Back in February we took a giant leap and bought an Airstream. We’d been wanting some type of camper for quite a while and every time we started to look at older ones we kept thinking how nice it would be to have one that didn’t require fixing and with a solid reputation of longevity, & with the ability to travel off road to suit our lifestyle. We have a tendency to have to buy things that need fixing (like this house). After being forced out of our rental house in the fall due to the mold, living place to place for 7 weeks, and then after the fires ravaged California, we knew we weren’t going to be left homeless and forced to jump around again. So, we bought an Airstream from Airstream of Colorado. A 2024 Basecamp 20x REI. Our safety net. Our travel companion. Our adventure for the kids, and a way to connect Ben and I to the couple we used to (and would like to again) be.
Ben’s job here is a complete disaster. I cannot emphasize the word disaster enough. It has been so horrible. He has no time off. They cut his salary right after we bought the Airstream (and cut the salaries of many of the other attorneys at the firm, too). Just our luck 🙂 It is the worst situation we’ve been in since marrying in 2020. I can’t say more, but we both feel deeply unsettled, deeply regretful that we left Alaska when we did and deeply, deeply fooled. Well, lied to, but fooled none the less. Can we turn back the clock?
So we took a break from the reality and stress of life right now and went to California. It was the first time in 15 months I’d been back there, and the first time they’d met Archie. Ben worked the entire time. I’m not comfortable driving the truck so during the days we’d hang out with my Dad at his house until Ben got off work, and then we’d rush to my mom’s house for a little while to shop and run errands and get ready for the 4th birthday party we’d decided to throw for Emery on our 5th and final night in CA. We didn’t arrive in CA until really late Sunday night, so I’m not really counting that night. I’m so glad and thankful I got to see my family and even more thankful we had her party, but it sure was hard knowing my husband cannot take a single day off without suffering punishment. Which he suffers anyway, for no fault of his own. Worst. Job. Ever.
Anyway, our itinerary was so full we didn’t get to do everything we wanted or see everyone. It was the first time in the history of me coming to California that I did not get to see my Grandpa. I’m not bitter about Ben’s job, at all………
Here’s a recap of our trip, in photos:
Tyler and Alanna just bought their first home. It’s a beautiful, large home in Oakdale. I am so thankful they helped host Emery’s party at their house only one week after moving in! I love them! Special thanks to Mimi, Papa Lance (my dad), Grandma Linda, Tyler, Alanna for helping it all come together. Emery was so, so happy.
After our inaugural trip in the Airstream we can’t wait to travel again. I’m working nearly part time hours this month so another trip is going to have to wait. But, soon enough we’ll be back out there. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Ben’s job. All I know is… lemons keep coming. For whatever reason any time we try to live in Colorado, things just get so, so complicated. I don’t understand it. I never will. I don’t know what’s next, but we’ll keep trying to make lemonade.
| jenn at home | 