books. JK Rowling is truly brilliant! It's just amazing how she's created this whole world and weaves together this story through all the books. Each time I read them I catch new details. Not to mention the characters... I feel like I know them and care about them..... and Yes, Carrick thinks I'm a huge nerd!
I've also been sewing a lot. I'm trying to use up my fabric stores so we have less stuff to move (my reasons may be coming in a post to follow) and I'll post some pictures of what I've been working on soon.
I seriously can't believe it's June. I can't believe this is our last summer on Okinawa, or that I will be home in 10 days, or that I will be meeting my niece in around 16 days!
Everything is happening fast, but I like it that way! If you know me you know I am not very patient and I hate waiting.
So since the last time I wrote here... I survived Girl Scout Camp. I was planning on writing a post about it afterwards, but it turns out I would rather block the whole experience out of my mind! Well not the whole experience I guess... We did manage to have an adequate amount of fun. I met some really amazing women, who I can now call friends, and I hope to visit in Korea before we move, but some aspects I will be happy to forget forever!
I'm still trudging away at school and will be one more semester down in August. I will start observing in classrooms this fall which I'm pretty excited about.
We had a pretty big typhoon hit a couple of weeks ago. The largest one since we've been here. There were a lot of trees broken and uprooted and some property damage. Carrick's car was the worst hit for us, with a big dent in the front fender. He just got it fixed this weekend though.
He's been keeping busy golfing, and I'm hitting up the pool and beach like it's cool. I'm also rereading Harry Potter for at least the seventh time. I just love my HP. I'm almost finished with the sixth book and I'm just reminded how much I love these books. JK Rowling is truly brilliant! It's just amazing how she's created this whole world and weaves together this story through all the books. Each time I read them I catch new details. Not to mention the characters... I feel like I know them and care about them..... and Yes, Carrick thinks I'm a huge nerd!
I've also been sewing a lot. I'm trying to use up my fabric stores so we have less stuff to move (my reasons may be coming in a post to follow) and I'll post some pictures of what I've been working on soon.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday in the Kitchen
We get really bored on Sundays. Usually we use up all the fun things we can think of on Saturday, and Sunday we stare at each other and ask, "Well, what do you want to do?" Thats when we walk into the kitchen and find something to make. Usually something that takes longer than 5 minutes which is why we aren't up to making it on weeknights.
Friday, March 4, 2011
A girl can dream right!?
Some day, when I have a house I can acutally do stuff to, it will look like this:
It will have awesome built ins everywhere... 
And white kitchen cabinets.... I LOVE white cabinets. Whenever we look at houses online we usually say what we'd do to them... Now Carrick just says, "Oh those cabinets will be painted white," for all the kitchens. 
There you have it! You can tell I'm into the white trim and blue-green color spectrum. Someday this will become a reality. Until then these pictures will sit in the same folder on the computer they've been in for two years. I don't have photo credits for them and probably should but oh well. Sorry copyright police!
It will have awesome built ins everywhere...
Rustic Country Charm? Yes Please!
And white kitchen cabinets.... I LOVE white cabinets. Whenever we look at houses online we usually say what we'd do to them... Now Carrick just says, "Oh those cabinets will be painted white," for all the kitchens.
Where we'll sleep...
And our children...
And YOU, our guests...
Don't forget the most important room in any Johnson house....
I'd actually want to do laundary here...
Or maybe we'll go the "cabin in the woods" route...
There you have it! You can tell I'm into the white trim and blue-green color spectrum. Someday this will become a reality. Until then these pictures will sit in the same folder on the computer they've been in for two years. I don't have photo credits for them and probably should but oh well. Sorry copyright police!
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