Winter Vanlife - Had to Move Because of Suspicious Behavior | My Fix for Negativity
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Christmas Day 2021, this was a first for me. My whole family moved away, my Christmas with my daughter in the "rearview mirror" I was left to my own devices as my new life continues to march on...
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My name is Matthew and I live in van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad that needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!
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Your cousin's gifts to you were thought about...makes them even more special
The "Weirdo" patch me LOL
Rewatching Christmas Past ❤🎄❤
I love the way you enjoy connecting with other people it's a really healthy behaviour and is good for our mental health💖
adults don't like to hear this but mitts, like mittens we fought when we were young, are warmer than gloves, but you can't give anyone the finger when you are driving, tis the season of giving
It’s true - hated hearing that. 😂
But seriously, I know you are right 👍
I absolutely love that picture of you and your daughter. Such a "heart moment"... I can imagine the joy that looking at it brings to you.
I'm laughing so hard that I woke my cat up. Penny showing her " behinds" was the best of the night.
Your cousin rocks!!! This was so beautiful!
What a beautiful gift of that blanket. You can keep adding patches as you go.
😆 I saw that mess n yep that's about right things take alot linger to do in small spaces👍my children are B39, G33 n G31 and when I moved into the van I gave them each a box of memories throughout their life with me..they were very excited and pleased, I in the other hand enjoyed seeing g their expressions and laughter as they reminisced
Awwww I love the patches!! So cool!! Sentimental is a good thing ♥️ Your family loves and supports you; it’s so awesome!
I had one of the best Christmas's that I have had in a very long time. I spent the day, alone, at home. The past several years I always spent Christmas with a sibling and their spouse. I stopped talking to them in June. I didn't realize how much their negativity was affecting me. The last 6 months has been really nice. Eliminating the negative was worth it.
Same here, drama and stress free is the only way to be.
It's been a couple of years now for me. No debts with no regrets...
Sometimes we must do what is needed for sanity whether is family or not
As you are walking on the snow I can hear how cold it is…if you have been in cold weather you know what “cold” dry snow sounds like. Made me wanna turn up my heater! 🥶🤢🥶
That styrofoam ‘skwich.’
@christanamann That IS the most perfect description 👌 🤣
I love the picture of you and your daughter with her artwork, what a thoughtful gift. My kids are 35 and 32 and I have framed artwork on my walls that they did when they were first in school at age 5. Your video's always seem so professional and real. I feel like I took that walk with you although I am sat in Virginia with temps in the 60's lol. As always you made me smile and feel very positive about life. Keep the videos coming Matt.
Thanks Jackie! I’m doing my best 😊 jealous of your temps!
Love your walk.
I get so much needed laughs when watching your videos😆😅 so THANK YOU! Youre awsome
You're awesome too Jo!
My hubby and I live off grid and we have unlimited data from Telus. Baking bread right now and smells delicious. Hope you and your fur babies stay warm.❄️
Sounds cozy!!!
That sound so warming 😊❤️
I thank you 🙏 The view is beautiful when you’re waking. 🙏.
"Some people's kids!" and "It will probably go to my hips!" Absolutely hilarious. 😆🤣
Thanks Dakota, I’m glad I can make you laugh a little 😊
Lindsey has inspired me. My daughter collects patches. I have been sewing them on a boho bag I made years ago but we are running out of room on the bag. I am a quilter. So I can make a quilt and sew on the patches. Thank you for the inspiration!
We have all had that weird moment at some point always better to just trust the gut
Love the crunch squeak of the snow. Southern Ontario rarely gets the dry crisp snow.
At the end, that’s a lovely lovely lovely picture of you and Brooklyn! That’s a keeper!
Always go with your Spidey Sense!! 🕷🕸 Good call on the move...!😎 Penny giving the starfish shot 🤣😅😂🐈
🐈😂
Lol 😂
I totally love Linsey she is amazing. Matt I’m waiting and praying when ur full time TH-camr you are amazing entertainer and love u so much gonna join ur Patron soon because can’t go a day without whatching u ❤
Hi from Buffalo,NY. You are such a lovely person, I know wonderful things will happen for you. Happy 2022, the best is yet to be. 👍🇨🇦❤️
laughed out loud at Penny's "little star" display! thanks for that! stay warm!
Beautiful nature shots ☺️💜
I'm half way thru your video and I feel we have been friends since 1st grade!!😀🤗😄 Gonna go back to your 2021 video you mentioned and then take off from their. LOVE your van!! Your walls and ceilings are the same as the new flooring(reviews and durability out the roof, but so was the price!! Could have went with hardwood but they are equally expensive, scratch so easy and the upkeep, oyie!! and the vinyl is sturdy, clean friendly AND BEAUTIFUL!!!) we put in our new-to-us, in the middle of total reconstruction, 1998 forever mobile home!! Don't you just love the texture and colors!?!? SNOW at CHRISTMAS!! I envy you! It is Friday, Dec.31st. We, in N.C. have had 70° Fahrenheit for 8 days straight!! Don't miss the cold temps but would love to see snow at Christmas🤗 Today is gonna be 71°f. Happy Trails and see you soon! 🎇HAPPY NEW YEAR!!🎆
Awww hi Charlene!! And welcome to the channel, yeah Lucky’s interior wasn’t planned so much as it just came together and I quite like it!
If you want it all here is the playlist from the beginning (leaving out the movie reviews)
th-cam.com/play/PLisxOQ5OXIesH-J_T-3XQ_t9vUCn2Q-E2.html
@@VanlifePLUS Wow! 11 months and still slaying it!! Congrats on over 16,000 subs!! 20,000 around the bend!
❤️ the blanket! As stated in recent time. Hehehe saw the weighted one also. . Here I am watching your older vidios. I spend most holidays alone and I've always been cool with it. Recently now Nov 2022 my 1 sunchild and g son and daughter aka sons love and g sons MoMA. After 15 yrs. They moved to TN. Now I wanna see them. Wtf.. LOL. I'm a calie girl. So doubt it.& No thanks. Or maybe one day ... TN is pretty on vidios, But not my tea bag. Love ya to sunchil
Thank you for this trip down memory lane. I had forgotten about Lyndsey giving you the photo of you and Baby B. The blanket I remembered. Gosh, looking back, so many changes and many more to come. That was a wonderful memory unlocked. Thanks Matthew.
Oh the snow! I love it but hate the cold! Thanks for this glimpse at winter from the safety of warmth here lol
It's the little things in life that mean the most. Just knowing someone thought of you and cares for you means more than anything. Also, your personality just makes me laugh. Thank you for that. This time of year is hard for me. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thanks for watching Angie - I hope my other videos can continue to keep you company 😊 🤗
You have missed your calling...you should be in Hollywood ...your very entertaining 😂 butt the cat just upstaged you lol best wishes from Ontario 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
Glad you had a good Christmas 🎄 ☺ Too bloody cold for me though.
Nice calicos.
Sometimes I forget how cold it is there! You make it seem manageable. 🥶❄️
I’m still watching your older videos and I got to say you are amazing Matthew ❤😊
As for the creepy people, you could get a magnet sign that says your van has security cameras recording, and put them on the van at night. They’ll believe you have cameras inside your van that they can see ✌🏼
That's actually a really good idea!
Your Christmas Day seems delightful. Stay warm under that nice blanket. I'm enjoying your content.
... Okay...now I love ❤️ Lindsey...
... What a great Cousin 💕...
Matt, you're recovering fantastically! 😊 Great job. Glad Edmonton, my home, accommodated you so well while you're here recovering from surgery. Yeah, walking really helps recovery from surgery. I say it from experience.
Watch out and check your iPhone in case someone placed an iTag on your van. It’s happening in the USA and crooks can trace your van for later theft or whatever. Be safe! I loved Brooklyn’s photo and artwork. Your cat is so pretty. Hope you enjoyed a good dinner with family.
Uh….ok you gotta explain that
@@VanlifePLUS Not sure if you were given a clear answer for this but an AirTag can be placed on or in your van, and you can be tracked...crooked people will always find crooked ways😬😞
The snow fall with the big flakes looked beautiful❤❤
OMG.... am LMAO...state of your van after one picture...not to mention the tight scene. Dude I am subscribed for life. You have a great sense of humor and balance. TY for that loud laugh. Pretense never did anything for me while being human and who we are really is...that is where it is at. TY for sharing your life with us.
Welcome to the channel Mary! I’m glad I can make you smile 😃
You’re adorkable 😉 having a great time getting to know you ! ✌🏻❤️
Thanks Hilary!
Another awesome video sir, thanks for sharing this time, and keep safe. All the best, catch you in the next one for sure.
I'm new bc I'm getting ready for #vanlife. But I just wanted to say your awesome personality drew me in.
Aww well thank you Cyndee! I’m happy to have you here 😊
Awesome video, son. 🥰 A definitely different Christmas Day for you!
I really like your video and your style. Thanks Chrome for introducing us to him.
Thanks Daniel! I appreciate the support
The best gifts are the ones that touch the heart. Be well 💝
Have had that feeling twice in the years , both times moved.
Better safe than sorry
I know, I feel so much better after I walk. Love the kitties 😸❤
Matt, I’m sorry to hear that you experienced the weird characters on Christmas Eve. But, as you said your house has a steering wheel so on you go, to a safer spot. Your drink bottle might hold 40 oz or 24 oz. Your blanket with the patches is super cool! ❤️
Great winter pictures before the story of the walking stick ! Along with the derivative. 👍🏻
Thanks for positive thoughts. Looking forward to your New Years movie recommendations. 🥳
That blanket was so unique I love the patches…
Me too!!!
Just discovered you. Love your style. Very entertaining and upbeat. The winter scenes in Canada are magnificent.
Thanks Jack! I hope you stick around for a bit 😊
Your walking stick is really cool. I use a walker and physically couldn't go down that path. It makes me appreciate all the work that you put into your vlog. Thanks for helping my psyche !
Ya never know what people are upto? They could've been scoping you out?? Always listen to your gut!! Those are some cool patches and what a thoughtful gift. Can't wait to see what other patches you add to it. Meowza! ✌
Just found you. Your so funny, ...serious, ... real...just plain nice. May the new year bring you more to yourself. I'm from Australia. Never seen snow. That walking stick is so beautiful. Take care
Glad you joined us!! And thank you for the kind words 🙏
Sounds like you had a great Christmas. Such cool gifts your cousin gave you! Definitely perfect keepsakes.And I love the sound of the squeaky snow on your walk🤣
WOW Matthew. 11 pm and you've past 4000 subs. So Cool.
Yeah it’s pretty cool - been distracted fighting with my heater but was still pleasantly surprised!
A nice wool pair of flip top gloves helps immensely, they’re hard to find though. Gloves never kept my fingers warm, my finger buddies need each other for warmth, lol. Or is that palm sisters, as you boys like to call them?🤷♀️🤣
For this video, I guess it’s a belated Merry Christmas!
Or is it an early Merry Christmas…?
Either way, now it’s both, thanks again for the fun Matt and cheers from NB.
By the way I just subscribed enjoying your video and the sweet relationship you have with your daughter and her artwork is very sweet
Ha! I live in Calgary, and I'm planning a van build so I often drive around wondering where I could park. Stay safe out there, it's cold!
It sure is! Lol but the build is holding up nicely. Super happy to hear you are planning on joining the ranks! Especially in Alberta 😊
Beautiful scenery...... thank you so much for sharing it!
WOW having somebody taking pictures of my vehicle would freak me out! That’s a nice blanket Lindsey gave to you! Very nice present from Brooklyn🥲👍 Great Christmas vlogs!
I enjoy all the videos! You make me lol all the time! So nice to do!
Yep. Always go with your Spidey senses and you’ll be ok! Loved walk In the park and the blanket is perfect !
Stay warm sir😊🙏 happy your safe
New to your video's. The blanket was an awesome idea that you can add to on your travels. Wishing you the best in the New Year and stay safe
Thanks Maxine and welcome to the channel!!
Great video love the long John's I live in Florida we don't need them here but now I know what they are. Be safe and stay warm !
Love the photo and your daughters artwork.
Glad you listened to your Spidey sense and moved. Another TH-camr I follow just had the van he was converting stolen. Luckily, he posted it on a stolen vehicle website and someone saw it and called the police. It was missing a week, but he got his van back. A little wrecked on the outside. It looked like someone had been living in the van.
That’s the second time I have heard this story tonight. Scary - but at least he got it back in the end 😔 thanks for watching!
Maybe looking at that awesome hitch rack and thinking hmmm what a great example of van life. You’re smart to pay attention…stay safe sir!
Your channel is going to soar! You have an incredible way of drawing people in. I'm thinking it's the kitty's. 😉
Such a good video and I'm especially thankful you talked about how walking has helped your mental state of mind. Hands down, one of the best things we can do for ourselves and I loved your walking stick. I bought mine from an old man who carved it and engraved "Walking with God" on it and carved out an angel on the top.
Keep doing what you're doing. Your success will follow.
You might want to follow Nikki Deventhal . She's adorable and brings such authenticity to the lens, as well. She is also a big believer in hiking and moving while living on the road with her pup Camper. 🚶♀️🐶
Happy New Year and keep on vannin'!
You are adorable and a kind soul. ♡
Thanks Clancy Girl - I actually have watched lots of Nikki's videos, she's excellent
Glad you listened to your gut... The guy who does van tours his van 'Ghost' was stolen this month, he has gotten it back. The people who stole it was living in it, they haven't been caught, probably won't be. But he did get it back with some body damage and had all their junk in it.
He had posted it on the net and someone recognize it and called the police. It was parked in the under garage.
Stay safe and stay warm 💖
Yup and I commented how about get the hell outta Portland. But I'm sure he won't.
Man I am so glad I found your channel.... Thanks to Chrome.... You are so funny and your videos are very enjoyable ❣️
I can't be without cereal and milk for breakfast! For milk, when regular 2 percent is not convenient, single serve aseptic boxes or I use canned condensed with added water. I love the taste of canned! Powdered works, but is not my favorite. Love the patches! Cat butt isn't problem. Your kitties are so gorgeous!
Happy you had a nice Christmas with your daughter. I would have picked up and gone too......they sounded to sketchy for me.
Mos def listen to that spidey sense feeling/s when you get them. Great video! I just did my first Christmas in my van and on the road too.
And how’s it going?
@@VanlifePLUS Excellent! Nothing is or ever will be perfect, but I'm loving this new adventure in my life. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to be doing, so that I can become all that I can be. Thanks for your honest videos!
@@Hunter357mag I couldn’t ask to hear anything better! So happy for you!
@@VanlifePLUS Thanks! And thanks for your sharing yourself and experiences too!
Interesting to here how walking helped. Went though a simulator situation. And I walked and still walk as much as I can,
I the really enjoyed the cinematography. I also like the inclusion of a peaceful walk in the snow. Maybe that could be a regular feature. 🤗 Also, I love how your mom is such a big supporter in the comments! 😍
It's cool how the same thing is called something totally different in different countries. Your hats in Scotland are called Beanies. Great vlog. Ive got fleecy blankets e everywhere, in both my bus and my house, Soooooo comfy ❤
I know, my Canadian friends and family call them togues(?). My teenage Texas nephews call them beanies and I and my friends in Oregon(USA) referred to them as skull caps.
OMG.. love all that snow. I'm from the USA Brooklyn, NY and no snow for us. By the way love your home/van built.
Just found your channel! I love your sense of humor. Can't wait to watch more of your videos. Also, nice that you are Canadian. All the Best to you in 2022.
Thanks Denise and welcome to the channel! I’m glad to have you here and appreciate the support
Beautiful picture. Such a gorgeous area to walk. Glad you had a nice Christmas. Stay safe.
Really enjoying your videos! Just like hanging out with a new friend! Kitties looked super cozy in the van while you were on that awesome, albeit bitter cold walk!❄👍
And I like you hanging out with me! Makes it even more fun to be making these videos
Love your VLog and fur babies! I’m now a subscriber!
Heck ya Jeri! Welcome to the channel!
Wish you a Happy New Year. Be safe bunch of lossers, crazy desperate people out there. Im sure your cats love all the attention you gave them. Love the stroll in the snow. Stay warm, be safe and take care.
OMG...your cat is soooo sweet, new subscriber from US....wait, you have two cats...even better!!!!
You bet! Welcome to the channel, thank you for joining!
Thanks Matt
Your cousin Lindsey is awesome! The blanket is wonderful and will keep you warm emotionally and physically.
Enjoying your videos since I caught your van tour👍🏻☮️🎄
Thanks Margie, welcome to the channel!
why oh why are all the good van videos from my northern neighbors.? Yes American here. Whats in the water up there? Fun video. TY
We have to act excited in order to keep our energy up so we stay warm 😆
Man, what a little gem this video was/is. Perfection. Chrome has created a monster. Well, helped release the monster. This channel is going far, I can feel it in me bones. You’ll be over 100,000 subs in less than a year. And I ain’t talking 6 inchers. I’m talking foot-long subs! With all the fixin‘s! I’m sure of it. Well… Pretty sure. Maybe… ❤️
I loved the phrasing of “in ME bones” hello fellow Pirate!! 🏴☠️
I agree
Bro! I subbed when I saw u have 2 cats in the van! I have 3. Always love to find other animal loving van dwellers.
There wasn’t any question they would be coming with me 😊 thanks for subbing, it means a lot!
@@VanlifePLUS 💖
Nice walking stick. I have one and love to walk with it. Love the cats too. Looks like you have it all together. Good luck!
I wouldn’t say I have it all together but I’m doing my best to keep ahead of it 😊
You are seriously a great vlogger. I am so captivated by your vision that being alone is more than just ok. I love the music that goes along with your walks and driving. It's all so peaceful. I get a little sad when your videos end. What's up with that?
Your channel is growing along nicely. I am enjoying the videos too. Merry Christmas and stay warm out there 🎄🎄🎄
Thanks Sean! Doing my best, it hasn’t been the easiest but it sure has taught me lots already
@@VanlifePLUS oh I am sure! Love the cats too! Looking forward to seeing what else adventure brings your way. All the best from Belgium. ✌✌✌
🌴Aloha from Hawaii. 1st time viewer. Saw you on Vancity. Kool. Use to visit my family in Kelowna. But, they're not among the living. Have a great week. Be safe.
😬 that was a roller coaster of a comment, but I’m glad you found us and I hear Hawaii is incredible - have been told this multiple times actually