So this is going to sounds crazy, but there are just 15 days until we leave.  How did that happen?  Are we ready?  Am I ready?  Not even freaking close.  But the good news is that we are moving steadily down the road to being ready.  Which is pretty good news in my book.  In the last two weeks since my last update we have been kicking butt and taking names.  Or more literally, building storage and packing boxes.  But it’s basically the same thing around here now.

A lot has changed in the last few weeks so let me catch you up.

Currently – Campervan Edition

I guess one of the most important decisions that we have made in the last few days is that we are going regardless of whether we get a tenant or not.  Reckless and stupid?  Maybe.  But I don’t think so.  Living in limbo is not good for any of us.  For our immediate family or the greater family that we are leaving behind.  Not to mention issues with schools, houses, storage and so much more.  We needed to just have a date to stick to.  And I can’t tell you all the knock on benefits of making that choice.  We are all stations go and things are happening which is just great.  We feel at peace about it all which also helps a lot.

WE HIT THE ROAD 30 JUNE 2018

ITINERARY:

Aside from two nights in Oudtshoorn that I still need to find good accommodation options for (suggestions please), we have the first 3 weeks of our trip sorted.  A mix of camping spots and chilling with friends.  There is definitely a relief in knowing that it’s sorted and that we can keep the rest going as we go along.

SCHOOLING:

We have had meetings with all the teachers, Knox’s OT teacher and many more and we’re feeling really confident that we’re going to enjoy this part of the adventure.  Sure it’s going to be difficult, but we have been thoroughly prepared by their teachers and we’re so keen to get started!

My beautiful black ceiling… or some of it anyway

INTERIOR DESIGN:

So.  The ceiling of this camper has been my passion project from the beginning.  I mean I can’t build shelves (or what I mean I don’t really have the inclination to learn when Seth is perfectly DIY capable).  But I can search Pinterest boards for what I want and I can paint.  Seth hates painting.  So at least we both have our strengths.

At first everyone thought that my black ceiling was not great.  We bought the high gloss paint ages ago, but then Seth started losing his nerve the more issues we started having with the ceiling.  However despite any negative comments I received I was set on my glossy black ceiling.  And I go it.  And it’s beautiful and probably the best part of the camper.  For now.  The high gloss add reflection of light which makes the camper feel bigger when you’re in it. WINNING!!

The next project for me is the girls section at the top of the camper.  We were going to do purple but now we have a much better idea and I can’t wait to get cracking on it!!

MOBILITY:

The windscreen wipers stopped working the other day and the exhaust needed some quick attention, so Optimus has spent the last couple of days at the mechanic.  We get him back tonight and then we’re back t working on the interior every night.

Sitting at home affairs for an eternity

PASSPORTS:

We finally got to Home Affairs a week and a bit ago.  It was torture.  I know we could have gone through Standard Bank but all the spots were taken and we couldn’t wait for one to free up.  So we completed the online applications and paid online so at least we didn’t have to do that.  We got there around 11 and sat until 3.  But we’ve done it and that’s what counts.

Here’s an inside tip I got from the ladies that work there.  If you arrive at 7.30 with kids dressed in their school uniform they get served right then and there so that they can still get to school!  If only we had known that!!

HOUSE RENTAL:

Like I said, we’re going whether this is sorted or not.  The good news is that just after we decided that we got an application from someone that looks really promising.  So hopefully it will all work out anyway!  YAY!!

The floors are in despite us getting totally high on fumes

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS:

The floors are in which means that we could start installing the back seats.  And we have basically completely installed the bed area (that you can see in the picture with the ceilings above).  We need to finish up the cupboarding and shelving around the back seats and then Seth will move on to the electrical parts.  So excited to see it all come together, it’s really looking great!

DOGS:

WE HAVE A HOME FOR OUR DOGS!!  Oh my gosh I can’t actually explain the relief I have writing that out!!  Guys, such a great family are going to be looking after them.  They are already talking about all the walks and adventures that they will go on and I know that Spartan and Coco are going to be in great hands.  They may even be living a better life than they did with us.  I’m still going to miss the freaking crap out of them though.

This will be used for our clothing and a million other things…

PACKING:

Things are getting real here and I am making sure that I pack a few boxes every single day.  I can’t deal with it all piling up and having to do a mountain of it when we need to use the time for other things.  But I’m feeling confident about it.  Not panicked.  Yet.

OVERALL OPTIMISM:

Super keen.  Obvs we’re going through the up’s and down’s of feeling all the emotions on the daily.  But we’re still so excited and privileged that we’re about to do this at all that it’s helping to keep everything in check.  YAY!