Devan- Devan
Named My Van And A Brief Update
Updated: Aug 4, 2020
Finally Named The Van!!
Nine months after purchasing her, I have named my van. I’ve considered several names since bringing her home in late January, but nothing ever felt right. Picking the right name felt important to me.
I didn’t want to pick a name I would eventually hate. Definitely didn’t want anything that seemed cool or trendy either. I wanted a unique name that resonated with me, regardless of what anyone else thought.
In pure Devan form, I ended up taking it way too seriously for a while. I would obsess over finding the perfect name for days on end. Eventually, frustration set in and I would abandon the idea of naming her altogether. I would repeat this process again and again.
In early September I decided I was giving up. I told myself it was a silly tradition and I just wouldn’t take part. I convinced myself I didn’t need a ‘named’ van anyway. (Which is perfectly ok too)
A week after I arrived in Mesa to support the Monster’s health situation, that changed.
The naming happened during a random conversation while driving to dinner. Thanks to my love of elephants and the Monster’s ability to speak, read, and write Japanese, we stumbled on something perfect.
I think it is unique, meaningful, and inventive. Without further ado:
Her name is ぞう. Which, if I did it right, should translate to Zō in English. It means elephant in Japanese.
A Bit Of An Update
After lots of Dr. visits, medical procedures, and a period of isolation, we’re nearing the end of this chapter of Monster’s health journey. As nice as that sounds, it also begins a new normal for the Monster.
As such, I will be staying in the state of AZ through early March. I don’t plan to stay put where I am, but I’ll need to be close by for the follow-up appointments and such.
I’m still trying to work out going to the van build on Friday 11/03. I no longer have the money needed to install solar, but I’ve managed just fine and I don’t miss what I’ve never had.
My Maxxair fan has not yet been installed, so I could have that done. I wouldn’t be able to power it right now, but it would provide a nice rooftop vent.
My Van Is A Mess
A mess I can live with, but a mess none the less. Things got ‘undone’ a bit in the few weeks I’ve been in Mesa. Then last week I was in the van for 7 days with 3 cats when the Monster was in isolation.
The 3 felines do not get along in an apartment and even less so in a 65 square foot van. 🙂 The resulting fur is everywhere.
It was a long week and the hardest I’ve had since beginning this journey. The daytime temps were 95 degrees and I couldn’t leave the van (or the area). I had to hang out with the cats all day, in the shade, with the windows down.
Right now I have a path to my bed and the bed is clear, but things have piled up otherwise. I need to organize and put things back where they belong. I just haven’t had the time and it has been so hot here during the day.
I’m a little embarrassed to go to the van build with the van looking like it does, but installing the fan would actually give me way more room. (the box takes up a lot of space on one side of my bed)
After living in the van since June, there is no question I am carrying more ‘stuff’ than I need. I just haven’t made the time to sort it all out. I also haven’t actually been anywhere I could drag it all out to sort it out, but would only take one day. Just ONE DAY. (I’m rolling my eyes at myself right now)
But hey, did I mention I named the van? Look how long THAT took me. Hahaha!
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