Vespa And A Laptop http://vespaandalaptop.com A Scooter Chick and Her Tiny Dogs Travel Across The USA on a Vespa Then Roll into a Motorhome Tue, 05 Jan 2016 19:35:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 LifeHacking into Contentment http://vespaandalaptop.com/lifehacking-into-contentment/ Mon, 04 Jan 2016 10:00:56 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=1145 LifeHacking. And the chance that, just maybe, everything is perfectly fine and there is nothing to be fixed. Note: This has been an on-going document on my desktop for over two years.

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LifeHacking. And the chance that, just maybe, everything is perfectly fine and there is nothing to be fixed… Some Musings

Note: This has been an on-going document on my desktop for over two years. I’ve added and edited and pondered these simple thoughts many times. I’m compelled to finally hit publish because of a bit of weariness when I see the “New Year/ MUST CHANGE” posts from friends and peers.

Here’s a crazy notion: what if you are (and I am!) NOT broken and there isn’t anything that needs to be fixed/helped/changed? That self-help was a means to explore and not to repair? That everything you do and who you are is totally spot on! That how you approach this life is perfect in its own imperfections?

This has been on my mind a ton lately. I’ve had thousands of miles of driving to think (and an outdated iPod that only works 25% of the time) and a lot swirling in my head. Letting go of another business, starting 2 more, diving in to how I want to spend my time, planning to not plan.

There’s a pattern in my life of start and change and switch it up. “Serial entrepreneur” is the coy term for “I can’t stand doing this anymore, I’m changing.”

Yet, it always boils down to pursuing something that interests me… and then allowing myself to get pushed into another direction. As a “natural born leader” it is assumed that I will speak to the masses. Create a movement, do big things. I get swayed in that direction because I’m good at it.

And because there is a pressure to grow, do more, make this into something bigger!

Why?

Isn’t there something beautiful in doing just what you want when it also helps others?

I’m at my happiest- and my most dedicated- when I’m doing the small things that are big to just a handful of people. Sure, I’ve got the skill to give a great presentation and I’ve been fortunate to inspire many over the course of my life, yet nothing makes me happier than figuring out how to solve a problem for the one person I am working with at any given time.

sitting-leaning-on-headlightThis push-pull in and out of pursuits that could bring the spotlight is often described as “fear of shining” or “playing it small.” And I’ve let myself get caught up in the need to be bigger, better, more. And wasn’t happy. Then one day I decided to hop on my Vespa and take a little trip.

At the same time, we were shutting down Sidekick and diving into a different arena altogether with PDF Buddy and the soon to come Rapid Reports. Yet, truth be told, those are my (former) partner’s genius. I had to take a long look at how I was going to earn the money to pay for this journey, as we weren’t bringing in income with our code at the time.

Before there was Sidekick, I was getting really into WordPress and realized that was where my own genius lies.

This is how I like to describe a WordPress site:

  • There is a foundation and a set of studs. (The WordPress framework).
  • Then you get to decide where the walls go, which rooms are located where. (The theme you choose)
  • Then you get to decorate: paint, wallpaper, cabinet finishes, tile. (The options)
  • And finally, you get to put the art on the walls, accessorize and make it yours. (The plugins and content)
  • My brain functions this way! I can see a structure for what it is, but am not afraid to move things around. I’m the type that walks into an old ugly house that no one else wants and can see past the green shag carpet to the bones of the place. (Yes, my Buffalo house came with 2000 sq ft of green shag!)

Formulating a business around what I adore (geek that I am!) and am highly skilled in, but that could also be manageably small so that I could travel far and wide, I began to create Ultimate WP Help.

So I ran my ideas by a coach. And again… “How do you make it more? Where do you grow so you don’t have to actually DO all of it?” This is a common enough refrain in the solo entrepreneur world these days. You’ve got the Marie Forleo’s and Danielle LaPorte’s creating beautiful programs about how to have a movement. I am engaged in the circles of people who are pursuing these notions, so I’m around it a lot.

Then… I started DOING what I want to be doing, not trying to fix what wasn’t broken. Realizing that it is okay to be the WordPress genius to my handful of people. Their gratitude is enough.

I’m an emotional person, so paying attention to where I have the strongest feelings leads me to the same conclusion. I cry the happiest tears when I witness those around me accomplishing something that is great for them. Publishing a book, raising a thoughtful child, finishing a race. BEing who they are meant to be.

Just being content each day that I have freedom, which is my dearest value. You see, somewhere along the way, I also realized that I was no longer in the “Pursuit of Happiness” but rather, floating in the Pool of Contentment. Not setting the bar so high that every day had to be HAPPY, AMAZING, FULL OF OVERTHETOPJOY! But rather that every day gets to be filled with exactly the experiences that bring me peace, make me grateful and allow me to serve others. It’s a different bar to aspire to, one that is not only accessible, but repeatable day after day.

You are not broken. You don’t need to be fixed. You can change if you are inspired to do so, but not because of a date on the calendar, a milestone birthday or someone else telling you what it is you need to do.

I’ve realized my own journey is a lifehacking “experiment” that will, hopefully, last decades. My own normal may not be so to anyone else, but it works for me. And the lesson in all of it is that is DOESN’T have to work for you! Find your own path, celebrate all that you do and all that you are. I’m often told “You are living my dream!” When I answer, “No, I’m living MY dream, go and live yours!” I am not intending to be stand-off-ish or disregarding of the admiration. I want to encourage others to look deep into themselves and see what brings them their own greatest contentment. Then figure out how to make that happen day after day.

you-focus-on-your-genius-let-me-focus-on-mineAnd, if along the way, you find yourself needing support with your WordPress site, I’m your chick. You focus on your genius, let me focus on mine.
https://UltimateWPHelp.com

I’d love to hear more about your own path to contentment.

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Review: Platinum Shield Scooter Cover From CarCovers.Com http://vespaandalaptop.com/scooter-cover-review-platinum-shield-scooter-cover-from-carcovers-com/ Thu, 31 Dec 2015 13:05:06 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=1128 Scooter Cover Product Review: The Platinum Shield Scooter Cover has now been in constant use for over 4 months and I can highly recommend it. Read my review below and contact me if you have specific questions. Background: After a cross-the-US trip where my Vespa 250cc GTI was my primary vehicle, it now sits on the

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Scooter Cover Product Review:

The Platinum Shield Scooter Cover has now been in constant use for over 4 months and I can highly recommend it. Read my review below and contact me if you have specific questions.

Background:

After a cross-the-US trip where my Vespa 250cc GTI was my primary vehicle, it now sits on the hitch carrier behind my RV to be used once I get to a destination. Sitting behind a large vehicle over many miles can be a messy affair! I had purchased a cover at a big box store, but that quickly went to shreds and I got rid of it within months as too much hassle.

Then, end of last summer, I was contacted about testing out a scooter cover. While CarCovers.com doesn’t recommend nor sell their covers for use while on a motorhome, they were aware that was my intention. The description of the material sounded a lot like the high quality car covers my father uses on his sports cars, so I agreed to have them send me a cover in exchange for a review. I was not paid for this review beyond receiving the cover and made it clear to them that I had carte blanche on what I would write.

The Scooter Cover:

I was given a choice of whichever cover in their line that I would like to try out. I, of course, went with their highest quality, the Platinum Shield Scooter Cover. I have a large top box (37L) and was concerned about proper fit over the rear box and frame. They assured me that the covers were designed with this in mind.

scooter-cover-packageThe scooter cover arrived in a small box, neatly packed in a plastic bag, but also its own cinch bag. This is made out of the same material as the cover and is a nice way to store the scooter cover when not in use. The material is substantial, with a fleece lining, quite a difference from the previous cover I had purchased for only half the cost. The shape is specifically designed to fit the top case as well as the mirrors. Note, they also sell the cover in variations to fit windshields as well as all sized scooters (along with their motorcycle, car and RV covers.)

Scooter Cover Features that Impressed Me Right Away:

buckle-under-scooter-coverThe strap to brace under the frame of the scooter to keep the cover intact is wide with a high quality buckle.

Gussets in the section of the cover that would go over the mirrors and handlebars with overlapping fabric to prevent water from getting inside.

scooter-cover-interior-liningProtective lining fabric on vulnerable areas.

The fleece is very soft, yet doesn’t appear to pill or shed.

Elastic edging around the front and rear bottom edges to give a secure fit. On my particular Vespa, the front elastic is at the perfect length to secure the cover down under the fender.

The front and back are clearly marked and this makes putting the cover on an easy one person job.

A few less than fab points:

The first time I put the cover on, I went to secure it with a bungee cord to the grommets that are placed along the bottom edge. These are made of plastic and broke right away. They offered to send me a new grommet, but I didn’t even think it was necessary. The built in strap is more than adequate to secure the cover, is adjustable and easy to use.

The middle portion of the cover right behind the handlebars is just too big. The abundance of fabric means that if it rains, a puddle is created right over the leg pass-through section and it is annoying to move the water off. I have tried every which way to tug the cover tighter so that this sagging doesn’t occur, to no avail.

scooter-cover-too-much-fabric

When my Vespa is on the carrier, the front wheel is in the straight position (unlike when you park and lock the bike, when you would usually turn the wheel to the side for security) so this should give the best profile for the cover to sit properly. I just think this section is oversized. The contour for the top box and the gussets for the handlebars and mirrors have too much fabric in between.

How I’ve turned this one less than fab point into a positive:

I also travel with a hybrid bike. The cover is large enough, that both fit under it. While this is great for me, it shows that the cover is oversized.

OliveRV at Emerson with Scooter Cover

Thanks to Emerson Vineyards in Oregon for the fabulous accommodations!

My Rating of The Scooter Cover from CarCovers.com

I’ve now used this cover for about 4 months and am quite pleased and would give it a 9 out of 10. At one point, I had to leave my Vespa for almost a month and when I returned, the cover was in just the placement in which I’d left it, there was no dust under the cover and the fabric was still just as good as new. Recently, I’ve been in the Pacific North West during horrible wet weather and the cover has protected my scooter completely. Except for having to maneuver the middle section to let the accumulated water run off, the cover has kept my ride dry and relatively dust free. There are a few places on the outside of the cover that have worn off a bit from being rubbed on the frame of my motorhome tire carrier – however, they do not intend for the cover to be on a moving vehicle. That being said, I am rather impressed with how well it has held up. I can expect that I will get quite a long lifetime from the cover and would consider it to be a good investment.

Had I researched and found this scooter cover and bought it on my own, I would be truly happy with the purchase. They are currently listing this top-of-the line cover at a substantial sale, so I think it is an unbelievable value. Honestly, their full retail would also be worth the investment. If you love your scooter as much as I love my Vespa, it is nice to get an accessory
that can make your investment last longer by keeping it clean and protected.

Here’s the exact cover I am now using daily:

http://www.carcovers.com/covers/scooter/scooter-with-rear-box-up-to-300cc.html

Compensation note: I was not paid to write this review, but did receive the cover from CarCovers.com at no expense to me. Links in this review are not affiliate links, however, I do have affiliate links in other sections of the site and articles for which I may be compensated if you click on the link and decide to purchase. That’s cool and helps us all, thanks!

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The Real World: Overwhelm of Stuff and Space http://vespaandalaptop.com/the-real-world-of-too-much-stuff/ Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:47:44 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=1050 We interrupt this silent blog with a new post! We’ve been in NY since mid-February, tending to family and business. Our rolling home is in California getting some more repairs and upgrades. Posts to come about Olive the RV. One more week in NY before we head back and are re-united with Olive. Contemplative. Thinking

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We interrupt this silent blog with a new post! We’ve been in NY since mid-February, tending to family and business. Our rolling home is in California getting some more repairs and upgrades. Posts to come about Olive the RV.

One more week in NY before we head back and are re-united with Olive. Contemplative.

Thinking about stuff and possessions and space this morning. A bit overwhelmed by the “too muchness” of it all.

Things like: I purchased a third pair of jeans while I’ve been here. That means that one of the other pairs will have to go.

I didn’t NEED a third pair of jeans. But there’s something about having more space in which to put things that means the space gets filled. I hemmed and hawed over a new cardigan. It’s really lovely so I decided to keep it. The kind of piece I can wear a few days a week, casual or dressier, cool or moderate temps. The sweet spot I now seek. Now I’m doing the mental configuration of what it will replace. Someone admired one of my other sweaters, I hope they’ll enjoy having it.

Here at my parents’ house, I can keep it all. In my chosen home, I’ve got only a certain amount of storage. Yet, amazingly {insert sarcasm here}, I am never without anything to wear while I’m traveling.

Spent 30 minutes this morning cleaning for the cleaning people.

I think cleaning for the cleaning people is the most ironic first world privileged problem ever, don’t you? They are only even necessary because we have too much stuff, too much space. Found items I didn’t remember having here, duplicates even, since more space means more places for items to hide.

I’ve felt the consumerism in every corner while back in NY. Walking around Manhattan the other day was an exercise in overwhelm. What do we need it all for? What’s the point? Nobody looked happier for it. In fact, it was rare to see a smile. They rushed in and out of store doorways, full bags, onto the next. Is it style or trend or peer pressure that makes us do it? All of the above and more. I just no longer feel it.

Someone the other day asked me “What’s it like to be back in the real world?”

Wow, if this was the only version of the real world that exists, we have a real problem.

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A New Rolling Home: Road life continues! http://vespaandalaptop.com/1973-dodge-travco-two-twenty/ Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:54:31 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=1009 18 months ago, I bought Ms Piggy pretty much on a whim after being on the road on my bike and Vespa and wanting to continue, but needing a more permanent home base. She was easy to maneuver, fully self-contained (bathroom, kitchen, bed etc) and had a hitch that could handle the weight of the

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18 months ago, I bought Ms Piggy pretty much on a whim after being on the road on my bike and Vespa and wanting to continue, but needing a more permanent home base. She was easy to maneuver, fully self-contained (bathroom, kitchen, bed etc) and had a hitch that could handle the weight of the Vespa. What an awesome year and a half of additional travel it has been. We’ve essentially done a complete figure-8 of the USA, seeing everything from cities to tiny towns, beaches to mountains. (and I may even get back to writing all about that!)

I absolutely love this lifestyle and can’t imagine it being over any time soon. Only two things were standing in the way: my back, which was injured many years ago and had been pretty stable for decades, was starting to yell at me. Ms Piggy doesn’t have full standing height throughout all but 2 feet. In addition, the rear door was usually covered by the Vespa and the carrier, so I had to enter and exit through the driver’s side door 90% of the time. Again, hunching over. I love the rear door of Ms Piggy and wish there was a different solution, but the Vespa was non-negotiable.

Plus, as much as I have divested myself of belongings, I still have “stuff” and was starting to feel boxed in by lack of storage. I had removed the dinette and added cabinets and that helped a ton, but that change made having a fellow traveler aboard a bit more of a hassle.

The decision to get a new-to-me rig became clear in December after my mom stayed with me for a week in San Antonio and then I stayed in an RV park in Austin for 9 days. I need to slow down a bit and not cover as many miles. And I want to do it in something that has a ton of character, space, storage and full standing height.

A mere three days after determining this is what I would do, I had narrowed down my choices to 70s or early 80’s. I love Airstreams, but wanted a drivable unit, so an Argosy was my plan. Then a member of a small RVers group I belong to sent me a link to a unit for sale on Craigslist and I was smitten!

Only catch: I was in Marfa, Texas and the rig was in San Diego. I had to trust my gut and put a lot of faith in the current owner being a good guy. I could sense almost immediately that he was terrific and he gave me detailed responses to my email messages. I’m realistic to know that any older vehicle requires work all the time. I’m not afraid of that, but don’t want a gut-reno project.

These were the questions I asked that were most important to me:

  • Is there a Class 3 or 4 hitch- which is 2″ across in the interior- so I can use my Vespa rack?
  • Is the length under 23 feet?
  • Has the rig been used and driven in the past few years?
  • Are there any leaks that have not been sealed and any interior water damage?

Yes…
Yes, Yes
No…

And that’s how I came to leave Marfa, TX on a 19 degree New Year’s Eve and drive 1000+ miles by Friday!

Meet… our new home!

 

She is a 1973 Dodge Travco Two Twenty with a 413 engine. The interior had been restored by a previous owner 2-3 years ago, resurfacing the cabinets in black walnut and laying down hardwood floors. The twin rear bed layout was changed into a QUEEN bed platform. We slept in her last night for the first time and felt a bit like drowning with all of that space, but we’ll get used to it! I’ll take more interior pictures once we have things sorted and put away, but here is a few from the listing:

 

Front kitchen and loveseat (with storage underneath), mid bathroom and cabinets and rear bedroom. With big windows all around the bed, it feels like you are floating. I’m sitting in here typing this and can see this becoming a very cozy alternate work spot, too.

Bruno the Vespa is still catching a ride on the rear and we no longer need to worry about the carrier being in the way! It also rides over a foot higher, so more clearance. Although the additional length means I won’t have as much maneuverability, it is still a pretty short rig as far as RVs go.

So all told, I’m under 26 feet with the carrier. I’m currently backed into an angled spot at the Oceanside Harbor, north of San Diego and we fit nicely. $28 for all day and night right on the ocean. Not bad! I won’t stay more than the one day, but it is lovely.

Generally, she needs a really good bath. Over time maybe some exterior work, but nothing major. Some fiberglass sealant will do wonders to shine her up. The engine runs strong, there are already added batteries in the house and I can easily connect my solar set-up within the given space and layout.

The name:

I must name my rides, I talk to them!

Being an early 70’s vehicle, I wanted a name that felt mid-century, quirky or fun and had some meaning to me. I was going to conduct a poll and let you all decide between the four names I had come up with:

  1. Sally (for Sally Ride, first female American astronaut)
  2. Chrissy (for the character played by Suzanne Somers on Three’s Company- the epitome of late 70s tv and she was a hoot!)
  3. Amelia (for flight pioneer and avid traveler Amelia Earhart)
  4. Olive (for my Grandma Sessa, who had a tremendous role in my life, and also a reference to the rig’s green stripe)

(I had a lot of time to think over 1000 miles of driving!)

Then… I arrived at the home where the Travco was parked and….

she was sitting in the middle of an olive grove!!

Sorry, all, but the name was a given.

Wish us well with Olive!

Next steps:

Ms Piggy is going to be for sale, but I have the luxury of keeping her for a bit while I get everything sorted. She’ll be in the San Diego area and going for $5000 OBO. 41K miles on a GMC 400 6.1L engine that runs like a champ. She’ll make someone a great starter travel vehicle, a weekend camper or whatever they dream up. She’s done very, very well by us and I will be happy to see her move to another enthusiastic explorer.

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Happy National Dog Day http://vespaandalaptop.com/happy-national-dog-day/ Wed, 27 Aug 2014 00:42:59 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=919 Why, hello again! We fell off the radar with this blog for a multitude of reasons, which I may get to in coming days and weeks. But today is National Dog Day, so it is a truly appropriate day to begin anew. Happy National Dog Day to all the furry companions who have every enriched

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Why, hello again!

We fell off the radar with this blog for a multitude of reasons, which I may get to in coming days and weeks. But today is National Dog Day, so it is a truly appropriate day to begin anew.

Happy National Dog Day to all the furry companions who have every enriched our lives!!!

On January 1st of 2014, we welcomed another furry family member to our little rolling life. Logan is 6 or 7 years old, a Chihuahua like Jerome and was found at a shelter in Kyle, TX, just south of Austin. We went to the Austin Humane Society and they told me that they had just sent him to this other shelter. So off we went to check him out.

2014-08-24 17.19.25I allowed Jerome to pick. There were 3 small dogs at this shelter, so we put them all in the yard together. It was instant friendship between these two. They’ve since become known as the Velcro Boys and the Chi-Bros (Nacho Libros). Jerome has a bestie and I have two cuddle bugs.

Logan’s previous hu-mom had passed away and her son turned Logan into the shelter the next day. While I am curious as to the situation that would have him heading right to giving up the dog, I am also very grateful. Our little family feels very complete.

Living much of my time in solitude as a nomad, the dogs bring me companionship, consistency, a reason to explore and plenty of giggles. Yes, I get attacked with licks pretty much every morning. Wouldn’t have it any other way!

2014-08-17 09.32.58Logan is very athletic, but a bit shy and anxious. Jerome is very fast, although Logan tops him by 3 pounds. Watching them race around, wrestle and generally enjoy one another’s company is a delight. Plus, they create smiles anywhere we walk because it really is super cute to see two dogs that equal 11 pounds together.

 

 

One Year Later

Its been just over a year since I lost Purl to a tragic accident. The one year anniversary laid me out. Completely. I sobbed for hours. I cry often, but the date itself was tough, no lie.

I’ve come to find out that people thought it happened on the Vespa. It did not. Another dog was involved. It was a pure accident, but not while I was riding. I just kind of needed to get that out there, without going into details about what caused Purl’s death. It was no one’s fault, there is no blame to be placed. It just is what it is.

I miss her every single day. The Chi-bros are incredible in their own right, but no one dog replaces another. Purl was one-of-a-kind.

The Dogs We Know and Love

We lost another dog in our family earlier in the year, Simon, the Corgi I had from puppyhood until 11 years old, who then lived with my parents for his final three years. Fourteen for a Corgi is very, very good. It was a sweet and bittersweet passing.

At the end of this past year, my parents got another dog of their own, Ryan. A gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue- through the Seniors for Seniors Program at North Shore Animal League. This program is hugely supported by Howard Stern’s wife, Beth. This has been a real blessing in my parents life and I am so glad they decided to get another dog. And, so is Jerome! 2014-07-28 18.29.37

Another dog I am grateful for is Lacey, who was my dog until she went to live with my friend Kelly. They are a wonderful pair and it really warms my heart that they have one another.

Last month we took a vacation with one of my closest friends and her dog. We actually met because of the tiny dogs and have stayed friends through multiple moves each. It was terrific to take a road trip together, and the dogs got along very well.

So, I am celebrating National Dog Day with a renewed intention toward this blog, a full heart from canine love and smiles of memories of these and other special dogs that have been in my life. I may travel solo, but I am never truly alone. And for that, I am so grateful!

Please enjoy some more favorite dog images from the past year. Feel free to share something about your own dog in the comments!

 

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Living A Mobile Lifestyle: Announcing Our New Home http://vespaandalaptop.com/living-a-mobile-lifestyle/ Mon, 02 Dec 2013 04:43:40 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=896 I’m basically a turtle. I carry my home on my back! Which also means I have no set home, except for the mini-rv we live in. I’m really enjoying living a mobile lifestyle, but there are some aspects that need to be taken care of in order to embark on this “unconventional” lifestyle. (Actually, I

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Connecting To The Internet When You Live In A Motorhome http://vespaandalaptop.com/connecting-to-the-internet-when-you-live-in-a-motorhome/ Fri, 22 Nov 2013 03:43:02 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=886 Connecting to the internet when you live in a motorhome is a topic that comes up a lot! Despite traveling all over the country and spending a lot of time exploring new places- and finding new interests in familiar ones, I do indeed work every day. When your work is all based online, connectivity is

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Connecting to the internet when you live in a motorhome is a topic that comes up a lot!

Despite traveling all over the country and spending a lot of time exploring new places- and finding new interests in familiar ones, I do indeed work every day. When your work is all based online, connectivity is a constant concern. You may notice that I spend more of my time in urban areas than boon docking on BLM land like some RVers, and staying connected, along with personal safety, is a major reason why.

I carry two different WiFi devices with me from different networks, but no matter what, it costs a lot in data. I do my best to use other people’s connections whenever possible (gratitude!!). Sure, you immediately think of Starbucks when you envision the world’s digital army getting their work done every day, but not only is this expensive in a different way, they’re not the most conducive environments for getting lots of focused work done. (Even the least expensive drink is over $2 and I don’t advocate going into a retail location like this and not buying something.)

How to Connect To The Internet When You Live In A Motorhome

This enthusiastic (!) library is in Boise, Idaho.

In comes the community public library. You’ll rarely encounter a library that doesn’t allow visitors to log onto their internet. There are usually various seating areas, from comfy club chairs to desk and chair combos. And, when you need some inspiration, just look around for an amazing array of resources!

Full disclosure: I am the daughter of a librarian/ professor of library science. So its in my blood. We were brought up to read, research and even play at the library. But most people don’t consider the branches outside of their community.

Google maps + “library” usually yields a few results near wherever I am. Pick one and point the Vespa or Ms Piggy and we’re good to go. I’ve yet to step into a library that wasn’t welcoming and suitable for getting work done. Bonus is the super fast internet connection.

I create a lot of videos, so even if I record and edit on my own connection, I try to wait until I’m at a library to upload. Connecting to the internet when you live in a motorhome requires some patience, but its all worth it, I promise.

Plus, if you are so inclined, there is usually a community board of activities, from movie nights to craft classes. Usually free or low-cost, these are great activities when traveling through a town.

Check out the library in the next area you visit and enjoy connecting to the internet when you live in a motorhome.

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New Web App: Making It Easier For the World To Edit a PDF Online http://vespaandalaptop.com/edit-a-pdf-online/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:10:05 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=851 For almost the entire time I have been traveling, our software business has been in the midst of a significant “pivot” (that’s developers language for “We’re changing what we do!”). In January of 2012, we identified an area, social media management, that had several existing applications, but we knew we could design better. We did.

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For almost the entire time I have been traveling, our software business has been in the midst of a significant “pivot” (that’s developers language for “We’re changing what we do!”). In January of 2012, we identified an area, social media management, that had several existing applications, but we knew we could design better. We did. Sidekick’s dashboard was an excellent product and we are very proud of what we created.

Changes in the social media landscape made keeping up with the code a 24 hour a day project, and decisions were made that affected us with no warning or human interaction. We were starting to live a lifestyle that wasn’t interesting to either of us, in addition to battling robots on a never ending basis. It was time to move on. In fact, today is the last day of its operation.

Through the course of Sidekick’s development, we identified an area that we wanted to explore: the creation of beautiful, printable reports from the data on our dashboard. Have you ever noticed the difference between what you can see for a report online and what it looks like once it is printed? Horrible, right?

As we began exploring PDFs, there were issues on the consumer facing side and the developer facing side. We tackled both.

For most of us, editing, filling out and signing forms is a pain in the neck! We asked how do you edit a pdf online and found what people already did. Some solutions did already exist, but they were either poorly designed, very expensive or lacking in security features. In some cases, they made it harder to get the forms completed than printing, writing and scanning. This was just unacceptable.

pdfbuddy_iconWe’re happy to introduce PDF Buddy, the easy to use, web-based application to fill out, mark up, edit, sign (and more!) PDF forms. So simple to use, free for up to 3 documents a month and very inexpensive thereafter. We take security very seriously and implement best practices at every level. Most important, we make it simple and quick for you to get your forms taken care of and move on with your day.

So if you wonder what it is I “do all day” sometimes, when we aren’t adventuring, exploring and taking photos of Jerome, head over to PDFBuddy.com and give it a whirl. Would love to know what you think!

Next up: Rapid Reports, our API solution for developers, will be released. This is what will make all of those reports so much nicer to look at and utilize.

We are concurrently working on the expansion of Ultimate WP Help, our boutique WordPress site service for small businesses and solopreneurs to remove the stress of the tech side of site maintenance. More to come in my next post!

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Vespa Trailers and Finally Getting My Vespa Carrier Set-up Working http://vespaandalaptop.com/vespa-trailers/ Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:00:27 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=847 This piece has been several months in the making- after issues with two previous carriers, I wanted to make sure my current carrier was going to work well for our situation. We finally have a Vespa trailer that is right for us. Here is the scenario: after a month of cross country travel on a

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In the NorthWest, Connecting With People- and a new contest! http://vespaandalaptop.com/northwest_and_contest/ Sun, 10 Nov 2013 20:22:26 +0000 http://vespaandalaptop.com/?p=724 Meandering through the Northwest A month ago, we arrived back in California and began our journey northward. Having spent so much time on the coast, I decided to go a bit more interior, then head West again to hit Vancouver, WA to visit a friend. The landscape of the high desert is a constant surprise

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Meandering through the Northwest

A month ago, we arrived back in California and began our journey northward. Having spent so much time on the coast, I decided to go a bit more interior, then head West again to hit Vancouver, WA to visit a friend.

The landscape of the high desert is a constant surprise to me, as are the towns and small cities along the way. Beautiful vistas, incredibly friendly people, well-planned communities. And of course, plenty of great wine!

 

 

Ms Piggy is totally capable of handling cooler weather, as there is a propane heater that warms the tiny space up within minutes. The temperature drops overnight, though, reminded me that one particular destination I must make by mid-November is going to be very cold. Then, it will be on to more moderate temps. I’ve always been a fan of 72 degrees, so that’s basically the weather I’m going to chase.

Weather Effect

The gloom on the coast was really, really getting to me. I’ve now driven to Boise, ID, where the sun is shining and I’m a much happier camper.

Jerome checking out the Depot in Boise, ID

Jerome checking out the Depot in Boise, ID

But I’m also happier because I’ve been allowing myself to truly grieve and get through the emotions that have bubbled over the past 10 days or so. Sharing what I was going through was not easy- I like to think of myself as a cheery person in other’s view- but in sharing, I was also able to get the support I desperately needed.

It’s interesting, this chosen life on the road. I truly cherish being alone so much of the time. I’m comfortable in my own skin, can occupy myself without feeling self-conscious anywhere I go and enjoy meeting new people. Yet that doesn’t mean that I can survive without connecting deeply with others. Making the effort to meet some “online friends” in person has been worth it. I’ve been getting a bit fatigued with social media, so shutting off the constant streams and truly engaging with people is filling my soul back up.

Social Media- A Double Edged Sword

More and more people are telling me that social media is “getting” to them- one person called it a necessary evil. I don’t think it is evil, yet I’m going to be making a more conscious effort to disconnect. It can be a bit of a trap for me, in being along, I turn to the social streams to do just that, socialize. Yet, I’m traveling through great communities and there are plenty of “real life” people to connect with. Balance… that’s a priority for me now.

New Contest!

In celebration of a month being truly location independent, here’s another mileage contest.
Winner gets a personalized postcard from our trip and a treat from somewhere we’ve enjoyed visiting!

How many miles have we driven since we arrived back in San Francisco area and the odometer tripped to 20000? I’ve described our path and we’re now in Boise, Idaho.

2013-11-07 mileagecontest

Comment below with your answer by Monday night at 7pm EST… and I’ll be announcing the winner through the newsletter, so make sure you are subscribed!

 

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