Travel to Meet a Surgeon | Didn't know I would need THIS - Vanlife Alberta

Finally getting the chance to talk with a surgeon about my back and he's located in a completely different city! This is when having a steering wheel in your house comes in handy!
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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!

[@wildtravelinglinda6891]

The story about Penny is so sad but look at what she has now. She couldn't be in a better situation now. Lucky Penny indeed!❤

[@karenlowes7802]

That's the cutest Penny story. Now I know why I think so highly of you! You're just a wonderful human being 😊

[@terryshaw3493]

Penny is so cute asleep on the passenger seat. She is one lucky kitty to have been adopted by you. God bless you. I hope all goes well with the surgeon's appointment.

[@rollinsteady4949]

😂😂😂😂 Omg Thank You for the laugh at the end! As a fellow (multiple) back surgery contestant I can truly appreciate everything you are having to deal with lately. I truly hope that your surgery brings you some much deserved relief. Keep that sense of humor though, it's more important than many realize!

[@ItsOnlyMe13]

OMG those comfy pants are so YOU 😂🤣😂 That was one cheeky chipmunk. We used to have one at our trailer that would run up my leg while I sat in a chair on the deck. I think other people in the trailer park must have been feeding it so it had no fear of humans. Love the story of Penny. She certainly got lucky landing with you. I had 7 rescues all at one time. I now only have one old man left. He’s 18+ and people always say get a kitten for him. He’s an oldies that doesn’t need a hyper kitten to bother him in his old age. He’ll be my last, I think. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery and best outcome for your surgery. 💚💚💚💚

[@cherylfisk7698]

That was one bold little chipmunk! Obviously unafraid of humans.

[@Valerygallery]

People can be so horrible to animals. Poor little Penny. But you were so sweet to keep her. She really is the queen of the van. You could never get another cat. I doubt at her age she would accept it. She loves you, and that's all that she needs. Hope that all goes well with your appointment. 😽💕

[@ladyc659]

Matthew, you had me cracking up walking in the parking lot on your way to have a chat with your doctor 😂😂😂

[@katzcrow640]

His ass look BIG.... 😂😂 Penny was Laughing...🐾🐾🐾🤣🤣

[@mildredmattei6419]

😂😂😂

[@limills2598]

Yeah I was thinking maybe he walked into the exam room that way then they referred Matthew to behavioral health too...😂

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Penny’s such a lucky girl to have found you & vice versa 😻. Have a good night sweetie 🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@MelissaThompson432]

_You_ are Penny's "other cat." I got a cat out of a Coke machine at work once. Come to think of it, I have taken cats home from work a number of times. The Coke machine cat was named Max Headroom.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Penny knows she’s a lucky girl.

[@geri-atric1660]

You are one funny bugger mate. 😂😂😂 Loved the video, time with Lyndsey, Sadie, the Chipmunk 🐿️ and our beautiful Penny. Missed Amber. Even though you are going through bucket loads of pain you still manage to capture great angles and shots as a total pro. I sure hope they can fix your problem. I have the same and didn’t get the surgery as I could not afford the downtime when I was younger. You rock Matthew ❤️👍🏼💪🏼

[@lindageiling5922]

I luv Penny n happy u saved her. ❤

[@ladycats3810]

We love Penney too!!

[@billymac7994]

Was laughing my a$$ off at the ending🤣 well done Mathew! 👍✌️🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@kimbrueck7811]

Sounds like you saved Penny and she found an awesome Dad in you !!! Mind boggling that people can be such a holes when it comes to animals. Wishing you the best of luck with the surgeon. Again, I can’t say often enough how your humor simply makes my night. You are one special kind of guy Matthew. ❤️❤️

[@Temarama7]

On the floor tears tears of laughter walking away with your comfiest on🤣😂🤣😂🙃

[@arlenefrancis2791]

Oh, Mathew you crack me up. I love it, and the pants! Good luck with the consult. Thank you for sharing Penny's story. It was sad, but with a happy ending for you both. Love you both. Take care. See you in the next one! Have a great day!! 👍👍

[@karolmolitor4675]

Chippy was scolding Penny! He was in the wheel, I saw his tail. ❤

[@wendycamp307]

Thanks for sharing the story of Penny and you other cats. You have a good heart🐱. You might want to wrap the berries in a dry paper towel it absorbs moisture and keeps the produce lasting much longer. P.S those pants tho 😂

[@annedrysdale3281]

Fruits in a jar in the fridge 👍

[@joellepatry493]

I also was a bar manager at one time. One of my patrons’ daughter had a 6 wk old litter she needed to home immediately for some reason. He brought 4 of them to my house in a box. The 1st 2 that scampered out to me became my forever furbabies.🐈💕 I lost Bonnie 2 yrs ago, at age 18, & still have Clyde, at nearly 20. It’s been a very long, & wonderful road. I only wish I could have taken all 4 of them.🥰🐈 I hope you have Penny as long, & I’m sorry you lost Stella recently. It’s one of the hardest things we ever have to do, isn’t it.

[@christinamann3640]

Wow, I’m so glad Penny made it to you and away from those horrible people she used to have. You are the soft heart she deserves.

[@kaydublin5164]

Love Penny, she was so cute sleeping on the seat❤

[@Alenasup]

I think when stuff is unresolvable that we need to create our own closure.

[@Radiatingbeauty]

Well how lovely what a nice vlog. Little Penny is from Edmonton so I love her that much more! Comfy pants for a conversation.... important things to know. Have a great week Matt and Penny.

[@asmradventureasmr]

That cute Chipmunk 🐿 stole the show and gave Penny some entertainment. I was diagnosed with DDD too and 2 herniated discs about 15 years ago. I was told I needed 3 surgeries, but asked for conservative therapy with PT and I'm doing okay thus far. I did warm pool PT, joined a gym with a heated pool and did the PT (physical therapy) exercises they taught me to do. Now, I try and do Therapeutic and Hatha Yoga from Kamal and Ram here on KZbin, walk/hike and find them to be very helpful. I hope your appointment went well for you Matthew.

[@CaptainKush420]

If you're buying organic berries(or anything, really,) they're, by default, going to turn faster. If you get regular, make sure to get berries from the back of the display and make sure they're bright red. Should last you about a week. Also, if you want to ripen your avocados faster, put em in a paper bag with bananas and they'll ripen that avo up for you. We also just got Lucy Rose apples at my store(Albertson's(part of Safeway)) and they're my favorite apples by far. Definitely check them out. They're red on the inside! Tips from a produce clerk for ya

[@tammys.1085]

I love Penny’s story and the honesty in sharing your emotions from the past. Praying for you. 😊 Love those comfy pants! 😂

[@debbiehards852]

Awww, I just love Penny! Those people did her a huge favor abandoning her at that bar! She is so lucky that you adopted her. ❤ ❤

[@25foxangel]

Lol omg those pants so funny

[@glennismossey6976]

Welcome to Edmonton! Hope all goes well with the consult! Hope you don’t have to wait too long for your surgery. Try and enjoy Edmonton a little. 🙏

[@LittleMo777.]

Thanks for sharing Penny’s story! Hope you get good news about your surgery!😊

[@doreenmusgrave2916]

Hello Matthew , good luck on your back surgery and heal fast and take it easy!🙏

[@bonniejackson1321]

May your talk with the doc go well. Keep us apprised.❤❤❤❤❤ Lovin' da woddle to the doc.

[@maryrinks8383]

Omg 😱 I love the chipmunk 🐿️🐿️ and penny trying to get at it.. free entertainment..

[@UrdnotChuckles]

Hope you enjoy your time up here, despite the lingering bad vibes. Finding peace with unsolvable situations is difficult, I know that all too well.

[@angelalongland5727]

I am HOWLING at that last scene...strutting in your comfy pants!..OMG..I rewatched it 3 X! I hope all went well with the surgeon...FYI...I felt compelled to buy a bottle of the Nanaimo cream liqueur today...mmmmmm..hugs from Ontario xxoo

[@DeirdreHamilton0114]

Can’t rely on others to resolve an issue for you. Need to find a way to resolve it within yourself that doesn’t involve others and their behavior(s). Forgive? Forget? Suppress it (lol)? Cut them out? Accept them knowing who they are and what they’ve already shown you? Get the hell outta Edmonton and never look back? You have options …

[@bethannthimum]

So happy to see a video. Been thinking about your recovery. I hope it's going well

[@user-js6ds6tc4c]

Should rename this The Penny Show, featuring Matthew Allen. 🐈🧔 🚐 We all know she's the star of the show 🤩 and gets the most attention. 😚 You have a really sweet cat. She was meant to come into your life and be part of you. 😻 Away from those awful people who had her prior. Some people (or animals) are meant to meet each other and eventually be together. She's lucky to have found a great cat dad to take her in and look after her and love her. I really like how you dote on her and show affection for her. 🙈 Brings a tear to my eye. 😭 I think anyone, cat or human, who meets you and falls into your circle should consider themselves so lucky. 🙏 Thanks for sharing Penny's story and humble beginnings. 😿 😸 😽

[@ketoauntie7301]

I liked the story of how you & Penny found each other. She definitely is enjoying being the main Queen of her Van Home 😂 On the raspberries, I just buy organic frozen fruit, it's actually better because they freeze produce at it's peak & no worry about it going bad. I really only buy organic romaine lettuce, cilantro & cucumbers for fresh produce; everything else is frozen.

[@joellepatry493]

I buy a lot of organic frozen fruit too. I find it’s actually cheaper sometimes.

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

One very good alternative is to rinse your fruit in water with a touch of vinegar in it, then let it drip dry on a paper towel to get most of the moisture off. then clean and dry the container in the same water. This will not change the taste of the raspberries, but it gets rid of the fungus that causes the Blue stuff. L O L

[@MelissaThompson432]

The town where I lived was under construction for so long that people had bumperstickers that said, "This _must_ be heaven--- the road to hell is _paved."_

[@lesliepolicastro8368]

Love that chipmunk, so cheeky!😂

[@damarisrivera4098]

Hey Matthew, I just wanted you to know I'm praying for your surgery to go well. I have faith that God will bless you and provide you with a speedy recovery 🙏.

[@kimruble477]

My prayers are with you for when you go to surgery! Don’t be nervous, I’ve had a total of 5! Remember to walk asap, you’ll feel much better! ❤❤❤

[@ketoauntie7301]

5vsurgeries on your back, bless your heart 🙏🌷

[@gingw7333]

I've had five back surgeries, too. The last one ruptures at every lumbar level, some ruptured in two directions. I feel very lucky that after 42 years dealing with this, and one or more current ruptures, I'm still able to walk, though now I need a walker. Surgery is no longer an option. Too much damage and osteoporosis makes it too fragile. This is life. You learn to deal with it the best you can.

[@carolynrivera9745]

👋 Matthew Loved this video ❤ 🙏✌️🫵

[@joellepatry493]

Oof. That’s a lot. Sorry.

[@patty3242]

Oh my gosh. The pants were great! Lol

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

LOL!!! ...those pants! 😳😆😂🤭

[@TruthSeekerOG]

Matthew you are a person with your heart in the right place. You immediately gave Penny a home and she also chose you, otherwise she would have already run away. Respect Bro! Your Belgian 🇧🇪 fan

[@lisacastaldo448]

First of all your f*****g hysterical! Second loved the story about Penny. The two of you were meant to be together. Love from Florida!

[@dees2275]

Soak your berries in a vinegar water solution before putting in the fridge. They will longer.

[@katherinespong]

You strutting those pants cracked me up! Thanks for that belly laugh! 😂😂

[@cherylfisk7698]

LOL😂 Love the pants and your strut 😉😂 Annnd SO glad you saved Penny. 🥳

[@justinlucero6652]

Wow awesome video chipmunk amazing acrobat lol Penny loves to see other animals and good luck for it back surgery stay positive and stay calm and hope it works out the plans.👍🐿️💯

[@joellepatry493]

I didn’t know they could jump like that!😂🐿

[@tinalaws7506]

I'm so glad you kept Penny! She's such a beauty, and so loving!

[@disneydianne6729]

Love the walk off!! I’m thinking maybe the Dr. meant loosey goosey pants, which while I enjoyed watching you walk away 😊, and they suit you, but they might be just a tad too tight! Love the chipmunk, and the story about Penny, you are a compassionate man. Hoping it went well at the Dr.!!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Lol “just a tad” is a HUGE understatement

[@christinamann3640]

@@VanlifePLUS😂

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Matthew, I can understand the anger, when those closest turn on us it hurts like hell because our walls are down and that leaves us vulnerable. It always feels like a betrayal and in a way it is! In time you'll be able to look at it and put it to bed but for now just push it to the back of your mind until you're ready to deal with it.💞🙏💞🙏💞

[@sunnyrivers]

Bahahaha😂 Omg cracking up so hard over the way you strutted off in your crazy pants at the end‼️🤣😂🙌🏼💜

[@goaliedude1958]

If you want your berries to last longer store then in a mason jar.

[@ItsOnlyMe13]

Rinse your raspberries in vinegar and water when you first buy them. That will stop them from getting fuzzy for a bit longer 😋

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

That is the busiest, noisiest Lil chipmunk I've ever seen!😳👀😳👀... 😆😂🤭

[@JeanMarie561]

All my cats were going to the shelter and never made it.☺️ It what we all tell ourselves as we bring the carrier.

[@johnmclernon5170]

Good luck you got this

[@Sue3565]

Love her squeak meow.

[@Az_VanGo]

Love the story about how you and Penny were lucky enough to find each other And the “cat walk” in the fancy pants at the end 😂

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

🤣😅😂 That final clip

[@neverwares]

Thanks for sharing Penny’s origin story!

[@user-qv7kd5ug6h]

I’ve done the berries in a glass jar. Just don’t wash them. They can last for weeks, I do it all the time. Wash them when you are going to eat the.

[@joellepatry493]

Or add a little vinegar to the jar, to preserve & prevent mold.

[@robint01]

I'm so happy you were there for Penny. The look on her face🙀 "What do you mean YET?" 😂 Raspberries and any veg: for me soaking with 1 tablespoon vinegar ( let's be real- a glugg or 2) in a bowl of water. Soak for 10 minutes. Everything keeps 1-2 weeks. Berries about 8 days grapes have lasted 14. They were way back there, ya know, and still crisp. And you have the supplies on hand ✔️. 😊

[@bradendeans]

I checked my mobile provider and sure enough, another plan for the same price but for 75 more gigs of data. Thanks, dude!

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

The luckiest day of Penny's life was when those horrible people left her at that bar. Thankfully you had a wonderful caring waitress who made sure she was rescued by you. She is the Queen of the Van!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hey U, Matthew & PRETTY Penny!👋 ...this was a FUN road trip, I really ENJOYED it!🤗. GREAT editing and music mix ...always amazes me how you blend the clips of footage, VERY NICE indeed!🤗. Such CUTE conversations between you & Penny ...I wonder how much either of you understand what the other is saying!?🤔🐱. That PRETZEL bun sandwich looked YUMMY ... wonder how many did you eat!?☺️👀. As ALWAYS ... take care, stay safe & be bless'd.😇🙏

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

That 'water bladder' (if that's what you call it) ...is cool!👍☺️

[@kimruble477]

Matthew I forgot to tell you to always sleep with a pillow between your knees if a side sleeper or prop a pillow under your knees to elevate them

[@joellepatry493]

One of the best things I ever bought was a little pillow for between my knees. Back saver for side sleeping!

[@karolmolitor4675]

You will appreciate comfortable pants when you are going through rehabilitation! ❤

[@Jean8321]

Put your berries in glass mason jars with the metal lids and then the stay longer in the fridge

[@joellepatry493]

Add a bit of vinegar to preserve/prevent mold!

[@Kim-mm1el]

Put your berries unwashed in a mason jar. Last at least a week love your vlogs

[@josephsmith4073]

She sure loves that driver seat!

[@johnboy4014]

Lol those pants were seizure inducing !! Should have a health warning attached !!

[@dallaslemieux4161]

Best wishes Matthew on your up coming surgery, love to you and Penny 🥰🙏🐈🇨🇦

[@corblack8236]

Ah, the rivalry between Canadian cities... Here in Vancouver they used to have a slogan on the radio saying: "99.3 The FOX, where we value your opinion! Unless you are from Toronto..."

[@drg762]

OMGOSH 😂😂 Not the walk!

[@MrBotwood]

PRICELESS!!!

[@jenniferlarsonjaylaplans]

Run vinegar over your berries when you get them it should make them last longer and you actually don’t taste it when you eat the berries ❤

[@sheilacaine]

I ❤ the Penny story. Could you next time you do trivia ask a couple Penny stories so I can answer a ? ❤😂

[@CoCreateHappi]

ok that walk in those 'frog catching' length pants at the end was hilarious ! thanks for the constant comedy

[@kahahana]

Oh my ! Those pants are very .......... nutty?

[@curtise7]

Well some people say store your raspberries in the container you bought them in with airflow, and others say a mason jar is good. Never tried a mason jar before so if you are curious give it a try.

[@app103]

To make your berries last longer, mix together 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar, spray down your berries really good, wait 10 minutes, then rinse them in plain water. Allow them to dry before storing them.

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Have you watched "Snow and Curt" the one feature besides the actual bathroom I love that they have a designated laundry chute in their van. Stuff dirty clothes in the chute and they fall into a laundry basket. Open the back door to the garage and grab the basket and go.

[@joellepatry493]

Curt designed that van brilliantly, didn’t he?!

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

I also love the security film on the windows but the screen door is the bomb. You can have fresh air and keep the kitties inside and safe. They really put a ot of thought into their build.

[@KD77L]

The ending 😂😂. Those pants were great! Had me laughing 😂. Keep up the good work, Matt. Loving the vlogs!

[@dawndamron7391]

Whenever you buy berries, soak them for 5-10 mins in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 8 parts water. You can rinse with clean water after, but it isn't strictly necessary. They won't taste like vinegar. It kills the spores on the berries and makes them last a lot longer without molding. Just roll them around or blot on some paper towels to dry them as best you can before putting them in a container in the fridge. If you put them back in the same container they came in, be sure to wash it or spray it with your vinegar solution first.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

The cheeky chipmunk from Camp Quitcherbitchin!🐿️🏕️

[@WA7ALUT]

Happy birthday, Mathew. I hope your day is better than yesterday. ❤😊

[@paulsherman6450]

Those pant had me in tears laughing. LOL

[@limills2598]

Hello Matthew, my favorite goofball 😊....try using a glass container, say an empty salsa jar with lid. It may help keep those fuzzies away on the berries.....that ending!!! You nut! You crack me up! 😅😂

[@chrishemsworth8948]

You can't make other people change, it is totally up to them. What we can do is work on ourself , and learn to not give a f... ❤

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Omg the comfy pants at the end had me howling with laughter!😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Sexy wiggle though!😉 Off to bed now!💤💤🥱

[@ddcornell1019]

Good evening Mr.Matthew & Kitty Penny

[@staceygiometti9680]

Really, Really Like Your Dixxon T-shirt & Flannel You Wore To Your Surgeon.😊

[@AngieHayFamilyAdventures]

You are so fun to watch

[@capaddler]

😂🤣 Highway to Hell👍🏼👍🏼. ♥️ the 🎶 & highway scenes. Nice to see Penny hasn’t made it to the H.S., as she is now the 👑 of the H.M.S. Lucky 😅. When things seem unresolvable and time hasn’t helped, one just needs to try to let it go. Your mental health is too important to allow any time on it. 👀 swagger 👀 ending 🤣🍀💚🍀