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Kathy & Bryan Crelly

Kathy & Bryan Crelly

Texas
Two recovering workaholics (plus two rescue dogs) sharing our leap from working jobs to simpler living. With a camper on the way, we're redesigning work and life after 50. Join us as we figure it out.
Oct
12
Layoff to Tiny House: Real Costs | Week 39 Post-Layoff

Layoff to Tiny House: Real Costs | Week 39 Post-Layoff

One year after a layoff announcement, we're 30 days into tiny house living. Here are the real numbers: what we spent before, what we're spending now, and the one-time costs we planned for.
5 min read
Oct
05
Torn window screen with visible rip damage near bottom edge from tree branch contact

What We Found During Our Tiny House 30-Day Inspection | Week 38 Post-layoff

Torn screens, cracked grout, rough wood - these are issues we found in our brand new tiny house. We had exactly 30 days to document everything or pay out of pocket. Here's what we discovered and what you need to know about tiny house inspections.
7 min read
Sep
28
Completed king-size bed in tiny house loft with green blanket, showing successful bedroom setup with adequate headroom clearance

From Camping to Functioning in 399 Square Feet | Week 37 Post-layoff

Our exhausting week transforming from camping in our own tiny house to actually functioning. Bed frame modifications, organization wins, and hard-earned lessons.
6 min read
Sep
16
Cluttered tiny house interior with boxes and items staged throughout living space during moving week

Moving into 399 square feet the wrong way (and what we learned) | Week 36 Post-layoff

Our carefully planned tiny house move turned into complete chaos. Here's what went wrong, what we learned, and the honest advice we'd give future tiny house movers about downsizing and realistic expectations.
5 min read
Sep
07
View from screened porch showing feet resting while looking through open French doors into tiny house living room

Not what we expected: Getting our keys and first look inside | Week 35 Post-layoff

Getting our keys and first look inside our tiny house after 76 days of waiting - plus the Labor Day surprise that changed everything. Here's the real story of utilities, orientation, and our first look inside as actual owners.
5 min read
Aug
31
Gray tiny house with white trim and screened porches sitting on a community road, positioned at an angle with trees in the background

When "Delivered" Doesn't Mean What You Think it Means | Week 34 Post-layoff

Our tiny house delivery didn't go as planned. From chasing our house down the road to learning that 'delivered' means something different in tiny house world.
5 min read
Aug
24
Golden sunrise through trees over tiny house community with tree-lined pathways

The Week of Almost: False Alarms, Real Photos, and New Paths | Week 33 - Post Layoff

A false alarm had me chasing a tiny house through our community! Plus: the photos that made me cry and reflections on choosing new paths in midlifehood.
6 min read
Aug
17
A graphic of a clock face with the words "FINAL COUNTDOWN" in bold red text, symbolizing the last few days of a long wait.

The Final Countdown: Trash Miracles, Clean Sheets & a New Life | Week 32 - Post layoff

Our chaotic countdown to a new life brought unexpected rewards—from trash miracles to clean sheets. Join our journey to a life with less hustle and more peace!
4 min read
Aug
10
A photo of the empty lot where our tiny home will be delivered, symbolizing the future and the next step in our journey.

The Year of the Wait: Our Chaotic Journey to a Slower Life | Week 31 - Post layoff

Our chaotic year of waiting taught us valuable lessons. Join our midlifehood journey through the messiness of transition and the rewards of a slower life.
3 min read
Aug
03
Two small dogs (one white and scruffy, one black and white) lay on a concrete patio with leashes, looking out at a lake and trees in the distance.

Less Hustle, More Life: How Our Downsize GAVE Us Time (and a Lot Less Anxiety!) | Week 30 Post-layoff

Less hustle, more life. Remember those days? The ones where your calendar was jam-packed, where "free time" was
5 min read