Fitting In, New to Full Timing Options

[Wanderin']

Hey Sandie - I had to look up Clewiston. We're thinking we might be close to Destin next week -- not sure. Our plans are very wishy-washy and we like it that way. Then, we're heading to Mexico Beach at least for the month of December and maybe January ... don't know (fellow Class of 2008-ers there). We hope to be in Orlando area sometime but in early 2010... maybe. Where are you heading in a month? Keep in touch even if you high-tail it out of Florida. Maybe we can meet up for dinner someplace. We're good at dinners. (P.S. and your classmates too)



All - The common denominator with folks on this forum is that we all love RVing. We have something in common. And, we're all shy at times. I still say get involved with your Class (Class of 2009, 2008, 2007 ??) whatever and you'll have a support group for yourself. I think the smaller the class, smaller the group, the better because it gives you an opportunity to bond. Then, it's easier to spread out into the other groups. And, of course, meet folks on the forum --- it's easier through your class.

Isn't this fun?

[Jennerfur]

Welcome to the lifestyle! I find people are people where ever they live, always amazes we when you meet someone while walking or driving in a RV park and they either look straight ahead or turn away..... so obvious so they don't have to wave. Sometimes look right at you and not return a wave.

However most are friendly, if you show up where I am within minutes I'll be talking rigs or dogs or pickin and grinning. Once at a Nascar race, a friend remarked that I knew 50 people within 30 minutes.

It would be a boring world if we were all from the same mold I reckon.

[wildhorsecoach]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. We are very friendly people and wave and say morning so maybe it just takes a little time. We went to a second park function and we were welcomed but still no one came up to introduce themselves. So I volunteered to help at the next function as I figure this might be a way to get to know us. I must say the camp hosts are wonderful and we like it here. It's just going to take some time I think. But for any of you who read this that are at a park you go to year after year, "please" make a special effort to welcome the "new folks" and remember when you were new to all of this, and introduce them to your friends so they feel at ease. There are several more functions next week and hopefully people will feel more at comfortable with us around and warm up, we will, for certain, be friendly and open to conversations!! Thanks for all your help on the subject.....

[Holly N.D. Henry]

Sometimes I am in my "quiet zone" and I don't want to talk...doesn't make me unfriendly. And we never know what that person is dealing with on a particular day. But I find that at Socials, many are friendly. I have had some go waaay out of their way to make me comfortable.

Try putting up a sign, with your site number on it, and have it say "4:30, social/happy hour/pot luck..site #. I have done that, and lo and behold, the men start bringing over tables and chairs to set up, the women are carrying food and all I have to do is bring out the beverages. This is a GREAT way to introduce yourself to others.

Or you could try an Eliza Dolittle impersonation...."HOW do you do?" "How DO you do?" "How do YOU do?" "How do you DO?" They may think your are nuts, but at least you put yourself out there

[Jack Mayer]

Sometimes I am in my "quiet zone" and I don't want to talk...

Hmm, Holly in a "quiet zone". Who woulda thunk......

[Joe Spiker]

Hmm, Holly in a "quiet zone". Who woulda thunk......

Jack, Jack, Jack you just never learn, do you? I'm bettin when Miz Holly reads that, "The Look" will find you no matter where your tryin to hide.

Mr. Spiker

[Jack Mayer]

Joe, I'm WELL aquainted with "The LOOK". Being married 35 years.

But I have also learned to ignore it

[Joe Spiker]

Joe, I'm WELL aquainted with "The LOOK". Being married 35 years.

But I have also learned to ignore it

Jack,

HAHAHAHAHA but you ain't had "The Look" from Miz Holly yet.

[Jack Mayer]

True, Joe. But I'll be getting it soon, I suspect. We will be down there in the next week or so. Leave here next Saturday. Expect to be in Summerdale on Sunday.

[Joe Spiker]

True, Joe. But I'll be getting it soon, I suspect. We will be down there in the next week or so. Leave here next Saturday. Expect to be in Summerdale on Sunday.

Yes you will. I'll be pulling out in the morning heading for Florida. Be back up here about the 1st of December.

[Holly N.D. Henry]

Hmm, Holly in a "quiet zone". Who woulda thunk......

Hahaha...Jack you just crack me up...NOT! THE LOOK

This post has been edited by Holly N.D. Henry: Nov 8 2009, 11:43 PM

[readytoride]

Greetings all! the house sold and here we are in beautiful Arizona at a adult park in Quartzite. We decided to stay a month and attended the first get together at the clubhouse. We smiled and participated and never really felt like we were going to fit in. No one asked us our name or tried to welcome us. We interacted several times but feel like there is a click how do you fit in without being overly friendly. these folks have known each other for years and seem so nice and down home. We are somewhat younger but this shouldn't be the issue we are over 55. Some advice would be appreciated for those more experienced. We just want to fit in. Thanks for listening!!

Sent you a PM - we just arrived in Q and are boon docking - would be happy to meet up with you for a dinner in town or you are welcome to come to our "spot" in the desert for a sunset and campfire. Just PM me back.

[Kirk]

wildhorsecoach

We have been wondering how things have been going? It has now been two weeks since your last post, so an update would be of interest. Everyone out here is pulling for you!

[Lewis and Linda]

Hi.....I really thought you were describing my wife there! She's exactly the same way. I even have told her she would make friends with a serial killer if given the chance. It was mighty nice of you to say all the positive things about her.
have a great day!
=====================================================

This is one of the reasons I married my DW....she's never met a stranger.

I am constantly amazed at how quickly she can make friends, no matter where we go. Here's her secret; she really cares about people and her whole way of being shows it.

Here's a typical scenario on a first time visit to an RV resort, we go to the clubhouse to play bingo, there are 30 people sitting at the tables. We sit down in empty seats, usually in the middle of everyone. First thing my wife does is smiles, says hi to the people next to her and across from her, man or woman, makes a comment about something they are wearing (jewelry, clothes, shoes, hat..etc). She'll aske where are they from and the next thing I know she's in a conversation with them, pretty soon an hour has gone by and she knows their life story. So that's her second secret; she makes their life, their story, their concerns more important than hers. She listens intently to what they have to say.

Many times we will begin to leave a clubhouse after just meeting folks for the first time and as we walk away, several people will shout good byes to us as if we had been around them for years.

My job is to get us to the RV resort, get us setup and her job is to make friends.

She does her job really well.

[wildhorsecoach]

wildhorsecoach

We have been wondering how things have been going? It has now been two weeks since your last post, so an update would be of interest. Everyone out here is pulling for you!

Thanks for asking about us! We are doing great, still here in Q heading to Yuma on Dec 3rd. It's taking time, but folks are warming up to us, not only were we new to a park where most folks have been coming along time we are just 55, and sometime that makes a difference. We get allot of howdy's and we are going to all the activities the park has to offer and being out there on walks around the park, volunteering to help where we can but still haven't made that real connection. I just noticed an invite from a fellow Escapee for dinner or a fireside visit and are thrilled. But we are having a great time discovering the area and enjoying that marvelous Arizona sun. We know now what a privilege it is to be able to live the full time lifestyle. It's not always going to be a bed of roses, but we both have great attitudes, love to laugh and love to explore, and can handle challenges. The day after we got married 35 years ago our new car blew up, right under the sign "Reno, the biggest little city in the world", then the time the cow ate one of our very large VA checks,(try to explain that one to the Government) to winning 10,000.00 on a scratch ticket. We take what life throws at us we catch it and run. I hope my first post wasn't too whinny. We had just planned and waited for so long it seems and our first big stay was not what we thought it would be, but all is well, and we look forward to many years of RVing in this wonderful land of ours. Thanks to all.... Shauna

[Barbaraok]

Glad to hear that things are warming up. I have a feeling that if you were staying the whole season at that park by the time spring rolled around things would be a lot different. And you will find that it gets easier the longer you are out on the road - I'm not sure why, but it does get easier.

Barb

[Kirk]

We are doing great,

Now that is exactly what I had been hoping to hear! Barb kind of stole my words on how things will get better, but I very much agree with her on the point. I'm not quite sure just why, but we do seem to get better at things with more practice, and that is even true of meeting new people and making new friends.

I truly believe that in a year or two you will look back and wonder what the problem was in the early days. I hope that by then you will do as Pam & I do as we frequently marvel at the number of true friends we have from the RV world. Real friends are a treasure and RVing has given us more of them than at any other time of our lives!

This is a great life and we are thrilled that you are becoming a vital part of it. Lets hope that we too cross paths one day in the not too distant future. We would love to meet you.

[sandsys]

I just noticed an invite from a fellow Escapee for dinner or a fireside visit and are thrilled.

Do go meet them; they're a fun couple. But, if they invite you to go with them to the desert bar, be sure you have them drive even if you don't drink.

Linda Sand

[readytoride]

Do go meet them; they're a fun couple. But, if they invite you to go with them to the desert bar, be sure you have them drive even if you don't drink.

Linda Sand

Yeap - the road to the desert bar was a little rougher this year - plan to go again this coming weekend!! Same old rusted vehicles off in the gully - no new ones thank the Lord.

look forward to meeting new Escapees - just let us know when. We too are leaving here on the 3rd. - so maybe first of the week or want to take on Linda's challenge and head to the desert bar on Saturday???

[Vicky and Ira]

I too am very quiet and have a hard time just starting up a conversation. My mother on the other hand.........just wish that talent was one I had inherited. I have found that by taking my dog with me when I walk gives other people and myself an opening to start a conversation. It seems easier to talk to someone who is walking a dog.

Just an other option.

Vicky