So glad I found this place | Struggling with Guilt - City Vanlife

With only 2 days left before my surgery date, I have to cross the T's and dot the I's on a few things, cope with some dad guilt and then show you around a hidden gem I discovered during some much needed down time.
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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!

[@kimberlyobrien4677]

As a person who has been through the surgery that you're about to have, I want to wish you good luck and tell you that you can feel amazing after it's over. I have never been sorry that I had it done! It was like a whole new lease on life again 😊.

[@angiekellestine4128]

i been waiting for 30 yrs but there was one doctor that wanted to use rods in my back there is no way plus at my age of 63 i am to old to have back surgery a back surgeon for my L4 L5 and S1

[@martjebicker9168]

@@angiekellestine4128 i am 62 and fell coming off a roof back in April. Broke my pelvis, OBLITERATED L1, compressed T12, extensive muscle and tissue damage. I am also heart failure 35% EF. I now have rods and screws. All the bone shards removed. I am up and around doing fine. 63 is not old to have your back fixed.

[@marymurphy5069]

@@angiekellestine4128 I was 63 when I had L4 and L5 fussed, it has been great ever sence. I wish you all the best with your back.

[@VaguelyMeandering]

It is so cool how community minded you are! It must have felt good to meet at fan as you were perusing the store! A mutual appreciation society. I'm glad Penny was her usual adorable self as you opened up Lucky to visitors. THIS, right here, Matthew, is why we all love you.

[@katherinespong]

Well said, Andrea ❤

[@Danielily1]

Cool store!

[@RayneBlue]

As a single parent who only sees the kid on the weekends, I feel that guilty when you have to change it up for illness, etc. Let me just say: you're doing an amazing job. (And thoughts to you and the surgery ...)

[@fergarais]

you are much nicer, outgoing, down to earth, funny person than chrome

[@grandmanette9503]

Praying you have a speedy recovery!! Penny needs you!! Take good care of her Amber…🐈‍⬛🐈🙏🙏🙏

[@darlene9154]

Hey maybe they might need new employees for the new store, Amber! You would fit right in and probably get staff discounts! ❤

[@ketoauntie7301]

A good idea for her & she has the experience with living in a Van, unless it Is family only employees for right now for financial reasons.

[@tinahardy9361]

Got to take care of you so you can be there for Brooklyn. There is a huge difference between being in pain or just blowing your kid off. And when your in pain you can not have the patience you need with little ones. Great call Matt! Feel better and take her for a week!! Do not feel like your dropping the ball as daddy. Your not dude. Stay safe and see you in the next one!!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

So true, Tina ...well said!👍🤗💖😇

[@sharonhorton5512]

I enjoy ur channel so much. Luv to Penny. I think ur a fantastic dad. I’m glad U have Amber in ur life, U take care of each other.

[@kimbrueck7811]

You just outdo yourself video after video. Parked too close to the bush 😂😂😂 Can’t wait to see that handsome face (noticed the new trimmer worked) after your surgery is over and you are pain free. Love, love how you embrace your community, you’re one cool dude!!! ❤

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Craze Outdoors!👍 ... definitely a campers 'candy store'!🤗 ... very NICEEEEE 👍🤗💖😇

[@ketoauntie7301]

They should set up a wall in store for Stickers of Vanlife KZbin Channels that visit their store & give out stickers to customers to promote them. What a grwat store geared really to the Nomad & Camping Lifestyles.

[@lgDukeCity5018]

I think thats a great idea.

[@justinlucero6652]

Keep positive and be happy and be creative and ill see you back on your back self after surgery you got this matthew no dead fish in the water matt lol 😂😆 you take an easy after surgery please matt take an easy for few days doctors orders!!! 😊

[@unleashedsky]

prayers for a speedy recovery!! healing vibes sent your way

[@marymurphy5069]

Matt, I am praying that all has gone well and you are up and about by now. Take it easy and just relax. Sending hugs

[@martjebicker9168]

Matt by the time we see this you will have had your surgery. God bless you with healing. Heart is with you.

[@canadiannat8960]

What wonderful people to meet. 🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 I think guilt is a natural part of parenthhood. You're doing a good job. Be gentle and kind to yourself. And hopefully this pain be gone and you are recuperating well. Take care of you.....I wish i had done a better job of this for myself....it is one of the best things you can do for your little pirate princess. 🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀

[@msanabria8159]

Ive had like 12 13 because of cáncer in the last 17 yrs. I pray, go to surgery in confidencial knowing that its for the best and a higher power will be watching. So, Matthew...its only normal you feel nervios. Just triste the universe aligning every good energy for you. ❤

[@ketoauntie7301]

Is your cancer in remittance right now? I hope you are doing ok 🙏🙏🙏

[@msanabria8159]

​@@ketoauntie7301yes Im doing well. Always on top of it. Breast ♋️ it could be too fast for science to follow.

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

I LOVE outdoor stores like that! I can spend hours just browsing. It's so hard not to spend all my money there.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

So true, that's a great store ...I enjoyed every minute!👍🤗💖😇

[@Ladythyme]

Exactly!

[@lgDukeCity5018]

Yes, I love that type of store.

[@nancykane9021]

All the best with your surgery Matthew! 🙏🍁

[@arcuda2001]

wishing you all the best , in surgery and your recuperation .. let the healing begin!!! 😊😊💜

[@katzcrow640]

What a Cool Store sure need them in Vancouver.👍👍 Thank you Matt an Penny Girl....

[@sharonhorton5512]

Prayers for a speedy recovery. U r so lucky to have the support U have with family & Amber. I get such a kick when Brooklyn copies u. She’s adorable. Luv to Penny.

[@youngjordan8283]

I'm so glad I had that surgery. My leg and feet screams yes !!!!!! relief

[@janetnegrillo5413]

You’re an awesome dad you can tell watching you with your daughter warms my heart❤❤❤

[@shadowette1950]

Wishing you the best on your surgery/healing... I love that you support local folk!! Smooches to Penny

[@karenshiels6566]

I'm just letting you know that the houseehold now has TWO tens machines 😂😂 son ordered one for his back. Hubby tried it on his hip. Didn't think much of it until he went to get up. SO he wanted one.thank God for Amazon Prime days recently. Hope all goes well, keeping you in my prayers.

[@robinbliss6513]

You got this!

[@wanrapea]

Wow that place was a great find! I would love to see it. Good idea for a meetup place too. Less pressure. You got all your running around done before surgery. Hope you gave yourself enough rest too. Hope you're doing better each day post-surgery!

[@juniorhamilton194]

Matthew love your community spirit and giving shout outs to local business, you have a good heart, we need more people like you in our communities!🙏🏽

[@sharonhorton5512]

❤I luv ur channel. Hope Ir surgery goes well. Ur so lucky to have the support that U have with family & Amber. I get such a kick out of Brooklyn when she copies U. Luv to Penny.

[@terryshaw3493]

Prayers that your surgery is successful, and you will be feeling great! You are a fantastic dad. Brooklyn loves you so much. And a great kitty dad to Penny too. Great video.

[@tracymac1111]

I love that spontaneous, out of the blue, connection that happens occasionally in life, and suddenly you have a new direction/inspiration, new friends. That’s a beautiful thing. Thank you Matthew for sharing. I hope you are recovering well, obviously we see this episode after your surgery so, get well soon sweetheart.

[@maryrinks8383]

Well hopefully you survived the surgery. Praying for a great recovery. You got this .

[@MommaC1106]

Keep doing that people hate to see others Happy🤗🥰❤️

[@michaelhorvath757]

Matt I feel for your Pain it must suck you rock and am happy that you have amber to help you when needed she rocks too 🍀👍

[@debbiesue1756]

Take good care of Penny, don't let her get out, because of the necessary changes will be taking place.😊

[@Yvonneb_]

Matthew, One thing you are not is a bad Dad. You are the best Dad ever. I've had 3 kids with my now ex husband and 4 by my now ex partner both were rubbish Dad's and didn't want to help me or do anything with their kids. That's mainly why they are both my ex's.

[@dp1091]

I wish i could be a fly on the wall of your recovery room! you're so funny to begin with i can only imagine how goofy youd be coming out of anesthesia! Hoping all went well!

[@christinamann3640]

We can hope Amber has a camera😂

[@freedomdove]

I love seeing small family-owned stores like that, too. 👍

[@christinamann3640]

Whoa that place has lots for the vanlifers 😮 so nice of them to allow you to film

[@wendycamp307]

I’m sure you’ve had the surgery by now.. hope and pray it all went well for you, and your pain is being managed well. Wishing you a fast recovery! 🙏🏼💕 take care of yourself.

[@sheilacaine]

Cool place wish I lived close by I could spend hours in that store also. Can’t wait to see the new water set up. I really thought Penny was going to jump on you for a second. I do think she’s trainable. Treats will make her do anything. LOL. Nice to see so many new Patreon members. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 It was 4000. 😂

[@harmyjim2]

Hope all is well with the surgery, and thanks for the link to craze outdoors. 😊

[@t.drayer11]

That is one awesome camping store! We will also be thinking of you as you get ready for your surgery and as you get through it as well. Penny is beautiful as always!

[@nicoleserroul7171]

Just a FYI Canada Post has free shipping Tuesdays on again

[@suzanneethier1450]

your ok thas good news

[@sharonhorton5512]

❤Hope ur surgery goes well! I also think ur doing a wonderful job with ur daughter . Luv to Penny.

[@michelle18474]

All the best for upcoming surgery, Amber ur a trooper also looking after Mathew n Penny , great camping store it’s always good to support local businesses

[@bethcollier3789]

I feel I have to push you onto this medication Matt. It is a cream you can buy from chemist shops. Called magnesium cream. I have been using it for 2 years. it is not a cure but the relief I get from the lightest smear over the pain area is wonderful. Who knows you might not need it after your surgery,. Best of luck with that. Love you.

[@janetnegrillo5413]

Wow, that store has everything for van life cool❤

[@lovesdoggies1481]

I love that jetboil.

[@Lisa-on3ee]

just in case you dont film before your surgery sending you.... HIGH VIBES✌️🔥😎💜

[@vallovesnature8449]

The pause in supplements/prescriptions is a good thing. Some doctors/surgeons even say a week before the procedure. I stopped garlic, ginkgo, green tea, ginger, red clover. They’re all blood thinners. He even had me stop my CBD😭. Hope you’re recovering well Matthew. No cartwheels yet. Love you!❤️❤️❤️

[@turtlegram31656]

Good luck with your surgery.🐢🐕🌊🌙🌺🌻🌈🌞🌞🐕🐢

[@lisamillard1272]

Go Mathew nervous you bet, courageous definitely and gonna go well so you and that Brooklyn girl go on more dates and fun stuff with Amber and Lindsay of course 😊😊😊😊

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

A most excellent visit today Matthew! Thank you. Stay awesome!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

CONGRATULATIONS ON 31K!🎉🤗

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Do I WIN a DIXXON!?🤔😆😂🤭

[@naturegirl5681]

I am getting a total knee replacement in 5 days. Same as you I am in pain can’t take naproxen. They have taken half my blood, taken X-rays, cat scans and MRIs, had an ekg, urine samples had to get clearance for surgery from my primary care dr. What else…geez. I watched videos of robotic assisted knee replacement BIG MISTAKE haven’t slept in 2 days lol

[@elizabethmcenearney7860]

Craze Outdoors - wow -double wow -triple wow! And best wishes for the surgery. A friend of mine just had it and I promise there is life afterwards. She says the best thing is you never have to worry about the pain again.

[@suerop]

I hope you're recovering nicely. Be patient and do what your doctors tell you to do.

[@AngiesASMR]

Pain does affect the mood. It is what it is. Nothing can change that. And....just remember, yes, you are a dad...but you are a human being. Don't feel bad for that. We as parents have to take care of ourselves so we can care for our children.

[@marcusegan6758]

this channel is historical imo. hoping for good news in your future, sir.

[@VanlifePLUS]

That’s a very bold claim! Thank you for the support and I’m glad you enjoy my videos

[@Valerygallery]

It makes me happy that you like your life. It's the main thing when it comes to life.❤ You might need some downtime after your operation. You're going to have a whole bunch of us, your fans missing you. But it's important to look after yourself. I know I can catch up on a bunch of your old videos. I haven't had the courage to watch the one about Stella's passing yet.😕 Wishing you an easy operation and fast healing. ❤

[@MikeJP4190]

looks like its got some neet stuff, I'll have to go and check that store out next time I am in calgary forsure

[@navigatingthedestination]

Matthew you did the store justice with the video. I love stores like that. I can spend hours in places like that. I always like seeing cool growing businesses like that. I definitely will have to stop by there and see them next time im in Calgary.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny.

[@angela23]

I'd feel the same way as you Matthew, while in that store! I immediately went to their website to check out all the goodies! Next time I'm in Calgary, I'm definitely popping in-possibly the next meet-up! 😀 I hope you are getting some rest and taking care of yourself. Sending along some postitive healing vibes. 💞🍀

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

CooL store! Great idea for a meet up👍🏽

[@capaddler]

Wow. I am excited about checking that Craze Outdoors the next time I am in Calgary. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@juniorhamilton194]

Great vlog and love Crave, great place, I can spend hours in those places!👊🏽

[@audreythomas1124]

Praying all goes well and you have success and a speedy recovery!!

[@SueDykstra]

Mathew you will sail through your operation so please don’t stress too much. Good luck xx

[@aaronthedj12]

Oooooooooo...... i want to go there!!!

[@lgDukeCity5018]

Yep.

[@scamphound1892]

I use a usb water dispenser. Great way to have “running” water.

[@katherinespong]

Epic store! M, You are a great dad, never doubt that or we will put a posse together and sort you out 😂. You are one of THE most engaged dads, and Brooklyn is a lucky little pirate princess. The idea of a Craze and VanlifePlus collab is brilliant! Another enjoyable vlog. Many thanks for taking us along.

[@Katiedid1975]

Congrats 🎉on the 31,000 subscribers.🎉😊

[@cathymc8365]

Matthew, hope you are doing ok. What a great store you found. It's always much nicer to see stuff before you purchase (unlike online shopping) and no shipping! You will have go in and get a wish list started lol. Doing a few collabs with them would be fun and maybe you can help them with youtube and editting for product?? win-win!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

That gear store is awesome!

[@dallaslemieux4161]

Heh Matthew 🤪 u got this 👍 sending healing love 🥰🐈

[@aussiejac]

You are a gorgeous person helping out these guys out.

[@debramickley2295]

You play the best music 🎶🔥💜😎🚙🇨🇦 Sending lots of love , light and healing Matthew 🙏💎💜

[@najruqwi7008]

🙏For your surgery to be successful and a quick recovery 🙏

[@shodson314]

I think a meet up at their place would be cool for you

[@missy4cdts]

Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@donnamoore7554]

Sending prayers for your surgery. Hoping it eases your pain. Some days the pain is very obvious in your face. You got this.

[@duanerichardson1669]

Enjoyed the video Matthew, so awesome you stumbled upon that new store that specializes in overlanding/ camping gear ,im the szme as you,id be like a kid in a candy store in that place.cant wait to see more.

[@VIKIMM]

... sending ya lots of healing energy and white light ......💜 luv n light blessings ✝💜...🍁

[@sunseeker4775]

We have a store like that in Queensland Australia called Anaconda (for obvious reasons ) with lots of tents put up in the middle of the store. I'm sure an astute person like yourself could live in there and never be discovered. As long as you like jerky and dried food.

[@bonniejackson1321]

Best of luck with the surgery. So sorry you missed your day with Brooklyn. Cool store.

[@rachadventuresinliv]

That's the OMG store they have so many items on my wish list. I don't like online shopping to have a store like that near me I'd be in heaven. Wishing you a pain free near future 🤗🤗

[@garynewton2016]

great store ,nice owners good to have something cheerful before the operation. A good place for Amber to work Oh remain her we are subscribed to her site and need update HEHE as always Keep on Cooglin

[@luminyam6145]

I hope your surgery goes well, take care.🥰

[@carrolhenderson1555]

Cool store. Cool people❤

[@royourownboat]

You found your candy shop. You're a big kid now!! 💜💜💜

[@junepearl7993]

As I watch this you’ve had your surgery a few days ago. I’m hoping for the best outcome possible for you. Follow doctors’ instructions. That part is in your control. Can’t wait to see the video you make when you’re feeling better and living without pain. Sending you love.❤️

[@andreathompson280]

Thank-you Matthew 😊

[@UrdnotChuckles]

Hopefully whichever place you're heading to in Edmonton treats you right, and you recovery is swift!

[@stu3678]

I am now going to check out Craze Outdoors; I might become a kid in a candy store 😀

[@marylozinski3252]

Thank you for calling it a toque and not a beanie... ;) all the best for a quick recovery!!!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you for spelling toque right! Lol

[@MrRedtaco11]

Great video Matthew. I’m going to have to go and look out Craze. That look amazing. See you In the next one bud.