This is the beginning of my story.

I spent a long time dreaming up this plan. I scoured the internet for van ideas. I compared the pros and cons of big vans and small vans, cargo vans and passenger vans, American vans and Japanese vans. I looked at all the builds, bed on the left or right, kitchen in the front or back, what kind of toilet (or maybe just a bucket?).

I finally decided I was looking for a Toyota Sienna AWD, and I started shopping. Apparently people drive the wheels off Siennas, because nobody was selling until the odometer was well into six figures. I wanted a van with some life ahead, but I didn’t want to bring home a new van and pull all the seats out to build a camper.

Finally. I found my van. A pearl white 2011 Limited Premium. I just wanted a basic model because that’s all I needed, but this van had a thorough history of one owner and dealer maintenance, and the mileage had barely passed 100k. As if practicality has anything to do with it. But it earned hubby’s stamp of approval and I had keys in my grasping little hands.

I drove it home with butterflies in my stomach, a voice in my head screaming “this is insane!” But also so much excitement. I have my minivan!