Thursday, August 28, 2008

It was a great idea... but just wasn't working out

Goodbye Marge.  

Apparently I got a flat tire on the I-15 North when I felt Marge shaking and pulled over. When I stopped her I made the mistake of  letting her idle and she started to get hot.  Well, I revved the engine like mechanic Steve had told me to do and a whole bunch of coolant decided to spill out of the second overflow hose (which wasn't attached to any tank).  Well, that freaked me out something major and convinced I would destroy my engine if I drove her any further, I had Marge towed back to Vegas to be looked at. 

Well, they did some work and came to the conclusion that she really needed her radiator taken off and cleaned out.  I didn't have the money for that, so I decided to just put her on the road and see how far I got.  I was going to wait until night so I went to the Flying J to do some Internet research and post a CL ad.  I got a hit so I drove down to Henderson to meet my potential buyer.  He wasn't interested so I decided to take a nap before going back on the road. 

Well, after my nap I was getting nervous because the wind was strong and I thought it might be unsafe to drive.  Then when i decided it was ok, Marge wouldn't start.  Grrrr....  So I just called it quits and called and booked a rental car.  Low and behold, she started right up the next morning so I took her over to the bank to make sure I had enough cash in my acct to cover the rental.  Once I did that I asked to use their Internet and they let me (cause they're nice like that 
here) and found someone else had expressed interest in Marge.  God had answered my prayers. But after they agreed to buy it, she wouldn't start again..


Long story short, Marge is sitting in their driveway right now not because they decided to buy her, but because they proved to be the kindest people I've ever met.  They came and helped me unload the rig and load up the rental car, let my dogs run around in their back yard, kept me company, fed me, and let me sleep in the rig in their driveway so I wouldn't head out exhausted. 
 

They even agreed to hold Marge until their mechanic neighbor could determine whether or not she was a rig they could invest in, at which point they agreed to either buy it or move it to a lot where I could sell it.  They even agreed to ship the books I couldn't fit in the rental.  I don't know what I would have done without them.



They rescued me and renewed my faith in humanity at the same time.  I will forever hold a place for them in my heart.  And they will always be in my prayers.



So, off with the rental car I've driven over the Hoover Damn and made it to the Grand Canyon Caverns, where I took an elevator over 150 feet underground to explore, and where I also took a horseback ride around the desert. Who knew my few times riding as a kid would come back to me so quickly.  It was great! 
 
After that I headed over to the Grand Canyon, walked the dogs around the rim trail, took lots of pictures, and then ended up at an AA meeting at sunset overlooking the canyon.  Talk about a spiritual experience.  


Last night I slept in the car behind a gas station and this morning watched the sunrise over the canyon before heading off to Flagstaff.  Buddy had to go to the bathroom and whining uncontrollably, I turned into the Northern Arizona History Museum parking lot where I discovered a trail.  So, we ended up taking an hour hike around this beautiful wooded canyon and the dogs got to walk through and drink crystal clear brook water.  What a way to start my day!  Who knew I could actually get up and get moving at 5:30 in the morning?!


Right now I'm on the 40 headed into New Mexico.  I've been enjoying route 66 as well.  

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Learning on the Road


Well, I guess I'm learning on the road.  Here's what I've learned in the past 24 hours:

Engine getting too hot on hills?  

Pull over if it's too hot to continue.  Rev the engine to make the fan cool it more.  If you shut it off... wait 30 minutes before checking the coolant.  Do check the coolant.  Do add water if you have nothing else in your rig.  Not doing so will make the same thing happen.  It won't get better.  Even if you wait all day and sleep in the 116 degree heat.  The dogs will just pant a lot and you'll begin to smell.  

Think that gas gauge is correct?  Think again. 

Always put some extra gas in your rig every time you stop... just to make sure.  Cause those gauges can lie and leave you stranded on the side of the road in the middle of the desert at 12:30 in the morning and the tow guy will take an hour and charge you a lot (especially when your RV insurance hasn't registered you with their underwriters like they said they had... oh and do call them to complain the next day).


Think the lever of your septic tank is stuck? Think again.  

Pull hard but don't have your head right underneath the hose cause it will leak all over you.  If it does, the water pumps in the island work well for cleaning off.

So far, I think that's enough.  
More to come... pray for us ;)

Saturday, August 23, 2008

We're on the road!


Hello All!

We've left Hollywood and are on the road!

Our first night in the RV has been an interesting one. Where to begin...

Well, first of all, who knew we'd only be able to go 35 mph up some steep hills? Or that going over 55 mph would make the rig shake shake shake!

When we landed at the Barstow Flying J we found a nice spot to park and then prepared to deRV. ;) When we got outside (all the doggies and me) we discovered that a beautiful Pit mix had taken a liking to us. Argh. I hollered for him to go away but he wouldn't. Chica threatened him with her bad ass alpha "I'm going to eat you" bark, but he didn't care and after a second we were having doggie meet and greet and Chica was totally cool with him. Huh. I was stumped, really. Then we did a pack walk and he walked with us for the whole 40 minutes, back and forth and back and forth in this big dirt area between the RV parking and the 18 Wheelers. Every now and then he'd try to mount one of the dogs but I firmly told him "No" and he listened every time. The kids were glad for that and no one got out of line. Not another growl or bark or threat. Just some peaceful walking and sniffing and ... can I say shocking!?!

It's 6 am and the sun is just coming up. I only fell out of my bunk twice when the dogs started barking and I jumped out to see what the problem was. I'm discovering a few bruises now. Ouch. Oh, and Buddy got so thirsty that he chewed the top off the 5 gallon water jug and knocked it over. Good thing I'm attuned to running water and was down and picking it up with only 1/3 spilled. But, I do have a wet carpet near the door. Grrr.... if he only knew that meant less water for him in the future... would he have made the same decision? ;) I'm sure he would have. He's a mischevious boy. Yes, he is.

Well, I need to go get in the rig now and have the Flying J people show me how to dump my sewer tank and check my propane and all of that. I can't believe I don't know these things already, but that's ok. I don't mind being a novice. ;)

Look forward to more updates and soon... pictures. I signed up for Flying J WiFi so at our next stop I'll post again.

Time to get the tanks done and get on the road for a few hours before it gets too hot to drive.

Be well!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

We Bought the RV; Now We Need Some Gas!


Hopefully, if all goes as planned and our loans go through, my four dogs and myself will set out from Los Angeles on August 20th in hopes of making it to Boston in one piece.  We've been planning this trip for months now, determining the best mode of transportation and ensuring that when we landed we would have a place to call home.  Now that both of those concerns have been taken care of (we bought an older model RV for a third of the cost of a rental and have just signed the lease to a West Roxbury apartment) all we have to worry about is what we're going to take with us and how we're going to pay for gas.

Though I've been working extra this summer to cover moving expenses, I miscalculated fuel costs and miles per gallon on a 1973 Dodge Escapade.  After covering Buddy's unexpected vet bills (who knew he'd need surgery and end up having epilepsy), and after paying for registration, insurance, and a tune-up (hopefully it won't need any other work), I imagine we'll be quite short on cash for gas.  To compensate, I've been trying to sell things on Craigs List and (blush) standing on Hollywood Blvd with a can and Buddy (he just loves the attention) asking the tourists for donations.  Though this has given us a few dollars, it certainly won't get our RV across the US (at least not by September, it won't).

So, if there is any way you could help us, we would appreciate it.  I hate asking for hand outs, but I'm running out of time and there are only so many of my friends who need their apartments cleaned or their living rooms painted.  Anything you could do to help us would be a blessing.  Maybe you know a mechanic in the area who would work on our vehicle for a discount (or for ... free ;) ).  Maybe you have a few dollars you could send our way.  Maybe you have time for a few extra prayers today.  Any little bit would help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Perhaps we'll get to see you either before we go, or along the way.  That would be nice! ;)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Who Are We and Why are We Moving to Boston?



My name is Miranda and I am 31 years old. Currently I've been living in West Roxbury and working on an MFA in creative writing at Emerson College. Before beginning my MFA I taught high school English in Los Angeles for five years. While my passion had always been for writing, I began my teaching career in Newton, Massachusetts after I received my undergraduate degree (in English and American Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing Poetry) from Brandeis University in 2002. Dissatisfied with the toll teaching took on my writing life, I moved back to the Boston area to begin an MFA in Creative Writing Poetry at Emerson College in 2008.

To tell you a little about myself. I have been sober five and a half years and am a (95%) raw foodist. I love to read, write, draw, paint, exercise, take walks, hike, and listen to music. I am a triathlete and I play the guitar and sing when I remember that I can (sometimes my busy schedule makes me forget the things I used to enjoy so much). I grew up in Maine with my mother and older brother and return there for Christmas each year. My father died when I was 14, but my parents were divorced when I was just a baby. (Yes, my mom is my hero! Imagine raising two rambunctious kids while battling Multiple Sclerosis.) I love the outdoors and part of why I left LA is my intense need for fresh air and clean water. The other reason is to be closer to my family. My mother is now living in a full-care nursing home and I know my time with her is precious.

As a child I went camping, fishing, and canoeing; I spent hours roaming the woods behind my house, building tree forts and catching frogs. Today I enjoy doing the same. I am quite handy with tools (though not formally trained) and like to create, build, or fix things. There is a certain satisfaction that can be gained only from working with your hands; it beats wasting time on a video game any day!

Let's see... I meditate regularly, have a strong connection with God, and enjoy the smell of fresh sage and nag champa incense and the ringing of my singing bowl. I am super green and totally against the use of chemicals (in my food, on my body, or in my home). I buy as close to zero waste as possible, recycle everything I can, and compost anything the dogs don't eat (which isn't much since one of their favorite treats are watermelon rinds - check out Luna eating hers below). I am a strong believer in public transportation and don't mind walking to take it. I traversed LA for two years with my bus pass and even though my students laughed at me and tried to hide when I happened to be on the same bus as them, I wouldn't have had it any other way. If possible, I would like to have an organic garden in my Boston area yard. Ultimately, my goal is to own my own ranch/farm with a large enough barn to house all of the animals I always want to rescue and nurse back to health (but never have the space or resources to do so) and use the space as an artists' retreat center/summer camp/boarding school so I could teach, write, be spiritual, and stay connected to the earth and my animals.

The "we" I speak of is myself and my beautiful dogs. They are my children and I couldn't imagine living anywhere without them. People have tried to convince me to give at least one of them away but I couldn't possibly do that. They keep me sane and bring me more love than I could ever give back to them, though I continue to try.

I am pleased to introduce them.

First is Luna. She is a 6 year old Shepherd/Spaniel mix who is about 26 lbs. She came to me in the backpack of a student when she was just three weeks old. At first glance I thought she was a guinea pig she was so little and furry. After no convincing at all I adopted her, bottle fed her, hid her in a box in my classroom every day for three weeks, and eventually relocated to a smaller, less glamorous apartment in order to (legally) keep her. She was an angel from the start and literally saved my life. I got sober because of her. She is gentle and loving and follows me everywhere. I can't even take a shower without her lying on the bathroom floor! Soft and addicted to snuggling, she loves everyone and everyone loves her!







Next is Chica. This lover is five and a half and about 68 lbs. She also came to me via a student. Her owners were going to drop her off at the pound after her mother was hit by a car, and being the sucker for a sob story involving a dog (and especially a puppy) I drove down to Compton (yes, me in Compton!) to pick her up. Again, I had to find a new apartment so I could keep her but it was worth it because she is a bundle of love! She will do anything to please her pack leader (that's me) and while she is certainly the next boss in line (her siblings totally look up to her) she's the best trained dog I've ever had; she follows every command I give her. She loves to exercise and her favorite thing to do (aside from playing fetch! fetch! fetch!) is go roller-skating down Hollywood Blvd. with her daddy. (I wish I had a picture to share! What a sight we are!) She is a snuggler and will let me hold her and hold her and hold her. If I've been hurt or am upset she's the first to lick my face. She loves people and children and can get along well with other animals (with controlled introductions, some ground rule setting, and supervision though not so much on leash but we're working on it). I recently fostered a puppy (yes, it came to school in another backpack) and she had fun playing Mommy for the weekend. She can look tough, but don't let that fool you! The two of us were on Animal Planet in 2008!



Next, there is Vida. She is a five year old Pointer Mix who is about 56 lbs. In March (or May ... I forget) of 2007 I went to the shelter with a friend to help him pick out a kitten. After walking past every kennel (so I could give the poor little doggies some love) I came across her (scared and confused) in the very last one. She had just come off the street as a stray and was smooshed in the corner being bullied by two small yappy dogs. She jumped up as I approached and when she looked into my eyes I knew I would never get away with leaving her there. I immediately went home and asked the girls if they wanted a sister. Everyone I know told me I was crazy to do so, but five days later I rented a car and went to pick her up. I arrived at the shelter to find that she already had pneumonia! But, that didn't stop me from taking her home and nursing her back to health (she loves vitamin C tablets and herbal cough medicine!) She fit in instantly and is now one of the family! A bundle of energy, all wiggles and kisses, she enjoys long walks, runs, or skates, but also loves to lay in the sun and sleep. Play Play Play is the name of the game when I get home, but as soon as she's had some exercise she conks out. I've nicknamed her the face licker because she gives more kisses than you could possibly ever need and often jumps up to kiss strangers' faces on the street. They're always surprised and amused! She's a wonderful girl. In her doggie training class she is the star of the show and absolutely loves the agility course, jumping over barrels and climbing ramps and running down steep ladders. At night we go to the park down the street and she has a blast jumping over park benches! The two of us were also on Animal Planet the summer of 2008 as well!



And lastly, there is Buddy. He's a one and a half
year old mutt who weighs about 75lbs. Of all my animals, Buddy was the most unexpected. If I didn't truly believe that it was God's plan for me to have him I never would have kept him when I found him on the street. But I know it was. I woke that morning more rested than usual and was excited to get to work early. But before I could get my feet on the floor this nagging voice began in the back of my mind. It said, "Call in sick." At first it was quite polite, but because I wasn't listening it began booming. Over the years I've learned to trust my intuition and the messages that come to me, so I complied, picked up the phone, and climbed back into bed. Later that day I got a call from my night job at the time (Whole Foods) asking if I could come in early because I was going to be closing alone. Well usually I wouldn't be able to because I'd be teaching, but because I was at home I said ok. After showering and putting the girls in their kennels, I headed out to the bus stop. It wasn't a few seconds after I got there that Buddy appeared in the street, limping, and about to get hit by a car. Not seeing anyone who appeared to own him and thinking fast, I called to him and miraculously he ran out of traffic just in time. When he reached me he laid down on his back and began to lick my face. He let me check him all out to see where he was hurt and I discovered his front paw swollen and oozing. I looked around to see where his owner was, but by the looks of him I could tell he didn't have one. Someone had called animal control and knowing what happens to dogs in shelters I decided to take him home and keep him in the yard until I could be sure someone wasn't missing him. With some on leash introductions, and with lots of treats and distractions, the girls decided it was ok that he join the family. After getting no response to my Internet and street postings, and after finding no collar or microchip, I decided to keep him. My neighbors describe Buddy as the most chill dog they've ever seen, and considering he's only a little over a year old (according to my vet) that's a blessing! A couple of weeks ago he had his paw operated on and was castrated as well (poor boy) and has recovered nicely. I know I'm a bit insane having four dogs, but apparently that's what God had in store for me. Had anything happened differently that day, Buddy could have died in the street. I know I was sent there to save him and to help give him a good life. A week ago I awoke to find him in the middle of a severe, epileptic seizure. He had another one within an hour and less than 3o minutes later he was in my vet's office for an emergency visit. So now, with the help of my vet and a little research of my own, he's stable and doing well. He certainly is a special boy, and I know he's going to be one of the best dogs I've ever had. I look forward to sharing my life with him. (UPDATE: BUDDY PASSED AWAY DECEMBER OF 2010 DUE TO MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO AN INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE; WE MISS HIM TERRIBLY.)

All the dogs have been fixed. Chica and Vida just completed their official training course because even well-trained dogs can be better trained, no?! Chica, Vida, and Buddy have all been Canine Good Citizen certified and Buddy will begin Therapy Dog training before we head East. I hope to take him into nursing homes, hospitals, juvenile halls, and rehabs so he can spread some love and bring some joy and peace to those who need it most!

2008
We're moving out of our single with a private yard in Hollywood this August to venture back to the Boston area so I can begin my MFA in Poetry at Emerson College. While we're sad to leave our perfect living situation, we know that something better awaits us!

2011
We're moving out of our West Roxbury two-bedroom apartment with a private yard because our landlords, though they love us (I've been their property manager for the past three years) need the larger apartment and yard now that they have a new baby. They would love to give us a great reference, as would my roommate, previous roommates, and upstairs neighbors.

We hope that you'll consider renting to us, despite how many of us there are, or perhaps join us in our search for the perfect house with a nice big fenced yard. I am very serious about maintaining a strict, disciplined routine with my dogs so please know that I am not a negligent owner by any means. I take my role as pack leader seriously and know that my and my dogs' sanity depends on this. If I thought by any means that I would not fulfill the role as is required of being the owner of four dogs, I would be the first to admit it and relocate them. So rest assured that renting to us, or with us, would not be a mistake!