Why we live in two separate vans | Van life couple
Why we live in two separate vans | Van life couple
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Hi my name is Emi. I'm born in raise in small town just outside Quebec City, this is where my lovely accent come from. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I will only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people will consider this the lowers time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After, trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I are have been living full-time in my self convert van.
My husband and I live in separate homes. Most people assume we are pursuing divorce but we are not. We are doing this to save our marriage. I honestly wish we had done it years ago, but society acts like, if you love your partner, you have to sleep in the same house, in the same bed, each night. Do what works for you!
Since I have a separate bedroom from my husband it’s great. I love it. Him not so much but I can’t sleep hot like him. I need a cool room.
So, you have an open marriage?
@My Cancer Journey , I had ovarian cancer 27 years ago with a complete hysterectomy it's been so many years I don't even think about it anymore. I saw your post and wanted to reply There is definitely life after cancer
Fabric refresher beads that go in wash
@@michaelsalazar2083 no, we are a faithful married couple living in two homes.
Girl I don’t blame you..Never loose your identity when you’re in a relationship..it’s good to have your own space sometimes 😊
Exactly what I was thinking.
Agreed!!
Totally agree!❤
Girl ,,are you blind?? They are not a couple,, it's only part of their show
Excellent advice.
Emi, my husband and I have been married almost 38 years. But due to my work, we didn't live in the same town for 15 YEARS. My job provided me a house 250 miles away from our farm. When you own a farm, you can't just get up and walk away from it. When I retired, I came back home, but we had both lived alone for so long, that we couldn't be happy living in the same house together. So I bought a nice mobile home and moved it onto our 25 acres, and my house is about 200 feet from his house. I have everything I like in my house, and he has everything he likes in his house. We both work at the same place, have morning coffee together every day, and have dinner out with friends 3 nights per week. When I'm at his house, he'll let me know when I'm getting on his nerves. "Isn't it time for you to go home?" LOL It works just fine, because I'll do the same thing when he's hanging out at my house. If it works, it works. All of our finances are separate as well, I pay for all my own stuff, and he pays for all of his stuff. We DO share Dish TV, home phone, internet, etc., and each of us pays 50% of the bill each month. I like being independent! No woman should feel like she has to ask for money like a child. That's a bunch of BS! I'm an adult and I actually have quite a bit more monthly income than my husband due to knowing how to save and budget for the future. Don't EVER give up your independence. I feel sorry for the women who trusted someone with their life and finances who get abandoned with a bunch of kids, no income, and no skills.
i, as a man, cant disagree with that. good thing for the extra space
Great comment to share here 😊🙏👍👍
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I think its healthy for each person to have their own space and adventures and as long as you spend time together who cares? You seem to work well this way and thats what matters.
FYI : When using a top loading washing machine, wait until the water is filled up. And then add one cup of baking soda ! This will remove smoke smells from clothing ! Love and Blessings to You and Yours 🙏
Thanks
You two have a, “VAN-tastic,” relationship.
Stop it. 😁
I see what you did there 😂
Let's hope thing's stay good between ya 2! And thing's don't break down... 😮
Cute statement.
haha awesome pun 💜
For your jacket, add baking soda or white vinegar to your washer along with your laundry soap.
Yes. It is wonderful. I put it in many of my loads of laundry.
I use to use Mule Team washing powder, baking soda and vinegar .When I had a top loader washing machine I would soak the stinky clothes, blankets etc in the same stuff as above and it worked pretty good)
For your jacket try white vinegar in the next time through the wash cycle.
From the beginning it's made sense to me to have two vans. If it were only one it would be very crowded. You'd have to go everywhere together all the time or leave one without shelter and transportation in sudden bad weather. You'd have to have the exact same schedule for work, errands, cooking, sleeping or one would be disturbing the other. Nowhere to go if one got sick. Even in a houscouples don't spend 100% time together. They have their own schedules, friends, jobs, sleep patterns, interests, spaces. Many years ago even the poet Kahlil Gibran talked about needing spaces in togetherness. You are proud of acvomplishing what you have. I am proud too. It took courage and strength. You show others how it can be done. I always say if is isn't broken, don't fix it! I forgot. Baling soda will neutralize odors without damaging the material. Or hang it outside where no birds or campfires are around!
Why fix something that’s not broken? You guys are working out beautifully & so long as you are both happy, keep doing what makes YOU guys happy💖
Try adding white vinegar to your wash, that removes odors in laundry. Great video as always. I just adore 😺
I agree. I would also suggest using Oxiclean odor remover if the vinegar doesn't work.
My thoughts exactly. I was going to mention this when I saw your post.
Emi . You explained your independence beautifully …😊 and van life is all about not following societal expectations, and doing what feels right for you
It has been my experience that relationships are tricky ( that's an understatement) but having a certain someone to share special moments or to change a fuse is nice. I honor you and your independence.
Emi I can sum this up... It's called Independence and there's nothing wrong with that I've been down that road. You and Chrome make it work and I'm glad for y'all.❤
Even in sticks and bricks everyone needs a place of their own to kick back and have private time. You learn this through trial and error. The best relationships are those who stay friends. Would never want to be crammed into one van. Also, you learned the lesson every girl/woman needs to know....you are capable of being on your own and can take care of yourself. Having a relationship that works is a nice bonus, just not a requirement 100% of the time.
P.S...I follow a great couple here in the states who have been together 4 years and they each still have their own vans. At times they take on part time jobs ...sometimes together but when that isn't possible they can be apart for weeks but they are still a couple and come back together
One van would be awfully small for two adults a dog and a cat! Do what suits you. You can still spend as much time together as suits you.
The toilet situation would be awkard if you both lived in the same van
I have been living separate but we are together, it works for us. If it’s not broken don’t fix it. 😊 if you parked where your side doors can open with the awning in between, it’s like a couple room stuck together.
It's not about being in your "feminine energy" or being "strong" it's about what makes you two happy. You are a very independent woman, Chrome is a very independent man,. I've been watching for several years now as you two first got together and I fully understand both of you keeping your own van lives. I live with my BF in a big house, and we have different hobbies, games, friends, yet we always love each other . You and Chrome have the same only in vans. Congratulations you two on just being you!
Thanks for sharing about this. That sounds like a wonderful arrangement. It is healthy to enjoy quality time together and also have your own time and space. 😻
Living apart together is ideal. It's wonderful to have a partner you can rely on, share passions, interests, fun and be there for on another in good and in bad times, but....that does not mean you have to give up your independents. My partner and I have the same. I have my house and he has his. Works for us!
It’s crazy to think people assume now a days that just because you’re a couple, it means you have to live together or always be together. I married my husband 21 years ago and we did not live together before we got married. We to this day, still do some things on our own. Sometimes we goto the same place, and drive in our own cars! It’s good to be alone sometimes especially when you are independent. Just like when Emi is working on her van. I’ve seen people get all up in arms because Chrome isn’t helping her or doing it for her. SMH. Let people live their own lives how they want to, for what’s best for them mentally and physically.
Exactly 💯%
Ya and when one dies the other one is completely lost
Amen❤
I've been married 45 year's and hubby and I do most things separately. We have different friends, different hobbies and interests. Sometimes we have seperate vacations. I think we're the happiest couple I know. Lol
I think it is good to stay in separate van . Sometimes space helps .
I too, like having my own space. It's nice to do things at your own pace. I understand how you feel. It's great that you and Chrome get together but still have your own vans.
Keep your space. It will be good for relationship. You both seem to enjoy your alone time.
Honestly if you both care for each other and make it work don't matter wait others think
Smart move. I've had the same with not having anything. So I feel more independent.❤
It's a very smart thing to do, in my opinion. You both are very independent people, and I'm sure having your own space comes in very handy when you want to get away from all the distractions of life, including each other. That doesn't mean you don't care or don't love each other, it just means you each have a life that you worked hard to create, and you deserve to be independent of each other when the need arises. More marriages would survive if married people lived the same way.
Why not two vans??? His space…and Her space…I would not change that for no one!!! You two are very wise…👠🚌👠
Because you have a dog and cat for one. I think its nice that you both have your own home. Everyone needs a bit of space sometimes. Especially in vanlife. I cant imagine it any other way really. I am happy for you both. I think you are really blessed and you dont have to worry about losing your life again. I understand completely. ❤❤❤
Did you try the cigarette lighter with the engine running? I'm sure I'll get nasty comments but I've had several vehicles that the car had to be running (or the key on) to work the 12v lighter. As far as two vehicles, as a 72 year old independent woman who's been happily married twice, I think it's smart. You two are doing what's right for you. That's all that matters. ❤
I really dont blame you Emi. When me and my ex split up he took most of the things in the house including my washer and dryer, he left me the house and our 4 young kids, it was horrible living like that. xx
Such heartless man. It's very difficult dragging young children to the laundromat and costly. Hope all the best to you.
Hi Emi and Kellie, Happy Easter!! 🐥🐰🐣
That was so cute 🥰 “It’s kissing 😽 time kitty”, right on cue.
Try white vinegar next time you wash it might take out the smell
I feel the same way you do, I admire your independence! Thank you for sharing your life! ❤
I've always believed the key to a successful relationship is separate homes. I would go nuts living in a van your size with anyone but my cat. Unless you guys buy something bigger, I think you have the perfect solution!🎉❤
In today's world, what works for one may not for someone else, live and let live, to each their own. Chrome and you will decide what's better for you two as a couple and as individuals, healthy foundation, healthy couple. 💕 denise from pa.
It’s awesome that they have their own space. If you see the van rockin don’t come a knockin! Chrome is such a lucky dude
Good for you both...I like how you both knock on each other's door...huge sign of respect for each other.
Me and partner of 9 years live in separate homes , it works out for us spend lots of time together. We both came out of bad relationships and the way we live suits us both
Your a such a strong lady. Stay safe and look forward to your next video
Awww he came to get u for breakfast love you guys may God bless your relationship
I totally agree about keeping your seperate vans, and space and your own household necessities. Life has a habit of throwing us curve balls, ( a baseball analogy) and you'd be smart to keep your own bat and ball to knock it out of the park for a homerun, if needed. I too have started over from scratch, too many times!! Its really hard to get back up on your feet, when you have nothing!!! You're being a smart lady, keeping your own stuff, and your own home. ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️
Take your time if when both of you are ready to live together you will know no reason to rush.
Love your videos. Have a great Easter Weekend to you kitty , Chrome and Cruz
It feels good to miss each other now and then. Have fun, enjoy the space, and the beautiful backcountry is your own back yard.
I think it’s great. Have the two vans, put up a canopy between the two and create an outdoor common are underneath.
Hey Emi turn your key to accesory the battery needs to be turned on to use the cigarette lighter hope this helps
True best friends make the best couples! And only best friends give each other the obligatory sniff of each other's stinky clothes. 😉❣️😊👍 Love you guys
Hi Emily and little Kelly, I love watching your videos. Bravo, you have proved to yourself that you are a strong woman with independence and comfortable in your own skin. I admire you plus I admire Chrome for his not trying to change the person you have become. To be honest I feel that is what attracted you and Chrome to each other in the first place. It has been fantastic watching you both grow closer and appreciate each other more as time passes. You don't have to live together to be a strong couple, actually it's quite the opposite. Independence is a virtue that we acquire in life, sometimes earlier in some than others. Once gained it stays for the rest of our life. It is precious and not to be taken lightly by ourselves or for that matter any one else. Personally I was in a nasty toxic relationship for some years with a young child. My independence kept us alive and we walked away with our lives and our few belongings. May the Lord continue to watch over and bless you always. Hugs and love from Western Australian 🇦🇺
Horses for courses Whatever floats your boat Not right nor wrong Not for everyone Right for some Go for what you want🙂
Freedom to be you each individual 🌲
Hey my ideal marriage would be living in a duplex-me on one side and him on another!
It’s amazing how you are living and in-fact so inspirational. So many married couples or couples living together yet so unhappy and stuck so it’s good that you have your own space and still meet up with your boyfriend when you want. It looks healthy and suits you and your life style and your past and the journey you walked so that’s all that matters. We all have a different journey and it’s good you follow yours based on your own experience and past. Your now partner seems good. You are amazing and love your cat too.🥰🥰❤️
Happy Easter Time 🐰🌷🐝
Separate huts! Makes for a very harmonious and interesting relationship!
I agree 💯% And exactly what I thought before watching your video. It just makes perfect sense.
Kelly has the sweetest kitty kisses. 😊 And two people living in two separate apartments are the same as two people living in two vehicles. Couples live apart all the time.
I think it makes so much sense, on so many levels. Doesn't seem strange at all... Thank you for sharing...
Agree never lose you & who you are,my spouse passed after 26 years together & now after 5 years alone,really concerned about dating &/or living with someone for some of those very same reasons,losing me & what I've accomplished,it's a 2 edge sword,but glad you're happy 🤙🤟
My partner of 27 years and I live mostly separate lives. We were together more when our children were growing up but once they were gone, we have pursued different interests. One of mine is van traveling. I built out a beautiful pro master van, and it feels like my home. And I feel very empowered that I built my own home. I often tell him that he can travel with me, but he has to have his own van. I work on the road and so we are apart quite often. We probably get along better now than we ever did in a more traditional lifestyle.
Do what is right for you Emi, Sounds like a great arangement to me. Just enjoy life. Love you Emi.
It's a horrific feeling without a home. I have been in the same situation. Being homeless overnight is not ok. You worked too hard to build yourself a secure nest, for you and kitty to live without anyone being able to cause you to become homeless again. Rents have doubled in 3 years. I have never witnessed that increase in the last 50 years. Maybe you and Chrome would want to invest in land together. Build or buy, his and hers studio/garages. I have seen other van lifers travel and live in separate vans or cars. I would think I would like that too. We all need space of our own. It works great when offroad to have two rigs if one breaks down for a while. If you had a upsized rig to to use to accommodate 2 people, that might work for summer trips. While your van is stored in a safe place.
Personally, absolutely no explanation is necessary. 😊
When we bought a used pickup truck a few years ago, we had to replace a couple of the cigarette lighters (we did this after replacing the fuses didn't work). Try replacing the cigarette lighter itself, and then you should be able to charge your phone.
pursue what makes you happy, you and chrome seems happy whenever you are together. I enjoy watching you both grow and living your lives.
I always like your "day in the life" vids, and having a casual talk like we are sitting across from you! Have a great week!
There is no room in either van for extra stuff. Chrome is very independent and so are you, and i can't imagine either one of you changing anything about the way you live. As they say "if it ain't broke don't fix it". You see each other when you feel like it and go off by yourselves, when you don't feel like company. Easy peasy.
You and chrome are so adorable together . Independence Emi . We all need our own space . Kitty is adorable and we love staying with you kitty while your mom is taking a shower Keep safe and enjoy your day ❤
Everyone do everything different as long as you and chrome are happy and healthy and want to be with each other and it works for you both then so be it love is love and if its not broke why fix it you to keep been your awesome self's love you guys
We love you two just the way you are. I could see, if you guys were married, being in the same van… but not as things are now.
lol the marriage probably wouldn't last if all 4 of them lived in the same van 24/7
Emi put a cup of vinegar in the wash cycle it will remove smoke oder and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
You both look happy so keep on keepin' on.
Get smoke out with Vanilla Extract! About 2 Tbs in the washing machine along with the laundry soap wash your smokey clothes. That's it smell gone. It can be cheap even imitation vanilla. A professional laundry gave me that tip.
Technically the vans are your home just like anybody else who may have their own place like a home or apartment. So it’s normal to be separate and see eachother💞! It better to always look after yourself as no one else will as you never know what will happen especially when it comes to having shelter for yourself 😉!
hahahah I am such a solo , independent introvert I am the same way.... I would need two houses connected by a pool....No need to explain yourselves... you are great. People can date and do their own thing.
look under the dash board, find the wires for the cigarette lighter. one ground and the other to the fuse box. trace the wires. usually a ground or a broken wire.
Van Love 🎉❤
💁🏼♀️Everyone needs there own space and alone time is real important 🙏💥💥💥
The true reason is that Cruzie is afraid that Kelly would beat him up😂
Emi, you have a great sense of humor.😅
Neither of you are children so you are in your own grooves so to speak, comfortable grooves. When you can overlap and spend time together and have fun and know at the same time you are there for each other whether in the same van or across the country from one another, you are "together". You are each unique persons also and need that creative space to do your thing.. Enjoy, that's what's important! I'm sure Kelly feels secure with her Mom and Cruz with his Papa, so good for them too! :)
My Grandparents had separate bedrooms and were married for almost 70 yrs. I love that idea!
Have a great day emi
I think you were both very wise. There is not nearly enough room in a van or an RV or anything to have everything you need. You can always visit but having that space for your own and having your own quiet sacred place is priceless. Safe travels !
I’m so glad to know you and Chrome are still together. It is tough to share or potentially loose because of sharing. That’s part of life with someone. It’s what you can build together. Best of luck to you both. Life with another is always hard, it’s what each individual is willing to gamble.
It work good that way. Everyone need their own places and I enjoy both KZhead channel.
It is good you have your own space. I can tell Chrome can be difficult at times and having some time away is necessary. Don't get me wrong I like him and you but having your own is a must.
very smart separate van. Love always wins.
Best of both worlds, perfect! I enjoy you both individually and together! Take care, blessings.
You are very wise. You have the best of both worlds.
🐽 Every person needs their own personal space and you don’t have to worry about snoring. 😊
My husband and l live in two caravan on the roads and it works for us so if chrome and emi are happy have two cars good on them .
Independence is priceless, Plus absence makes the heart grow fonder. If you lived together in a house or apartment, you'd likely each have a room to call your own, which you wouldn't have in a van that small.
Oh, and you already have a roommate in that little van. Can you imagine 3 roommates in a van?
I see somebody already suggested it below, I will also suggest using some white vinegar in your wash 😁😁
Love the kitty shower edit...I like this style of video!! ❤
1/2 cup of baking soda put in the tub of the washing machine first before your clothes and use your normal detergent in the despencerary , that will help get the smell out of the clothing.❤❤❤
Alone time is priceless...
I'm happy for both of yall! I've been enjoying both of your feeds and you are both terrific people! Glad to see a couple that can enjoy their independence as well ❤❤