Comments | ah42: I had a few thoughts tonight. (1/2)

ah42

I had a few thoughts tonight. (1/2)

Mar 26, 2007 05:36

(N.B. I split this off from the rest of the post, given how different they are, and they're both decently long enough, I figure it warrants the division.I think I should like to live homeless for a while. It would fit well with a simplification of lifestyle that I've searched for for so long. I'd want to try it where the weather year-round is ( Read more... )

Comments 8

kasatka March 26 2007, 14:58:42 UTC

Have you ever read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn? I'm not sure it's entirely what you're looking for, perhaps nothing at all, and I don't agree with everything in it, but it is thought provoking. A couple of your questions are addressed in it, at any rate.

Other than that, I'd say don't carry anything that would be devestating to have stolen or lost.

And if you come a bit further south in California, I'd be willing to receive mail for you. Getting a PO Box in a state outside of where you normally live, without a permanant address (heck, even with one), is an absolute pain in the butt.

ah42 March 26 2007, 17:01:20 UTC

No, I have not. I don't think I've ever even heard of it, or the author.

Are you back in CA now? I can never remember these things. Over the past 6 months I've missed whole months of posts by people, and before that I was never good at keeping up, either. (Sorry!)

At any rate, this doesn't seem likely to happen this year. I have too many things to straighten out first.

Regarding mail, and having an address, I actually know of a place that can help me, from when I visited my cousin in SF. Although I only know of its physical location, and not the name or who they are. And I believe my cousin would be able and willing to help as well.

kasatka March 26 2007, 20:12:20 UTC

It's the sort of book where the author wanted to get a point across, but turns it more into a discussion between two characters just to keep the rest of us interested. Sometimes it just leaves me feeling rather lost, though.

And yes, I'm back in Long Beach, CA. I honestly am surprised you remembered that much, heh. My journal is so much fluff, really - you're not missing a whole lot. I'm more of a one on one person for any sort of truly worthwhile discussion.

I kind of like your idea, however, I would be terrified to do it myself. My version of this is running away to Bulgaria. Or Ukraine. Either one works for me, though I think of Bulgaria as more of a place I'd like to remain in for an extended period of time while Ukraine is more of a long visit. I really have a craving to get rid of stuff and travel lightly, leaving a small ecological footprint while I do so. (And that's the sort of thing I'd never write about in my LJ.)

kasatka March 26 2007, 20:18:48 UTC

Bleh, I didn't know I was logged out. You probably figured it was me anyway. =)

joyfulkel March 26 2007, 22:28:19 UTC

it's an interesting idea. for me the idea of a space of my own that is sactuary is too important psychologically for me to give up.

as for work and sleeping, have you thought about working in a residential prorgram for folks with developmental disabilities or mental illness? I know we have people that work as asleep overnights. you have a safe, dry, comfortable place to sleep, AND you get paid for it. depending on the place you might even be able to use facilities for laundry/hygene.

whatever you decide to do, please look out for your safety. sometimes there is a sense of....nhilism? i dunno. i guess i just get concerned sometimes. but then i'm like that :) i could be off base and if so, never mind.

Interesting stephakaska March 26 2007, 22:42:21 UTC

I've thought about doing this before too. Wouldn't life be so much more simple? Well, simple in some ways, more difficult in other ways ( ... )

Lightweight backpacking psilocin March 27 2007, 04:50:26 UTC

I've been experimenting with outdoor living for the last few years. Check out the book Beyond Backpacking by Ray Jardine, which outlines a system for long distance hiking with a minimum of money and pack weight. He achieves a base pack weight of 8.5 pounds, which includes everything you need but food and water.

By the way, we've met in person. You and I helped pheromone move recently, and afterwards we ate at Spike's.

psilocin March 27 2007, 17:38:42 UTC

How many things does one actually need a physical
address for, anyway?

It's surprising how many there are, but in most cases it can be
worked around, especially if you have a friend who'll let you use
their address for such purposes. For example, in order to register to
vote in MA you must describe where you live, either with a standard
address or by drawing a little map with the nearest street
intersection named.

You can get a P.O. Box for most mail

Actually, last I checked (a couple of years ago) you cannot get a
P.O. box without also having a permanent address. Something about
preventing fraud. However, there's something called "General
Delivery" where mail (even packages) can be sent to a given post
office for a given person, and it will be kept there for up to a week
or so (depending on location) until you pick it up.

Always know where your towel is. I'd be sure to have at
least 2. One specifically for bathroom/hygiene, and one for general
use.

REI sells lightweight, compact, quick-drying towels of a few ( ... )