"if you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room"

Monday, September 22, 2014

more changes coming

The last several blogs I have written about changes, mostly about weather changes. This blog will be a bit different. Most of you that have been following us for awhile know we have had some challenges in the past couple of years. Some of those challenges were expensive and stretched our budget to it's maximum and we have struggled trying to recover. We are certainly not destitute but with our savings account all but gone we had to make some decisions. Since I am not yet 59 1/2 dipping into our IRA's is not a good option with the penalties imposed for early withdrawal. Right now our seasonal jobs (Crazy Horse, Amazon and gate guarding) supports our lifestyle but just barely. Our biggest fear is another costly repair while on the road will put us into spiraling debt that is all but impossible to climb out of while only working lower wage, part time jobs. Trust me, I have lost a ton of sleep the last year worrying about the "what if's". Another thing is we are tired of "pinching pennies". We both love being full timers and the experiences it gives you but frankly I would love to splurge and buy a can of Folgers coffee one time instead of the cheapest generic I can find on the shelf. :-)  Another reality is we are going to need to new vehicle soon because the Dakota is wearing out and will likely be needing more and more repairs. We, quite frankly, were not sure what direction our lives should take and were discussing several options when, this Spring, my boss here at Crazy Horse announced his retirement. We both enjoy working here and being involved with the process of carving the memorial. We also love the area, it is so beautiful here in the Black Hills. So with the support of several of the full time employees who approached me encouraging me to apply we made the decision that I would put my hat in the ring for his position, Director of Visitor Services. The selection process was long and involved but as things progressed over the summer my chances looked better and better. My final interview was just after labor day and I was told they would make their selection by the 19th of September. Needless to say the last two weeks have been the most stressful. The day finally arrived and I met with one of the CEO's (there are two) and the COO. The first thing they told me was that the position had been given to another candidate :-(
Then they threw me a curve ball, they offered me a different position, a brand new position created just for me! Needless to say I was humbled, flattered and confused at the same time. The salary that came with the job was within the range that Rudee and I had discussed and the job would be very similar to what I have already been doing with some added responsibilities.  I accepted the position and am the newly created Senior Assistant Director of Visitor Services at Crazy Horse Memorial. The CEO then excused herself from the meeting and went to Rudee in the gift shop. She let her know that I had accepted a position and asked if she would "help me manage the gift shop". There was not much time for her and Rudee to talk but she said they would sit down next week and discuss the details.
So what do we do now? Well first of all we are taking 2 weeks to go back to Indiana and visit family and friends. We will also take care of some medical appointments and get our medical records to give to our South Dakota doctor once we select one. We have also made arrangements with a campground that is open year round in Custer but are also keeping our eyes open for a house to rent. We have experience living in our rig in very cold climates so that isn't something new to us but we wont pass up a good deal on a house to rent either. :-)
So there is the big news, Rudee and I are putting our full time travels on hiatus and settling down in the Black Hills. We are looking at staying in or near the Custer area and, as long as our jobs work out for both us and them, we will likely be purchasing a home nearby at some time in the future. As far as the blog is concerned I'm really not sure. Do you readers want to hear from us since we are not work camping but just working? Leave a comment and let me know and I'll keep you posted.

21 comments:

  1. Phil and Rudee, I would love to continue to "keep track" of my fulltiming friends, even if you are stationary at the present. I enjoy your posts and when we get back in the area would love to catch up in person. I love that area and love Crazy Horse and all the history, etc. Best wishes. . . sounds like you have a solid plan!

    Dale and Terry Pace

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  2. It could be very important for other rv folks that have for one reason or another hit a time in their life like you have to hear of your "pains" and "joys" on leaving the road for a while. Consider yourself to be a mentor to those who would benefit from your experiences.

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  3. Good luck with your new positions and with the house hunting. As far as the blog, keep it going. We like reading about what is going on in one of our favorite places.

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  4. WOW!! Congrats on the new positions although I'm sorry we won't be seeing you here in Campbellsville. A resounding YES to whether we still want to hear what's going on in your little corner of the world. :)

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  5. Good luck, and what a great new gig for you guys! I'm sure you'll be sad to be off the road, but what a place to put down roots for awhile. I for one would like to keep in touch via blog to hear about some of your adventures, even if it is once in awhile :)

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  6. Congratulations Phil and Rudee! That is awesome! And yes, we still need your blog to keep us informed on what is happening up there.

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  7. Good for you guys yes please give us up dates on how things are going. Good Luck..

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  8. Wow! Wow!Ok so Amazon won't be quite the same but I guess I will still have Larry and Sue to harass me :-). Great job guys and I guess I will plan a swing through Custer next fall. Yes, we are returning to our jobs here in Moran next year :-).

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    1. You could stop by in the Spring while on your way too ....... hint, hint

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  9. Godspeed, Phil and Rudee. So glad that our paths crossed!! See you in the Black Hills.

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  10. I think congratulations are in order! Enjoy your new adventure!! I look forward to reading about the transition.

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  11. Congratulations, keep up the blog and we hope to get to the Black Hills some time late next summer.

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    1. Make sure you let us know when you're in the area. Would love to see that new home and get to spoil Fred some. :-)

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  12. Yes we still want to hear of your new life adventure even if it isn't on the road. Besides you will have vacation time and this gig is meant to see you through the hard times and to rebuild your savings.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

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  13. Sounds like a welcome relief- The Black Hills are a great place to be, We will be back at Custer SP next year. Good luck! keep on a postin.)

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  14. Congratulations to you both! This definitely sounds like a plan and I am so very happy for you. Being stationary in our rig, sometimes I struggle to blog, so I understand if you don't post as often . . . but sure would like to hear how things are going for you when you get a chance. We're about to hit the road to South Carolina in a couple of days, being transferred to a facility down there to continue doing what we do. Best of luck and well wishes to you both in your new adventures!

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  15. YES!! I love reading your blog! Thank you for sharing all of your adventures! We are gate guarding now, but at some point would love to come work at the Crazy Horse Memorial! We have been there before and love the area also! Congrats to you guys!! Hope we can meet you sometime down the road! Thank you again!

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  16. WOW!! I think something along these lines happens to all of us in time. Our lives change as time moves on. We still want to hear what you are up to and how the transition goes. We will be in that area in a couple of years.

    Mark and Patty

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  17. That's great news even if it takes you off the road for a time. it's just a different chapter in the book you two are living. Keep the blog up and running because the coming and goings of Crazy Horse are still very interesting.

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  18. Phil,

    That is great news for you and Rudee. I know you will succeed. We hope to meet up with you when we get back home to SD in the spring after wintering in Quartzsite. We are hoping to secure workamping positions at Wall Drug next spring so we will not be to far away.
    Safe travels,
    S&F
    Les (Bigboomer)

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  19. Oh Yes, keep on blogging. I have another commitment for this winter, but am considering something else for next summer.

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