NOT THE LIFE THAT YOU MIGHT THINK | Summer van life

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Hi, my name is Emi. I'm born in raise in small town just outside Quebec City, this is where my lovely accent comes from. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work, but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I would only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people consider this the lowest time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly, what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving, and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I have been living full-time in my self convert van.

[@BarbAnne10]

Hello Emi from North Carolina. I just have to tell you, you have the best online personality! Regardless of how mundane your day might be, your cheerful disposition makes watching all you do so enjoyable! Thank you and safe travels

[@ThecatladyVAN]

Awe 😍 thank you

[@karentruempy397]

Hi! I'm in North Carolina too!!! I have 2 dogs in my van, I make sure they have plenty of air flow and park in the shade while I'm working, and of course check on them often. They've done pretty well so far, this is our second summer in the van, but I agree with you Emi, definitely make sure your pets are comfortable first before you leave them.

[@pamgypsyaries8049]

I’m in NC too!

[@thamacat]

North Carolina. Dunn. Plainview region

[@edvalencia5861]

Really enjoy your videos, you have a great outlook on life. It reached 110 today in sunny California today, take care and stay cool

[@MyCleverHandle]

If Mother Nature ever needs an official videographer, you're the one! So enjoyable!

[@sovereigns1grace]

Emmi, the reason birds show up when kitty does is they recognize her as a predator & they are attempting to fend her off. Notice how the birds are very active (aggravated) & chirping and flying around a lot. They are protecting their nests.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Kelly is a bird whisperer. She brings them in like a magnet. Your wildlife photography is amazing. I enjoy riding along on your journey. Peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Kelly being affectionate shows how much she loves you, you are the best mommy to her. Beautiful wildlife great to see you enjoying your summer. Much love 😘😘

[@helenbonanno4804]

OH MY EMI, you have such a talent for catching Mother Nature at her very finest. I enjoy the serenity and peacefulness, thank you for sharing

[@sashal4927]

The nature shots are so calming and peaceful, therapeutic and very good angles👍

[@PizzaTravels]

My cat gives this video paws up. She was glued to the screen for the wildlife shots

[@mariadmaldonado8086]

I just love the peaceful vibes you put out in all your videos no matter what the topic may be. Safe travels to you and sweet Kelly always.

[@miniskooliewanda]

Me again....just wanted to say that I love all the nature shots....also, Kelly is SO cute, am happy to see she likes the cooling mat. Thank you for sharing, I miss BC (am in Ontario now), so watching you and Kelly on your travels makes my heart smile.

[@roseannehayes9914]

you can tell that kitty is a very happy and loving kitty I love watching her how she shows you so much love

[@user-dr2js7bv2i]

Kelly likes her bed, I can tell! She's a lucky kitty that she has you caring for her. Beautiful area you are in. I love the wild life you film, thanks Emi!❤❤

[@cathylivingston368]

I have to agree that the summertime heat is really that toughest challenge for van life. Everything revolves around avoiding the midday heat! On the bright side, we can! 1st order of the day is finding shade. 2nd is making sure I eat and drink enough, and being my own judge is difficult when I get dehydrated and have no appetite, get irritated and overheated. I found that preparing and eating my "main" hot meal and beverage in the morning works well, to nourish my body and settle my mood, so that all I need to do the rest of the day is grab a good book to read and sit myself down for the duration of the afternoon.

[@michellemack6640]

Love the peaceful flow of your videos and your days. You enjoy the little things in life. Thank you!

[@user-sc6ze1bz7b]

❤

[@wyomingwips7540]

Kelly seems to be enjoying her new pad, so Cute!

[@paperbagnomad]

Huge respect for taking care of Kelly the way you do!! Animal health is extremely important both Inside And outside of nomad life. 😊 thanks for the fun video!!

[@robynfedalen1777]

So glad you keep kitty safe and cool. Glad you’re doing well. ❤️✌🏻🐱

[@helenbonanno4804]

Kelli understands everything you say. My boys love their cooling mats!!!!

[@Valerygallery]

I'm happy that you're sharing what you do about Kelly in the van. People should never leave their cats in a car or van alone on a hot day. You're a very good, responsible cat mom.❤😽💕

[@nailazion3113]

Hello Emi and Kelly.....love the animals and nature sounds.....Kelly look so sweet sleeping...

[@Shihtzu99]

As a mouse deterrent go get a 6 pack of Irish Spring soap at Dollarama. Open up the boxes and place one opened box on each wheel well. And place one open box under the engine area and by the back end of the van.

[@tuesdaysadventures4128]

Unfortunately, for me, Irish Spring never worked to detour mice and other rodents. They ate it as well as some wires.

[@tomwebster3636]

​@@tuesdaysadventures4128same here, I've been told pepermint candy deters mice.

[@christinamann3640]

I thought Kelly was the mouse deterrent

[@wolfc8755]

Talking about leaving Kelly in the van ONLY when it's cool out... a lot of people might not realize that it's already daylight where you are by around 5am this time of year, that you are a VERY early riser no matter what time of year it is, and that when it's going to be a hot summer day you can get all your errands, workouts, showering, etc, DONE by 10, 9 or even 8 am so that you never have to take ANY chance that Kelly will be left alone in a closed up, too hot van 😊

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Awesome day in your life, the wildlife and following you during your day and how you stay cool is great to see. Miss Kelly is so sweet and I certainly admire your bond. Stay safe in your travels.

[@Wogdog-k7s]

Oh Emi, your nature photography is so beautiful!! You have a special gift! Hug kitty for us! Many thanks, jul and family 🐾🐾💚

[@dianebuzzout4222]

Use peppermint oil in those areas and engine for mice deterrent

[@atomikNEV]

I tried that, did not work at all. Cinnamon neither btw

[@MsLori1973]

Zest soap or moth balls dont use mice poison it'll kill the cat n other animals. But shred zest or Irish spring soap I heard works

[@MsLori1973]

Cinnamon for bugs in plants mie love Cinnamon but cayenne pepper in gardens keeps cats from peeing n might work for mice n squirrels 😊

[@amydavis955]

Amie it doesn’t matter hot 🥵 and cold 🥶 your lifestyle it’s amazing. You can do whatever you want you don’t need to please anyone and that’s life.❤❤❤

[@DaleyDale]

Pet Cooling mat was a lifesaver! Summer can be extreme in japan and back at our old house we didn't have AC so we use cooling mat to cool down our kitty and he loved it! he would leave once it's not cold enough anymore and so we put it in the fridge (not the freezer) afterwards to cool it down again... and he gets excited when he see us takes it out from the fridge.

[@Dora-bmrwarrior]

Nice to see Kelly enjoying her new cooling pad. Hope she continues to enjoy it :)

[@user-sx2yv1sb3q]

Think Kelley is liking her new cooling bed!! Love seeing you videos ❤!

[@pippadot679]

Emi, you take the best nature shots. Going you and Kelly find good shade.

[@jeanh9822]

Thank you Emi for sharing your wildlife videos. They are so lovely!

[@shoiz1krzylilsan]

I love how kitty is so behaved 😊 I have two cats also but one is naughty and likes to escape lol

[@grandmanette9503]

Omg, she is one adorable cat. So loveable! ❤

[@noras.5355]

Hi Emi, loved the mellowness of this video. The peaceful chirping of the birds, the happiness of Kelly getting her 'cool bed'. I love how you take care of your kitty. and may I say, you look great, Emi! weight loss? Thanks emi for all your videos~

[@melodiousc7342]

Your nature scenes are always a hit.

[@dallastrujillo7540]

13:00 You have the most cooperative cat. She loves the mat!

[@marydurgin5654]

I love the cooling pad and seeing you and your kitty!

[@cindysmith6612]

You are such a good mama to kitty❤ I really enjoyed seeing her take a nap on her new summer bed😊

[@user-kev-k5v]

Ah she looks so sweet and cool on that new gel as she sleeps bless her paws

[@kaytoka717]

Very nice intro with the wildlife, it was interesting to see all the geese form a single line. You are a very talented videographer. Lots of beautiful nature in BC and glad that there isn’t any wildfires there. It is really great how you are thoughtful of Kelly’s health and well being in your plans for where and when you travel and the activities you do during the day / night. She really loves her home and traveling around with you. ❤️❤😊😺

[@NancyH60]

Kelly love her cooling mat! You are a good kitty momma! ❤️

[@michellegornish3099]

Best wildlife shots all the time. Always look forward to more ...

[@margarethutchens5463]

I don't even take my dogs with me to run errands when it is so hot. Two of them are seniors. The other is young adult nut too much heat is not goid for any of them. You and Miss Kelly stay cool and hydrated. Your opening wildlife photography was prize winning. You have a gift.

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Stay cool and safe travels.

[@colleenbrown230]

What a wonderful Country you live in so much beautiful nature. Thanks for sharing Emi. Love to Kelly ❤

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

Princess of hearts. Shamim💑💞🦢🌿👥🌹🎎

[@suezettefruge1853]

Beautiful EMI, just breathtaking

[@Angel-hd2rs]

Every year when the birds and squirrels are having babies (eggs) the birds will come around en masse if my cats are anywhere near. They're protecting their nests. The crows are aggressive and will attack anything that gets too near to their nests, including me! Regarding the cats left in RV question. Youi were so kind in explaining why it's not a good idea. Love your orange kitty pad!

[@lisa8990]

EMI, I just saw that there was a huge earthquake in Vancouver Island, my prayers are with you and everyone there ❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@LaNette1]

Hey Emi looks like kitty really enjoys that new pad you bought for her to sleep on Fernie is a cute little town. Thanks for sharing. You guys always make my day. Hope you stay cool. Be safe out there. 🇺🇸♥️🙏🫶😎👍🐈‍⬛🏔️🚐🇨🇦

[@simple-277]

Hello Emi thanks for another lovely video

[@Lee-mmg]

It's really hot here in Oklahoma. Y'all stay cool. I think she does like the pad. In my tiny cottage I leave A/C running all the time for my 2 fur faces. I am usually only gone 1 or 2 days a week during the day. AC always on and they have a good, fenced yard and doggy door to go outside if they want - lots of shade in their yard too.

[@denisediangelo1902]

Kitty is so cute on her new mat. Enjoy your videos

[@karenmays8889]

Your wildlife videos are amazing. Always so beautiful and calming. Safe travels ❤

[@equynenergie]

Yes….I never leave Zara 🐈 ever in the car except 5 mins and always in the shade ❤

[@peggsargent132]

Beautiful intro

[@bradcampbell5766]

I rescued a mouse yesterday that was running around in a circle in the middle of the road in the heat.

[@Integrity02]

LOVE!!! the wildlife!!!

[@TwilightCascade02]

With an Anker Solix F3800 u could power an air conditioner in a van. Its like 4000 on Amazon and is a solar generator. Not too many ppl are realizing the heat problem is solved if u have enough money.

[@RockyLofeudo999]

Amazing content as Usual!!! And the Wildlife filming is Second to None! Amazing job. ❤

[@dianaleal5183]

Watching your videos are entertaining love the scenery it’s beautiful over there. I live in southern Colorado it’s been hot here. Don’t go out unless I have to hope your days are good and miss Kelly is so cute. Take care be safe 🌷❤️

[@joycecollins5796]

Sooo glad kittyyy booo like her cooling mat!!! I bought blabket style with gel inside for my baby!! Yess ⁰I stay in shade also with my kitty and take him for walks when it cools down!!😸😸😸😻😻

[@kathleencomyn5228]

I have one of those cooling pads, too. They are great for us as well as our pets in the hot weather

[@user-kev-k5v]

Beautiful blue skies you have and fantastic views love it👍❤

[@Justbeingme13]

Wow. Only a little into the video. Beautiful ❤

[@mariec-ej3ke]

The little pad is a Nice idea for pet ! Have a good day both of you 🌞

[@Newcreature1957]

This has been one of the most enjoyable videos of yours that I have seen. Really enjoyed the animals and nature.👍👍 I know nature doesn’t always make itself readily available but I really enjoy it when you are able to capture it in your videos.

[@macelven]

We bought cool mats last summer during a (very short) hot spell in Scotland. In true feline style both cats totally ignored them...😂. Kelly looks so happy on her mat though.

[@purplesky5102]

Mouse = one mouse; Mice = More than one mouse (In case you were wanting clarity). 😊

[@equynenergie]

Gel pad is a hit ❤

[@kathyrobert9859]

You are so talented with photography … so much time and patience to capture the animals in their element Stay cool … hot weather in a van is not fun

[@JJGlock]

Hello Emi and Kelly, the nature video look so beautiful & peaceful. Queen Kelly must talk a lil bird language, haha. Be safe & cool, from Chicago, IL. ! 😸😺😼😽

[@user-kn6ks9qo8s]

❤😊such pretty scenery! ❤thanks for sharing

[@witteney3334]

Great nature video!

[@user-xs9ts8tz2d]

Love your wildlife footage it's really good and of course miss kitty Cathy x England

[@helenbonanno4804]

My kitties love watching the birds, we call it HBO (Helen's Birds Outside)

[@user-mq7gg9qv3q]

Another beautiful video (love the birds!). I also like your hat and it looks so cute on you. And, your workouts are paying off, Emi - - you look very healthy and trim!

[@virginiacaston1456]

Hi Emi and Kelly! Love your videos! 😊

[@davearce3115]

Cool video:)

[@user-qv7kd5ug6h]

Thanks!

[@ThecatladyVAN]

Awe 😍 thank you. Have a beautiful day

[@Syl-Vee]

Hahaha the birds all come out to dis Miss Kelly

[@Syl-Vee]

Canmore is not as nice as it used to be but the whole area is beautiful.

[@bernicetoro2692]

Totally enjoy your videos. Hug n kisses to Kelly.

[@Vanhockeymom]

Canmore is in Alberta - I think you might have been in Cranbrook, which would be enroute to Fernie

[@TeriDuncan8049]

Kelly too cool for kisses, thanks to the new pad ❣️

[@user-yv4do5zn3o]

Thanks Emily for the real none commercial content !

[@caroleh8499]

You do such a wonderful job making videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@user-oj2hy2jd3g]

I enjoyed your video, Emi. Safe travels this summer

[@debrawheeley9374]

Hi Emi and Kelly love the new cooling pad hope you all have a great day❤

[@patriciasancho8239]

Hi Emi!! Another great video like always and yeah for leaving your pet in the car absolutely not.. safe travels. Be safe.🚐🏔️🐾🐾😎💜

[@user-yl4xh5hn7q]

Pets absolutely should be first thought with any vehicle travel when its hot. Please Please Please always consider your little friends. 😄

[@VanJolene]

You were lucky to get a camping spot at Mt. Fernie! I wasn't able to find one when I was there last year.

[@izettal6108]

Your pictures of nature are just awesome. You can tell in your smile your truly into being outdoors. God Bless and keep you both.

[@philjamieross107]

cold weather may of interested them right to the engine as as it gets warm, glade to see your new burner works

[@CodyMacRae1]

#BluettiPrimeDay that cooling mat is a good idea, i definitely need one for my little fur babies

[@user-kev-k5v]

Love watching you and your cat and the kiss from your cat s so important 💋

[@1stellarlife]

Been watching since cleaning days. Your video skills have grown so. You’ve inspired me and my daughter to start our own channel. Excited to experience growth like you. Appreciate the nature that you’re sharing. Beautiful ❤😊

[@martaparsons5633]

I love your video. You, Kelly and the wildlife. Beautiful. Take care and stay cool ❤

[@UrsulaArvand-il5dp]

😮😢ooh sorry to hear your issue

[@debbiebarnard2922]

Lovely day. Love the truth about living with a pet! I'm thinking of making a road trip with soon, with a senior cat, in my 4Runner SUV. I worry about her even when mot traveling! Keep up the good work Emi!!

[@sgj6770]

Kitty seems to love her new pad