Winter Vanlife - Coping with Pain & Keeping Things Simple
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- A day in the life of my vanlife during winter while I am adjusting to living with pain. This is a good time to keep things simple and learn some new tricks.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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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!
You have fulfilled a dream of mine. That is, being able to sit in a chair and reach the refrigerator, TV, computer, phone, and coffee pot without ever having to leave the chair! 😁
I want to thank you🤗 for cleaning out the wash bowl after brushing your teeth from a Mom who has spent many many years cleaning up after every one.
Even while in massive pain this man puts out amazing content for us. Thank you. I hope your back gets better soon man.
I appreciate that!
Hey Matt, I can’t help watch the recent videos of your back pain and dreadful suffering. In 2018 I started to suffer with severe lower back pain, left buttock pain, and left calf and foot paraethesia. I visited a sports injury clinic who gave me more injections into my L4/L5 spine that just didn’t work!!! Eventually I could take no more. I couldn’t sleep because when I did, I woke up in agony and my left leg and foot seemingly paralysed.
I got referred to a spinal surgeon and only a week later, I had an L4/L5 decompression!!! When they brought me around from the anaesthesia I knew I was fixed! They said ‘no, thats the pain relief’ and I said ‘no!!! It’s bloody worked!!!!’
And I was right! Ok, so it took me 4 weeks to recover...totally worth it! I can't claim to know the precise diagnosis for you, but given if I had to go through this again, id opt for surgery! Immediately! It’s been life changing. I sincerely wish for you to be ‘fixed’. I completely understand the pain and agony you are experiencing.
Whilst you hopefully find the right course of action for your medical problem, I just want to add that I love your videos. You are inspirational to so many people, have a kind heart and seriously….those two kitties are really the stars of the show ;-) Just kidding! Keep up the great content and fingers crossed for a swift recovery!
Karen
Wow that was Excellent for you to get surgery so Fast what province did you live in because here in BC surgery wait is over 5 years... I'm so Happy for you..👍💕👍
I'm still on a waiting list for surgery an to get my spinal injection was suppose to be 3 months it's now 3 years jus for the injections.... Sad state of affairs out here in the West Coast...
@@katzcrow640 Oh I am so so sorry to hear about this. I know you're suffering and any length of waiting list is just unacceptable. Im in the UK. For me, I had 6 injections in total, none of which had any impact. My disc was bulging and when I stood upright or lay flat on my back, the disc compressed my sciatic nerve, crushing it in fact hence the paraethesia. I couldnt stand upright or walk or lie flat without being in complete agony. Like I said before, with what I know now, if it happened again, I would skip the injections and go straight for surgery if it was an option. Sincerely, I do hope you get your surgery very soon. 🤞💕
My daughter has had three back operations. One neck and two knee operations. It's sad. I always hate to 👀 others hurting like this. She said hang in there. She feels your pain.
A clean cuss coloring book is so absolutely hilarious and adorable
Even though you're in pain your contact is still great
Hello. Matthew. Penny. Stella.
I’ve lived with lower back pain for a year. Sucks. Good days and bad days. Chin up. Stay strong.
Matt, really loving how you're putting together all the different video elements, the addition of the drone has added just the right touches!
Thank you Willow!
Over 30 yrs as a nurse, my back is a mess and I live in a 4 bedroom house. It’s not the van, best advice I can give is to find an exercise and stretch routine that will help prevent future injury. Feel better soon!
THANK YOU!
Back pain is the worst ever it can suck the air out of your lungs Matt is the man 🍀👍
Pain is the element you cannot hide. But your coping skills are hightened and the content you share with us is brilliant. I love your example of life
Oh my goodness, that story about oatmeal, cream of wheat & Red River was so great, brought me back to my childhood. I still eat all of those as well & it reminds me so much of my mom & dad & all my siblings❤️
My father used to make the best porridge, with just the right amount of salt added. After the pot bubbled to just the right consistency, he'd heap it into our bowls and we'd put lots of brown sugar to melt on it before adding just the right amount of milk. Wonderful childhood memories were being made then. I noticed that you started off calling it oatmeal and then switched over to porridge, which I think most Canadians call it, as opposed to our American cousins who only refer to it as oatmeal I think.
Also a childhood memory. Mom would put it in the bowl and if ya waited just the right amount of time it would spin in the bowl after the milk was added. Lol. Every morning ❤
Oh and yes it was Porridge
Ahh yes.. red river cereal!!! It was discontinued but was revived again!! Nom nom all those porridges .. love that you are so positive even tho we all k ow what pain your in... cheers!!
Matt, thank you for keeping making videos, I can only imagine how much effort it takes, say hi to the cats 🐈 😻
I’m an oatmeal gal myself. I have to have the cooked oatmeal no instant yuck. Childhood thing’s really stick with us don’t they. I never tried cream of wheat. Maybe I will now. You’re awesome.
I really appreciate how difficult it is doing normal things when you're in pain, let alone filming & creating engaging content for us. It's easy to become detached when you're suffering. Hope each day is getting better. Hugs to you & the furry ones. X
I’m an (Quickoats) oatmeal kind of guy, too. Every morning, every season - handful of raisins in it. Put it together the night before with almond/coconut milk blend so the oats have soaked it in. Occasionally I use Glossettes chocolate raisins to be fancy. 👍🏻
"they got sweet BLEEP-all." Do I detect Editor Matthew still lurking behind the scenes? lol
All that talk of oatmeal has given me stomach cramps... lol! Take care 🙂
As a gal from Wisconsin, everything is better with more cheese!
Yeah from a girl from Newzealand you can say that again.👍🏻
North Carolina girl, CHEESE makes EVERYTHING better!!!
Another delicious recipe I know we're gonna love!! Thanks for sharing!! Lovins for Stella and Penny! Always makes me happy to see your smile🤗
Glad to see you moving better.
Thank you Matt!!! At 80 I am able to enjoy watching your video's. Love watching the cats.. enjoying Van Life. Commode chairs legs can be extended for height. If a flat piece of plywood/foam placed on top of seat.. can be a everyday useable seat.
Ditto!
Hola from Arizona my friend. It is pronounced like this "torr tea ya". Love your videos. Your cats are adorable.
😂 I know - thanks for watching!
I am a former Manitoban. I've been living in Arizona since '79. I just love it here. My French has pretty much boiled off (no rust here but things do turn to dust....wood, plastic, exposed skin, etc). I have picked up some handy Spanish along the way.
Did you get a new mattress? If you did, I hope it's helping you. Take care, and I really do hope you're getting better!!
Hi Matt! They have elasticized shoelaces. Thought maybe you could put them on your converse. Also canes fit really well to the left of the driver’s seat on the floor. Love you!!❤️
With U🍀Thank You so much, for letting us travel on you’re life adventures ☘️
Looking forward to seeing what you can do with a drone, already an excellent start!
Your sweet babies need a scratching pad. They make all types & have all kinds of sizes. I bet you could find a good one. :)
Hey Matt...I really enjoy your Videos...I am praying for healing....God Got you my friend..
Sending smiles and Prayers from Georgia 💙 🙏🏼
I just love these girls. Oh any you’re pretty awesome too Matthew 😅😊
Passable
I’m on my tablet….I’m Victoria D lol
I’m believing you will make it through this. Keep the faith. ❤
Easiest way iv ever described red river cereal is basically wild bird seed.
I have and grew up on the all as well here in Canada Ontario.
Keep safe and warm
So glad you are doing better today be blessed
Love the pace and content of these videos. It seems you are taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Love watching,- a bonus they help me. Hang in Matt ❤
You gotta make some hand pies with the iron. Use bread and put butter side down and add your fav pie filling...apple works great and cook it like a grilled cheese! Pizza/panzerottis work well too! Happy experimenting!
Your cats are too cute! Love the random shots of them.
The drive to 25K subscribers. How can you help the channel? It is easy...... simply subscribe, SMASH that like button, share, comment, engage and like other comments. As always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly be POSITIVE.
Soclose you can taste it now.
& don’t skip the commercials !
☘️So do U have Dixon underwear= 🩲 too 🤷🏻 LOL 🍀
There's a you tuber that's doing a new van and she's putting in a radiant heated floor. Sounds good. Wonder how much power it uses.
Funny the things we took for granted comes back at us !
Hey Matthew (& girls) ... Thanks for sharing your story! Take care & Blessings 👍😇🙏
Keeping your head up, and always moving forward. Great content. Are you not working, I believe you mentioned that a while back.
For a moment it looked like you were flying your van into a parking lot. Very nice.🦅
You can easily toast bread in your fry pan, if you haven't tried it yet.
Get yourself a donut cushion for your sciatica to sit on in bed & whilst driving. Put a pillow under your knees while lyong in bed to take pressure off your low-back. Do Hatha Yoga exercises. Ask your doctor to prescribe pool physical therapy, you will improve faster 😊
Naproxen?! That’s all they gave you. That’s just an Aleve. And trust me, you can take more than “one a day” lol
I promise you- you’ll be fine, take as much Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, as you need.
People would freak out if they knew how much I’m currently taking for my siatica, spinal cord issue. Lol
And it’s been years.. I promise, you’ll be ok. ❤️❤️ I hate to see it.. only cause I know EXACTLY what you’re feeling.
Oh I know Jen, I know. They also gave me a muscle relaxant that I take at bed time
Go to Walmart automotive secion and they have some Goodyear 12V blankets that you could put down on the floor and it will take that chill off the floor! Should be around $30 Candian.
Matthew, hope your back is getting better everyday. Find things that will make life easier for you. The healing process can be frustrating sometimes. But the little things can help SO much. Stay strong & you will get through this! On another note…Perfect timing to have a new toy to play with, & to level up your camera game! Which is already great btw. So excited for what’s to come, & great job already pilot 😉 as always, enjoying your videos 😊 ✌️🤗 give hugs to the kitties for me, they look happier having you home all the time😸
Oatmeal is so good for you! I put blueberries, supersedes (flax, hemp etc.) and organic peanut butter in mine. If you want the resl...not instsnt...you can make overnight oatmeal. Lots of RUclips recipes for those. Loved the video!
I love oatmeal with brown sugar, granola and cranberry 😋yummy yummy
Hey matt Quick comment I'm an old man I'm 52About 4 or 5 years ago I started getting all kinds of health problems Back problems joint problems1 of the best things I did to help my health Was to Drink bone broth every night half beef half chicken and You put a little bit of that Better than bouillon Into it for flavor Some pepper and turmeric Chop up and onion put a little bit of chicken in it I'm telling you you'll start feeling a lot better It'll help with information and everything else Food is medicine.
Matt I would really REALLY love to clean and organize you van. No offense please, I get satisfied cleaning junk drawers . I would like to say I enjoy how loving your cat is , such a sweetheart.
Matt, in your quest for a compact chair, check out the pico chair. It is a little pricey but folds down nice and small, easy to carry, and still is a real director style chair.
I went looking on Amazon for Red River cereal because I love hot cereals but couldn't find it. 🙁 However, they did have a cereal called "Poop Like A Champion". 😳 I'm not kidding. 🤣
Reminds me of when SNL did a parody commercial of their cereal called Colon Blow. lmao
It cracks me up the way you say tortilla...smirk. Have a great day Matt.
I am the one who send the spices Tex mex lol and the recipe is on patreon Matthew and have a good one.
Chicken and cheese pockets looked excellent ! Looks like you got that walking stick down pat. Nice to see a guy keeping his beard nice and neat..
Matt, I have an idea how to use your Camp Pie Iron/Sandwich Maker (or whatever it is called):
Don’t fold the tortilla, instead use two of them, one on the bottom and then one on top of the filling. You can fill the inside more. Any tiny bits of the Tortillas that might stick out can be tucked in. Then you get a full sized sandwich/taco/filled sandwich.
Hi hello and hey for the algorithm!😊
If you haven’t gotten a chair test the seat for the cross-bars. I have to put a pillow in a few of mine because the bars on the seat hurt my back! Also Walmart has a pretty good selection.
Yep, everyone "dresses" their oatmeal in their own fashion. Usually in the way they were raised. My toppings are usually butter (in recent years adding in some virgin coconut oil) and homemade cinnamon sugar, with a little bit of milk when needed.
So Matt I watched the extended play video! I have been wondering what was different, was it the hats you burned to a crisp? Nope it was the hair! Gotta tell ya I like the Dark Ceasar better than the spikey thing you had going on back then! lol! Either way I enjoy your channel, I started watching when you were building/creating LUCKY. Oh yeah, Cream Of Wheat is the best! I make it with water really thick, add butter, evaporated milk and sugar! YUM!
Thank you for validating my own feeling about Camper’s Village changing their name. I keep expecting to go in one day and find nothing but yoga gear. 😂 I’m very glad it hasn’t happened! Feel better soon and enjoy the slower pace while you heal. 🍀
Cool looking sandwich maker! Rest that back buddy! Hot springs!!;p
My childhood memories on weekends staying at Nana and Grandads always involved a hot bowl of Red River….loved
That coloring book is EPIC! Great Googly Moogly!
4:09 Nice drone shot!
Hi Matt. I'm having porridge right now. I had to have it.. you reminded me how good it is in cold weather! I've a pan similar to yours (I won't name it in case it's advertising) There are no ridges, it's perfect for cheese toasties (butter the outside of the bread not inside) I also make toast in it.. dry pan. You can find loads of recipes online. I do burgers on it.. onion, burger, then cheese on burger, then the buns. All inside in the end. It's really handy! You sound in less pain. But avoid turning round looking into the back of the van. Twisting is a nightmare!
Oatmeal with cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins and milk is my go to quick breakfast. Yum!
You amaze me that in the cruciating pain you're in and still making it work with a smile. Your enthusiasm inspiración and motivación is positively its best as always. I totally get it as I to wrestle with chronic pain ever so once in a great while. Cuídate descansa too.
Great seeing your video tonight working with back pain issue. When my back goes out, which seems to be an annual thing, I have to learn to stay focused on priorities, i.e, getting procedural in advance. I'll bet this is what you are experiencing.... making each movement count. Bet this change will improve your filmaking - making you film economically, or within your means. Thanks, and regards from Miami, FL
Glad you like the comic book. I figured you could use a smile. (You got the name perfect) You can teach your daughter some new stuff. My father's favourite about the weather was "Colder than a witch's ELBOW". 🤣😁
If I hear “Polar vortex” to describe the temperature and weather…..it is simply freezing cold air. Not anything fancy…just cold air
Once again I say take it very easy and I hope you get better very soon.
I just love watching your videos and once again it's because you are authentic and real. You are not just putting on a face for a camera like a lot of the other Vanlifers
Stay Special because you are
Sheila
Not sure your thought about nut nutter but I love peanut butter in my oatmeal for a bit of protein. My favorite breakfast right now esp during winter….
I don’t often literally LOL with RUclips videos, but boneappletits cracked me up!!!
I keep telling him he needs to make an apron with bon appletits on it.
Maple and brown sugar, yum! My favorite. 😋
Get pie filling. We used to make mini pies over the fire, buttered bread with cinnamon and pie filling between the two pieces of bread, yum
For your oatmeal. Put a bit of your flavored coffee creamer in with the Apple one. Yummy!!!
25k is on the way. I sure like the moisture vacuumn. Just curious, did you put the remote start on or did it come with the van? It's a good thing to have on a cold morning. I switched to oat groats a few years ago but they take so much longer to cook. After I went low carb in 018 I don't eat any grains at all now. To each his own!
@Rodney Booth Hi Rodney! I could go into a long story about that automatic starter but it would be more enjoyable for you to watch the shenanigans of that camping trip!! It's in Matthews video list. You'll enjoy!! Have a great week!
23:11
This was a great video 💚🍀💚
Thank you Priscilla
Love this channel I hop you find some relief
Matt, please don’t take your vitamins with anti inflammatory meds unless your Dr said it’s ok but some vitamins can reduce the effects that the drug is supposed to be doing.
Enjoyed your 'laid back' vlog- so glad you are getting some rest and enjoying the park. You are looking a bit better- porridge is the best! Best wishes for continued improvement and peaceful rest.
I’m not a Val lifer but damn it….I enjoy your videos! I love your sense of humor and your video styles are amazing. 💞
Smile it's great medicine... For the soul.
Nice to see you chillin'. 😎
Thank you for your fantastic videos. You are a amazing man!! ❤️
Hey Matthew, great video! Much love and hugs
Thanks!
Thank you Cathy! That’s very kind of you
Made me hungry!
Cheese always makes everything great.
Sorry your still all jacked up ... suggestion: if you spray a little oil on both sides of your tortilla you'll get a nice lil crispness on your Canadian taco ... but whatevs - you do you! Feel better soon...
Like the Laid Back-style! Been watching your journey for a while. I will soon be celebrating my first full year in my VAN in Stockholm, Sweden. I am slowly adjusting to making content of my own, not that different from yours. Wish you the best of luck with that poor old body of yours, and hope you'll adapt, improvise and overcome!
Those chicken pockets look so tasty and grilled cheese is my favorite. Looking at vanlife thought it's something I can do to save on rent and want to travel and I also have 3 cats:2 girls one boy.u doing great and take care your back
Quaker has a cranberry walnut oatmeal that is really good.
Yes the answer to life's problems is more cheez🧀 and 🥓BACON! 🤣😂🤣
Hey Matt we are loving the content as usual. Hope you are having a speedy recovery and that you and the kitties stay warm. I couldn’t help but notice we have the same roof basket and I think you would enjoy the extension princessauto has, it adds 21+- inches for additional storage and I believe for $80 or less! I think you would benefit from the extra storage on top of lucky
Look at ice fishing chairs they let you sit upright and only have 3 legs