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Since We Woke Up
What would you do if you suddenly realized the life you'd worked so hard to have wasn't one you truly loved?
In 2016, Tawny and Mike McVay found themselves at a crossroads. After years of hard work and sacrifice, they owned a business, a beautiful home, and were living the American dream. But for some reason, although they had everything they'd been told would make them happy, they weren't. Instead, they felt trapped in their life, tied to a mortgage and credit cards that kept them working long hours, missing out on adventures and time with their kids, and unable to enjoy the luxuries their lifestyle afforded them.
Desperate and burnt out, they took a long-awaited trip to Italy. And it was there, somewhere between the Sistine Chapel and endless scoops of gelato, they realized perhaps they were doing this thing called life all wrong. Back home, they'd measured success by how big their house and bank account were, even as they juggled debt and endless obligations to keep everything afloat. But as they walked cobbled streets and marveled at priceless art, they couldn't help feel perhaps the very things they'd worked so hard to own actually owned them. Realizing the dream they were living was someone else's, they decided it was time to consciously create and chase a new one. In other words, they woke up.
Over the course of the next two years, they sold almost everything they owned, paid off their debt, and converted a 2004 school bus into a tiny home. Three years and thousands of miles later, this is the story of their journey. At times raw and heartbreaking, Tawny certainly doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of nomadic life or rock bottom moments the couple encountered in the pursuit of their dreams. Joining them vicariously on this retelling of their experience, however, you'll understand why, when asked if they'd do it all again, the answer is an unqualified yes.
Based on the popular social media accounts of the same name, part personal memoir and part instruction manual, Since We Woke Up is the compelling tale of how two people abandoned the life they were told they should want for the one they actually did, leaving the "normal" path to blaze an unknown one across America, and how, ironically, living tiny created a bigger life than they could have imagined.
"Deeply elegant and richly poetic, a seemingly simple experience turned profound." Foreword by Michael McVay
In 2016, Tawny and Mike McVay found themselves at a crossroads. After years of hard work and sacrifice, they owned a business, a beautiful home, and were living the American dream. But for some reason, although they had everything they'd been told would make them happy, they weren't. Instead, they felt trapped in their life, tied to a mortgage and credit cards that kept them working long hours, missing out on adventures and time with their kids, and unable to enjoy the luxuries their lifestyle afforded them.
Desperate and burnt out, they took a long-awaited trip to Italy. And it was there, somewhere between the Sistine Chapel and endless scoops of gelato, they realized perhaps they were doing this thing called life all wrong. Back home, they'd measured success by how big their house and bank account were, even as they juggled debt and endless obligations to keep everything afloat. But as they walked cobbled streets and marveled at priceless art, they couldn't help feel perhaps the very things they'd worked so hard to own actually owned them. Realizing the dream they were living was someone else's, they decided it was time to consciously create and chase a new one. In other words, they woke up.
Over the course of the next two years, they sold almost everything they owned, paid off their debt, and converted a 2004 school bus into a tiny home. Three years and thousands of miles later, this is the story of their journey. At times raw and heartbreaking, Tawny certainly doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of nomadic life or rock bottom moments the couple encountered in the pursuit of their dreams. Joining them vicariously on this retelling of their experience, however, you'll understand why, when asked if they'd do it all again, the answer is an unqualified yes.
Based on the popular social media accounts of the same name, part personal memoir and part instruction manual, Since We Woke Up is the compelling tale of how two people abandoned the life they were told they should want for the one they actually did, leaving the "normal" path to blaze an unknown one across America, and how, ironically, living tiny created a bigger life than they could have imagined.
"Deeply elegant and richly poetic, a seemingly simple experience turned profound." Foreword by Michael McVay
280 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2021
5 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Tawny McVay
1 book11 followersTawny McVay, better known to millions of followers in her social media community as the writer behind Since We Woke Up, is a serial dreamer whose only ambition in life is to leave the world around her more beautiful than she found it. Once upon a time, she left a career in nursing to start a gym and become a fitness guru. After years of constant hustle and deadlifting her way through life's problems, a burnout led she and husband Mike to sell the business and everything they owned, convert a school bus into a tiny home, and spend the next five years traveling and learning. Thousands of miles and experiences later, they decided to settle in the forests of Missouri, where they're now focused on building a homestead. When she isn't writing, you'll find Tawny in the garden talking to her plants or planning her next adventure, which these days is what she's having for lunch and how to convince Mike they need more animals.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 25, 2023
I think I originally found this book at a time my soul so deeply yearned for something different in life. I found myself viewing the grass as greener on the other side. I was yearning to be a “van lifer” and dissolve my traditional brick & mortar home.
Albeit, I enjoyed the genuine telling of author Tawny McVay’s experience of living in a school bus for two years. I found more depth in the lessons school bus living has brought her that apply to anywhere you find yourself in this thing called life.
I started this book in March 2023 and then had a long period where it just sat on a shelf because I didn’t feel drawn to finish it. Now that I have finished it, I’m glad I read it and have more appreciation for the mundane moments of life.
My biggest thumbs down for this book is the grammar. It is a self published book and I feel you can easily tell that based on some of the hard to follow grammatical errors.
Albeit, I enjoyed the genuine telling of author Tawny McVay’s experience of living in a school bus for two years. I found more depth in the lessons school bus living has brought her that apply to anywhere you find yourself in this thing called life.
I started this book in March 2023 and then had a long period where it just sat on a shelf because I didn’t feel drawn to finish it. Now that I have finished it, I’m glad I read it and have more appreciation for the mundane moments of life.
My biggest thumbs down for this book is the grammar. It is a self published book and I feel you can easily tell that based on some of the hard to follow grammatical errors.
December 28, 2021
“My home has wheels, and my heart has wings.”
.
I’ve been following Tawny on Instagram since she had less than 3k followers. And I’m just as in love with her school bus home as I was when I first saw it with all the seats pulled out, and nothing inside but the subfloor.
.
This book is the detailed account of how she came to be a “Skoolie” owner and how living the “American dream” can sometimes make you feel like a mouse trapped inside a maze. It was beautiful, raw, and honestly made me a little teary-eyed at times.
.
Tawny takes us into the nitty gritty details of her life and how certain circumstances led her to realize she didn’t want to be trapped in the maze any longer. I dare you to read this one and not re-examine some of your own life choices… I know I certainly did!
.
But more than that, it’s a refreshing look into a life that many would consider unconventional, yet is still beautiful all the same. It makes you realize that there’s more to the world than fancy houses and the 9-5 grind.
.
Thanks Tawny, for the fantastic ride! Definitely check this book out!!
.
I’ve been following Tawny on Instagram since she had less than 3k followers. And I’m just as in love with her school bus home as I was when I first saw it with all the seats pulled out, and nothing inside but the subfloor.
.
This book is the detailed account of how she came to be a “Skoolie” owner and how living the “American dream” can sometimes make you feel like a mouse trapped inside a maze. It was beautiful, raw, and honestly made me a little teary-eyed at times.
.
Tawny takes us into the nitty gritty details of her life and how certain circumstances led her to realize she didn’t want to be trapped in the maze any longer. I dare you to read this one and not re-examine some of your own life choices… I know I certainly did!
.
But more than that, it’s a refreshing look into a life that many would consider unconventional, yet is still beautiful all the same. It makes you realize that there’s more to the world than fancy houses and the 9-5 grind.
.
Thanks Tawny, for the fantastic ride! Definitely check this book out!!
July 16, 2022
With our own skoolie bus getting close to being finished, I thought now was the perfect time to read this book. This book made me feel warm and fuzzy while also encouraging me on towards our final build weeks and finally on to the idea of actually getting to travel! Tawny has a wonderful way with words and this book would be good for anyone wanting inspiration to follow their dreams, even if that doesn't include a nomadic life.
October 1, 2025
Although it was a simple book I love relating to her yearning for exploring. I can relate to that. It keeps me on track of my love of trying to see more and more of this world. To keep planning and figuring out ways to keep moving.
May 30, 2025
Interesting story about living in a bus. Wouldn’t we all love this? Constant travel and movement? My daughter is a van lifer so I really enjoyed this book. Her instagram page is beautiful ❤️
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews