Choose the spots where you like to stop and wake up, choose the events you would like to work, choose whatever feels good. And you will be surprised, mostly in a positive way. It goes further than that, choose the people you like to be around. It took decades to make a huge change and follow my intuition constantly. I feel more relaxed than ever before. The only thing that sucks energy? The discussions and prejudices about my choices and my own way of living.
Current life
Since I am back in the Netherlands, I am trying to fix a lot of things. For example my partner in crime Vin Diesel needed to recover, I need some recovery and also my bank account can use some fresh coins. Was there a plan? Why should there be one? I know what needs to be done, there is no tight time schedule, there is budget and there is always a way to get somewhere. I will use my creative and flexible mindset to get there.
All those questions
I didn't realize that returning back 'home' would feel like being judged in a heated talkshow. Or being locked out. Don't get me wrong, I like to talk and answer questions. Some actually ask me to shut up sometimes. But if I mention that there is no mapped out plan or something and that all future actions depend on how things will go...why do some people ignore what I say? I have loads of plans, but which one it will be depends on many things. It seems that some people don't get the answers that they would like to hear. No matter how many times you explain, they don't understand it. It's seems too difficult to think out-of-the-box.
Dating stories
Well, it has been a while ago. And now I know why. It's not my thing. But ok, let's make a little profile on a few dating apps. I will use current pictures and a few of the van life and the places I like. I will also mention my current situation. Maybe that would attract like-minded women? Maybe?...I think..no? Maybe not? I know you would like to hear some juicy dating stories now from the past 2 months. I have a few stories, but you need to get some juice from the fridge...it doesn't get any juicier than that. Why do women like to match someone that has quite a clear profile (traveller, nomad, adventurous, freedom, living abroad etc.) and expects that guy to settle down and hug their kids in front of the TV on their couch? The thing I like about most kids? Every time my visit ends up in a mess because of a water / food fights, being way to fanatic in playing games, teasing their mum all together. Nothing wrong with that, people should make more fun and don't stay serious all the time. Although, I do realize that for me dating a single mum with older kids is pretty difficult. There is no time to really fall in love and enjoy each other in the beginning of a relationship. After several experiences I decided to make the pond of fish to catch a little bit smaller. I am not looking for someone that looks like my mum, or even has kids. I tried, I am honest...it just doesn't work. This is not a prejudice, this is a decision based on personal experience and realizing what is important in a love relationship (for me personally).
There was one serious date from an app this period. For some unknown reason, after a few dates I was ghosted and even reported. Just the day after another very nice date. The good thing about this weird twist? I can not use that dating app anymore. A waste of time anyway. It's better to spend more time on HIVE.
I ended up in a local farm shop this week. It was a bit confronting. First I saw several juice bottles from a brand called "LUNA TERRA". As you might know, I lost a lot of money in a crypto project called LUNA TERRA. But when I saw a piece of cheese called "Forever Single" I started laughing. Especially because it had an expiry date. Single life seems to be over at the end of August. Of course, I bought this piece of cheese. Let's see what happens.
A funny thing that happened after some social media posts, I got in contact with a few former dates. After having some online chats, things were cleared out. It seems that people experienced things in the past totally different and it was good to talk about it. The biggest surprise might be someone that lived quite a similar life and has the same dreams. Following each others social media for years and realizing that it's weird that we never continued dating. Small detail, she's at the other side of the globe right now. Let's see where this story goes :) Life is like a movie....you just need to pick the right category for the right mood.
Another day at the office
Probably not. So far it is still not possible to become an official freelancer in The Netherlands, when you live like a nomad. I applied for several temporary well paid jobs, but again there was the issue with not being an official freelancer. I could do a lot of jobs here, although I do understand why there is a 'shortage' of people...it doesn't pay the bills. Getting minimum wage for quite a few jobs, and the minimum wage is just 1 euro less compared to average salary in Portugal. I am doing some event projects during this summer. Last weekend I ended up at a business event in the middle of nowhere. Unlimited good food & drinks, fun work, nice colleagues, loads of smiling faces, good vibes with performances of artists like The Gipsy Kings, Kris Kross A'dam and even good old Lee Towers, a free fair, a cosy fountain bar sharing free Corona, insane fireworks including 'oliebollen'...at some point we hugged each other and it felt like New Years Eve. More events coming up and it's also a way to get in contact with people and share ideas. I am happy to help some old colleagues during this summer full of events.
Prejudices
The main thing I hear these days from friends, colleagues, dates, kids and just random people I meet. "Most people work and don't celebrate holiday all the time","You are so lazy, you are not doing anything", "You don't have a house or a job, so you don't have money", "You are only trying to get a place to sleep". It's hilarious how narrow-minded people think. First of all, not having a monthly pay-slip doesn't mean you are celebrating holiday. During this year I worked a lot, for accommodation and learning to become a mechanic. Even after my return in the Netherlands I had intense long working days. I do a lot since my return and fixing a lot as well. And people forget about a the time you need to spend in research. About this 'no money'-thought, don't worry. I live like this FIRO-concept (Financially Independent Retire Often), I tried to explain many, most of them say it's not possible. Maybe it is because I lived on the streets in the past and believe anything is possible? And why should I talk to someone? Just to get a place to sleep? WELCOME TO VANLIFE BABY! This tiny home has a comfy bed to sleep in and even more!
I won't say too much about companies and organizations that think I am a fraud case or doing something illegal, just because I decided to be a nomad and live in a van. Freedom & Flexibility are for me one of the most important things in life.
Luckily there are still people interested in my true motives and admire my choices. I like to make new connections. Staying in the past doesn't work. Just learn, accept & adapt and move forward.
Shaking it Vin!
I am so happy Vin Diesel is back. Surrounded by birds, testing the new bed last weekend and waking up with sunset next to a quiet lake. I know what some of you dirty minds think right now. I refilled the pillows, I just wanted to know how it sleeps :) Last week I was house sitting in a little village and surprised by the warm welcome from the local community. In that same area I found a few good places to give Vin Diesel the last important updates. I ordered 4 new KONI shock absorbers at the place that was recommended by a nice Dutch family in Portugal. And at another place I replaced all tie rod ends, aligned the wheels and double checked the chip tuning. Since yesterday I am back on the road, totally in balance. Although that camper spot I picked last nice was brutally disturbed in the early morning by the loud noises of pile driving. But I am stable on the road now. No more constant corrections while driving, no more stuff flying around with bumpy roads, no more bottles rolling around when I am taking a turn. It would be nice if I take Vin Diesel as an example, totally stable and in balance. I tried to check if the van still shakes if you move a bit too much in the back. I know, to test the shock absorbers and the inner movements, I need something more. To be conVINued...