I am feeling sad - I am not sure what to do. I can't work and don't want to take any more money from my mom for my mortgage. I think it's time to move into my small trailer (i can't afford the large RV at all).

I guess with the money I save on living I can get more solar panels. Camping will certainly make me feel better. Maybe this can be a good thing?

I just need to figure out a way to live while I work on my appeal. I am sorry if that is not clear. It will take at least a year to appeal.

I'm very good at camping, so it would be okay. I need to take some time and make a plan on where to go and how to get internet each day, and so on.

There's also always the Slabs for winter. Been wanting to check that out. And the Long Term parking areas in AZ and CA.

Jilly, it sounds like change would not be so bad, afterall. What are the Slabs? What is Long Term Parking areas?

Jilly, You are an artist at living frugally so I'm sure you will do the best you can with what you will have. You're on my prayer list that everything gets taken care of quickly!

I see trailer/small RV living as a possibility for an exciting new life! Traveling whenever you have the funds for gas. Not being tied to anything.

An opportunity for a new point of view.

Jilly, you are an amazing being. You are witty and well written. Your "job" is as a writer. When the time is right, you will make writing your career.

All is well.

Additional thought: I love how you use the forum as your "journal" or "sounding board". You think it out and weigh different scenarios. Kudos to you!

Jilly, I agree with Yvonne. This can be a very good thing. I actually see this as an opportunity to write a memoir! Have you read "A Girl's Guide to Homelessness?" She started a blog about her move into an RV where she lived in a Walmart parking lot. Even if you don't get a big publisher, you can self-publish. You already have a built-in audience.

Get on the Slabs forum and see if somebody is offering free WiFi out there and park your rig close to them. Also, Quartzsite is so very festive and the LTVAs open for six months starting in November, right?

How big is your small trailer? Patrick and I lived for 10 months in a 23 foot class C. Then we lived in a 36 footer for another year or so.

Susan-Slab City and LTVAs are Long Term Visitor Areas in Arizona and California that RVers flock to in the wintertime. It's government land that you can live on for free or a very nominal fee.

Erin, thanks for the info ...

Love that pic Erin. Awesome advice.

It's a mini-trailer, like 12or 15 feet. i am not good at guessing. But it seems a great size for me. The inside is gutted.

You're welcome Susan.

Thanks Yvonnie, I love that silly pic!

Jilly, what kind of work do you have to do to make it livable? That seems like a nice size to me. Is it towable?

Could you consider moving to CA to be nearer your parents and your CA friends (like me!)?

Lori, I am definitely going to be in CA for some time! I look forward to seeing you.

Erin, it's hooked up to my jeep and ready to go. I put in a bed and am basically going to be camping inside. Really looking forward to actually getting on the road.

Keep us posted Jilly! Where in CA are you headed? One good thing about road trips, you get some of your best ideas on them. So, you've got some good brainstorming time ahead of you.

Yay Jilly!

You're my hero.

BTW, did you figure out your internet options yet?

My parents live in San Diego, so i will end up there sooner or later.

I don't have a plan and that is just the way i like it. my plan is to get up each day and decide where and when I feel like driving.

Thanks, Yvonnie!

I am pretty much packed but been so emotionally drained from this week that I'm having trouble getting it finished.

What I need to do is print out a temporary registration and then take the trailer (Logan) out this weekend. At that point I can drive out towards Cottonwood, Sedona or Flagstaff, getting a permanent registration on Monday. I might plan a shakedown cruise around the area just to see if I have everything set up properly.

I have someone to watch my cats and check my mail for as long as I need. I'll miss the little one, but it would be complicated to take any of them (the cats) along for this trip.

What I want to do is get to higher and cooler elevations, like in Flagstaff.

That's as far as i have things set in my mind. Besides doing a lot of reading and hiking and writing. And more reading.

Erin, i've never considered writing a memoir. I do plan to make a lot of frugal books/homesteading workbooks and the like.

I am very interested in 'happiness studies' right now, and have a huge shelf of related books packed away to read while traveling.

A memoir sounds like a fun project, but there really isn't a plot to relate. And no characters or climax to the story. I don't see it being much of a tale.

My plan at this time is to get Serenity out to Yuma and park on my land there. And then stay at my parent's place in San Diego for awhile in a tent. And I can easily go back and forth to Yuma to stay at my own place there.

I have people to help me move the RV down there. It will be a hassle, but once done I will feel a lot better, safer and more in control of my life.

Jilly -

That sounds like a lovely plan. That way you can visit your parents when you want and also have your own place to retreat to when you want.

It's good to have options!

And you'll get the best of both worlds, too! Living part-time at your parents in that beautiful location, and in Yuma, which is such a darling town!