Last week was the first week that I worked fully remotely from somewhere that isn’t my home. With LuLu not fully ready to go yet, I stayed and worked out of a friends spare bedroom. I had a lot of fun, but it also was a nice trial run to get a feel for life on the road.
Conveniences aside, there are still some universal experiences that we will have no matter where we are, how much fun we’re having, and how happy we are. Instagram and social media often lends us to think otherwise, so its important to me that I share the less glamorous-looking side of my journey. I’ll let you in on a little secret – out of my 5 night stay, there was only about 48 hours where I was at my best, and it wasn’t even all at once.
The first day I arrived at my destination was actually really lovely. The weather was nice and I wasn’t feeling stressed. The drive was pretty easy and I wasn’t running late. I got my office set up and then we just sat and enjoyed each other’s company. As the night wore on, however, I started to feel the pang of an oncoming headache. Ever the optimist, I dismissed it as a result of the long day I’d just had. We ended the night with a soak in the hot tub and then it was time for bed.
Days 2 and 3 were very different. Work was crazier than I think its been since I started. And not just that – the headache that had been creeping up on me went full migraine! I didn’t get complete relief until waking up on day 4. I did get to try out some absolutely amazing Greek food, though and that was certainly a highlight. Let me know in the comments if restaurant reviews are something you’d like to see. Day 3 was also the first day of a surprise monthly visitor that I was completely unprepared for (after skipping it the previous month). Keep an eye out for a “Periods and Van Life” feature in the future because let me tell you…
With day 4 came migraine relief, but I was still drained, bloated, and just feeling icky all around. We had some good laughs playing a party game and hanging out with friends. It stormed for 3 days straight so we were mostly cooped up inside. Being inside, however, also comes with making homemade cake batter ice cream that was SO good.
By day 6, I was finally feeling back to myself. I’d slept better the night before and wasn’t so uncomfortable. Work was finally back to a normal pace as well. The rain had even finally let up and even though it was still windy, the sun was starting to peak out. You know what that means? A dip in the hot tub on lunch break is what that means! It was an excellent way to perk myself up and get ready for the second half of my work day. Remember when I said work a job that makes you love life? A perfect example!
Once I ended my work day, I got to pick up some supplies for LuLu’s build and lounge around. Without anything pressing to do or anywhere I needed to be, it was nice to be able to leave on my own schedule. I know that won’t always be the case, so I don’t want to take it for granted.
Lessons Learned
This week taught me a lot about what to remember when I’m living life on the road. Even though I might be somewhere beautiful and amazing, I will still be a migraine sufferer. My home is going to be LuLu, so I’ll be better prepared, but periods are still going to come around and I’m still going to have to deal with them. There will be days when I’m sitting on the beach wanting nothing but to feel good enough to play in the water or go out and meet new people and I won’t feel up to it. There are going to be days that I feel disappointed in myself or my situation, and that’s okay.
It also made me appreciate the journey even more. I’m so far away from my friends, our relationships tend to be activity-centered. Being able to just relax and enjoy each others company really made me look forward to all the connections I’ll be having down the line. It really felt like we connected this trip and I’m so appreciative.
Until next time…
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