While connecting with other teammates at Water Cooler Wednesdays the group learned that one of our own, Jodie Lajeunesse, was taking working remotely to new places. Several questions popped up during our brief conversation so we asked if she would consider sharing with the larger audience. Here is her story.
Fall was sailing by in Vermont and COVID restrictions were picking back up. I began feeling very down and anxious about the thought of being at home full time with the chilly temperatures and shorter days, all while being inside for days on end. I take mental health as seriously as physical health and I knew I had to make a change for my own wellbeing. I have always been adventurous, and I love seeing new things. So, in a matter of weeks, I traded in my VW for a truck, bought a small camper, rented my house, and set out for the Wild West!
I am currently living and working in my 17ft camper in Lake Havasu City, AZ. It has been an amazing experience so far. I have had to really step outside of my comfort zone everything from moving to a new city alone to learning the ins and outs of RV life (which includes backing it up; still working on that one!)
Living in the camper has reminded me of the importance of experiencing life and creating connections versus having a lot of things. Seventeen feet is not a large space; everything has a purpose and I need to be mindful of my purchases. With small square footage, it also forces me to find any opportunity to be outside. I have joined kayaking/SUP (stand up paddleboard) groups, attend yoga classes regularly, go off-roading with new friends, and hike/walk with my dog daily.
Some of the highlights so far have been exploring the Lake Havasu area there are some great hiking trails and the lake is a stone’s throw away. I went to the Grand Canyon on Christmas, Sequoia National Park, seen the largest population of Joshua trees, gone off-roading in the desert, and visited the town Oatman which has been taken over by donkeys!
Once the weather warms up elsewhere, I would love to travel more. Some places on my list are lake Powell and Bryce Canyon, then up to Colorado and maybe the Pacific Highway!
If other people have suggestions on places I should check out I would love some suggestions.
Here are some photos from Jodie’s adventures:
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