A little more about us and alot more van living info

We went yesterday and looked at a few more vans and minivans. We found a few that we really liked. Problem was is that no one was there to answer our questions. You know it sucks when you like a vehicle and you think that it would be perfect till you hear the price and the mileage. It was such a downer. But we will keep on looking. Until then we will just continue to save as much money as possible.
Yesterday we went and grabbed a few extra things that I had put away. My books and my board games are something I cannot live without. I love to read and I love to play board games. I have over 600 books and 30 games. I had to pick and choose which ones to take. I ended up with 50 books and 10 games so far. I am afraid i might have to play the TEN THINGS GAME! Haha Me and John play board and card games allot. If we aren't listening or playing music we are playing a game. We spend most nights singing together or him playing his guitar and singing to me. It is so amazing watching his fingers play and the sound that comes from those fingers, I think of it as like a miracle every time. See, I don't know how to play. Tho he has been teaching me. And I have tried to become acquainted with his guitar, playing it when I am alone, feeling the wood, strings, just getting comfortable with it , so it isn't so awkward in my hands. but I think i am going to have to cut my nails. tho that doesn't bother me at all. In fact I am not even sure how I had seemed to grow them this long LOL. I don't keep nails very well for i tend to chew them completely off. Odd thing is, I quit chewing on my nails the same time we decided to live in the van. Hmmm

I didn't tell you but he works at sonic as an assistant manager. I know its not that much money but I respect his work. He has been here for 7 years. Plus I think he looks very handsome with the tie around his neck. As soon as I can get my phone camera to work I will put some pics up of him and us and our apartment.
Yesterday I got alot of stuff together. We separated it all into 2 boxes. One that we would keep and one that we would give away. We aren't going to try to sell our stuff. We will be just giving it to our closest friends. Since John works at sonic, that is how we feed ourselves. I know its not healthy but at least we can save more money that way.
I have been so excited. I mean I know that we are not going to have an easy time exactly. but i look forward to those hard times. having to think for ourselves. We have 2 sonic boxes full of stuff to take with us. Good thing is, we can leave the TV behind because we have a laptop which will play anything a dvd player will play plus it plays cds and gives us access to Internet. ohh yes i have been doing so much research and making a list of all the things we consider essential. here is the list. i have seperated them into lists like in a house. So it would be easier to think of the things that you use everyday. I dont want anything left behing that we would need. Because it is easy to leave out something as simple as your toothbrush..

Van Supplies...
Bathroom Supplies:

Toilet Seat
5gal Bucket
Kitty Litter
ToiletPaper
Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Brushes
Shampoo
Soap
Towels
Washclothes
Laundry Hamper
Cleaning Supplies
Baby Wipes
Alcohol
Saline Solution
Peroxide
Tampons
Pads
First-Aid Kit
Mirror

Pet Supplies:

Cat Food
Dog Food
Kitty Litter
Kennels
Animal Shampoos
Litter Box
Leashes
Toys
Collars(tags)

Bedroom Supplies:

Bed
Sheets
Blankets
Pillows
Clothes
Shoes

Clothes and Shoes(per):

1 Light Jacket
1 Heavy Coat
4 Pairs of Pants(1 warm, 3 jeans)
5 Pairs of Underwear(John)
3 Pairs of Underwear(Lori)
5 Pairs of Socks
8 Shirts
5 Sarongs(Lori)
Pair of Sneakers
Pair of Boots
Pair of Flip Flops

Kitchen Supplies:

Coleman Stove
Propane Bottles
Water Jugs
Cups
Bowls
Plates
2 TV Tables
Campfire Rack
Potholders
Pots
Pans
Silverware
Utensils
Ziplock Bags
Sharpies
Dish Pan
Trash Bags
Paper Towels
8 Water Jugs
Cooler
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap

Food Supplies:
Tea
Coffee
Potatoes
Canned soups
Sugar
Creamer
Canned vegies

Plants:

UV light
Dill
Mint
Basil
Sage
Garlic
Parsely
Tomatoes
Green Onion

Livingroom:

Computer
Instruments
Movies
Camera
Cd's
Hand vacuum
Board games
Books
Art supplies
Jewelery stuff
Sarong stuff
Head sets

other stuff:

plastic shoe rack
plywood
cabintry wood
cardboard boxes
bungee cords
medicine
tent/pavilion/sleeping bag
fishing poles
tackle box
map
camping chairs
clothes line
fire proof safe
fire extenguisher
tools
electrical tape
power strip
extension cord
DC/AC power converter atleast 140 watts
extra deep cycle battery

So far this is my list. Tho it changes just a little bit every day. I have also found yesterday some neat information about washing your clothes. Energy efficient and non costly. Things needed are....
5 gal bucket or doubled up trash bags ( I like the 5gal bucket better because its sturdier)
some dish or laundry soap
warm or cold water

take the bucket and fill halfway with water, add your detergent or dish soap, add clothes till it is 2/3 full. Then mix with hand and arm for about 5 min or so depending on how dirty they are. Then empty the water and add fresh water for your rinse cycle. Then wring out the clothes really well and hang them to dry. Easy as that. That is how we are going to be doing our laundry. Now I do want to tell you that if you had something rather bulky like a blanket or something then I would use the trash bag idea since you can fit more in them.
We have also been planning our trip as well. We are not going to be staying here in this town. We will be slowly moving towards Alaska. That is our first total destination. Now it may take us 6 m months to get there but eventually we will. here is another tip that I read while researching...Save a comfortable amount that will get you through 90 days. on top of that amount make sure you have something put back for repairs/insurance etc on the vehicle. What we plan to do is to have 2000 set aside for the trip and 500 for vehicle repairs. We will still live as tho we have only 20 in our pocket.
Ohh yes I came apon a lot of great Ideas on the net. This is another one...you know those plastic shoe racks that can hang on a bedroom door. Well if you cut them to size you can fit them just about anywhere to hold different things like toothbrushes toothepastes, cat toys...whatever small things that u might need. Also work great on the back of your van seats.
If you have any ideas or anything that cd help us out...van that is already converted...or just a little thought...please share them with us...leave us a comment...maybe an email addy then we will get back with you as soon as we can....