This is beyond frustrating to many, including us.  We were hoping to get on in the spring but will have to see what else he can find, depending on whether or not this affects other jobs as well.  One of my biggest frustrations with this line of work is trying to budget for temporary work.  You just never know when you will get on a job or how long that job will last.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the frustration of it all.  Why would they want to cut so many jobs?  How are we supposed to pay our bills?  Don’t they understand that it will take years to get to a greener earth?  I’m all for saving the planet but until we get our consumption of petroleum-based products under control there is not going to be a time when we don’t need oil and gas.

In my opinion, there are two ways to go about our current situation…

1. We can sit around and wait for another job.  Which we’ve done many times.  Sometimes it pans out and other times, it drains that bank account.
2. Or we can get proactive and do something about it.

What we are working on

For us, we have learned to focus on option #2.  That often means my husband is calling his contacts and I’m asking in the pipeline community for any leads.  The pipeline community is a tight-knit group.  I am always seeing ways that we support our brothers and sisters.  Whether it be a lead on a job, helping with kids, finding resources, or donating time/money to someone in need, y’all got each other’s backs.  We always find a way to get through.

Looking at ways to save money and ways to bring other income in so that our bank account doesn’t take such a big hit can be helpful.  That could be dialing in your budget or starting a side hustle.  Do we really need cable and Netflix?  What about all those Target runs or stops at the coffee shop?  

I know for me, budgeting has always been an issue.  Whether it was because we never really talked about money growing up or because I liked getting what I wanted when I wanted.  Whenever I searched for budgeting help/advice it was hard to find anything that addressed my husband’s line of work.  How do I spread our income over 12 months?  What if there is a layoff?  Finding information to help address these issues was often difficult or missing the mark.

I finally decided to do something about it! 

I created my own budget worksheet that can help work through some of the questions we face.  And I want to give it to y’all for FREE!

FREE budget worksheet

Ladies, I know we can get bored just hanging at the camper/hotel/apartment.  What if you took some of that time and started a side hustle to bring in some extra cash?  Do you love creating, writing, or just helping people?  Think about those skills and start something!  I’ve started my own Virtual Assistant business, blog, and soon a book!  Check out my blog post about side hustles here.

Maybe you’re even ready to call it quits and start that business you’ve been dreaming about.  My husband is always dreaming up ways to make money once he is ready to hang up his boots.  Is there a business idea that you’ve been throwing around?  Talking about “when the time is right”?  What if now is that time?

I know a lot of these things won’t bring instant money but we have to make sure we are looking ahead.  Preparing and planning for those “what if” moments.  I sure hope that our pipeliners will be able to continue doing the work that they love.  That they can continue to contribute to the communities that they pass through.  And that the country will see them as the hard-working individuals that they are, sacrificing time away from their families.  Giving to the local communities, supporting their economies, and building a way for the rest of the country to have access to a (currently) necessary resource.

In the meantime, be kind to one another.  Share resources, information, job leads, whatever you can to help out.  Contact your local union, your state representative, and anyone else that can help.

Resources

Click here to help show your support for Keystone XL

Search for local jobs through Indeed.com (not affiliated)

Want to start your own Virtual Assistant business? Click here

No income budget help, click here

Thanks for reading!

–Kate

I finally did it!  My book is finished!  I wanted to take a second and share 5 steps to push past your inner critic (And let me tell ya, she was loud) that helped me get my book done.  

I’ve been thinking about writing this book for almost two years now.  The actual writing part was finished this winter but I let myself listen to that inner critic.  Telling me no one will read it, no one will like it, I don’t know what I’m talking about.  ALL the things!

Maybe some of those things will be true but I know that I have the experience, we all do, to write about our own experiences, what has helped us and how that might help someone else in a similar situation.

The actual writing of the book and editing is done.  Currently, it is heading to formatting and cover design.  I set a date near the end of September 2020 to launch!

I wrote this book with y’all in mind.  

As well as those just getting started or thinking about getting started with pipeline travel.  I hope I did ya proud!!  I know I didn’t cover everything but I wanted this book to focus on the beginning of the journey.

It was hard at times, to remember how I felt in certain situations.  Trying to remember all the questions I had, the places we had been (and when), sharing some of the stories.  But it felt right.  It felt like there might be someone out there that needs to hear our story, to get an idea of what it is like to travel with the pipeline or to know that they are not in it alone.

Because it was a journey to get to this point and through the writing, I wanted to share with you…

The 5 steps to push past your inner critic that helped me were;

Making a plan

It can be as simple as writing down the things you want to say.  Mindmapping, brainstorming, or anything else you want to call it.  Get the ideas out of your head and on to a piece of paper, Google docs, or any way else you want to write.  Set a timer, get your sh*t together, and GO!

Put together not only your thoughts for what you want to share but also ideas on how you want to organize it.  Think back to when you were in school and they taught you to create sections for writing.  Get your intro started, your chapter ideas, and your closing thoughts.

Taking action

After you’ve spent some time really thinking about what it is you want to share, take some time to actually do the writing.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  Put whatever comes to mind, put it in your notes.  Then you can take some time to edit and make adjustments to how you want it to flow.

Creating affirmations

Another huge help in pushing past my inner critic was creating affirmations.  Just the act of thinking about what you want to accomplish is helpful.  Then when you put them into your daily habit and repeat those affirmations.  Say them out loud!  Put them ALL over your camper, phone, house, whatever.  Use sticky notes and put them where you will see them and when you see them, say them proud!  

Making it a priority

How many good ideas have you had only to forget about them?  Scheduling them into your day makes those ideas a priority.  It took me a long time to see this one.  I always considered myself as a person that preferred to not have a schedule but so many things slip through the cracks when they are not noted.

Blocking out time in my schedule to focus on the writing helped, to make it a habit.  I do this with so many things including break periods.  It helps me to see where I’m spending my time and where I can add something else.  I use a combination of my phone calendar and a physical planner (click here for my favorite planner) to help track my days.  Below is a screenshot of my calendar when I was in the thick of things.

Be consistent

This one ties into Making it a priority as well.  In order to make a habit, you have to stay consistent.  That may mean setting it up at the same time/day.  It may mean setting a set time period.  Consistency also means that if you miss a day, you pick right back up.  Don’t go down that rabbit hole where you find every excuse because you missed one time.

If your interested in more info on creating or resetting a routine, read here.

There you have it, 5 steps to push past your inner critic.  

• Making a plan
• Taking action
• Affirmations
• Making it a priority
• Be consistent

These steps can be applied to just about anything you are trying to achieve or when you feel that self-doubt creeping up.

My book was a big hurdle but I’m so glad I was able to get it done.  What hurdles are you ready to cross off your list?

My hope for this book is that it will help future pipeline families.  I hope it resonates with those of us in the middle of it and I hope that it inspires you to go after your dreams.

I’m building my launch team and would love for you to be on it! 

If you are interested in reading this book and helping spread the word, please reach out below or send me an email at travelingwivesclub@gmail.com.

I’m hoping that you are all still enjoying my posts but I thought it might be nice to hear other women’s perspective so I will try to continue bringing other interviews or guest posts in the future.

Kathleen Reagan started a group in 2013 on Facebook specifically for luncheons in hopes of connecting with other pipeline women while traveling with work.  To her delight, the group grew quickly helping other traveling families find each other and making time to connect face to face over lunch and sometimes, other gatherings.

I hope you enjoy Pipeline Ladies Lunching – An Interview,

TWC: Could you please introduce yourself and a little about you?

Kathleen: My name is Kathleen Reagan, my husband is a helper/journeyman/foreman/testing out of Local 798. We are a blended family of 7, 5 kids, 2 his, 2 mine and 1 ours. Ages range from 15-6. From early 2013 through mid 2016 we traveled with my Husband Zach. He worked non stop for those years, allowing us to travel and be a one income household when previously we were 2. I no longer travel. I am the Marketing and Digital General Manager for CE, LLC in Houston TX.

TWC:  How long have you been a part of the pipeline family?

Kathleen:  Just under 8 years. 

TWC:  Do you travel with your significant other?

Kathleen:  We do not travel with him anymore. 

TWC:  If so, how long have you been traveling?  How many states in how many years?

Kathleen:  We traveled just over 3 years and made it through a dozen or so states, mostly Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, WV and PA.

TWC:  What have you found to be the most difficult thing about your pipeline experience so far?

Kathleen:  The only guarantee in pipeline is there is NO guarantee. With children I am not comfortable not having a source of income to provide when work is slow, like right now. 

TWC:  What do you enjoy most about it?

Kathleen:  I truly have enjoyed the wives and families we’ve gotten to meet. 

TWC:  What is Pipeline Ladies Lunching?

Kathleen:  Pipeline Ladies Lunching is a social group dedicated to JUST luncheon posts. (There is no fee to join.)

TWC:  How/why did you start the group?

Kathleen:  I started the group because I was tired of fishing through drama filled pages for a luncheon post. 

TWC:  How quickly did the word get out?

Kathleen:  It got out incredibly fast. We grew in a few weeks to 500 or more members. 

TWC:  How many members are in the group now?

Kathleen:  3.8k members

TWC:  Are the luncheons only for a certain area of the country?

Kathleen:  No they are for all areas of country and all walks of pipeline life. Union, non union, from Superintendant to swamper. 

TWC:  How often do you get a chance to attend luncheons?

Kathleen:  As I do not travel and work full-time I don’t get to attend many anymore.

TWC:  How can someone find the group? 

Kathleen:  They can search for the group title or be added by a current user. We do require you answer a few questions as we have children attending the event and we want to keep them safe. 

TWC:  Can anyone organize a luncheon?

Kathleen:  Anyone is welcome to organize a luncheon. 

TWC: What has creating this group meant to you?

Kathleen:  This group has meant a drama free setting to meet and get to know other families. 

TWC:  What do you love about the group?

Kathleen:  The camaraderie between the wives and lifelong friends for our children. 

TWC:  Where do you see the group in 5 years?  Will you still run the group?

Kathleen:  Hopefully in another 5 years the group is still maintaining itself with a collective group of women who are interested in supporting the other families in the industry. I am less hands off now, compared to what I was when I started the group but I would like to think in 5 years I would still be somehow involved. 

TWC:  Would you share some of your tips/words of wisdom for someone getting started with the pipeline?

Kathleen:  The only guarantee in pipelining is there is no guarantee. Find a support system no matter where you travel. Part of the intention of the group was to assist families in building a support system where ever they may roam. 

TWC:  What has been your favorite place to visit with or without the pipeline?

Kathleen:  My favorite place to visit has been Leslie, Michigan. We stayed there on two separated jobs for almost a year each time. We made lifelong friends and our children had the opportunity to enjoy a true winter, something we don’t get to experience in South Texas.

There you have it, how the Pipeline Ladies Lunching was born!

Let me hear from you!  Did you already know about this group?  Are you ready to join the group if you are not a member, (no fee involved)?

If you are interested in sharing your personal pipeline story please comment below or send me a message.

If you are looking for other ways to connect with people while traveling, check out my blog here.

As always, thanks for reading!

–Kate

This was a short job and I was currently working back in Michigan.  The job was in a remote area of Maryland, closer to the WV border.  It was a beautiful little resort town that got pretty dang busy during the summer, probably the winter too!

No campgrounds close by that had any openings and the job wasn’t long enough, about 3 months, to warrant finding a home rental.  This was before Airbnb too so, finding an extended stay was not quite as easy.

Highlights

The Inn at Deep Creek– Oakland, MD

• 12ish rooms
• Very clean, spacious rooms
• Close to town
• Friendly staff
• Bars/restaurants nearby
• Beautiful scenery
• Ski resort and large lake in town

Layout

The layout at the Inn at Deep Creek was pretty standard for a small inn.  Two-level building, with a front or back deck.  The rooms were simple and spacious; bed, bathroom and a small deck that looked out to the lake if you were on the backside.  The rooms even had a Keurig in them which was pretty rare at the time.  Some I believe have kitchenettes as well.

The Inn was situated about half way on the lake and at the south end of McHenry (it has an Oakland address).  It was on a main two lane road that took you right through all the amenities.

Favorite things

The staff was so great when my husband stayed there.  Always friendly, helpful and kept things very neat in the rooms as well as the Inn itself.  The Inn had good parking for big trucks and the amenities were easily accessible.

My favorite part of the area was the outdoor opportunities!  The lake was long and had a ton of activities on it.  Lots of places to rent jet skis and boats.  There was plenty of hiking trails to explore. Our favorite was the Swallowtail Falls area.

It was also close to the Ohiopyle State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.  Both absolutely beautiful areas!  We have been several times since our first visit.

The town

The town of Oakland was relatively small but has grown since we were there for the first time. Picture most small tourist-oriented towns, a few quaint shops, restaurants and a small market lined the main drag.  I don’t remember visiting a typical downtown area, most of the shops and attractions were stretched out along MD-219.  There was a cute little deli style market that we went to a couple times as well as UNO pizzeria.

Nearby

As I mentioned earlier, Ohiopyle and actually 2 of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes are about an hour to the north from the Inn at Deep Creek.  Ohiopyle offers a chance to walk part of the Appalachian trail as well as areas for fishing, white water rafting and a little rock waterslide.  Both Wright homes are open for tours with gift shops, snacks and hiking opportunities.

Continuing with the outdoor theme if you continue south, closer to about a 2-hour drive, you can access the Monongahela National Forest in WV.  We didn’t actually explore here until last year but it has some beautiful areas as well!  Blackwater Falls being the closest from Oakland, followed by Spruce Knob.

If you are interested in a bigger town you have the option of heading west to Morgantown or to the east for Cumberland.  Both offer beautiful mountain areas, shopping and a bigger selection of restaurants. Catch a college football game over in Morgantown

Overall, it was a great experience for my husband’s stay(we enjoyed visiting as well).  We have come back to the area several times since his first job there.

I hope you have found this review and information helpful!

Please remember that anything written above was my opinion and experience of the area/s.  I have also linked to the Inn’s page and McHenry’s website for more information.

Let me know if you have visited this place or surrounding area!  What did you think?

If you are curious about other places we have reviewed, click here.

As always, thanks for reading!

–Kate

Today is our son’s first day of Kindergarten and I am sitting here crying like a baby.

I’m doing it for all the typical reasons;

• He’s growing so fast
• His first experience of school
• He was nervous (and so am I)

But one of the biggest reasons I’m sitting here is because my husband isn’t.  He should be here.  He is missing out on these big occasions.

No, he is not dead. No, he is not in the military.

He has something else that keeps him away…the pipeline.

Have you heard of it? Probably just the protests, right? A topic for another time.

In case you have not heard of it…our country is full of pipelines that run under and above the ground. They crisscross our nation like the veins in our body, providing a supply of liquid and gas that our country depends on.

They help transport liquid petroleum and natural gas to help create products we use EVERY DAY like our cell phones, TVs, fuel for our cars, heat to our homes, etc.   You can read about pipelines here.

Another story, another time.

Let’s get back to our story…

The kids and I decided to come back about a week before so I had time to get the school supplies from the list, figure out timing (for driving), plan out lunches (I’m failing here) and overall scheduling.

We also wanted to give our son a bit of time to adjust back home before entering a new situation.  To have time to run around and enjoy summer at the big house.  To get used to sleeping in a new bed and place.

It is such an exciting time and yet so hard on our family.

For an undetermined amount of time we will be apart from my husband, their daddy.  He is staying back to work, to provide for our family. Unless he gets laid off soon, we most likely won’t see him until around Thanksgiving break.  He is about 8 hours away and that is just too hard on two littles for a weekend trip.

This is a job that we chose before we had children.  My husband has worked so hard to get where he is and has become damn good at what he does. As a family we support him!  We know it will be hard and the visits will not come often enough but it is a short-term game at this point.

Although, this was a choice we made, it doesn’t make it any easier.

The kids and I get to be back in our home.  Making new friends and enjoying our new town.  We get to check out our festivals, sports and whatever else we can find.  We have all these things to keep us busy along with navigating school and all the things that come along with daily life.

While it can be fun doing these things, it is also bittersweet.

It’s hard for me to not think about the fact that he will miss out on different activities or the excitement of making a new friend.  He will miss out on the bedtime routine, the homework and even simple things like pickup and drop-off.

He doesn’t get to hold our sons hand at the dentist when he is scared.

He doesn’t get to wipe our daughters tears away when she gets hurt.

But he wants to.

He doesn’t get to teach them how to ride bikes.

He doesn’t get to snuggle with them every night.

But he wants to.

I often don’t send him as many pictures when we are apart.  Not because I don’t think that he should see them.  I worry about how it will affect him.  I don’t want him to miss them more than he already does but I don’t want him to miss out either.

We know there are options.

Trust me when I say that we have talked about a lot of them.  Our minds have changed several times already.  We know there are options for schooling.  Homeschooling or to just change schools whenever we moved is an option.

I know many families that are doing these things successfully and it works for them.  But each of us is different.  We feel this is what are family needs right now.

We also know there is always a way to make something work.  So, for now we are finding ways to make being apart work for our family. Technology certainly helps.  FaceTime is often used as signal allows.

Our family talks daily, even if it is only for a few minutes.  We keep the kids informed on what is happening and encourage them to be engaged in the conversation.

Please don’t mistake this post as looking for sympathy.

We know this is the path that we have chosen.  We have a plan and right now, this separation, this difficult situation is a part of that plan.

This post is more for those that are also experiencing this same situation.  I just want you to know that you are not alone.  There are others going through separation just like you.

It may not be for the same reasons but they know the heartache you feel.  The questions you have unanswered.  They have family and friends that just don’t understand.

There are others that loved this lifestyle but now want it to change so desperately.  Some are trapped financially and trying to figure a way out.  Others just love this work and are not ready to walk away from it.

Whatever the situation, there are others out there that are negotiating similar situations.  Trying to do the best for their family.

This post is for you. I hope you know that there are others out there, experiencing similar situations with our travel lifestyle. You are not alone.

Ways to help ease the separation…

• FaceTime, Skype, Zoom are great tools to have so that you can have a sense of connection.  They help by providing you with video calls.  You get to see each other while you chat.  We do this daily as long as he has a decent signal.
• Talk.  I’m mean really talk.  Separation makes things seem worse than they are sometimes.  You need to be able to share what you are feeling so things don’t get mixed up or lost in translation.
• Put yourself in their “shoes”.  Try to see things from the other person’s point of view.  Both parties are struggling with different things when separated.  My husband is so good at this, I need to do better.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in whatever we are dealing with that we don’t always stop to see what they are going through also.
• Make time for visits as often as possible.  Obviously this varies on distance and schedules but if you can make something work, DO IT!
• Find support.  Talk to people that can relate or are at least willing to listen.  If you need help finding places for support, check out my post about some resources here.
• If you don’t like the situation, make a plan to change it!

If you can relate and want to share, I would love to hear from you!  Drop a comment below!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Kate

It was my first experience staying in our fifth wheel but in a mobile home park.  For a time, we had lived in a mobile home park so I knew of them and a little about what to expect as far as layout.

My husband’s foreman had hooked us up with the spot and we were thankful since we weren’t finding much more at the time.  I remember the park being pretty decent size, at least 100 spots for mobile homes/trailers.

I actually didn’t mind staying in the park.  The people were pretty decent and I felt comfortable walking around the park by myself. They tended to the grass for us since we did not have a lawn mower with us.

Highlights

Enchanted VillageMobile Home park– Alton, Illinois

• 100+ spots
• Full hookups
• Close to town
• Bar/restaurant nearby
• Paved/grassy sites
• Across river from St. Louis, MO

Layout

We stayed at this park from about September 2009 to November 2009 and then again in June 2010 to October 2010.  The park was a mobile home park right at the edge of town.

All sites were back in and we had one that was backed up to a small hill.   All the sites were paved/concrete with a grassy patch on each side and had full hook-ups.  There were a few large trees for shade.

Favorite things

For me, the best part about being in Alton was the drive up and down IL 100.  It was pretty scenic along the Mississippi River there and a great place to spot bald eagles!

The next best part was Fast Eddie’s!  This place was jammin’ every weekend.  It was a bar that had an enclosed, heated outdoor area.

They served up cheap but delicious food ($.99 shrimp baskets!) to keep you hanging with the drinks and the featured band playing in the background.

We were definitely deep in to our partying phase still so this was a great find.

The town

Alton, Illinois is located alongside the Mississippi River.  It is a smaller town by most standards and had basic amenities when we were there.

The town itself was pretty easy to navigate but a little sleepy most days so we found ourselves venturing when we could.

For the outdoors, there are lots of nice trails along the river for outdoor enthusiasts.  IL’s largest state park, Pere Marquette State Park is close by with hiking trails, campgrounds and horseback riding options.

If you like your history, there are Indian burial mounds to the south.  Alton was also a big hub for The Underground Railroad with several homes still having the tunnels under them.

Nearby

Edwardsville, IL is within a 15-minute drive from Alton.  It’s a bit bigger and has a University there with more amenities than Alton had to offer.  We usually drove down that way if we wanted to hit up a chain restaurant for dinner.

Across the big river is the north end of St. Louis, Missouri.  They have a few great parks downtown as well as museums.  If you enjoy sports you can catch football, baseball or hockey here.

Downtown is pretty easy to get around whether you are walking or driving through. Don’t forget about the Arch when you are over there, it’s hard to miss!

Laclede’s landing is a great area for just walking around and exploring the riverfront.  There is an aquarium, wax museum and plenty of hotels, bars/restaurants to keep you occupied.

We spent a weekend down there, where we enjoyed a few too many libations.  Not necessarily a bad thing (in moderation) but when you wake up to the sounds of tailgating for Sunday’s football game, you quickly regret that decision!

Overall it was a good stay and experience.  As with any place, it is what you make it.  The park fit our needs and we were able to find fun things to do nearby.

I hope you have found this review and information helpful!

Please remember that anything written above was my opinion and experience of the area/s.  I have also linked to the mobile home park page and Alton’s website for more information.

Let me know if you have visited this place or surrounding area!  What did you think?

If you want to see other reviews click here!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

That is quickly followed up by…

Asking my husband 100 questions he doesn’t have answers to

Anyone else do this? No?  Just me then.  LOL

I know I annoy him to no end but he still insists on telling me before he has all the details.  So, who is to blame really?

Part of it is the excitement of a new place but the other part is fear that we won’t find somewhere decent to stay.

My next steps all involve one word…internet!  I don’t know how we survived sometimes without it!  The internet has been such a big help though when it comes to finding out about new locations and places to stay.  So, my next steps are as follows:

Look up the location

If he doesn’t already know this answer he will generally go back and ask to satisfy my need.  LOL

I consider myself a planner. Not one of those super organized and well thought out planners though.  More like I need to have all the info to make a plan but I will only make half the plan and procrastinate the rest.

If I know the general area then I can scout out about a 50-mile radius of all the amenities we may need. Puts my mind at ease until I get more details.

See how long the drive will be and best route

I am always the navigator as my husband generally does the driving.  If I know how long the drive will be then I can find stops along the way to break up the drive so that our kids are not going nuts locked up in their car seats.

If it is a long drive, we like to look for a half way point to stay for the night.  None of us like to be in the vehicle for an all-day excursion so we make it about 6-7 hours max.

Locate closest campgrounds, hotels & short-term rentals

I check out ALL the housing options because I never know what we are going to find.  We try to stay in our camper as much as possible but there have been times because of lack of campgrounds nearby or them being full that we have had to find other options.  This is always dependent on when we are coming in to a job or how many other jobs are around the same area.

Check out city/town webpage

Another great resource is the closest town websites.  They often list any events happening and I have come across others that also help with rentals.  At the minimum, they list the local businesses which can help you decide if you want to stay near that area or a different one.  This is great for finding hair/nail salons, restaurants, healthcare or any services you may need.

My next focus is usually on what the city has to offer while we are there.  Any events, gyms, parks, kids’ activities, etc.

See if there is a local FB page

If there is you can connect with local businesses and any events that may be happening while you are in the area.  I tend to search for indoor play options for rainy/cold days, any unique shops or farms for trips and children’s museums or at least some museums the kids might be interested in checking out.

Don’t forget to look at a map to see what other towns may be close by and what they have to offer too!

Check out FB events

FB events is helpful for finding any festivals, art classes, food/drink tastings or other special activities that may be taking place near you.  It will default to the last place you used or biggest city nearby if you have location services on.  With smaller towns, you may have to type it in or look at towns close by.

To access FB events, go to your Facebook.  If on your computer, click on events on the left side.  Then Discover and type in your city.  You can also search a date range to help narrow things down.

If you are on your phone, click on the 3 lines at bottom left.  Find events then select your location either as nearby (preset) or change to town needed.  You can also select a radius to help find things close by.  Once you select your town you can choose from today, tomorrow or this weekend.

Groupon

Groupon is helpful for finding coupons to local activities, events or service in a location you choose. It will not be a complete list of things around but it can save you some money on a few of them!

Local hotel or chamber of commerce for pamphlets and info

We often go to a hotel to let the kids swim in the pool if we don’t have one at the campground.  Hotels usually have a shelving unit full of pamphlets for local attractions.

Chamber of commerce also has a ton of information and usually a knowledgeable person to speak with about the local area.  Both are great resources when you get to a new town.

See what activity options are near

My kids are just getting to school age so I usually try to find activities to keep us busy a couple days/week.  We have found sports camps, indoor play areas, farms, zoos and plenty of hiking trails to keep us busy.

For more information on finding things to do check out my post here

By this time the location has changed or time has been pushed back…LOL. Sound familiar?

Once we know for sure that we are going I either start from scratch for the new location (see above list) or start focusing on a place to stay.

Take a drive

If we are within 2 hours of the new location, myself and the kids or all of us will take a trip to the new area.  Look around. Find out where we are warehousing and map out what places we are considering staying (if there are options).

Most reputable places are honest with their pictures of their property and what sites may look like but there are other businesses that are not.  It’s just nice to be able to see them in person and also scout out other places to help anyone else that might be looking for a place to stay.

Visiting also gives us a chance to time and find the best routes to the yard from potential campgrounds, hotels, etc.  As well as routes from the current location to the new location.

Our most recent move we actually did about 3 trips.  Two to scout the area, to see what was around and potential yard locations.  The third was more of a drive by once we found a place we wanted to stay.  The kids and I were heading home to MI anyways so, we just drove an alternate route to see if that would work for taking the trailer and also to check out the campsite.

The two scouting trips were to check out some places I had already called on and to review a potential yard site.  Glad we made the trips because all the locations were not so great.  Definitely doable in a pinch but not ideal for us.

Peace of mind

All of the above tasks are essential to me getting comfortable with a new area.  I like to research and learn about the new place and see what options we have.  It helps me feel like I am participating a bit more with his work and gives me a sense of connection.  Some tasks are necessary for getting us set up but others are more for my satisfaction and mental health.

I hope these tips were helpful.

Let me know if you have a similar process for your moves, send me a message or comment below!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

Consider finding work while you travel.

Traveling with your significant other can be filled with fun and new adventures but it can also get REAL boring and lonely too.

We all have different reasons for wanting to make money while traveling…maybe it is

• a creative outlet
• extra income
• meet others
• need more than being a stay at home mom (me raising my hand!)
• security in case something happens

Whatever the reason, there are options, EVEN while traveling.

Seasonal jobs

Most large corporations as well as some small businesses will often look for seasonal help.  That season depends on their industry. Sometimes it is summer help for outdoor companies or businesses related to warmer temps.  Other times it is focused more around the holidays, usually end of October to January.  This type of work provides flexibility because it is temporary.

Nationwide companies

If you want something steadier, look for nationwide companies that may allow you to transfer as you change locations.  For part of my time with Con-way Freight (now XPO Logistics), I was able to transfer to different terminals since they were a nationwide company.

Work at home

This type of work provides the ultimate flexibility because it can go wherever you go!  In most cases you are the boss as well so there is no checking to make sure you can transfer your work.

• MLMs

MLMs often get a bad rap.  They get called names like pyramid and Ponzi schemes but their structure is very similar to corporate America.  You have a president, then VPs, then Managers, then workers.  If you drew it out it would look much like a pyramid! There are a variety of different industries/products out there that involve MLMs.  Find one that fits your interests!

• Create something

Maybe you are a creative person.  Do you love to craft?  Have you designed something unique or improved on something already out there?   You could start an online store and sell what you make.  Depending on what it is you are creating, will determine how easily you could run the business on the road.

• Virtual assistants

Do you have administrative or specialized skills, a computer, phone and time to complete the tasks?  Do you enjoy helping others get the job done?  You could sign up to be a VA for online companies or better yet, start your own VA business!

• Transcriptionist

Transcription is another great option for working from home.  You need fast typing skills, a computer and an ability to pick up words from a variety of people.  Most people think of medical transcription in this category but there are many other types. Check out Rev.com for a listing of current jobs as well as opportunities to do captions for TV programming.

• Recruiting

If you are detail oriented, enjoy working, helping and talking with people then consider recruiting.  Recruiters get to help others find jobs.  Although many companies require a degree for this position you do have the option of creating your own freelance business.

• Customer Service

People skills are a must for this type of work!  A good portion of this position is done from a phone and/or email.  So, as long as you have good signal and enjoy talking to people this could be a great fit for you!

• Writer

Do what I do, share your thoughts with others!  You could write a book or blog, depending on your goals around writing. Both formats have the potential to bring in income and you definitely have the flexibility of working from anywhere. If this interests you, feel free to message me about any questions you have.  Check out the course that got me started here

Help others

Not all significant others travel with their Pipeliner.  We all know that they put in long hours most days and could use an extra hand.  If you are looking to make money while traveling, consider offering some of the following services to help out the other Pipeliners on the job;

• Pet sitter
• Baby sitter
• Laundry or cleaning
• Grocery shopping
• Running errands

Improve your skills

This option is not great on a resume if repeated over a long period but it does get you out of your small living space and meet others!  If you choose to, look for places you could get a discount like your favorite retail store. You could also find your favorite coffee shop or bookstore.  Another idea is to think of a new skill you would like to learn or improve on and try a place that offers it.

Work with significant other/on pipeline

Another option is to also work on the road.  This could be a bit more difficult if you have children only because of the added need for childcare if you both are out of the home for long hours.  If you can make it work then there are a few options;

• Many women opt to be their significant other’s helper (welders)
• Laborer
• Safety
• X-ray teams
• Office staff

Some choose to work directly with their significant other while others choose to work on a different crew.  Take in the factors of needing childcare, amount of time spent with each other and the type of work to help you decide if this would be a good fit for you and your family.

As I mentioned before, there are a variety of reasons to take up employment while traveling.

Here are my reasons…

In the 12 years we have been traveling together I have held a couple of the jobs above and also spent about 2.5 years at home while he traveled.

I worked at a tanning salon because I wanted to meet others.

We needed the extra income so, I took a job at Con-way and stayed home for 2.5 years and then transferred terminal to terminal.  His job was not very stable at the time (long lay-offs) and we had acquired too much debt.

I worked my first MLM because of pregnancy hormones and boredom.

My second MLM was started to get healthy and have extra income.

My current endeavors have been started to begin an exit strategy from this line of work.  Our kids will be starting school and we have chosen to be stationary for them.  This means our family will be split until we can get my husband off the road.

If you decide to seek employment, I encourage you to find something that you have an interest in and do enjoy.  Remember that it is ok to try something, not like it and then try something different. Don’t trap yourself in a job that makes you unhappy.

Please feel free to comment or send a message to me with any questions about working on the road.

If you are currently working or thinking about working on the road comment below.  I’d love to hear what you are doing!

If you are looking for other ways to beat the isolation, check out my post here.

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

For a lot of women, the fact that summer is approaching means that we need to start thinking about how we will look in less clothing. No more layering and bundling to cover up our bodies.

So, now that you are traveling, where are you supposed to work out?

Read on to find top tips on working out in small spaces…

Here are a few options;

In your trailer/hotel/rental

Let me just tell you that if you truly want to work out, you can make it happen in any size space! I have completed yoga programs, weight lifting programs, and even cardio programs between my two couches and recliners. You may have a few extra steps to prep your space or clean up after but it can be done!

Trailers

Those of you that have opted for a toy hauler may have a bit of extra space in the garage to set up some sort of workout area.

The door in between is a bonus if you opt to work out while kids or hubby are sleeping, although I’m sure the trailer still shakes a bit as you jump about. LOL.

Could be soothing for the little ones! Our oldest used to sleep on the couch right next to me while I worked out. It seemed to help him sleep a bit longer most days.

If you don’t have a toy hauler, you can still accomplish your workout goals! Two of our campers had front living rooms so I was able to work out in between the couches. This usually worked out pretty well because it was a nice square space.  Talk about working out in a small space!

I envy those that have the kitchen and living room on one level. Those campers usually have the most floor space for a workout. Depending on what extras you have brought in to the camper, you may have to do some temporary rearranging to give you room.

Hotels

These really aren’t much more spacious than our trailers as far as room to workout but many often offer a gym.  If you would rather stay in your room than look for a corner of the room.  Most TVs rotate or use your laptop/phone and move a chair or two out of the way.  Voila!  You have space to workout!  Plus, you can get these great bands to help provide a bit more resistance!

Rentals

If you opt to rent apartments or homes while traveling then just pick an extra room or make some space in the living room.  This is by far the most spacious option so you should be able to make it work.

As my kids have gotten older, they think it is fun to work out with me. Awesome BUT it sure is cramped in that space! Just remember to be extra careful with any weights or jumping moves! Heck, even the squats can take a little one out! I may have done that a few times.

If you know you are not a self-motivated person or just prefer to work out with others, these top tips for working out in small spaces may help give you ideas;

Local gym

Local gyms can be an option but there is a cost, of course. Many gyms offer group classes or personal training if you are unsure where to start. A bonus too, if they have a child watch or daycare option!

Downsides to a gym are that some places have a difficult exit option when you no longer want your gym membership. Which can occur quite often with our type of travel. If it is a nationwide chain, you may be able to transfer to your next location or back home.

The YMCA and Planet Fitness have been pretty easy to exit out of and are mostly nationwide if you can transfer your membership.

Walking/Running

Walking/Running is a simple form of exercise but not everyone enjoys doing it on their own. You may be able to round up a group of others to walk/run that stay in the same campground or wherever you may be staying.

There are many apps out there to help you train for a certain distance or just help keep you motivated. I personally like the ease of the Couch to 5K but recently found a new one, Better Me, that gives a bit of variation to your runs.

Gym at campground

A somewhat rare option is a gym at a campground. I have only found this a couple of times at campgrounds but if you are staying at a hotel or apartment complex you may have a better chance of finding this option.

Even if the campground does not have a typical gym there is generally more space to move safely (not as much traffic).  There also might be a playground to act like a kid again while increasing your muscle strength.

Church/Community Center

I’ve noticed lately that local churches or community centers have started offering workout classes for groups. Most popular has been Zumba but you may be able to find other classes as well.

Workouts

Now that you’ve figured out where you can work out, let’s talk about some program options.  Another top tip for working out in small spaces is to utilize a streaming at home service.  There is no need to carry around DVDs and you can use it with most smart TVs or Roku, Chromecast, etc.

I have used Beachbody’s On Demand (BOD) off and on for about the last 2 years.  It’s easy to use, low cost and you get access to over 500 different workouts!  They offer videos for all different levels and anywhere from yoga to dancing to weight lifting.

BOD is great but I know there are other streaming services out there as well as a ton of YouTube videos with lots of variety as well.  Do a search for exercise videos and try some out!

Nutrition

Movement is super important to stay healthy but don’t forget about the nutrition side of things as well! You can bust your butt doing the latest workout but if you are not fueling your body and providing the energy it needs for those workouts then you will not always get the results you desire.

Remember to focus on whole foods. Avoid processed foods. A common tip for grocery shopping is to shop the outside aisles of the stores. This is where the fresh produce, meats, and dairy are generally kept.

Check out the EWG’s suggestions for the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables that should be purchased organically. For meats, try to find free-range, non-GMO, and grass-fed. Once you get items home, be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables. Check out these tips.

I am no expert but I do have experience in losing weight after having babies!! My best results were after our oldest. Breastfeeding certainly helped along the way but I put in the work too! I dropped 60 lbs within 13 months!

While we may be talking about getting in shape for the summer, it is important to remember that taking care of our bodies should be an all-year process. Eat well, get good sleep, and follow these top tips for working out in small spaces. I know it can be a challenge but you are worth it!

Let me hear how you are focusing on your health!!  For other tips on maintaining your overall health while traveling, check out my post on mental health.

If you would like to hear about how I lost the weight, send me a message or comment below!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

SO where do you start?

Most likely you don’t know anyone (yet) and are still getting used to navigating the area.

GOOGLE SEARCH

My go to start position is Google search or whatever search engine you use.  Type in a hobby that you are interested in and the location.  Or look for local parks, churches, community centers, whatever you may have an interest in and want to explore.

That search can send you down a rabbit hole quickly if you let it so try to focus on what you want out of your activity.

Do you want to create something?  Do you want to see something new?  Do you want a chance to meet new people?

FB EVENTS

My next tool is FB events and local groups.  FB and the internet in general can be helpful for finding new experience while traveling across the country!  Just follow these simple steps

• Click on the events section off to the left of your main page.
• Search your local area and a time frame…this week, next week or certain dates.

I’ve been able to find a lot of fun, local events that I did not find using my search engine.  These were anywhere from a charity run to a crafting class or local tasting of food or drink.

When I first started traveling, we didn’t have kids so most of my activities revolved around shopping or hiking.  I was more of an introvert than I am these days so I was ok with solo activities while my husband was working.  (Just make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.)

I just NEEDED to get out of the trailer!!

We were lucky enough to be near some great hiking and scenic places so I would take our pups with me and go for a hike that usually ended in me carrying our dog, Piglet.  He had lots of energy but just a little guy so he didn’t hang for long. Pig in a pocket pic included for cuteness!

I also found myself doing quite a bit of shopping in certain locations which wasn’t exactly good for the pocketbook!  I had to refocus my activity choices and find something else besides shopping.  Which takes us to my next suggestion…

GET A JOB

The first time I got a job while traveling (outside of helping at a campground), we were just outside of Washington D.C.  We were living in a house FULL of people but I needed some space and new faces.  One of our roommates started at a local tanning salon.  She mentioned that they were still looking for help so I went for it.

Not exactly what I was looking for but I am so glad that I took a chance!  Everyone there was so nice!  I got great work experience, training and so much more.  I ended up making two friends from there who helped me out a ton with our pup, filling in for my lack of friends and just being very supportive.

OPTIONS WITH KIDS 

Now, we have our two littles so I try finding new experiences while traveling that they would enjoy.  Below are my top choices;

• Zoos
• Craft classes
• Gymnastics/dance classes
• Local mall with a children’s area or bounce house
• Mom groups can be found on FB

Really, anything to get them out of the trailer as well as burn off some energy!  Trust me, you NEED this for your sanity!!

COMMUNITY BOARDS

In the more remote locations, I often would be willing to drive a bit further for an activity but there may be other options such as a local church, community group, boards in the grocery store or post office.

I admit, I have not used this resource much.  I have been successful with the previous options and just haven’t had to use this one. Most will have a community board with things going on around town and if they do not, they usually have people who will be willing to help you find something or someone.

EXERCISE

There might not always be things close to where you are staying, in those instances, start with a daily walk.

It is amazing what just getting outside can do for your mental health!!  Ah, the power of sunshine and fresh air!

Plus, it gives you exposure to other people, who may be able to suggest new experiences or new places!!  In these more isolated places try to resist the urge to always curl up and binge TV/surf the internet.  Those days can be just as rewarding but only on an occasional basis.

Speaking of exercise, places that offer exercise options are a great resource.  Not only do you get to move but you have the chance to meet others. Some places, like most YMCAs, offer a child care option too while you are taking your class.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Don’t miss out on this great resource…pipeline groups found on Facebook.  Here you can connect with other traveling ladies in your area and continue to stay in touch with them!

There are a ton of groups out there so you just have to find the one that works for you.  Just use the search tab on FB and type in “pipeline” or “pipeline wives”.  That should get you started with several options.

In addition to those groups be sure to join Pipeline Ladies Lunching.  This group organizes lunch gatherings all over.  Again, just search for your current location or post and ask if anyone is around you.  I wish I had known about this group from the beginning!  It’s so nice to have a standing meeting once a week and plan trips, shopping or just another get together.

If you don’t see something in your area, you can always start something!  Post in the groups that already exist and ask for people to join you on an outing.  Or you can create your own group if you are not finding what you are looking for in your area.

The point is that you don’t have to be so isolated.  There are millions of people on this earth and many have the same interests, problems and desires as you do!  If you need help on finding people to connect with while traveling check out my post here

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie