Actual City Vanlife - How I Prepare for Cold Weather and P.T.

Actual vanlife in a big city - daily stuff as I prepare for a very cold polar vortex that will be blowing in, plus I have to get ready for the beginning of my physical therapy.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@carrieadams7073]

I love your Channel. I lived in my car for 8 months as a drug addiction. My cat was staying with a horrible person. Alls I thought about was getting him back. Went in to transitional housing with my cat as my goal. Getting him back was Ill I thought about. Gave my life to God the day I moved in to housing. Been sober 7 years now. I still have my cat plus another now. Love your positivity. Cant wait to see your life keep getting better. ❤

[@AsAdventures365]

A HUGE congrats to you. If no one has told you today. I am proud of/for you!!

[@007nadineL]

God bless you.

[@cathythomas298]

Congratulations !

[@Yvonneb_]

Another dam good video xx

[@charlene5461]

Praise God!! And congratulations!! 🎉My youngest son is battling and losing but I know the power of God will one day reach him!! Your comment gave me strength in hopes for him.💖🙏💖

[@mikeperreault8939]

Funny, an Introvert with some Bright Red " notice me shoes "😂

[@leec.7168]

Little Brooklyn is so dang cute!!! I love her little voice as she’s speaking to you. This time with her is so precious. Enjoy her.❤

[@bertiesark]

do not ever underestimate the impact you have on your little princess she is the first child her age I have seen in years that even know how to say Thank you. You are doing a great job dad keep it up God Bless

[@kimbrueck7811]

Matthew you are quite the dancer 🕺 your humor and positivity just warm my heart. Keep sharing cuz I love watching. ❤❤

[@007nadineL]

That's his gift

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

From a professional detailers standpoint, watching you rinse that jeep was SOOO SATISFYING 😌 😊

[@karenbreslauer2053]

I’m no detailer but I like seeing the girl getting clean. Lol Karen from Florida 🌴💕

[@patrickfrantz2466]

Maybe some mud flaps on the tiny house might be a good idea after all.

[@NomadicDee]

Love the new kicks! Don’t forget a towel so you can take a shower after your workout.

[@user-lg1gj3li9j]

Matthew I follow another YoiTuber who has 2 kitties. He ended up putting signs up on all 4 sides of his van/camper tto stop ppl from calling the police/animal control. He had to have them printed on heavy duty card stock paper then have them laminated with UV clear coat with a peel off sticker back, then stick them @ eye level next to his windows and camper to prevent the breaking of the windows by the police/animal control workers. The signs said, "this vehicle is climate controlled and under 24 hour video to prevent theft/safety for my animals" . He hasn't had his kitties removed by animal control since then. It might be a good idea. Oh the channel is Nomadic Fanatic, so you ban see the signs.

[@karenshiels6566]

I'm sorry, but that Duck- a- sourous stole the show. 😂

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

Sketchers! Heck yeah! That's what I got and they helped my back.

[@terizumbusch8408]

I get it man i'm in the same boat. Never been a big exercise person but now that I had to have a quadruple bypass, i've got to pay some attention and at least i've got to start walking. But I've got to do other things too. Because my muscles are weak from the several years of no energy. We can do this❤

[@007nadineL]

Get yr vit d levels checked stat

[@troywantland6239]

❤luv seeing Penny the golden nugget tubbers gets vocal and relaxed. Also luv that u and Brooklyn have so much fun together ❤ she is so adorable ❤

[@dianasonger2546]

Hey Matthew, stay warm and safe.

[@nappigal]

One of my favorite parts of my day is when I can take a break from schoolwork and watch the antics. ❤

[@amydavis955]

I always have fun watching you Matthew thanks for every video you share it relax me watching your every day van lifestyle. I really appreciate it..and always take care penny. can’t for wait for the next video.😘🥰

[@teresakronvall7030]

Love the 🦖 🦆. I bet Brooklyn loved it too.

[@jackieschneider7354]

Dino-duck is the best! 😂

[@1anita1m]

Please keep doing your physical therapy. I've had 2 total knee replacements and both shoulder surgery. I even have lower back problems. I know it sounds like I'm falling apart. I've had arthritis as a child. I did not let that stop me. I go backpacking and love the outdoors. The exercises I've been given helps a lot. After all these years, I still do the exercises. It's very important to take care of yourself physically. Especially if you want to keep up with your precious little girl. Wishing you all the best, many blessings to you, Penny and your beautiful little girl.😊❤

[@connielentz1114]

New Balance shoes are great, especially if you have wide feet

[@bertiesark]

loved the gifts from Alan those are perfect for you

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Absolutely adore the Duck 'O Saurus!!!🥰

[@donnamacleod2947]

Nice Sketchers and nice price! Love how you spend time with Brooklyn! Stay warm Matthew! Keep smiling!

[@sheilacaine]

Awesome gifts. Love the duck so cute. Hat is very special. ❤❤❤

[@joanneturner4674]

Matthew thank you for cheering me up today. Had a bad day missing my late parents so much. Xx

[@darcyallen3912]

Loved the Amarillo duck! Everything is bigger in Texas so I have heard!! Good video, son.

[@JessicaFerri-um4hf]

Matt, it's fun hanging out with you while you do stuff like shop for "runners" (we call them sneakers here in the U.S, Lol). I finished sewing a tear in my shopping bag coincidentally while catching your video. All you need are comfortable pants like your post surgery clothes and T-shirts, keep up the physical therapy/fitness, your body will thank you for it, I am 62 yrs old and I can still hula dance, just a little slower these days, lol. Best wishes for a full recovery and peaceful happy days 😊

[@jennc4650]

Sketchers! The Duck is CUTE!

[@carolinecaiger6717]

Love the dino duck!!!

[@amyfollmer1412]

Hi the duck wearing a dinosaur outfit is adorable. Every one is awesome. Great video! Thanks

[@rajanikumari3672]

Stay safe & warm. I have duck envy...that T-Rex duck is sooo cool.🥶😉🍀👋👍🦖

[@VaguelyMeandering]

I love how Penny is so non-plussed with the window blocker. I remember Stella was quite skittish. Penny gives zero f*cks...we should all be more like Penny. I love your "every day" videos because they show, plainly how you can successfully live a nomadic life in a city. There is something about Calgary drivers...although I was in your fair city less than 24 hours, it was incredibly stressful driving around. Oh well. That's why I live where I do, so I can visit when I wish. Be well Matthew.

[@christinamann3640]

I agree, and I’m riding in buses. Big blobs on the left or right which they don’t see? Those are buses. 🤦‍♀️ 😬

[@cherylfisk7698]

It is such a joy to watch and listen to your conversations/interactions between you and Brooklyn. I love how she copies and/or mimics you. The bobd the two of you share is awesome. A true treasure for the two of you.

[@cherylfisk7698]

Oops. I meant, the BOND you two have/share,

[@Valerygallery]

If KZbin doesn't work out, you would be a shoe in for a foot model. You have the moves! 😅 Love those red kicks!❤

[@genieabbi2531]

Nice footwork. Little bit of Footloose there too.

[@barbrawatters3913]

Water physical therapy is awesome!! Huge life changer for me after quite a few leg and arm surgeries. Keep up the good work!

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Nice day in the life...routine is good as long as it doesn't take over. I think there was a NIN song about that 😉

[@naturegirl5681]

I absolutely love the new duck!!!🎉❤

[@katreyes6358]

Daddy and Brooklyn time is always a treat. I bought a van and having a very simple build done as I am not skilled. One of my cats got injured and needed surgery, they gave me gabapentin for her 😵‍💫.

[@christinamann3640]

I hope your kitty is better now 🥺

[@007nadineL]

Oh dear

[@katreyes6358]

@@christinamann3640 much better, thank you!

[@karenlowes7802]

Lovely gifts you unwrapped! Love your red shoes. Best wishes for your physio therapy.😊

[@craiglester4047]

Should think about putting mud flaps on the rear of van.

[@cathythomas298]

Large ones !

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

NICE sneakers!👍👟

[@Pammellam]

Matthew, keep up with the physical therapy. It will make a big difference! One thing about van life and editing videos is that unless you plan for it, it’s easy to _not_ do much physical exercise. _AND_ please eat more _veggies!_ Lots of green veggies too. They say here in Japan, you should eat _350 grams_ (that’s 3/4 lb) of all kinds of veggies divided up over your 3 meals (Or 2 meals since that is what you usually do). I know it may sound like a lot, but it’s not, …really and truly!

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

Best wishes on your new journey into rehab. It does feel good. Will turn you into a dancing machine. Hee hee, just teasing😬

[@no_worries_van]

I’m so glad you got it!!! I knew it right when I saw the title haha😂

[@VanlifePLUS]

🤩 thank you so much!

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

That was a VERY good price for the Skechers! Didn’t have any 🍀green, hmmm? I feel the same way about that idle stop/start thing - loathe it. I start the car & turn it it off immediately. I don’t think there’s a way to disable it permanently unfortunately. I’m sure Grace felt much better after her spa 🚿 visit. Hugs darlin’🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@melisa8256]

I do the same thing! I have to be sneaky about it when my husband is driving us in my car.

[@007nadineL]

I think it's ridiculous

[@gramacarrie850]

You have to get plain white lace up New Balance shoes. Classic Dad fit! And Nurses and techs!

[@melisa8256]

They’re very trendy with younger people nowadays but I’m old enough to remember when they were considered “dad shoes”.

[@MelissaThompson432]

I worked standing up. NB will NEVER be "Dad" to me. I used to buy them in an outlet store for about half price and they REALLY helped my feet and back. And budget. (Because my feet are wide and because the arch fits me better in men's, I prefer men's, and because I was wearing them for work, I always went for as dark and plain as possible. I could have gotten white, according to the dress code, but it was a pizza place, and pizza assembly + white just sounds to me like a recipe for disaster.) But NB as a brand; 👍👍👍👍👍.

[@gramacarrie850]

I was a radiologic technologist. Walked all day and wore NB! And I only bought the plain white lace ups.

[@JayneW911]

Good luck with your physical therapy, been there done that for years straight😅 by the way my stepfather was a cop who used to jog 10 mi a day in order to chase the bad guys at night he had awful problems with his knee that was about to require surgery. His orthopedic bone doctor told him to throw the Skechers that he was wearing in the garbage and never buy that brand of shoe again. That he had over 15 patients who cause permanent damage to their knees from wearing those sneakers by that company because they're not made properly and it throws your knee and your ankle out of alignment whether you're walking jogging or running in them and weight lifting and exercising in them is a No-No because you're out of alignment it causes stress on your knees and your ligaments when you're doing any kind of weight lifting with the legs. once he changed sneakers 6 months later the knee brace was off there was nothing wrong with his knee and he was off all his pain medication. The doctor smiled when he went back in and said I told you it was the sneakers I have 15 patients every one of them change those sneakers and they're fine now just FYI cuz I know you have issues😊

[@HalfFastForward]

Do you remember what shoes he switched to ?

[@amzf9008]

I would look for workout wear in Wal-Mart!

[@GoTeddy]

That "carwash" was the first time I saw the "dual wash" concept love that you can knock the two to dos out in one trip.

[@garynewton2016]

nice to be home yes hte weather did get bad But you make it seem like nothing Great to see you back to dad to day and with the little one

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew.

[@connieshutts7074]

Brooklyn is being brought up with manners and that will make her into a wonderful thoughtful person ..good job to both parents! Love how Brooklyn knows where the post office is also! Glad you are going to do the exercises, hopefully down the road it will also help you sleep better. Keep warm snuggles with Penny.😊😊

[@tammybrown8477]

I live my jeep full time. I am not homless its my home on wheels. I have a freezer/fridge that runs off my jackery. I have a stove that runs propane and i have plenty of water that i fill at work and a huge cargo holder on my roof rack for my clothes. A portable potty and truck stops to take showers and laundry mats to do laundry. This is a choice a life style i respect. I grew up on a big blue school bus with flower power on the outside of it. My dad converted it into a mobile home. I remember all the fun and tough and exciting things it gave me and man i love this life. My jeeps name is poppy. Why she pops off at the mouth when she is mad. Then i have to take her in to what i call her therapy. Which really means paying through the ass to get her what she needs done to keep me on the rd. I hate neighbors and city living. I love just parking poppy where ever i want. My dog loves it my cat loves it and so do i. In a few weeks i am on my way to texas to see the place where i was born. Being born outside in the back of a pick up truck made me be who i am today. Very stubborn and a go getter. I truly enjoy watching your channel you have made my days full of laughter and has put me at times on the edge of my seat. Keep living life and do what makes you happy. Weirdos unite.

[@kaytoka717]

Walmart is good place for shorts and t-shirts. You may want a couple shorts and t-shirts so you don’t have to do laundry as often. I wear shorts and t-shirt under sweats in the winter to pt and take them off when I get there. No time wasted on changing and using a gown. 😊. That ducky is totally awesome, along with Gracie’s license plates. So cool! 😊😺❤️

[@leed119]

Balance is what it's all about.

[@Katiedid1975]

❤ OMG ❤ Love Brooklyn's new coat! I'm betting she does, too.

[@msanabria8159]

I use to watch two other vanlifers...Both very interesante. BUT....😮😮...Now I open my you tube just looking for Mstthew and Penny. Thanks for teaching me about being positive. Taking care of my mom and dealing with cáncer its not the best son to sing. But...😅😊❤❤❤..BLESSINGS MY DEAR😊😊

[@billboyer7735]

eggciting ending.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

🤭

[@elfbell]

Love your new ruby slippers. I hope your new regime will bring you more strength and less discomfort. X

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Have a beautiful week 🤗🤗

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

HEY!!!! Thank you as always

[@ladycats3810]

Oh Penney what a cutie!!

[@freedomdove]

What a wonderful gift from Connie! So cute and can be worn by girls or boys. 🤗 Very cool plates, Alan! Omg, that dino-duck is so funny! 😂

[@mlrivera5390]

Cold boiled eggs, try everything bagel seasoning, yumo!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Oh my goodness. I even HAVE that seasoning in Lucky and haven’t used it yet 😂 thanks for the reminder

[@PixieTayls]

…Asmr Jeep wash 😌 ~❤ 📝love the new gym kicks Great dad all around 💕

[@janetnegrillo5413]

Keep warm❤❤

[@roamingwrlds5524]

gotta love those nice red kicks sir loved the walk show!! stay safe out there in the cold

[@christinamann3640]

Watching you prepare for the polar vortex after just coming out of it, oh yeah you are in for some 💩 😆. I’ll be interested in if the diesel additive is a good idea. I’ve never had physio, so it’s interesting to see how it works with vanlife. Gym membership and supportive shoes sound like the plan. Really enjoying the videos. 👍

[@ruthanderson1758]

If you're going to do a lot of walking, I'd suggest that good walking shoes as opposed to runners would be better - go to a good shoe store or sporting goods store so you can get help with choosing the one to best suit your needs.

[@robertsummers753]

NICE SHOES DUDE

[@christinamann3640]

Why don’t you ask Amber to help you thrift some gym outfits?

[@Threeonetwo188]

Not buying new cloth , good call.

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Wish your videos were longer Good luck on the PT. Kiss penny for me Karen from Florida 🌴💕

[@Camaro-Sean]

Longer? These are the longest vlogs I watch, as is.

[@carly727]

I look forward to your videos😊

[@karlaolson6238]

The Irish PIRATE QUEEN ALLAN🎉

[@user-jw9cw4gd3x]

You got this 😊

[@Opalsdad]

Stop the crack in the windshield with some superglue… simply , clean, drop a few drops 💧 into the tip of the crack… done

[@ricebike]

He did that on a previous video, but I think due to the cold and lack of sunlight... It didn't fill in and fully cure😢

[@authordanigray]

I used to turn on the heated seats when my son or hubby was sitting in the chair, when they complained I started to sing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire while cackling madly!, Not sure if it was recommended to you, but it was suggested I exercise on a recombinant bike. Not sure if that would be good for you, but I find it helps it's been good for me. And Walmart should have shorts, cause who needs fancy for the gym?!?!

[@rubikube1]

May I suggest value village for workout clothes? I always buy shoes brand new. Our feet are our foundation and it’s best to take as good care of them as possible 😊

[@bonniejackson1321]

It's refreshing to see your unique world surrounded by such strip malls and bleak gray weather. Uplifting. Nice moves in your new shoes.

[@leigh1215]

I ❤your videos.

[@suzanneethier1450]

Hi Matthew 👋 ave a good one sue from ottawa

[@Yvonneb_]

Another dam good video xx

[@graceful6894]

Good choice I like red ones 👍

[@MelissaThompson432]

I have bought Skechers. I would advise the New Balance. High Impact. Also: I try not to care, but, after the PT clinic, your collar is half turned under, and I'm just...frustrated that I can't reach into the phone and fix it. Interesting to note that the yellow plaid Dixxon is reversible, though. 👍

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hi Matthew!

[@billboyer7735]

So when you’re spending time working on your Jeep, is that what you would call the Grace period?

[@christinamann3640]

🤪

[@timwhite8878]

I think your van need rear wheel mud flaps. You know your new jeep will get big stone chip .if you do not have mud flaps.

[@laurastewart2418]

Oooh a kitty kiss

[@capaddler]

💚 the 🐤🦖👍🏼🍀

[@katsinky5762]

I was wondering if you should have a windshield cover for when Grace is being pulled by Lucky. Besides the muck isn't there a chance of Lucy throwing a rock? Headlights are at risk to id imagine. Not sure what products are out there but something that can be washed in the car wash for easy cleanup. Lol I'm always thinking about rocks hitting Grace.

[@slew2827]

Just burn straight #1 diesel. That stuff is made to lubricate pumps and clean injectors I feel like in a heater it would gum stuff up more. I might be wrong but just my thinking

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Dino park🎉

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Where does the Lone Ranger take his garbage???? To the dump to the dump to the dump dump dump😊

[@serenalwoods]

I am permanently on gabapentin due to personal nerve pain but, I stop taking it for a couple weeks at a time no problems its non habit-forming is what I was told.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Lululemon 🎉😂❤

[@paulinegreen2654]

Hmm what night attire would that have been? I hope Jim-Jams!! 😅

[@Threeonetwo188]

Your van looks so large co.paired to my ford,