THAT COMPLETELY DRAINED ME - Vanlife Day in the Life

This is how an introvert vanlifer recovers - plus You're Not Tacos! This is where that all began as well as a very special surprise at the very end.
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Matthew Allen
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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!

[@cparker3150]

Hope your back treats you kindly while you are in Montana and BC. Sending you “pain free Vibes “.

[@MrRedtaco11]

I’m having tacos right now. MATTHEW MADE ME BUY SOMETHING HE LIKES.

[@pinktiggersam]

There's a place in England near me called WetWang. Always makes me smile.

[@jimbo1968uk4]

You beat me to the Wetwang comment! (I live near Leconfield)

[@mytinyjourney]

We have a Hell, Michigan. And yes lots of jokes when Hell freezes over.

[@CampingV456]

Yes we do hello to you .

[@CoryEllingson]

"Truth or Consequences" is a city in the U.S. state of New Mexico, and the county seat of Sierra County. In 2020, the population was 6,052.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

@@CoryEllingson I said T or C too!

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Come visit Idaho...we have Slickpoo, Dickshooter, Gigglebutt, and a few others. But Bitch Lake is one of my favorite places for a getaway.

[@nancymomfam4761]

There is a town in Missouri called Humansville 🙃. As always peace love and light from Kansas ✌️❤️☀️🌻💯

[@RenayEmond]

You can't make EVERYONE happy... You're NOT TACOS 😂 💯Totally up for the new sign off❤

[@Susan-h9z]

😅

[@kimbrueck7811]

Uranus, Missouri and Monkeys Eyebrow, Kentucky are just two of the many funky names here in the States. Loved your video and really love the new ending. ❤❤

[@tracyk-79]

Wait a minute. You bought some Sketchers. Now you like what I like. What’s up with that Matthew!😂🤣😂 Safe travels to ‘Merica.

[@roadie318]

Lord tunderin jesus!....

[@Janet11422]

We have Intercourse PA, Blue Ball PA, Fertility PA all of these are in the Lancaster County PA area.

[@KimKatzor]

I just had to shout out to another Pennsylvanian. Seriously Pennsylvania has to have the most in the USA.

[@connieshutts7074]

Great video tonight. You have inspired me to get into my closets and cubby holes and start sorting and reduce the things I have not used in the past year or so. I’m making headway. Love your ending.😊😊😊

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Just wondering. Why don't you put your pee bottle inside the poop bucket? That way should you forget to put the lid on correctly, if it falls over it won't spill pee on the floor. And out of sight, out of mind.

[@JR-sb3vm]

Because when people poop in a bucket it's in a bag and can be dispose in a garbage can. Also you don't only pee when you poop so a bottle work instead of peeing in a bag

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

@@JR-sb3vm right. You set up the bucket to poop. Do your business and wrap up the poop and discard it. So for the most part the bucket is empty 99.9% of the time. So storing the pee bottle inside the bucket can avoid spilling accidents and it's hidden from view.

[@ddrozdowski]

@@kathywrightjohnson6804the whole thing is gross. Can you imagine not showering for weeks

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

@@ddrozdowski that would be why I live in my tiny house.

[@christinamann3640]

@@kathywrightjohnson6804the unfortunate part is that the water pipe under repairs meant everyone in Calgary was getting a tad …ripe, including sticks and bricks

[@suzanneethier1450]

Hi Mathieu how are you doing good I hope your back is getting better sending 💗 love hope you get better soone

[@jacquelineho8623]

Awww...thx for the shoutout about the rum. Glad u like it 🤗 You are so sweet Matthew. Happy that you were able to recover from all of us 😅

[@timothyward8122]

Oconomowoc Wisconsin (land of many rivers) say every O you got it Mathew ! Tim

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

37:12 ...a future Matthew problem and a trip to 'Pick-n-Pull' maybe!🤔🤨.

[@jodiswanson2075]

❤❤❤ as always, another great video😊 the new ending was cool too. Not a town name, but there is a gas station over here called Two Pump Paul's 😂

[@marigauthier3475]

Bahahaha hahahaha

[@tinafeatherston5129]

We have a Cut ‘n Shoot, TX and yes, it means what you think it does. Dime Box and Old Dime Box, TX. And love the new tagline! Quality content, quality content.

[@rajanikumari3672]

@@tinafeatherston5129 Don't forget Frog Knot, Uncertain, Nada , & Muleshoe

[@tinafeatherston5129]

@@rajanikumari3672 Priceless! 😂

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hello and CONGRATULATIONS Lindsey on another WIN!🎉 ...what did the Papa tomato say to the baby tomato!?🤨🤔 ...ketchup Matthew!😆🤣🤭😇.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Calm down Uma Thurman

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

@@VanlifePLUS 😆🤣🤭😇

[@debbiehards852]

Would a pool noodle work as a bumper on your overhead white cabinet? That way, at least when you bump into it, it wont hurt.

[@DallasLemieux]

Scented candles are not good for pets especially in a small area… it can be toxic for them… 🤪 great videos Matthew 👍👏🥰

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Heyyyyy Matthew & PRETTY Penny!👋. This was a GREAT video/vlog...lot's of stuff and lot's of FUN!👍🤗💖🎉

[@aussiejac]

Love the new saying. And here we have a lot of weird names - Dunny Doo ; egg and bacon bay; scented knob 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@VanlifePLUS]

Bahahahaha that last one takes the cake

[@CRAZYcat1515]

Humphrey doo

[@helene1779]

Happy Birthday to your Mom!❤️🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼❤️🐈❤️

[@Az_VanGo]

Excit🎉d to see you with Mom & Dad again

[@johnlinn]

As I view your summer shirt collection I have come to the conclusion that Penny is the 2nd hairiest mammal that lives in that van.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

GREAT update on the window covers ...I'd LUV to see the rest of Lucky 2.0's windows all decked out in Sokozi!👍🤗💖🎉.

[@laurastewart2418]

4 duck jeeps today.....

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦

[@WalkswithBender]

Great Video tonight.

[@rockinghorseexplorationand5504]

Hi Matthew, Penny, Lindsey, and everyone, Ray from Wisconsin here, luv da vids!!!

[@emmas1082]

Parking garages are good for temperature control- not too hot, in direct sunlight, not as cold in the winter.

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

Something I learned with my first tent is that with some cheaper brands, you have to use waterproof spray and seam sealer when you first buy it and once every year, or at least every other year.

[@WendyCooley]

I just saw that there was a phallic shaped iceberg that went into Conception bay which is close to Dildo, Newfoundland. Ken Pretty a Canadian photographer got a picture of it.

[@karenshiels6566]

@@WendyCooley the " dickyberg" 🤣🤣

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Good things start in Conception, NFLD

[@martna1]

There is a small town in PA called Intercourse. Excerpt: Intercourse is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Leacock Township, Lancaster County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, 10 miles east of Lancaster on Pennsylvania Route 340. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,494, up from 1,274 at the previous census. Wikipedia Population: 1,691 (2022) There are a few theories. First, our town used to sit at the edge of a race course, right where visitors would enter the racing festivities. The entrance was coined "Entercourse" and may have evolved into Intercourse. Or, the name may have come from the Intersection of two major roads, or courses.

[@user-ui1zv8bd4y]

Census not a reflection of its name 😂😂😂

[@dross24MA]

​@user-ui1zv8bd4y And, of course, back in the long ago, the word intercourse meant conversation - no inuendo at all.😊😊

[@sheilacaine]

I think you need to start saving for a semi truck to live in if people keep sending you stuff there will be no room for you and Penny. 😂 Yes I ❤in Patreon when your door knob came off. 😂❤

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Family.❤

[@mytinyjourney]

Thanks for the shout out. For a minute I thought that was my van - 😮. Don’t get me confused with the Mercedes tho 😅. I went to a Walmart or 2 in town. Lovely to meet you in person too dahling !!!

[@Camaro-Sean]

Tacos get high praise on this channel. Whatever you do, don't put Nutella on a taco.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Never! Sacrilegious

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Marshmallow ​@@VanlifePLUS

[@JayneW911]

😂❤ When my Grandmother took me Home to Newfoundland for the first time, needless to say We did NOT WANDER around DILDO😂 Mum drove right past without saying a SINGLE WORD 😂😂

[@laurastewart2418]

We saw a cow duck waiting for someone on their jeep...those ducks are cool!!!!

[@rebeccalitchfield6698]

In my hometown of Hampton South Carolina their's a name of area called Frog Holler.

[@freedomdove]

44:23 mark: We have a town called "Fickle" around this general area. I wouldn't really call it a town, though, since there are like 10 or less residents. It's so small that it's not on our state map. Lol. 51:49 mark: What a lovely letter and gifts. They sound like an awesome local business. 👍 I love the new ending. Definitely true. Lol. 🌮😊

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thanks Alvin

[@marigauthier3475]

Totally ❤

[@jcstrothers833]

Matthew in Southeast Pennsylvania. we have a town called Intercourse which is a few miles from another town called Blue Ball and another called Bird in hand. Look it up..In Lancaster county Pennsylvania..

[@danielellington8407]

Happy Birthday Matthews mom🎂🎁🎈🎊 This will be the only time you can say that city in Newfoundland. Love it, love seeing how much it made you laugh and be so excited! Tw thumbs up! Safe travels to the good old USA!🇺🇸 Stay cool, Stay safe, Please be weary of our drivers here! Take care!

[@janetnegrillo5413]

Hi Matthew, Jennifer from Chicago here❤❤ love love love your channel

[@cparker3150]

Creative one Matthew!! Love the unique camera positions, your ability to capture the moments/shots were well done. The Director, creator, writer, plot developer, music director, editor that you are is very impressive. All the hats you are wearing with such talent truly shines through Matthew. I can only imagine ALL behind the scenes little tasks/work you do for KZbin clips to make it good quality. Truly Matthew, your raw natural passion/talent for producing high level entertainment is better than any movie these days….speaking for me :) You could be an actor for sure!! Full package deal you are Mr!! Well done picking a career you seem to be a natural in. Home basing or show casing your talents through vanlife makes your videos even better. More so since you are in my city ❤ You can KZbin from any home base and it would be worth watching 100%. I am getting a van for my future plan to retire super early early and live in it off my life’s work. Your coping, attitude and resiliency reminds me that i was once resilient, I will try. Thank you for giving me the courage to jump forward and try in life after lots of major loss past 5 yrs. Look forward to your videos always….Christy❤

[@riariaria]

My husband and I rode our bikes across the US state of Missouri on the Katy Trail for our 25th wedding anniversary. He lied and told folks that he took me to Cheapskate Missouri (a real place) for a romantic getaway. 😂 Then there is Hell Michigan. A town about 15 minutes from our home. A couple of years ago we experienced record cold weather and the local news reported that Hell had officially froze over. 😊

[@DeannasDailys]

That ceiling net is for Grace…

[@michelle18474]

The cargo net is designed to attached to the car handles near the roof perhaps it would suit Grace better

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

My Job became a life of Dr appointment pt surgery... it's so challenging to see just how little your time means to the medical community.

[@DorkForge]

Weird place names? MY TIME HAS COME. I'm Welsh, this is one of our place names: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

[@janetallison363]

Pronunciation please😳

[@DorkForge]

@@janetallison363 Writing it phonetically would be, challenging! There are YT vids of weather presenters saying it, general pronunciation: Ll is a single letter similar to a 'th' sound in English. Fs sound like Vs unless it's ff, that's an F sound.

[@janetallison363]

@@DorkForge Wow. I guess there's no chance I'll ever attempt that language! I can't even get spanish enough to communicate.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Hi Matthew and Penny! Lots of lovely gifts! Hope you enjoy your time with your Mom and Dad! Happy Birthday to your beautiful Mom! Keep smiling! Quality content!

[@KerriJean]

I AM TACOS 😂

[@VaguelyMeandering]

And just like that, a new ending phrase is born. Well done sir. Another one for the record books. Glad you are recovered from the Meet Up. And I hope everything is finally dry! Also, thanks for the tip on the awning. I will get some fabric protector/waterproof stuff before my next camping trip. Be well.

[@glennismossey6976]

Absolutely loved this episode! 👏💕

[@jchawkjr2]

Blue Balls, PA

[@melindawilliams6624]

😂😂 well im just gonna say im enjoying your channel greatly and i just found it Yesterday. ❤

[@chantillyvintage]

The WM by my house has the Scotch Guard spray with the cleaning supplies/carpet cleaning stuff. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Glad you got some rest. ❤

[@cassandraweathers8522]

You should be able to find the spray in the carpet cleaning section

[@Temarama7]

Penny says Dad we need an R.V or Tiny Home 💙 You deserve it.

[@livefreevinnie]

Aloha from Toledo, OH at a Cracker Barrel heading towards Boston, MA

[@dross24MA]

Safe travels! Check out the Cracker Barrel in Wrentham MA at the junction of routes 495 & 1A, just west of Boston...😊

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Matthew and Penny

[@GrayPower60]

Great video, lovely gifts, and lots of fun!!

[@angela23]

I had to come back to this entry to say that on my travels today, I saw a couple of interesting names, both hamlets - Seven Persons, Alberta and Piapot, Saskatchewan. I had to Google them; both have interesting stories on how the names were chosen.

[@michelle18474]

We have suburbs called Innaloo, Dogswamp 🤣🇦🇺😘👍🏼

[@rajanikumari3672]

Waterproofing spray at my Walmart is in the camping section.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

If I’d known the Bear Den was leaky - I had a can of that Scotchgard with me for my pop up 🤦🏼‍♀️. Hope you’re staying cool & enjoying your evening before you take off. Safe travels sweetie 🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@roseharber-mamachipmunkscr6552]

Goo Gone great stuff!

[@MsSoozy]

Awww Nan and Pop! Great choices! 🎉😊

[@LisaStarrVA]

Hi Matthew and Penny! We have a Climax, Va!!

[@B3NNYO4383]

There is a place in Ontario called Kinmount 😂

[@DeeBright-fo9kh]

Odd place name in California: Zzyzx. The new sign off has me craving tacos! Great vlog as usual.

[@rockysmumakagma]

Happy belated birthday to your mum 🎉Hope she enjoyed the rodeo!

[@JayneW911]

Try the cargo net across your back doors…could act as a BUG NET/Storage?🤷‍♀️ And maybe keep Penny from escaping !😅

[@RobHellfire666]

Get those ducks in a row! 😎🤘🏻

[@joyroberts4940]

Well done!👍🏻💕

[@lindaterrell5535]

Many giggle at Kissimmee Florida.

[@billtcheapbuiltcheap9568]

Uranus Missouri: Famous for Fudge

[@robertsummers753]

IM STILL LMAO !!!!!!!!!! THAT DILDO STUFF IS SO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!

[@Geoff321]

Ok you asked for it. Google if needed. Big beaver. Eyebrow. Forget. All town names in Saskatchewan canada.

[@leithyoung]

What a great vlog. I loved it ❤

[@karenhalgren3889]

We have some cool Arizona cities/towns- Why, Ajo(ah ho), Three Way, Miami, Christmas, So Hi, Surprise, Anthem, Top of the World, Nothing, Bagdad and many others. Its a cool state with very diverse terrain. Desert and sahuro cactus here in Phoenix, then drive north 2 hours and your in pine trees and no cactus.

[@debraknapp2660]

i remember when Chrome & Brent from Brents Vanlife visited there ,very interesting little community

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hello Matthew and Penny! 😊😊

[@Ladythyme]

Believe it or not Waterproofing Spray was in the shoe department in our Walmart in the States 🤷🏼‍♀️😏😉

[@oneaussiesadventure]

Egg and Bacon Bay (Tasmania) I'll be heading there soon

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

And I wonder if my new North face tent that Jackery sent me will need that after a while. So far it held up to high winds without being fully tied down and didn't leak at all with heavy rain.

[@ItsOnlyMe13]

The cup holder your grandpa had in his cars were probably the old plastic Tim Hortons cups with the flat disk holder. I used to have them back in the day. Fantastic gifts from a town with a sense of humour 😂.

[@doreenmusgrave2916]

The waterproofing for your tents is in the camping section at Walmart

[@kaytoka717]

Maybe that really big cargo net would be good in Gracie to help keep some things organized in the Jeep. Aww that was a very sweet letter and wonderful gifts from Dildo. If I ever make it to Newfoundland, I would definitely stop at their store. Matthew, I do hope you get to do across Canada trip sometime, maybe when Brooklyn is older. Canada is really a beautiful country. ❤😊😊😺

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

This was a great visit Matthew. Love it!

[@KimKatzor]

Hello! I live in Pennsylvania USA. We have towns named blue Ball, Bird in Hand and Big Beaver.

[@christinamann3640]

😂😂😂

[@mariepalkiewicz852]

🎉Happy Birthday to your mom🎉

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

17:19 ...LUV IT!👍🚐🍀🏴‍☠️

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Bill from Dildo Newfoundland is an amazing man, had the pleasure of meeting him a few weeks back on my travels. You do need to make it out there.

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 What fun!!!!