Vanlife for Two Years - A Chapter Comes to an End
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Chapter 3 of VanlifePLUS, otherwise known as the end of my second full year living full time in a van - a simple day in my life style approach as I celebrate this milestone in the perfect place, with the perfect food and the perfect surprise.
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Matthew Allen
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My name is Matthew and I live in a 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 who 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!
Beautifully said....YOU ARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY BOLD. NEVER CHANGE, EVER.😊😊❤❤
Just a note: living on my own for over half a century, The weight of trying to afford housing or having to live with roommates, Anywhere you can have peace and some stability is a treasure. ❤
I commend you for being able to live with others I don't play well with others so my husband passed in 2005 but unlike some people I'm 71 .
I do okay with my social security and my pension but I think of you guys that are younger if things keep going the way it is there's not going to be anything left for you because they're giving it all over to other countries and giving welfare and housing and free Medicare and Medicaid to the people coming in across the border I pray for you because our children are our future and it's pretty scary out there shalom.
Banff is so beautiful. Penny is adorable. And you young man are regaining strength, thank God. This 70 year old women feeling sorry for myself for having arthritis pain is now feeling grateful for the many years of good health. Wishing you many more years of adventure. Thank you for sharing them.
I have so much to say about this video, however I will only state the following...👇
EXCELLENT!!!
LOVE.... LOVE ♥♥ the Godsmack cover of Rocky Mountain Way.
I have that little food processor. Love it! Best little kitchen gadget I have ever used. Saved my butt at Thanksgiving when chopping onions and sausage for the stuffing. Makes food prep bearable!
My Pony and I have followed you on your adventures from when you posted your videos on building out your van. I ❤your choices of music, suit this old Nana from Montana right well. Many massive mountains and memories for you this next year with Lucky, Penny, and Brooklyn.
Best advice I received was from my Mom. I was at a crossroads and not sure which way to go and she said to me “if you don’t take a chance, you’ll never have a life.”
Wow, love that! Had my mom or dad said that to me at 17, my life would have been completely different. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
🥰
Excellent!!!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
(Love the 'new' green logo)
Yeah... that's a Jeep... short wheel base tells me that. lol.
This was GREAT👍! ... Always do ENJOY spending time with you, Matthew🤗💖😇. For sure looking forward to the next chapters ADVENTURES! Continue to be U ... take care, stay safe & God bless you!🙏
LUV U ... PRETTY Penny!👍🤗💖🐱
Good video son, but where were you when I was showing you how to sort your laundry?!? 😂
Haha that’s the beauty of cold water wash 😂
Maybe. And here I thought you just did laundry when you came here!
Matthew you really outdid yourself on this video !!!😊 you such a wonderful man and father! Thanks for sharing and I’m looking forward to your next chapter 😊❤😊❤
😂😂😂 Penny looking over your small cars reminds of Godzilla about to destroy the village below. 😂😂
Hey Matthew I'm waiting for the End.
,,,,,,,,, And the new beginning! 😊
Vans N Cats R Us
I've had sciatic pain since 21; now nearly 50 I use those travel cushions daily, even on drummers seats.
Maybe try cooking the chicken breast whole first...then take it out to rest, adding the veges and a splash of water or beer/bourbon (careful: flames) to deglaze the pan...shred or chop the easier to manage cooked chicken and add it back in.
Merely a suggestion to try if it seems applicable to your dish.
I like cooking...been a cook since 1988 at 14.
I enjoy your channel immensely. Thank you sir.
Congratulations 🎉on your 2 year anniversary Matthew!!
Is that a” Wangeler” in tow?????🤨🧐👀
This is better than any movie:).
Thank you for the outro speech, Matthew. As funny and as entertaining as you can be, you also take the time to drop wisdom and truth. Don't ever change that.
You always put a smile on my face every time I watch you videos, always good vibes here.
Cheers and congratulations on two years. 🍀🚐🍀💚
Oh this isn’t tonight. I guess I should learn to read. Oppps!
That view from the dock is beautiful. The whole town is nice. You looked so at peace after eating those enchiladas, sitting in front of the fire, so awesome. Two years of living in your tiny home on the road. That is incredible. You are happy. Loved this! Amazing video Matthew! Love to you and Penny, and Brooklyn. See you in Chapter 4.
First thought was that you're towing Amber's van, but I think it's a jeep!!!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us ❤️ It’s been special
Good wee hours of the morning laddie. I cannot begin to say how much I enjoyed the music for this one. Out of the ballpark.😊 Matthew, you know its said by many, Beginnings are usually stressful & scarey, Middles are full of comfort & awakenings, Endings are mixed with compromises, passion & trial and error. The Journey however, is 'yours' from the beginning to the end. With all of its smiles, tears, gratitude, Love, Peace, and Joy. Moments & Monuments of things shared with So Many. Those of us...want to thank you for your journey up til this moment and beyond. To let you know just how very much your antics, stories, family, Brooklyn, Sweet Stella 🐈⬛😢 and Penny🐈 have allowed all of us a brief respite from our own journeys. So much Love your way Matthew💕💕 Be Safe, Be Healthy and Always find Joy in your day.❤
Wow! That was amazing! Thank you Matthew. A fantastic ending. And now my interest is piqued for Chapter 4, Episode 1. Sleep well Matthew, you've earned the rest.
I LOVE it that you used John David Souther in this video!! "Only The Lonely" was my favorite song when I was a depressed, lonely teenaged girl in the summer of 1979. As a matter of fact, it's STILL one of my all time favorite songs. So lovely. He was Linda Ronstadt's boyfriend for awhile back then, and wrote several of her most beautifully moody hits.
Also: I'm gonna make those enchiladas for my family this week. I think I shall call them "Matthew's Canadian Enchiladas."
Matthew cant wait to see what the next chapter brings..❤
Good morning ☀️ from South Africa 🇿🇦. Im becoming more and more inspired to trade bricks and mortar for a tin on wheels ….. I’m 60 and I thinks it’s time!
Thanks again for great content and awesome music!
Wishing you the best best in life Matthew! ☀️☀️☀️
Perfect age and time to hit the road. Enjoy!!
I SPOTTED THAT JEEP U WERE TOWING AT THE END U STOLE MY HEART I FOUND U A COUPLE MONTHS AGO GO AND I HAVE NEVER JOINED SOMEONE'S PATRON BUT I DID URS AND IM SO WAITING TO DO THE VAN LIFE THANK U FOR THE TALK AT THE END ANYONE CAN DO IT❤❤ LOVE PENNY ALSO MISS STELLA IM A CAT LOVER ALSO
Nice work. The music was spot on, as usual.
You helped me have the confidence to take a 10 day trip throughout New England.
"The Great Wallmart tour of the north east"
Thanks keep the great energy flowing.
No way ... what color? Congrats!!! How Awesome...
I so enjoy your channel I'm a true cat lover so penny has stole my heart.
You and your family and Penny are in my prayers
may your new chapter bring you many new adventures and much happiness peace Joy.
71 here unable travel any more.
Your videos are such a joy
I live on the other end of Canada about 50 miles north of Seattle.
50 south of BC.
Keep on trucking.
Happy trails.❤❤ one for penny 😊
I so wish every "mature" adult was as blessed as my 76 year young mother who travels every chance she gets. Being traveling partners, hopping on planes, ships and in automobiles for decades, I am so blessed to see the world with my Mom❤ Which reminds me, it's about time to pack some bags and make some memories🎉
You've been an inspiration to me for 2 years now. I live (and work) full time in my Sprinter. Thanks Matthew.
Oh Matthew i cant believe you put the white sheets in with orange an black something. But they will be clean. Congratulation on surgery, 2years of Vanlife, your past Birthday, an better Days ahead!
Some people look at that fire scene as lonely, but it can be incredibly liberating as well.
Bloody excellent finale! I think I was meant to find your channel because a lot of the things you say, I need to hear (and the fact that you're wildly entertaining and gifted is such a bonus). So looking forward to what chapter 4 will bring. I may have joined the community late, but I'm here for as long as you have your channel. ❤
You're towing a Wrangler at the end! I hope you bought one for yourself as an anniversary present. ;) Congrats on two years. Oddly, I'm watching this on the evening I moved into my bus one year ago. My house closed one year ago tomorrow, and I officially became a nomad tomorrow at noon. Cheers! Hope to see you on the road.
You’ve done your job, I’m smiling, thanks for sharing. Wishing you a full recovery 😊 from UK
Hi dude I hope you feel better soon sending love sue
Bing watching. Just found you. Great videos. Stay well! ❤❤😊😊
Ooooo, so excited for this! When is the live stream starting? I'll need to set an alarm in case I fall asleep after work. 😄
Another week of Happy viewing. Thank you Matty. Wonderful. Keep going.
Glad your better now in the present. I love Amber she is a riot. So fun!😊
I can't wait!.... I believe you'll have something special planned for us!?!?... the surgery, pain and everything is real, it's not how you want to end this chapter... I hope, wish and I think I know??? You will end this chapter with a big surprise😍.... You made a plan (I think) and it's going to blow our minds...hahaha👍✌️.....I'm wrong??...or I'm close??...Hahaha🤩...anyhow I'm excited! Can't wait 🫶
Work not done + a 'good' excuse = work done. Also, remember Matty, the 'grid' is in one's head, you can live anywhere, I prefer a cozy house. Avoid the illusion of the grid in your head. Living in the woods? Well, that's just making life hard, in my opinion.
Matthew, I haven't followed you for too long, I am sorry it wasn't from the beginning. Although I have watched some from the first year, this year has been such a inspiring vlog. You have come thru so much and noe the back surgery...you are gonna be fine. Thank you for inviting us all with you on this journey. It will be exciting to see what this year has to bring. Stay safe and see you in the next one!!!!
Good evening everyone please remember to hit the like and watch all the way through to help support the channel. Thank you for being part of this amazing community 💞 thank you Matthew for the endless humour and positivety you bring to our lives.
Music was sooo awesome at the end. ♥️One of the best videos 👍🏻have a blessed day. And be safe ✌️😁
Super exciting!!! The world is better for having you in it!
You again chose THE perfect end of chapter tune. Superb video, Matthew. Superb chapter. And bloody hell, a cliff hanger?!!
It’s shocking to see your transformation from working full time while living in your van. Hoping to be able to go full time. Then you hurt your back. Decision was made for you. Things happen for a reason and now you know this is what you’re calling is. Be safe. Heal fast. Enjoy life. There will always be naysayers so we obtain their knowledge, weed out the bull, and know you are truly happy. They will have to work through it. You have your own journey. ❤
This is a late one, I'm on EST in the U.S.A.; I hope I can stay awake 😂☕
TH-cam needs to change this premiere video design, it makes one sick from getting dizzy!😱
Great video, Matthew. Beautiful scenery and the mountains are special. Take care of yourself . Happy Anniversary!
I love Banff too, and what a great choice of music to match those Rocky's! Your creativity is so amazing and so is Penny and so is your 5:00 shadow! ❤😽💕
What a great ending speach. You speak the truth and are very genuine. You have made an amazing channel and life for yourself. You're setting a positive example for others. Anything is possible.
Congrats on 2 years🎉
Love the footage of travelling on the roads. Makes me feel like I’m travelling too….
Awesome Matthew ❤❤❤loved this video and words of wisdom makes sense to me and I’m looking forward to chapter 4❤❤❤hugs to penny🤗🤗
This content was Amazing !!! Cheers to your two years Matt. I actually replayed parts of it. I really enjoyed this one a lot, Matthew, good job man.
Yeah. Memories! Awesome. What a sight! Gorgeous. Penny and her big yawn. It would take me about 11 hours to get to Colorado mountains - I can go to mountains between here and Arkansas - in a couple hours or 3. LOL Just not as BIG as Colorado. Something I may start trying to do next year. I don't like big crowds. You need a babysitter! For you! LOL But it's your spot!!! Yes, take time to enjoy kiddo! Here's to last year - and here's to another new year of van life - and fun! I like the burn ring. Oh my gosh I loved the sound affects for the fire. Ohhhh. Penny just gave you the side eye.... made that sound with the coffee maker. :-) It is Matthew. It's awesome. Matthew - I am going to live in an 8x12 MIcro Mini Tiny Cottage. I can't do a finished one - right now - but I am going to go ahead and move into it... and figure what I need/want to do. SO when I do finish it - it will be like I need it to be. Looking forward to it. I am going to sell or rent my 5th wheel. I'd rather sell it - but I'll rent it to make back my investment if I don't get it sold. I'm going to spend most of my time fixing gardens in my yard - and also thinking of making a small "tiny" camper that I can set on my small flat bed trailer - to go to Mountains when I want to. I am Re-inventing my life at 74!!! I have a gift card for chili's... I need to take myself out to eat next week!! This was an awesome ride through this past year bud. THank you for taking us along! You are an awesome young man. Hugs from a granny! Go bless you! Looking forward to this next chapter!
The editing master! Had to watch the ending three times.😮
I’m glad you’re doing so well after your back surgery. 🥰❤️ Take it easy, no heavy lifting and rest as much as possible.
SuzyAnn..
Still admiring your authenticity 🚐🇺🇸🙏🏼from Yuma Arizona U.S.A🌵🌲
Fitting end to the chapter. This year has been a doozy for you. Here’s to chapter 4 treating better.🥃 Try a RoadPro 12v oven(works well & is about the same size as that little one you used but gets much hotter with no browning) or a collapsible Coleman oven that goes on your propane stove(works great & browns).
Coleman oven makes great cheap can biscuits too!
Oh matthew this has been a great video. I love your silliness in your antics and you have a fantastic sense of humor. I also love it when you share serious views about life, in all it's many forms. God bless and keep you kind sir, and I am looking forward to the next chapter. Blessings, a Grandma in Portland Oregon ❤
As always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly BE POSITIVE. Remember... only dead fish go with the flow.
🐈⬛ ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ Looking so forward to this broadcast Matthew, have a great day.
Thoroughly enjoyed this… well done!
Happy Vaniversary!! Wow that 2 years went fast. I have been watching you since your build.. love Banff.!
Great video Mathew. Loved it so much especially the montage at the end with Stella. So sweet. Congrats on your two years in your van life. You have done an amazing job with everything you have done. You are so right about the negative people. You can achieve anything in your life . When you are determined. Loved what you are saying and your talk. Hit home for me. Can’t wait to see more . I wish you good health and glad to see you are doing so much better. Love to penny she is so sweet, and gorgeous. She reminds me of my girls. Take care , much Love to you, penny, and Brooklyn. ❤
Don't remember how, but found you a few vlogs before the Chrome van tour that blew everything up, So from Lee and Pat, our 2 chunks Tigger and Boots.. We wish you health wealth and happiness living your dream, Peace and love... The world needs more.. 😻😻❤❤
@@KimHenderson-NC LOL, I actually subbed before the Chrome interview and am approaching 2 years on Patreon... But thank you for the welcome ! 😍😍
Oof 😅
@@KimHenderson-NC ❤❤❤❤❤❤
My happy place is the ocean & lucky for me I live in Victoria, BC on the southern tip of Vancouver Island & can get to the ocean in about 10 minutes or less😁 my 2nd favourite is the mountains which we are lucky enough to see everyday, they are of course in Washington State, but nonetheless we get to see them. I did for the first time in my life drive to Calgary & believe me I did look for you all over the place😂 I enjoyed the drive through BC which I have been many times of course, but the drive into the mountains were stunning & it was thrilling to say the least both coming & going. I’m not much of a city person myself, but the trip through Banff was such a delight❤️
Ahh man I’m late… well happy anniversary
Your filming skills are so professional these days! I loved this!
I live on the east coast of the U.S. and don’t have the absolutely stunning mountains you have. You’re truly blessed Take care of that back dear one♥️♥️♥️
Those grocery prices! Holy sh**!!! I thought it was bad, here in NJ 😮
52:26 - making choices for you and been happy is better than anything else…🎉🎉🎉
Yep those look like outside the big city Alberta grocery prices
Whoa! The last shot!! Congrats on the end of Chapter 3 and the wonderful tease into chapter 4🎉🎉🥳🤗🧡☘️
Hey Matthew... can't wait but hoping I don't have to come down 'sick' to catch the livestream 😂😉
There’s no live stream it is a video premiere
There will be a live stream before the premiere
You’re looking a bit pale my dear…cough, cough 🥰🏴☠️🍀
Mathewwww ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊
Happy vanniversary Matthew n penny. WHAT are you towing¿? Heres to more adventures xx
Looks beautiful outside
I recognize that undercarriage! Congrats on 2 years in the van!
Nope I'm from Ohio and it's expensive here too! Not as bad as other states in the lower forty. It sucks but you have to keep.on moving. I appreciate your channel and the hard work you.put into it.❤
Fantastic end of chapter
I hate slivers and tweezers combo. Being the chicken I am I just put a baking soda paste on the sliver, slap a bandaid on it and usually in a day or two. You rip off the bandaid and because the baking soda paste pops the sliver to the surface. And ripping of the bandaid takes the splinter ( proper description 😂) with it when you peel it off.
Until recently, I’m not sure why but it’s been quite a while since I watched one of your videos. The last time you had two cats, so I’m sad to see you may have lost one of them.😢 I really enjoyed this video and for the first time, I saw a more serious side of you which I found humbling and appealing. You seem more settled and happier than when I last watched a video. It’s wonderful to see because you’re a very sweet person. The music, the landscape, your walking into town was most enjoyable. I live in the USA but have always heard Banff is beautiful and you showed that to be true. I wish nothing but the very best for you and hope your back surgery has helped you in every way possible.
God bless you Matthew, you’re good man.
Great video the end shocked me!! Congratulations 😊
Ooooooo WHAT WAS THAT? How EXCITING! Can’t wait to see what your towing. YIPPIE 😊
Coolbeans, cant wait. Hope ur doing well sir. GRACIAS
Phenomenal choice of music with your montage. Thank you for sharing your life.❤️❤️
Matthew, Always enjoy your videos. So pleased to see your not in pain. Loved this video and your sermon lol. Xx
Great video, loved the last song and can't wait to see what you're towing!!
hi mat
All you need are the three things you have already...
Good health
Good friends
Good family
I’m still here….I brought my pillow….
Matthew, Congrats to doing it your way!!
Thank you for sharing.... I love watching your journey.
WAIT! WHAT???????? What the hell is that yer pullin’ Mr. Matthew? Just like that cup surprise huh? You wittle divel you. 😂 Sooooo THAT’S how you got to town without breaking Lucky down. 😈
Can we all take a moment to applaud the music compilation Matt out in this vlog!! Excelenti!! Congrats on 2 years !!! I just love you and Penny ❤️❤️ and Stella will not be forgotten!! Wishing many more happy years to come❤❤
Not at my home, not sure I can watch it! But I do hope you are feeling better & stronger each day! Hope I don't miss the fun! Wanda
Great Chapter. You are inspiring.
Mathew Allan you bring a smile to my face, and hope in my heart. May you always be yourself darlin♥️♥️♥️