What's it all about?

The song, "What's it all about, Alfie" was written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach and released in 1966 when I was just six years old.  Forty eight years later, I'm still trying to figure out what life is all about.

I've been blessed with a loving family, good health and good friends and what many would call a successful career.  However, something seems to be missing and I want to take some time off this year from my job of 8 years in search of a simpler life.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to live in a treehouse.  Perhaps it was the Disney movie "Swiss Family Robinson" that influenced me.  I dunno but I really would like to live in a small house in the trees.  Better yet, I'd like to live in a small house in the trees on a mountain, overlooking water in a community that experiences four seasons.

My current home in my hometown of Houston has been wonderful.  While not in a tree, it is on the 14th floor of a highrise apartment overlooking downtown and the museum district.   I picked it for the expansive views and the ability to walk and metrorail to work without having to fight traffic.




While I've enjoyed the last year treating myself to this luxury highrise apartment, I'm ready to find a simpler life which will involve giving up my six figure salary.

I sold my home for a nice profit at the end of 2013 as well as my investment property in 2014 and have invested it while setting aside $60K to live on for a year.  While this is far less than what I'm currently making at my job as a program manager and learning professional at one of the big oil companies, I want to challenge myself to do it.

I want to live on less, spend less, eat less, and buy less and travel the U.S. this year in search of a simpler life.

I've purchased a 24' used motor home and am in the process of having it refurbished to feel more like something I can live in while I'm traveling.