I have spent the last 5 years in pain. It’s been a long five years.

Around the time I was 40, I mysteriously started getting migraines and severe tension headaches. They steadily increased in frequency until, at one point, I was having them almost half the days of the month.

A lot of things go through your mind when you’re in pain so much of the time. It changes who are you. I went from a very social person to a hermit. I went from having confidence to worrying about whether I would still be able to make a living. I learned a lot about myself and what I need to be happy. I had no “extra” time, so time became precious to me.

After lots of hard work and experimentation, I have my migraines under control. Although I still have some residual pain, I’m ready to get back out into the world and have some adventures.

Last year, my cat (Libby) and I evacuated from Hurricane Irma last year. It was rather stressful as you never know when to leave, you don’t know if there will be lodging available, and you have to drive a long distance to really get out of the path. (It was predicted to hit my area as a Category 4.) Plus, I had a cat with me. I promised Libby I’d get us a bigger vehicle this year so we could sleep in it if we had to evacuate again. (And also just to have more room for a comfy trip.)

I also thought it might be nice to have something in which I could take weekend trips without the need to get a hotel. That way I could travel more often.

I did a couple hundred hours of research on different vehicles comparing fuel efficiency, size, reliability and interior layout. I contemplated a commercial-sized cargo van but decided against it due to the difficulty I would have parking it since it would be my everyday vehicle. The headroom would’ve been great in a higher-roofed model, but it also would’ve been more of a beast to drive.

After studying reviews and measurements, I settled on a Ford Transit Connect wagon. I didn’t want to cut any holes in my new vehicle, so I opted for the wagon model with second-row windows that open. I chose the rear liftgate so, when open, it could act as a canopy or tent base. I lucked out, and CarMax had the exact car I wanted minus a roof rack.

My goal is to add structure to the inside of the back of the vehicle to convert it into a mini RV with all I need to enjoy a weekend away. My initial build would have room just for myself to sleep as this is my immediate need. But, longterm, I’d like to add a roof rack and get a rooftop tent that would allow me to travel with another person.

I’m excited to get started!