Getting ready to head in for our fourth shift of the week. We are working Sunday-Wednesday 6 pm to 4:30 am. We leave here around 5:15 p.m. and get back about 5:000 a.m. So far, so good and we are planning to work voluntary overtime on Thursday night. It would be nice to have three days off in a row, but we came here to work so we're going to take every opportunity we can. Plus, I think that it will be easier to maintain our night owl schedule with only two days off, but we'll see how it goes.
The first night my back hurt almost the entire time, so that was unpleasant. I've been working a bit smarter and although my back has hurt every night, it's a little less each night. I'm not so foolish to think that I can walk, lift and bend for 10 hours a night painlessly.
The time goes quickly. We start at 6:00 with everyone in our group (30-40 people?) gathering for announcements at the beginning of the shift. Then we have stretches. One of the workers leads stretches. They count the odd numbers and the rest of us call out the evens. Sometimes the counting gets loud, with the leader and one or two other people shouting back and forth as they count, but it's fun.
When we all bend over to try to touch our toes, I imagine a giant crackling sound as all our backs crunch.
After that, it's off to get the stuff to be stowed. We work on our own until time or the first break at 8:30. That's fifteen minutes, but it also includes the time going to and from the break room so we are getting smarter about making sure we're working closer to the break room around that time.
Back to work at 8:45 for two hours. Lunch is 10:45-11:15. Then we meet up as a group for more stretches and on to the second half of the shift. Another break from 2:00 to 2:15, then it's the final quarter and we clock out at 4:30.
One of our biggest challenges for both Chris and I is finding our cart of stuff after the breaks and lunch. Sure the aisles are numbered, but even that isn't enough. I'll be sure that I left it on one side of the aisle and I'll be darned if it isn't on the other when I finally find it.
The people are all pleasant. When I've made mistakes or had questions, everyone is nice about it.
Gotta run. More later.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Feeling (Slightly) Better About Music City
We've chatted with several others from Camperforce and it turns out that this might actually be one of the better campgrounds.
Yikes.
Now, if you're vacationing, this ain't the place for you.
But, if you're working 40-50 hours per week, then there are some good points about Music City.
First, we seem to have about the shortest commute (25 mins). Others are driving up to 45 mins each way. And since we are punching (scanning) a time clock, you need to allow extra time just to make sure you're there on time.
The other nice thing about this location is that we are less than one mile from three grocery stores, a laundromat, plus drug stores, dollar stores and a Sonic.
Our wifi also seems to be better than most of the other places.
Plus (and this is a big bonus for a geek like me) we are right next to the public library. Since we don't have a printer, it was convenient to just go next door and print some paperwork we needed. I even got a library card and we got a couple movies (a free way to try to make up for the lack of cable).
So, we are adjusting our attitude about the campground.
Yikes.
Now, if you're vacationing, this ain't the place for you.
But, if you're working 40-50 hours per week, then there are some good points about Music City.
First, we seem to have about the shortest commute (25 mins). Others are driving up to 45 mins each way. And since we are punching (scanning) a time clock, you need to allow extra time just to make sure you're there on time.
The other nice thing about this location is that we are less than one mile from three grocery stores, a laundromat, plus drug stores, dollar stores and a Sonic.
Our wifi also seems to be better than most of the other places.
Plus (and this is a big bonus for a geek like me) we are right next to the public library. Since we don't have a printer, it was convenient to just go next door and print some paperwork we needed. I even got a library card and we got a couple movies (a free way to try to make up for the lack of cable).
So, we are adjusting our attitude about the campground.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Learning To Stow
There are a wide range of jobs at Amazon. We have been assigned to be stowers. That means (as far as I can tell at this point) that we will be "stowing" merchandise in the zillions of bins in the warehouse. When an item is ordered, the "pickers" rush from bin to bin collecting the items for the order.
We did a five hour shift of stowing today and I think we are both getting the hang of it. We were glad we had our water bottles with us today because it was stuffy up on the third (top) floor.
Here's what a stower does: you pick up a U boat, which is a cart with a dozen storage totes on it. Think of all the items sold on Amazon, and that's what's in the totes. Everything from slippers to wrenches to Legos. Then, within the labyrinth of the huge warehouse, you stow the items in bins. Scan the item, scan the bin. Repeat.
The trick seems to be finding space in the bins since the idea is to get as many items into each bin as possible and to empty the items from your totes as fast as possible. Not everyone has my eye for organizing a bin to max effect, so I spent some time rearranging to make room for my stuff.
It's sort of like a game. I hope I still feel that way in a few weeks. Mostly you work alone. Even though Chris and I are on the same team working the same shift, once we get our U Boats and go to different areas of the floor to work, we might not see each other until break time or lunch.
There are quotas to be met for how many items you store over the course of your shift, but those don't go into affect for us for a couple weeks. I have no idea if I am close to going at the right speed, but I assume if it's a problem, someone will let me know.
I got totally turned around in the aisles of bins today. If I hadn't seen Chris at break time, I would have spent the whole 15 mins of time off trying to find the break room. From where we were working today, it was probably close to 1/4 mile each way to the break room (plus up and down two flights of stairs), so even though we might not be walking a whole lot while we are storing, the to and from for breaks and then the back and forth to get more boats will quickly add up.
Not sure if I've lost any weight yet, but it's only been a couple days. :)
We did a five hour shift of stowing today and I think we are both getting the hang of it. We were glad we had our water bottles with us today because it was stuffy up on the third (top) floor.
Here's what a stower does: you pick up a U boat, which is a cart with a dozen storage totes on it. Think of all the items sold on Amazon, and that's what's in the totes. Everything from slippers to wrenches to Legos. Then, within the labyrinth of the huge warehouse, you stow the items in bins. Scan the item, scan the bin. Repeat.
The trick seems to be finding space in the bins since the idea is to get as many items into each bin as possible and to empty the items from your totes as fast as possible. Not everyone has my eye for organizing a bin to max effect, so I spent some time rearranging to make room for my stuff.
It's sort of like a game. I hope I still feel that way in a few weeks. Mostly you work alone. Even though Chris and I are on the same team working the same shift, once we get our U Boats and go to different areas of the floor to work, we might not see each other until break time or lunch.
There are quotas to be met for how many items you store over the course of your shift, but those don't go into affect for us for a couple weeks. I have no idea if I am close to going at the right speed, but I assume if it's a problem, someone will let me know.
I got totally turned around in the aisles of bins today. If I hadn't seen Chris at break time, I would have spent the whole 15 mins of time off trying to find the break room. From where we were working today, it was probably close to 1/4 mile each way to the break room (plus up and down two flights of stairs), so even though we might not be walking a whole lot while we are storing, the to and from for breaks and then the back and forth to get more boats will quickly add up.
Not sure if I've lost any weight yet, but it's only been a couple days. :)
Friday, October 24, 2014
Music City Campground....Singing the Blues
In previous posts I've mentioned our trepidation about our campground here in Tennessee.
It was well-founded.
Here's some of what I've learned in my short time as a full time RVer. First, you want a level site. No one really wants to live in a house that is slanted from side to side or front to back. Most RV's come with leveling jacks (automatic) to help stabilize and level your home. Even with the jacks, we were slanting down hill. Chris went to Camping World and spent $70 for some leveling blocks. That helped but we're still not 100%.
Second, you want some amenities like cable and wifi. They did put in wifi (I have a feeling Amazon demanded it) and it's actually working pretty well. However, no cable. This is going to be a challenge (more for some of us than for others). Stay tuned for updates on that.
Other things aren't amenities but are necessities: like a laundry room. None here.
Yesterday I went into the office to register. I was there for as long as it took to get my driver's license from my wallet, have it copied and make maybe two mins of chit chat w/the woman there. When I got back to the RV, I reeked of cigarette smoke so badly I threw my shirt outside (didn't even want it in w/our dirty laundry) and took a shower. One of the questions I asked while there was whether we could have packages delivered there. (Yes, we can). But now I can't help but think every item we order online will come with a nicotine fix. So gross.
Another thing to look for in a campground is some sort of standards for people's sites. None here. There are some campers here that are so broken down, I doubt if they could get them out of here and because they've been here so long the residents have all sorts of clutter around them.
Perhaps we need to be here to learn a bit of humility and compassion. I tried to tell myself that and my heart pangs for what I imagine must be a pretty dreary existence. Not all full time RVers are traveling the country and seeing the sights, that's for sure.
There are some good things about this campground. We have a couple of trees. It's very quiet (except for the dog that is currently barking incessantly. Sadly we can't turn on the TV to drown out the noise.) It's also very close to several grocery stores, drugs stores and a laundromat (as well as a multitude of places to buy cigarettes, alcohol and get checks cashed).
Now...here's the irony. We heard about another campground that was added to the Amazon list, so we went there to check it out. We were filled with high hopes as we drove through the Tennessee countryside, past large horse farms and rolling hills of autumn colored trees. Turns out...that place was even less desirable than this one. Sites were still uneven and more narrow than what we have here. The wifi only reached a few of the campers (and would not reach the spot we would get if we decided to move) and it was at least 15 mins to any stores or laundromats. In addition, it had as many junky campers as Music City. And no cable.
For now, we'll stick with the devil we know.
It was well-founded.
Here's some of what I've learned in my short time as a full time RVer. First, you want a level site. No one really wants to live in a house that is slanted from side to side or front to back. Most RV's come with leveling jacks (automatic) to help stabilize and level your home. Even with the jacks, we were slanting down hill. Chris went to Camping World and spent $70 for some leveling blocks. That helped but we're still not 100%.
Second, you want some amenities like cable and wifi. They did put in wifi (I have a feeling Amazon demanded it) and it's actually working pretty well. However, no cable. This is going to be a challenge (more for some of us than for others). Stay tuned for updates on that.
Other things aren't amenities but are necessities: like a laundry room. None here.
Yesterday I went into the office to register. I was there for as long as it took to get my driver's license from my wallet, have it copied and make maybe two mins of chit chat w/the woman there. When I got back to the RV, I reeked of cigarette smoke so badly I threw my shirt outside (didn't even want it in w/our dirty laundry) and took a shower. One of the questions I asked while there was whether we could have packages delivered there. (Yes, we can). But now I can't help but think every item we order online will come with a nicotine fix. So gross.
Another thing to look for in a campground is some sort of standards for people's sites. None here. There are some campers here that are so broken down, I doubt if they could get them out of here and because they've been here so long the residents have all sorts of clutter around them.
Perhaps we need to be here to learn a bit of humility and compassion. I tried to tell myself that and my heart pangs for what I imagine must be a pretty dreary existence. Not all full time RVers are traveling the country and seeing the sights, that's for sure.
There are some good things about this campground. We have a couple of trees. It's very quiet (except for the dog that is currently barking incessantly. Sadly we can't turn on the TV to drown out the noise.) It's also very close to several grocery stores, drugs stores and a laundromat (as well as a multitude of places to buy cigarettes, alcohol and get checks cashed).
Now...here's the irony. We heard about another campground that was added to the Amazon list, so we went there to check it out. We were filled with high hopes as we drove through the Tennessee countryside, past large horse farms and rolling hills of autumn colored trees. Turns out...that place was even less desirable than this one. Sites were still uneven and more narrow than what we have here. The wifi only reached a few of the campers (and would not reach the spot we would get if we decided to move) and it was at least 15 mins to any stores or laundromats. In addition, it had as many junky campers as Music City. And no cable.
For now, we'll stick with the devil we know.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
First Day At Amazon
We had our first day of orientation at Amazon today. Orientation will last the rest of the week and then we start working full time on Sunday night. We asked for nights (higher pay, we are both better later than early in the morning and we think it will be better for the dog to be left alone at night than during the day). We will be "stowing". I'm not exactly sure what we'll be doing, but we'll be walking 2-4 miles per day.
Workampers have been starting at Amazon over the last few weeks. Our group this morning consisted of about 20 people. I think they were all couples though I think there was one woman who was alone. One couple looked to be in their late 40s and everyone else (other than Chris and I) was probably 60 (or 65) and above. A couple were over 70. About half or more had worked for Amazon before. Some where rather know-it-all-ish about it so you can imagine how I felt about that.
The warehouse is huge. Really huge. And rather noisy. I suppose that's what it's like working in a factory. I'll be sort of like Debra Winger in An Officer and a Gentleman. I'll need a cool hat like hers.
We were tortured by a couple hours of training videos about "bias" and sexual harassment. The videos were at least 20 years old, the acting was horrible and the hair was big.
We were given badges w/our pictures on them and cool Amazon Camperforce T-shirts (purple!).
Tomorrow we start at 7:30. I hope they don't make us watch any more videos.
Workampers have been starting at Amazon over the last few weeks. Our group this morning consisted of about 20 people. I think they were all couples though I think there was one woman who was alone. One couple looked to be in their late 40s and everyone else (other than Chris and I) was probably 60 (or 65) and above. A couple were over 70. About half or more had worked for Amazon before. Some where rather know-it-all-ish about it so you can imagine how I felt about that.
The warehouse is huge. Really huge. And rather noisy. I suppose that's what it's like working in a factory. I'll be sort of like Debra Winger in An Officer and a Gentleman. I'll need a cool hat like hers.
We were tortured by a couple hours of training videos about "bias" and sexual harassment. The videos were at least 20 years old, the acting was horrible and the hair was big.
We were given badges w/our pictures on them and cool Amazon Camperforce T-shirts (purple!).
Tomorrow we start at 7:30. I hope they don't make us watch any more videos.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Where Are We Now?
By the time you read this, we ought to be at or very near our next stop---Murfreesboro, TN.
We'll be working for Amazon's Camperforce in the Amazon Distribution Center in Murfreesboro. Actually, we'll be staying a few miles away from Murfreesboro, but that's where we will be working.
We heard about these Amazon jobs before we even bought the motor home. Fortunately I'd read several blogs about it and knew we'd need proof we'd graduated from high school so when I was packing and found my diplomas, I tossed them in.
Amazon actively recruits full time RVers to work seasonal jobs in their distributions centers. There are four Camperforce locations this year, with Murfreesboro being new.
From what we understand we'll be working 10 hours shifts 4 days per week filling orders and packing boxes. The work is physically taxing, but I need the exercise. We were given the choice of three different jobs, but no promise that we'd get our first choice. Two of the jobs involve walking several miles per day while one job is mostly standing in one place. I really hope I don't get the standing in one place job.
We are looking forward to spending the rest of 2014 in Tennessee. We'll be closer to friends and family and I'm excited to explore Nashville during our (limited) time off.
I don't think working in a warehouse is a job that I want to have permanently, but I'm willing to give it a try for a couple months. Plus, there won't be any phones for me to answer or customers to deal with (see previous post).
Our biggest concern is Dooley the dog. Between the commute and our jobs, we'll be gone for about 11 or 12 hours and we know he'll be lonely. We are hoping to get to our campground and settled in for a few days before we have to leave him for long periods.
The one fly in the ointment so far has been the campground. Amazon sent out a list of five campgrounds where they had made deals for Camperforce workers to stay. We were working the day the list came out so by the time we called the next day, they were all full. All except the one campground that didn't have a webpage or any information on line except a 5 out of 10 star review from 2010. Sigh.
We made a reservation at a campground that wasn't on the approved list and asked Amazon to pay at least a portion of our site rent. We were willing to pay out of pocket if need be to have a nice space. We were informed that if we were going to have a Camperforce job we had to stay in one of the approved campgrounds. Ugh. So we bit the bullet and made a reservation. I am trying to be optimistic and since we'll be working or sleeping most of the time, maybe it won't matter that much anyway.
Stay tuned for more from The Volunteer State.
We'll be working for Amazon's Camperforce in the Amazon Distribution Center in Murfreesboro. Actually, we'll be staying a few miles away from Murfreesboro, but that's where we will be working.
We heard about these Amazon jobs before we even bought the motor home. Fortunately I'd read several blogs about it and knew we'd need proof we'd graduated from high school so when I was packing and found my diplomas, I tossed them in.
Amazon actively recruits full time RVers to work seasonal jobs in their distributions centers. There are four Camperforce locations this year, with Murfreesboro being new.
From what we understand we'll be working 10 hours shifts 4 days per week filling orders and packing boxes. The work is physically taxing, but I need the exercise. We were given the choice of three different jobs, but no promise that we'd get our first choice. Two of the jobs involve walking several miles per day while one job is mostly standing in one place. I really hope I don't get the standing in one place job.
We are looking forward to spending the rest of 2014 in Tennessee. We'll be closer to friends and family and I'm excited to explore Nashville during our (limited) time off.
I don't think working in a warehouse is a job that I want to have permanently, but I'm willing to give it a try for a couple months. Plus, there won't be any phones for me to answer or customers to deal with (see previous post).
Our biggest concern is Dooley the dog. Between the commute and our jobs, we'll be gone for about 11 or 12 hours and we know he'll be lonely. We are hoping to get to our campground and settled in for a few days before we have to leave him for long periods.
The one fly in the ointment so far has been the campground. Amazon sent out a list of five campgrounds where they had made deals for Camperforce workers to stay. We were working the day the list came out so by the time we called the next day, they were all full. All except the one campground that didn't have a webpage or any information on line except a 5 out of 10 star review from 2010. Sigh.
We made a reservation at a campground that wasn't on the approved list and asked Amazon to pay at least a portion of our site rent. We were willing to pay out of pocket if need be to have a nice space. We were informed that if we were going to have a Camperforce job we had to stay in one of the approved campgrounds. Ugh. So we bit the bullet and made a reservation. I am trying to be optimistic and since we'll be working or sleeping most of the time, maybe it won't matter that much anyway.
Stay tuned for more from The Volunteer State.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Graceland
We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog post to bring you this live update...we went to Graceland today.
Thursday night we were in Oklahoma City looking at the map. We have until Sunday the 19th to get to our location for the Amazon jobs so we decided to do a long drive yesterday (over 450 miles) and spend two nights in Memphis at the Graceland RV park...right across the street from you know where.
The Heartbreak Hotel is right in front of the campground...both are located "At the end of Lonely Street."
When we made the trip to NM, I was a newbie and didn't know anything about campgrounds or RVing. Now, I've got 3 months of campground customer service under my belt so I'm paying attention. The young woman who checked us in last night was really bad. Completely indifferent to whether we were there or not. I could have stood at the counter and made dookie in my pants and her expression still would have said BFD.
Needless to say, that didn't give me the best impression of the area. Our campsite was okay, rather close to the others and there's no cable. (We'll be w/o cable for our whole time at Amazon too...stay tuned for more posts on how Chris deals with this...). But the weather was great and we took a nice stroll down Elvis Presley Blvd.
A few days ago there were two RVs of Australians traveling together who stayed at the KOA. They were a lot of fun and I remembered that they'd said they were going to Graceland. But, really, what are the odds?
Well, as we were leaving the campground a man walked up next to us and it was one of the Australians. I pointed and said "you're one of the Australians". Like he didn't know.
He didn't seem to recognize us w/o our yellow KOA shirts (common) but he played along.
This morning we walked over to get our tickets and take the tour of Graceland. We did the basic tour of the mansion which did not include a "bonus room", the car collection or the airplanes. That was fine w/me.
What I found most interesting about the mansion was that it really wasn't that big (we only saw the downstairs). It's still the way it was when he died in 1977, but I'm sure a few of you have bigger kitchens and living rooms. However, you probably don't have your own racquetball building that has been converted to display gold records and your different jumpsuit/cape combos.
If you do have such a room, why haven't you told me?
The good news about the jumpsuits is that they were linen, not polyester. Still, you can't avoid sweating when you wear a cape, unless you are a super hero.
The tour was very nice. Everyone got their own iPad and headphones for an interactive tour w/extra features on the iPad like home movies or movie clips.
As I looked at all the photos and film clips, I couldn't help but notice just how darned good looking he was in his youth and how charismatic he was.
I remember when he died. I was on vacation at the Jersey shore with my friend Karen O'Sullivan and her family. Her dad came in w/the newspaper that said Elvis had died and he was really rattled by the news.
What about you? Do you remember where you were when you learned that Elvis had died?
Thursday night we were in Oklahoma City looking at the map. We have until Sunday the 19th to get to our location for the Amazon jobs so we decided to do a long drive yesterday (over 450 miles) and spend two nights in Memphis at the Graceland RV park...right across the street from you know where.
The Heartbreak Hotel is right in front of the campground...both are located "At the end of Lonely Street."
When we made the trip to NM, I was a newbie and didn't know anything about campgrounds or RVing. Now, I've got 3 months of campground customer service under my belt so I'm paying attention. The young woman who checked us in last night was really bad. Completely indifferent to whether we were there or not. I could have stood at the counter and made dookie in my pants and her expression still would have said BFD.
Needless to say, that didn't give me the best impression of the area. Our campsite was okay, rather close to the others and there's no cable. (We'll be w/o cable for our whole time at Amazon too...stay tuned for more posts on how Chris deals with this...). But the weather was great and we took a nice stroll down Elvis Presley Blvd.
A few days ago there were two RVs of Australians traveling together who stayed at the KOA. They were a lot of fun and I remembered that they'd said they were going to Graceland. But, really, what are the odds?
Well, as we were leaving the campground a man walked up next to us and it was one of the Australians. I pointed and said "you're one of the Australians". Like he didn't know.
He didn't seem to recognize us w/o our yellow KOA shirts (common) but he played along.
This morning we walked over to get our tickets and take the tour of Graceland. We did the basic tour of the mansion which did not include a "bonus room", the car collection or the airplanes. That was fine w/me.
What I found most interesting about the mansion was that it really wasn't that big (we only saw the downstairs). It's still the way it was when he died in 1977, but I'm sure a few of you have bigger kitchens and living rooms. However, you probably don't have your own racquetball building that has been converted to display gold records and your different jumpsuit/cape combos.
If you do have such a room, why haven't you told me?
The good news about the jumpsuits is that they were linen, not polyester. Still, you can't avoid sweating when you wear a cape, unless you are a super hero.
The tour was very nice. Everyone got their own iPad and headphones for an interactive tour w/extra features on the iPad like home movies or movie clips.
As I looked at all the photos and film clips, I couldn't help but notice just how darned good looking he was in his youth and how charismatic he was.
I remember when he died. I was on vacation at the Jersey shore with my friend Karen O'Sullivan and her family. Her dad came in w/the newspaper that said Elvis had died and he was really rattled by the news.
What about you? Do you remember where you were when you learned that Elvis had died?
Friday, October 17, 2014
Highlights Of Our Time in New Mexico
Thought it would be fun to list some of the highlights of our three months here. I'll number them but that's more the order that I remember them than a ranking. Chris contributed to this list. See if you can figure out which ones he mentioned.
1. Our trip to the Jemez Mountains.
2. KC's visit.
3. Meeting a very nice family with three small children. The two older ones (ages 4 and 2) often helped us walk Dooley. It was quite the production w/ the dog and two small kids, but it gave the parents a few mins to themselves. I suppose if we were really good, we'd have taken the 6 month old w/us too, but they never offered and neither did we.
4. Making new friends that we hope we'll keep in touch with.
5. This phone conversation: Caller: I'm calling to find out about workamping. Me: Okay, what would you like to know? Caller: Do you need an RV? Me: Well, it's called work-camping so I think you'd need a way to camp. Caller: Well, maybe I could get a tent.
6. Our drive up the Turquoise Trail and finding an unexpectedly neat place to have lunch.
7. Seeing the balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
8. Learning how to spell Albuquerque.
9. Learning to pronounce Bernalillo (Bern-a-le-o).
10. Meeting an 80 year old man who come here for his granddaughter's same sex marriage. It was clear he wasn't exactly comfortable with the situation, but he made the trip and had a good time.
11. The Range Cafe
12. Route 66 Diner
13. Getting our air conditioner working properly (a major highlight when it was nearly 100 degrees).
14. Using our electric fireplace on chilly evenings.
15. Sitting outside in the evening looking at the sky. The stars are brighter out here.
16. The comfy lawn chairs someone gave us.
17. Getting RV repairs done and getting to know our new home.
18. Having a working ice maker that nearly makes enough to keep up with our consumption.
19. Figuring out how to work the surround sound (because being able to hear the TV in our 8X8 living room is such a challenge).
20. Looking at the Sandia Mountains gave me a thrill every time, especially when it was cloudy or stormy.
21. Meeting tons of nice people.
22. The guy who came to the KOA to buy propane and chatted with us then told us to go to one of the bars in town and "Tell them Little Felix sent you." We never went, but the idea of it still makes me smile.
23. Being foolish enough or brave enough to take the plunge and get out on the road.
1. Our trip to the Jemez Mountains.
2. KC's visit.
3. Meeting a very nice family with three small children. The two older ones (ages 4 and 2) often helped us walk Dooley. It was quite the production w/ the dog and two small kids, but it gave the parents a few mins to themselves. I suppose if we were really good, we'd have taken the 6 month old w/us too, but they never offered and neither did we.
4. Making new friends that we hope we'll keep in touch with.
5. This phone conversation: Caller: I'm calling to find out about workamping. Me: Okay, what would you like to know? Caller: Do you need an RV? Me: Well, it's called work-camping so I think you'd need a way to camp. Caller: Well, maybe I could get a tent.
6. Our drive up the Turquoise Trail and finding an unexpectedly neat place to have lunch.
7. Seeing the balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
8. Learning how to spell Albuquerque.
9. Learning to pronounce Bernalillo (Bern-a-le-o).
10. Meeting an 80 year old man who come here for his granddaughter's same sex marriage. It was clear he wasn't exactly comfortable with the situation, but he made the trip and had a good time.
11. The Range Cafe
12. Route 66 Diner
13. Getting our air conditioner working properly (a major highlight when it was nearly 100 degrees).
14. Using our electric fireplace on chilly evenings.
15. Sitting outside in the evening looking at the sky. The stars are brighter out here.
16. The comfy lawn chairs someone gave us.
17. Getting RV repairs done and getting to know our new home.
18. Having a working ice maker that nearly makes enough to keep up with our consumption.
19. Figuring out how to work the surround sound (because being able to hear the TV in our 8X8 living room is such a challenge).
20. Looking at the Sandia Mountains gave me a thrill every time, especially when it was cloudy or stormy.
21. Meeting tons of nice people.
22. The guy who came to the KOA to buy propane and chatted with us then told us to go to one of the bars in town and "Tell them Little Felix sent you." We never went, but the idea of it still makes me smile.
23. Being foolish enough or brave enough to take the plunge and get out on the road.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Getting Ready to Move
I hate moving. Who doesn't? The boxes. Realizing how much junk you really have and wondering if you need it. Calling the cable company to make an appointment to get service and hoping they show up.
But...when you live in a RV moving is much easier. First, you don't have to move any furniture because you're taking your home with you fully furnished. No need to wonder if your couch will work in the new house. No need to call the cable company because when you get to your site you just hook up to the electricity, water, sewer and cable and put out the slides, get things level (done automatically by the jacks) and viola, you're home.
As we are getting ready to leave for our big drive to Tennessee I've been looking around at all the clutter. You know how I like to have everything out where I can see it just in case I need it---that's even more challenging in a motor home with limited counter space. However, I have done an admirable job of accumulating pieces of paper and clutter. Why don't I go through this stuff regularly instead of letting it pile up? Anyway, 15 mins (or less) later and it's all taken care of.
The other thing we need to be careful about is making sure that nothing is left out that will jiggle or fall while we are moving so all the toiletries that I have cluttering the counter in the bedroom will need to be put away. Basically that means tossing them all into the container they are supposed to be in that goes in the cupboard.
You never have to worry about over or under packing because all your stuff is right here with you. However, when it rained on our trip out here we learned that we need to have our things out of the closet before we close up the slides because the closet is inaccessible then. "Can you get the umbrella?" "Sure, it's in the closet. I'll go get it....Oh. Ooops."
When deciding on a new location, we don't need to be concerned about property values, taxes or whether or schools. The major question: Is the sun shining there?
But...when you live in a RV moving is much easier. First, you don't have to move any furniture because you're taking your home with you fully furnished. No need to wonder if your couch will work in the new house. No need to call the cable company because when you get to your site you just hook up to the electricity, water, sewer and cable and put out the slides, get things level (done automatically by the jacks) and viola, you're home.
As we are getting ready to leave for our big drive to Tennessee I've been looking around at all the clutter. You know how I like to have everything out where I can see it just in case I need it---that's even more challenging in a motor home with limited counter space. However, I have done an admirable job of accumulating pieces of paper and clutter. Why don't I go through this stuff regularly instead of letting it pile up? Anyway, 15 mins (or less) later and it's all taken care of.
The other thing we need to be careful about is making sure that nothing is left out that will jiggle or fall while we are moving so all the toiletries that I have cluttering the counter in the bedroom will need to be put away. Basically that means tossing them all into the container they are supposed to be in that goes in the cupboard.
You never have to worry about over or under packing because all your stuff is right here with you. However, when it rained on our trip out here we learned that we need to have our things out of the closet before we close up the slides because the closet is inaccessible then. "Can you get the umbrella?" "Sure, it's in the closet. I'll go get it....Oh. Ooops."
When deciding on a new location, we don't need to be concerned about property values, taxes or whether or schools. The major question: Is the sun shining there?
Monday, October 13, 2014
Thoughts on Leaving New Mexico
By the time this post is published, we'll be on our way to Tennessee so I thought I'd share a few thoughts on our time in New Mexico and our first workamping experience.
Some of you may recall that we (me in particular) were in serious distress during our last few days/weeks on Ohio. We were unsure what was going to happen with the potential sale of our house, my parents had called us price gougers and freeloaders and my son had become more than just a little hateful. We'd committed to buy a motor home. We had no idea how we'd make it all work but knew we couldn't stay where we were.
We were also determined not to allow the "poor attitudes" of my family to keep us from doing something we'd talked about doing since we'd met but never imaged we'd get to do for many years, if at all.
So, when we saw the ad for a job in New Mexico, something about it stood out from all the others we'd seen. It was the first and only job we applied for and we were hired within an hour. (And before we'd even taken possession of our motor home).
I had no idea what we were getting into and I'm incredibly grateful that Chris knew all about RVing and RV maintenance. After driving 1500 miles safely with a vehicle we'd barely inspected, we were very lucky.
New Mexico is so different from Ohio that it was just the dramatic change we needed. The people are different with the Hispanic and Native American cultures. Although the heat was a bit much, we love the scenery and the terrain.
We've met a ton of interesting and nice people here and we've learned a ton about living full time in an RV.
We've also learned a few things that we'll take with us for our next workamping job (where ever it might be).
We'll miss the weather (that has finally cooled down) and several friends that we've made along the way, but it's time to move on to our next adventure.
Some of you may recall that we (me in particular) were in serious distress during our last few days/weeks on Ohio. We were unsure what was going to happen with the potential sale of our house, my parents had called us price gougers and freeloaders and my son had become more than just a little hateful. We'd committed to buy a motor home. We had no idea how we'd make it all work but knew we couldn't stay where we were.
We were also determined not to allow the "poor attitudes" of my family to keep us from doing something we'd talked about doing since we'd met but never imaged we'd get to do for many years, if at all.
So, when we saw the ad for a job in New Mexico, something about it stood out from all the others we'd seen. It was the first and only job we applied for and we were hired within an hour. (And before we'd even taken possession of our motor home).
I had no idea what we were getting into and I'm incredibly grateful that Chris knew all about RVing and RV maintenance. After driving 1500 miles safely with a vehicle we'd barely inspected, we were very lucky.
New Mexico is so different from Ohio that it was just the dramatic change we needed. The people are different with the Hispanic and Native American cultures. Although the heat was a bit much, we love the scenery and the terrain.
We've met a ton of interesting and nice people here and we've learned a ton about living full time in an RV.
We've also learned a few things that we'll take with us for our next workamping job (where ever it might be).
We'll miss the weather (that has finally cooled down) and several friends that we've made along the way, but it's time to move on to our next adventure.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Special Shapes
After the mass ascension the special shapes were inflated. It was fun to watch as they were inflated from flat on the ground and try to figure out what it was going to be when fully inflated. It was like being at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but without baton twirlers or marching bands.
It took a long time to get the cow inflated and then it never flew. Not sure why but it was fun to see.
The butterfly was one of my favorites.
Not really sure what this thing is, but it was colorful.
I really liked this one too. Not sure if you can tell, but it's a balloon with a dragon or snake wrapped around it.
And we all know who this guy is.
Spider Pig
Friday, October 10, 2014
More From Balloon Fiesta
We particularly liked this balloon for a gin manufacturer and not because we are fans of gin. Although all the balloons were colorful and unique (except the two identical ones right below it in this picture) this one was fun because it was different.
All those trucks that you see in the pictures soon took off to chase the balloons and bring them back from where they landed. When we were on our way home we saw balloons in people's yards and fields.
After the mass ascension they started blowing up the special shapes. Come back next time for those.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Balloon Fiesta Timeline
We had been hoping the balloons from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta would magically float over our campground during a reasonable hour for us to enjoy. When it looked like that wouldn't happen, we decided to bite the bullet and make the trip (only about 10 miles, so not sure why we were avoiding it).
5:50 am: Alarm goes off. I really question our sanity. We discuss the fact that we don't have any cash but assume we can use debit card for everything we need. Walk the dog, quick breakfast and head out by 6:30.
6:50 am: No traffic problems. Get to parking area and it's cash only. Turn around and go to gas station where I pay a fee of $2.50 for $40 from the ATM.
7:00 am: Because of the detour to the gas station, we go in a different parking lot. They don't charge us. I'm pretty excited about that.
7:15 am: We are on the Balloon Fiesta Field (no waiting in line because a camper gave us his two extra tickets. Cha-ching.)
7:20 am: We finally figure out that there is a yellow caution flag flying which means they are waiting for better conditions for the balloons. Some of the balloonists have the balloons out flat on the ground, ready to start filling when they get the word. Others aren't doing much.
7:25 am: It's a bit chilly and we are sharing the one pair of gloves we found in the car. We wander around and admire all the flat balloons and wonder what's happening.
7:45 am: A cheer erupts from the crowd as a green flag replaces the yellow one. Balloonist begin filling their balloons w/the big blasts from their propane gas things and large fans.
We are able to be right next to the balloons as they are being inflated and they are lined up in long multi-colored rows.
What a thrill.
Come back next time for more photos!
5:50 am: Alarm goes off. I really question our sanity. We discuss the fact that we don't have any cash but assume we can use debit card for everything we need. Walk the dog, quick breakfast and head out by 6:30.
6:50 am: No traffic problems. Get to parking area and it's cash only. Turn around and go to gas station where I pay a fee of $2.50 for $40 from the ATM.
7:00 am: Because of the detour to the gas station, we go in a different parking lot. They don't charge us. I'm pretty excited about that.
7:15 am: We are on the Balloon Fiesta Field (no waiting in line because a camper gave us his two extra tickets. Cha-ching.)
7:20 am: We finally figure out that there is a yellow caution flag flying which means they are waiting for better conditions for the balloons. Some of the balloonists have the balloons out flat on the ground, ready to start filling when they get the word. Others aren't doing much.
7:25 am: It's a bit chilly and we are sharing the one pair of gloves we found in the car. We wander around and admire all the flat balloons and wonder what's happening.
7:45 am: A cheer erupts from the crowd as a green flag replaces the yellow one. Balloonist begin filling their balloons w/the big blasts from their propane gas things and large fans.
We are able to be right next to the balloons as they are being inflated and they are lined up in long multi-colored rows.
As the balloons are ready to launch, some singers mutilate the Star Spangled Banner and this balloon with an American Flag flying from the bottom takes off to cheers from the crowds.
Come back next time for more photos!
An Ode to Sopapillas
I got this image online, but it's pretty representative of the sopapillas we've had at various restaurants.
It seems that every region has their "thing" they serve with a meal. In the south it might be biscuits or fritters. In the Midwest it's dinner rolls or a fancy bread basket. In new Mexico, it's Sopapillas. Essentially it's a piece of fried dough that puffs up so that if you tear the edge, it creates a big pocket into which you can pour honey (usually served in a squeeze bottle like ketchup). Mostly the Sopapillas don't have a ton of flavor, but they are a great vehicle for getting your honey fix.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Restaurant Review: The Route 66 Diner
Recently Chris had a conversation with a camper about a place with great hamburgers and hot dogs. The description was something like "take Central Ave past Old Town until you get to the sketchy part of town. Off to the side of the road you'll see this place that looks like a dump and has a dirt parking lot."
Whether we found the place he was talking about or not, we enjoyed the Route 66 Diner. It fit the description and it was lunch time so we decided to give it a try.
It was like walking into a time machine or being on a TV show. The cook waved to use from the kitchen window and encouraged us to sit wherever we'd like. Two or three waitresses did the same.
We sat in a booth with burgundy tufted vinyl seats, though we were tempted to sit at the long counter.
First, the iced tea was awesome, particularly because we were both pretty tired. Nice and strong, lots of ice and rapid refills.
Chris had chili rellenos (fans of our restaurant reviews will note this is a dish he has often). His review: "Good to excellent. Well worth the drive."
I had the patty melt and it was great. A hand formed burger patty with cheese and green chilis (wasn't expecting those, but the weren't over powering and added a nice kick) on grilled wheat bread and served with hand cut fries fresh from the fryer (again...why don't my pants fit?). Excellent and the perfect diner fare.
By the time we left the place was nearly full with locals, so you know that's always a good sign too.
Oh...and the sopapillas were good too.
I doubt if we'll go back since we're only here for another week, but I'm glad we made the trip.
Friday, October 3, 2014
A Toast To The Widows
We've met a wide range of people here at the KOA, the vast majority of them being very nice and interesting folks, but a lady checked in last night that reminded me of a group who I think deserve special acknowledgment---the widows.
I've encountered several older ladies this summer who were out on their first road trip after their husband's death. Nearly all of them have the same story to tell: when their husbands were alive they had a large motor home and he did the driving. Then when age or illness made that too difficult, they sold the motor home and stayed put. Usually the widow continued to live in the house they had at the time her husband died, but within a couple years they all get the urge to go back on the road. In part, I think they do it to remind themselves of the nice times they had with their husband. Maybe they do it because they don't want to sit around the house.
All the widows I've met have bought a smaller motor home or RV than what they had with their husbands and they seem rather proud (as they should be) that they are out and about, taking care of everything themselves.
These ladies really touch me with their resilience and spirit of adventure.
I've encountered several older ladies this summer who were out on their first road trip after their husband's death. Nearly all of them have the same story to tell: when their husbands were alive they had a large motor home and he did the driving. Then when age or illness made that too difficult, they sold the motor home and stayed put. Usually the widow continued to live in the house they had at the time her husband died, but within a couple years they all get the urge to go back on the road. In part, I think they do it to remind themselves of the nice times they had with their husband. Maybe they do it because they don't want to sit around the house.
All the widows I've met have bought a smaller motor home or RV than what they had with their husbands and they seem rather proud (as they should be) that they are out and about, taking care of everything themselves.
These ladies really touch me with their resilience and spirit of adventure.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Lockdown At The KOA
Our workdays start at 7 am. We go to the office and while Chris sweeps and mops the floors, I turn on the computers, fill the cash drawer and get set up for the office/store to open at 7:30. Craig, the owner, is usually there before we arrive and often the three of us will chat a bit before the day starts.
Recently the three of us were shooting the breeze about something when Craig said, "What are the police doing here?"
I didn't think too much of it because the police occasionally drive through the campground as part of their patrol.
However, this was no courtesy patrol. Craig took a couple steps outside and the officer met him there. We could hear the cop say, "Go inside, lock the doors and don't leave. There are people in the area with guns."
Chris paused in his mopping and we looked at each other. Should we take cover? Did he have to keep mopping?
Craig came inside and we locked the doors, though that hardly made me feel safe since there are large windows and a glass door at the office. We joked a bit about what might be going on, then Craig left out the back door. A few minutes later he came over the walkie talkie, "It's a hispanic couple, she's got red hair and he's got a .45."
Me, "Are they here?" (I thought he'd seen them.)
Craig: "I sure hope not." (Apparently he'd gotten the scoop from the cop who was going around the park telling people to get inside.
After a few minutes we just went on about our business. The police never did come back to give us the all clear andw we never heard if the people were caught.
It was a pretty exciting start to the day. Maybe we really are in the wild west.
Recently the three of us were shooting the breeze about something when Craig said, "What are the police doing here?"
I didn't think too much of it because the police occasionally drive through the campground as part of their patrol.
However, this was no courtesy patrol. Craig took a couple steps outside and the officer met him there. We could hear the cop say, "Go inside, lock the doors and don't leave. There are people in the area with guns."
Chris paused in his mopping and we looked at each other. Should we take cover? Did he have to keep mopping?
Craig came inside and we locked the doors, though that hardly made me feel safe since there are large windows and a glass door at the office. We joked a bit about what might be going on, then Craig left out the back door. A few minutes later he came over the walkie talkie, "It's a hispanic couple, she's got red hair and he's got a .45."
Me, "Are they here?" (I thought he'd seen them.)
Craig: "I sure hope not." (Apparently he'd gotten the scoop from the cop who was going around the park telling people to get inside.
After a few minutes we just went on about our business. The police never did come back to give us the all clear andw we never heard if the people were caught.
It was a pretty exciting start to the day. Maybe we really are in the wild west.
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