[A/S] Full Timers #2 of 2

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxx>]

Hunter,

There are some Airstreamers who take your thoughts to the extreme.  Although
we have only been living the full timers lifestyle for 12 years, we've been
involved in it for decades and have seen and heard some bizarre things.

For example:

1 - We heard of one family who had an accident with their Airstream and were
in the hospital for a month.  Their Airstream was in the repairshop. They
were looking forward to "returning to their silver home."  A visitor in the
hospital said to them, "You aren't full timers anymore. Have you thought of
getting a real home?" For what purpose was this "put down" said?  Obvious.

2 - Friends of ours who park their Airstream at various homes of their
children have upon occasion fallen asleep in their son's Lazy Boy and slept
through the night in their son's home. When our friend related this story at
a rally, one of the RVers SHOUTED at him, "You aren't a full timer, you're a
part timer." The heated discussion that followed ended in stalemate.

For some people, the self importance gained from thinking they are right
about everything (even in narrowly defined ways) forbids any chance of
movement toward being reasonable and tolerant.  Usually, these people are
not team players when it comes to developing "inclusiveness" within a group.
Their role seems better suited to occasions where "divisiveness" is
needed(?).  

3 - Friends who live in one Airstream six months a year in a southern park
and in their other Airstream six months a year in a northern park have taken
upwards of two months to make the trip. They stay overnight at motels and at
the homes of their children along the way.  We heard one Airstreamer tell
this couple they weren't REAL full timers, they were only part timers. Each
time I see this type of "discounting" behavior, I doubt if the discounter
realizes what they are doing - or that others recognize it for what it is.

4 - Our Texas friends who have a common roof that covers the Airstream,
truck and family room have a mini kitchen and bathroom in it.  During one
month each year when the heat and humidity is intense, this is where they
spend most of their time. For all practical purposes during those few weeks,
the Airstream is a big walk in closet and storage room. Yet, they think of
themselves as Airstream full timers. Although we've never heard anyone say
different, I'm sure there are some who would delight in challenging their
thinking.  And for what purpose? That's obvious.

5 - Our Mexico friends with the concrete block house love the house because
they can empty out the Airstream to make renovations and install upgrades
while having a comfortable place to live, while enjoying Springtime weather
all Winter long and while having their Airstream immediately available to
their tools.  For a month or more, they are not "living" inside their
Airstream. We've never heard anyone challenge their thinking that they are
full timers, but then again, in Guadalajara, we have only found Airstreamers
who are tolerant of major differences among people and who find it
effortless to enjoy each other's company.

Hunter, I could go on.

In my opinion, there are nit picking people throughout the world who take
great pleasure in finding ways to put down other people while at the same
time trying to elevate themselves.

For them, "excluding" others is their way to become exclusive.

But, if the name of the game is "inclusiveness," then rigid thinking and the
need to narrowly define others fades. Camaraderie then thrives and grows.

Oooops - get the hook - pull the soapbox.  Where is that delete key? <grin>

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net