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

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

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

How about an RV?! Sounds simple enough, right?  It can be but first check out these 10 questions to consider before buying an RV.

Continue reading to find out what those questions are and how it will affect your decision.

10 questions to consider before buying an RV

1.What type of RV should I get?

There are a variety of different types of RVs to choose from; The motorhome which allows you to drive and live in the same space.  These can also be broken down into Class A, Class B, and Class C.

There are travel trailers that are pulled behind a vehicle attached to a hitch at the bumper.

Fifth wheels are pulled behind a pickup truck and attached at a hitch in the bed of the truck.

Finally, a few other types, like the van and bus conversions, not as popular but still great options depending on your situation.

Learn more about the different types of RVs here, https://www.thorindustries.com/rv-types

2.Will you be staying in it full time?

If you plan on staying in your trailer for the majority of the year there are a few features you may want to consider.

The top 2, in my opinion, being a bigger fridge and storage.  These two are my necessities in a trailer that we will spend a lot of time in.

I am not a big fan of going to the grocery store every couple of days so I like to have more fridge space.  Plus, my two littles eat like they are teenagers already!!

Lots of storage is great for being able to rotate your clothing in seasons as well as toys if you have kids.

Having lots of storage inside and out means you can bring a few more of your favorite things and also have space to store the tools and necessary RV items.

Our current camper has the most storage I have seen in a fifth wheel to date.  We found this one in 2017.  It is a Grand Design Solitude 375RES.  It has a middle kitchen and elevated bedroom in the front and elevated living in the back.

In the kitchen, there is a pantry as well as wall and bottom cabinets.  The elevated living room in the back allows for more basement storage with a slide-out tray in the middle.  Seriously, SO much storage!!!

3.Will you be traveling to cold climates?

If you think you might be spending lots of time in colder climates you may want to check out the insulation packages for the trailers.

Many claim to be 4 seasons but I can tell you from experience that our 2007 Forest River Flagstaff with the rear kitchen was NOT!

It was our first job in the camper in northern Missouri.  We had bought the 4-season camper because we were unsure of where we would be.

I believe it was November. It had gotten pretty cold, quickly. After the first real cold night we had (maybe high 20s) we woke up the next morning with our pillows frozen to the walls!

In the camping industries defense, most are meant just for a weekend or a week or two trips and not long term.  So, when they say 4 seasons you could handle it in mild winters or for a weekend.

4.If considering a travel trailer or fifth wheel, how much can I tow?

This question really depends on the vehicle you have to tow.  Usually, a diesel dually will give you the most towing power but there are many full-size pick-ups that can handle the load as well.  Some travel trailers and fifth wheels can be pulled by a light truck (F150 or Chevy 1500).  This is what we initially started out with, an F150 pulling a Forest River Flagstaff lite(not in the picture below)

5.What is my budget?

RVs range anywhere from really small pull behinds around $20,000 brand new and go up to as much as $500,000+ if you look at motorhomes.

We have always bought brand new but I have to say that I would recommend buying used and an older model!  You lose SO much money buying brand new.  There are plenty of trailers out there that have been well taken care of or just didn’t sell the first year on the market.

Consider the time of year you buy as well if you are buying from a dealership.  It is better to buy towards the end of the camping season (Oct-Dec).  Most places aren’t wanting to have to store older inventory through the winter so they may discount them to get em’ sold!

After you answer the above, check out these questions to consider before buying an RV;

6.How often do we cook?

The kitchens in most trailers are not big. The industry is changing a bit in order to get a bigger kitchen but in doing that you sacrifice space elsewhere.

So, you have to be honest with yourself.  How often do you really cook?  Do you need that oven or can you make do with a stovetop and convection microwave?

Speaking of ovens, how awkward are those?!  Who wants to get down on the floor to light the pilot??  Am I right?

For those of you that do cook a majority of your meals, check out a few of these trailers…

https://www.rvingplanet.com/blog/top-5-best-fifth-wheels-with-front-kitchen/

I would also suggest

Grand Design Solitude 375RES (our current model)

Keystone Montana 3820FK

7.How much time do we plan to spend inside?

Think about how much time you will be spending inside your trailer.  Will you be spending most of it in the living room?  Kitchen?  Will everyone be there at the same time?

In most trailers, your biggest areas are your living room and bedroom.  If you will be inside a lot you will want more space that allows you to convert areas to function for multiple activities.  Think pull out couches or tables that convert to other sleeping areas.

8.How much storage do we need?

If you are like a good majority of the country, you have a lot of stuff!  Moving into about 200 sq. ft is NOT going to accommodate ALL of that stuff.  But it can hold quite a bit.  So, make sure you take into consideration how much storage, both inside and outside, you will need to hold your items.

Need help deciding what you might want to have in your RV?  Check out my post here for some ideas.

9.How old are your kids, if you have them?  Don’t forget about those pets too!

Accommodating babies and toddlers is way different than accommodating teenagers.  They need privacy and take up more space physically.

Most people with children, no matter the age, opt for trailers that offer a bunkhouse and a half bath, a toy hauler (has a “garage”), or something with a mid-bunk room. This gives a bit more privacy to your kids and a place to close the door on clutter and some noise.

10.Will your family grow in the near future?

Same as above, think about how your family might look in the future and what kind of setup you may need. Not that you can’t sell your current and upgrade to a different layout but wouldn’t it be nice to have something that would last!

There you have it!  My initial 10 questions to consider before buying an RV.

I know there are a ton more factors to consider when buying an RV.  This was just a list to get your mind going and really think about what is important to your family for this purchase.

If you have already purchased, what was your biggest deciding factor in choosing your trailer?

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

This week I wanted to do something a little different and offer a campground review of a place that we have stayed. Often when we are searching it is hard to gauge what type of park you are reserving.  Many websites are very basic with just contact information. Some have no website at all.

For my sanity I am going to start in chronological order so (hopefully) I don’t miss anywhere.  I’ll focus on lodging for the time being but may expand it in to what types of things are available to do, ease of getting around in a big vehicle, store options, short trips within an hour of location, etc.

My first lodging experience with the pipeline was in a fifth wheel in a campground, Beacon RV park in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Highlights

BEACON RV PARK– St. Joseph, Missouri

• 40ish spots
• Full hookups
• Cable/wifi
• In town
• Bar/restaurant within walking distance
• Paved/grassy sites
• Friendly owners
• Small store/snacks

Layout

We stayed at this campground from about April 2007 to December 2007.  The campground was a mostly converted mobile home park right at the edge of town.  There were maybe 40 sites available, 4 rows of 10, and it was a bit tight maneuvering with our 26ft 5^thwheel.

Most sites were back in unless you got there before your neighbor and you were placed in the middle section.   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.

The park is built in to the side of a slope so the roads run downhill, not too steep.  Roads in the campground were one way and you had to park in front of your trailer, making it a tight squeeze.

Story time

Side story, not so funny at the time but looking back… We had our truck parked in front of our trailer as instructed.  Had been there about a month and the season was starting to pick up.  My husband and I were relaxing on a Sunday in the trailer when we felt it start rocking and heard a loud screeching of metal.  WHAAATTT???

To our shock and frustration, a 40ft motorhome pulling a 20ft cargo trailer just scraped ALL down the side of our truck and pushed it in to our 5^thwheel!!!

My husband was rightfully pissed and walked over to the motorhome.  He knocked (more like banged) on the door, hollering “do you even know that you just hit us?!”  The owner would not come out immediately.

The owner of the park came down and spoke to us and then the motorhome owner.  It was an elderly couple who was brand new to the retired travel life.  Everyone calmed down, discussions were had and insurance information was exchanged.

Thankfully, the damage was covered and we had our repairs done within a month’s time.

Ever since that experience we have always said that they should have a training course!  It can be hard enough driving that much vehicle straight down the road, let alone parking it in tight spaces!!

Any who, back to the park info…

The park was owned by a small family who were very nice!  Always friendly and helpful!!  They allowed me to work on Sunday mornings and a few other days to pay for our rent while we were there.  Helped a ton with my boredom!!  Read more about fighting boredom here

There were no additional amenities besides cable/WIFI and a small store with a few parts and snacks. The campground was within walking distance to a bar/restaurant and quick driving distance to many others.

The town

St. Joseph is close to highway access (I-29) and a main route (US36) that will take you east to the other side of Missouri.  This area was part of the Pony Express route and is full of history!  The town has certainly grown since we were there last and has a ton of chain and local restaurants.

Hy-Vee is here!  This has been one of my favorite grocery stores from our travels.  I always found their produce and meats to be very fresh.  The store was always clean and easy to maneuver.

Nearby

St. Joseph is about 45 minutes north of Kansas City and an easy drive in to the city.  LOTS of shopping, BBQ/eating and entertainment.  This was one of my favorite places to go and visit. Pretty short drive, lots of places to visit and it had a big airport for flights home or visitors.  The airport is on the NW side of KC so it is super close! Plus, you can say you have been to two states in one city!!

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here.  People were friendly, sites were clean and managed.  Plus, lots of amenities close by!  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 RV park FB page and St. Joseph website for more information.

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

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

Do you struggle with loneliness while traveling?  Even if you are not traveling alone it can still affect you.

Loneliness isn’t just an issue for those of us traveling but it is definitely a common feeling among us. Once the excitement of a new place has worn off and we start working on our schedules, it can start to feel a little mundane.

These are the moments that we would generally lean in on our family and friends.  Ask someone to go out for lunch or a drink.  Come over for a movie or talk in general. 

Unfortunately, when we are traveling those people are not generally available.  A phone call may work for a bit but sometimes you just need someone to physically be near you.

I know I do!  Don’t even need to have conversation with them (introvert here), I just need them near.  

My experience

For the first few years I relied heavily on my husband and on phone calls home.  This wasn’t fair to those people or myself.  I would find myself so frustrated when my husband worked late or stopped with the guys on the way home without me.  

I recall a particular moment within the first year of traveling.  My boyfriend (we weren’t married yet) went out with the guys before coming home.  He didn’t call initially so I got worried about where he was.  Once he did call, I was already worked up and upset.  We got in an argument on the phone which in turn, he stayed longer.  By the time he came home I was curled up in a ball, crying my eyes out.  I felt so alone.  

What was strange for me in that moment is that this wasn’t the first time I had traveled somewhere new and didn’t know anyone.  I had done it for almost 7 years prior to meeting him.  

Why is this so different?

What was different is that I was staying home all day by myself and expecting to socialize with him when he got home.  I had been doing that all week and by the end I was just plain lonely.

The same for my family, if someone didn’t answer the phone (usually because they were working) I would get so down.  Thoughts came to me like, “They don’t want to talk to me” or “They don’t have time for me”.  I was in the middle of depression and didn’t even realize it.  

I stopped calling people for a while, I just couldn’t handle the “rejection” of an unanswered phone. This lasted for a few weeks, the sadness, crying, laziness and just being a recluse in general.  It wasn’t until I had a conversation with a family member, that I realized I was depressed.  This person helped me understand what it was and offered suggestions to try to bring myself out of it.  

Whew, that got a little dark but I have to tell you that it is not always rainbows and unicorns traveling like this.  There are definitely plenty of amazing, beautiful, “I can’t believe we are living this life!” type moments but there can be just as many like what I mentioned above. Be aware of how you are feeling and know that there are ways you can change it with help!

These are a few things that I tried….

I asked the campground if they needed help.  They did! They hired me to work in the office a few hours during the week and Sunday mornings.  In exchange, we got my hours knocked off of our rent.  I watered the plants, organized/cleaned the small store and also assisted with reservations and parking.  This helped because I had to get myself together each morning to take care of the plants.  I also got to talk to other people and help them get situated for their stay.

I started looking for activities to keep me occupied during the off days.  There was a big city nearby that I checked out.  Shopping can be a good outlet with a budget in mind.  I became a “tour guide” for visitors (my brother in law’s girlfriend, a friend and some family).  

I started my phone calls again including a more regular call to the family member that helped me.  When I made calls I was more conscious of what time.  This way I could have a better chance of them actually being able to answer.  If someone wasn’t available then I took my dog for a walk to clear my mind.

Other options that I was not aware of at the time or are now available…

Pipeline groups on FB

There are a ton!  Find one or two that you feel you have a connection with.  Ask if anyone is near where you are and have a meetup!  There is also a Pipeline Ladies Lunching group where groups of ladies in different locations get together once a week to have lunch and socialize.  This is such a great resource!  I wish I had known about it sooner but did not until about 2015.  These groups have helped me meet quite a few ladies on different jobs that have been so supportive while we were together but also continue as we move to different places.

Company sponsored events

This is generally more common in the warmer months or around a holiday.  Some companies will put together a cook out or potluck.  We had a company this past year put on a trunk or treat for our families so we had a safe place to go.

Volunteer/community work

Find something you enjoy and volunteer in the local community.  This 

gives you a great avenue to meet some local people and give back.

Join a gym/YMCA

Exercise can do wonders for your mental health!  Join a local gym to improve or maintain your health.  Try a new class out and meet some new people!!

Find a job

Boredom is definitely hard to deal with and if you end up using shopping all the time as a coping mechanism then it could cause financial issues as well.  Finding a job can help break up boredom, give you extra money and might introduce you to a new friend.  Look for something that you would enjoy and maybe something different than what you are used to.  Don’t torture yourself and get something you dread going to each day.

We are social people by nature whether we are an extrovert or an introvert.  We crave being around others.  Don’t lock yourself away in your home on wheels when there is so much to see and do!

IF you are struggling with depression, reach out.  Talk to family, friends or a professional.  I’m here too!!

Here are a few links;

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.orgor 1-800-273-8255

https://www.crisistextline.org/depressionor text CONNECT to 741741

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie

Hello! I’m Kate.

Hey there!  Thank you so much for stopping by to my blog, Traveling Wives Club.  You are probably wondering what is Traveling Wives Club?  I’m here to provide support and an inside look to this “glamorous” pipeline travel lifestyle we live!!  Look for my posts on Wednesdays.

Let me first tell you a little bit about me…my name is Kate.  I am a Michigander!  Go blue!! I grew up in Marion, MI (imagine me holding up my hand and pointing to almost the middle of it).  I grew up on a farm outside of this small village (one traffic light, downgraded to a 4 way).  We had a variety of animals, did our own hay and I got into as much trouble as I could growing up, sorry Mom & Dad!!

I have always had the travel bug since I was a kid!  I was lucky enough to go on vacations with my family and see a lot of amazing places. Travel stuck with me as I got older, I moved to Virginia after graduating, then back home, then on to Kentucky with my brother and his family.  While I loved living with my niece, I needed to do something more for myself.  I needed to really be on my own so I did what any 19 year old would do…I joined the Army!

It was a perfect fit! I got to continue traveling AND they trained me to learn another language!!  I mean, I knew other things could happen while serving but I was pretty optimistic about the whole thing.  Unfortunately, I treated my training like I was in college. I was into doing the bare minimum for studying, eating/drinking what I wanted and not really worried about any consequences.   

Let me clarify, that I was never the studious type to begin with, that is why I moved and got a job instead of going straight to college.  I was lucky enough to graduate high school!  Not because I wasn’t smart but because I just didn’t care my last 2-3 years of school.  I was over it and wanted out but that is another story.

While serving in the Army I traveled to Missouri, California, Texas and then on to Germany and Kosova.  Not to mention all the states in between to get to those places.  I got one on one time with each of my parents, my Mom on the way to California and then my Dad drove to Texas from California with me. I got to take a few more trips while overseas as well, exploring almost every country bordering Germany!  There are SO many places to see!!!  I don’t share this to brag, more to assure you that I have and do LOVE to travel!

This is why I feel so fortunate to have married a man that also loves to travel!  This form of travel is waaaay different than what I was used to and quite honestly had no idea it even existed.  His job is with the pipeline, natural gas to be specific.  He works for a variety of companies under a union. The jobs can last anywhere from a couple weeks to years.  The work may be steady or you could be off for years.  His work has taken us to 11 different states and 31 moves in 12 years. It is one of the most unpredictable jobs I have ever experienced but we love it!

Together we have two wonderful little knuckleheads, most would call children.  They are 4 and 2 and keep life even more interesting, if that is even possible!  We all travel together and for the most part I think everyone is still happy where we are but there will be a day when I’m sure that will change.  We are currently living it up in West Virginia since about April of 2018, although we moved in October to a different city.

Now that you know a little about me, come back and hear about our travels, the ups and downs of this lifestyle, life in general and any tips/tricks I can provide to navigate these travels!  

Let me hear from you too!! Let’s connect!!  Comment below, share and tag this post or find me on social media!!