I have an idea that some of you are thinking 'Does this guy have any friends? and why doesn't he stay with them until things turn around for him?' Fair questions. More than one offered that very option which I declined for the reason that I felt that I would be sponging off of them. The offers were made in sincerity and I made my feelings known to them and thanked them. The important thing is how I would feel if I accepted their offers and I couldn't accept having those feelings on my part.
The past couple of posts have dealt with the topics of personal resources and the circumstances that led me to this point. This post will deal another aspect of being homeless and will complete, what I feel, is the essential foundation for the reader to have a grasp of some of the challenges that a homeless person faces; at least, one with my temporary resources.
How does a homeless person attend to personal hygiene?
I say some planning and awareness of environment have worked for me so far but I've only been at this game since 5/11/07. I hope the following tactics continue to serve me well. They very well may have to evolve the longer I'm in this way of life.
It seems that I'm more fortunate than the many homeless people due to that I have transport at my disposal which gives me a greater range of opportunities. My current range (Christ, I sound like a wild feline on the African plains)covers approx. 10 kilometers. In this area, I have places to park and sleep in relative safety; facilities for dental care, bathing (oh, how I miss a hot luxurious shower), shaving, bathroom 'stuff'; places to get cold drinking water (a must in Dallas during the summer!) and free ice in small quantities;cleaning clothes; libraries for online access (only point of telecommunication contact - don't have cellphone); hot water; places to work out in that have TV and swimming pools and hot tubs; and last, but not least, a couple of salad bars.
Life is good...
From a certain standpoint, many of the places listed above would categorize me as an 'uninvited' if identified by the proper authority. That means if I must be there, for whatever reason, no one else must be around and if anyone is present, I don't show up. Some of what I deem necessary are done in the early hours (4 - 6 AM) or late at night (12 - 2 AM). On weekends, I usually don't show up at all; the 'outa sight, outa mind' thingy. Surreptitious behavior does have it's uses.
One other thing that I've discovered when I visit a pool and don't have a dedicated place to change into my swimsuit, I wrap a towel around my waist and take off my shorts under them and slip on the suit; so far I haven't been cited for public indecency. I think women already know this trick. After all, a woman can take her bra off under her shirt and nobody sees a thing. That still strikes me as defying all types of physics know to humanity.
Haircut? Forget it; don't have the resources to expend.
Deep tissue massage? See above.
Deodorant? I have one of those deodorant rocks; they're made out of a combination of salts and minerals. I have been using one for past year and haven't heard any complaints. Plus the last for long time. I really don't see my armpits wearing down that rock in the immediate future. And it eliminates a reoccurring expense. And they work or else I would've found out long ago.
That's all for now.
Please note I've decided to include a 'Part' with a number instead of 'Day' in the title. I'm getting tired of counting the days.
David
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Homeless - Resources
There may be some of you that are wondering exactly what resources that I have available that may help me survive in the concrete wilderness that is referred to as civilization. I may be fortunate that I am a inhabitant of a city because if I had to survive in the wild I would already been food for something else.
Resources as of 5/11/07:
- vehicle in excellent mechanical condition (except it is not an extended cab!)
- approx. $500
- summer gear
- 5 changes of tank tops and shorts, 3 pairs of ankle socks, swim suit, 2 towels
- 2 pair of boxer shorts (for when/if I need them)
- soaps, razor, shaving cream, facial/body moisturizer, dental stuff, Q-tips, luffda
- nail care stuff for ...nail care
- scissors, knife and corkscrew/bottle opener (for what reason, I don't know)
- 1 pair of sneakers (with cedar shoehorns for that fresh smell)
- 1 computer laptop
- 30 of my favorite CDs
- backpack containing materials for writing project
- 3 books (oohhh, boy...wouldn't y'all like to know which ones!)
- half-pillow and king-size sheet (which came in real handy on the AM of 5/16)
- email address
- sense of humor and of hope
- a willingness of fight the forces of evil
- the reflexes and speed of a cat with one life left crossing I-635 during rush hour
Unfortunately, I am prohibited from utilizing any of my Matrix skills or any of the ol' Jedi mind tricks ('Shower of yours, I will use, yes?').
All of the above fits nicely into 2 small bags which I keep on the floor of the vehicle along with laptop. Oh, there is another bag that I keep in the bed of the truck that contains stuff to clean vehicle and some laundry supplies. Other
stuff fits behind the seat in the cab (shoes, books, pillowcase that contains clothes due for a washin').
Am I the only homeless human who has moisturizers?
Resources as of 5/11/07:
- vehicle in excellent mechanical condition (except it is not an extended cab!)
- approx. $500
- summer gear
- 5 changes of tank tops and shorts, 3 pairs of ankle socks, swim suit, 2 towels
- 2 pair of boxer shorts (for when/if I need them)
- soaps, razor, shaving cream, facial/body moisturizer, dental stuff, Q-tips, luffda
- nail care stuff for ...nail care
- scissors, knife and corkscrew/bottle opener (for what reason, I don't know)
- 1 pair of sneakers (with cedar shoehorns for that fresh smell)
- 1 computer laptop
- 30 of my favorite CDs
- backpack containing materials for writing project
- 3 books (oohhh, boy...wouldn't y'all like to know which ones!)
- half-pillow and king-size sheet (which came in real handy on the AM of 5/16)
- email address
- sense of humor and of hope
- a willingness of fight the forces of evil
- the reflexes and speed of a cat with one life left crossing I-635 during rush hour
Unfortunately, I am prohibited from utilizing any of my Matrix skills or any of the ol' Jedi mind tricks ('Shower of yours, I will use, yes?').
All of the above fits nicely into 2 small bags which I keep on the floor of the vehicle along with laptop. Oh, there is another bag that I keep in the bed of the truck that contains stuff to clean vehicle and some laundry supplies. Other
stuff fits behind the seat in the cab (shoes, books, pillowcase that contains clothes due for a washin').
Am I the only homeless human who has moisturizers?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Homeless - Prelude
After reviewing my previous posts, it seemed that whoever reads them are thrown in the middle of a story without any knowledge of the preceding events that led to the time and place of these circumstances that I'm in or the purpose or direction of this journal. So if you haven't reviewed my profile, pleas do and read the remainder of this post.
I was laid off a contract in 9/02 after being there for over 3 years due to reduction on the client's work requests. My performance reviews from the client on this contract as well as my previous contracts have always been above average. I enjoyed excellent working relationships with the vast majority of my fellow technicians (which may have been to due to that on a periodic basis I would cook and bring in Grandma;s Award winning homemade brownies with assorted nuts baked within).
After my layoff, I decided to take a some time off. I had ample resources an few bills beyond apartment expenses. And I did enjoy that time. I initiated a search after the summer of 2003 but there were few positions available and they pay was ridiculously low. During that time, and for some after, I didn't come across any positions that matched my skill set as a mainframe analyst. The past 18 months did reveal a slight resurgence and I emailed cover letters and resumes to them all. The responses that I did receive were that I was 'too rusty' or 'over qualified'. On more than one occasion, there were technician(s) already on board that vouched for my technical expertise and overall positive contributions to the work environment but it was to no avail. I had felt that with my education, skill set and experience that it was only a matter to time until I secured another contract in the Dallas area. Corporations have invested considerable resources in the construction and maintenance of their mainframe systems and the cost to scrap and replace them was prohibitive. I thought that there would always be positions available in that field that matched my skill set. But it seemed that I was wrong. With personal resources nearly depleted and my lease expiring the first of May, I thought it would be fruitless to secure another apartment given my employment situation. So, as of 5/11/07, I,m living out of my vehicle.
And that should bring you up to date.
The purpose and scope of this narrative is to provide information, based upon my ongoing experience in this arena, to others that find may themselves in similar circumstances - maybe as a start to be prepared to address a challenge such as this. I have never talked with an homeless individual or read of their experiences which, I imagine, is a trait that many of us share. I've yet to come across any documentation titled 'How to Be Homeless and Successful'. If any of you had, please let me know quickly.
I wonder if I'm the only homeless human with an online journal...
I was laid off a contract in 9/02 after being there for over 3 years due to reduction on the client's work requests. My performance reviews from the client on this contract as well as my previous contracts have always been above average. I enjoyed excellent working relationships with the vast majority of my fellow technicians (which may have been to due to that on a periodic basis I would cook and bring in Grandma;s Award winning homemade brownies with assorted nuts baked within).
After my layoff, I decided to take a some time off. I had ample resources an few bills beyond apartment expenses. And I did enjoy that time. I initiated a search after the summer of 2003 but there were few positions available and they pay was ridiculously low. During that time, and for some after, I didn't come across any positions that matched my skill set as a mainframe analyst. The past 18 months did reveal a slight resurgence and I emailed cover letters and resumes to them all. The responses that I did receive were that I was 'too rusty' or 'over qualified'. On more than one occasion, there were technician(s) already on board that vouched for my technical expertise and overall positive contributions to the work environment but it was to no avail. I had felt that with my education, skill set and experience that it was only a matter to time until I secured another contract in the Dallas area. Corporations have invested considerable resources in the construction and maintenance of their mainframe systems and the cost to scrap and replace them was prohibitive. I thought that there would always be positions available in that field that matched my skill set. But it seemed that I was wrong. With personal resources nearly depleted and my lease expiring the first of May, I thought it would be fruitless to secure another apartment given my employment situation. So, as of 5/11/07, I,m living out of my vehicle.
And that should bring you up to date.
The purpose and scope of this narrative is to provide information, based upon my ongoing experience in this arena, to others that find may themselves in similar circumstances - maybe as a start to be prepared to address a challenge such as this. I have never talked with an homeless individual or read of their experiences which, I imagine, is a trait that many of us share. I've yet to come across any documentation titled 'How to Be Homeless and Successful'. If any of you had, please let me know quickly.
I wonder if I'm the only homeless human with an online journal...
Homeless - Day 5
I got nearly seven hours sleep last night and what a difference that made physically and emotionally! It's been too long since I had a decent rest. Maybe I'm getting used to sleeping in my vehicle. I think that last night I may have discovered the two positions that are optimally comfortable. We'll find out tonight.
When my portable alarm clock went off this Sunday AM at 5:15, I felt like I could've used a couple more hours of sleep but today was an important day. I folded and put away the sheet and half-pillow behind the seat and stretched out a bit. I was very sore from working out Friday night while watching the Sci-fi channel ("the most dangerous night on television"). I haven't worked out for too many months and today I'm feeling it. Anyway, I sneaked into a pace that had hot water and sat in the hot tub for 20 mins with an immediate but quiet dowse in the cool pool water. At this time, the clouds in the east were showing signs of the approaching dawn. Mindful to time and my status as an uninvited 'guest', I collected my stuff and went into the men's restroom for a body rinse to remove the pool chlorine, brushed the teeth, shaved and moisturized; coupled with a decent night's rest was much refreshed. Then I washed and dried my compliment of summer gear at the same location and stowed the clean clothes. For breakfast, I consumed an apple and read the paper at a park and did the crosswords. I don't even attempt a sudoku that is above three stars; its a waste of resources.
It was almost noon when I went to a small pool at the back of an apartment complex that has a tree that shades my favorite spot where I usually write a blog entry at the end of the day. Since I've been visiting, there have only been only a few people that show up at this area. It's quiet and peaceful.
It's a far cry from the pools that I'm used to. I enjoyed playing water volleyball with loud music playing, continuous games, talking with the people, making Grandma's Award winning strawberry/banana daiquiri with fresh fruit seasoned with a couple of tablespoons of Splenda...and after the is low in the west, grilling a porterhouse or two or crab legs or tiger prawns and...other stuff.
Ahhh, well....things are different now...
When my portable alarm clock went off this Sunday AM at 5:15, I felt like I could've used a couple more hours of sleep but today was an important day. I folded and put away the sheet and half-pillow behind the seat and stretched out a bit. I was very sore from working out Friday night while watching the Sci-fi channel ("the most dangerous night on television"). I haven't worked out for too many months and today I'm feeling it. Anyway, I sneaked into a pace that had hot water and sat in the hot tub for 20 mins with an immediate but quiet dowse in the cool pool water. At this time, the clouds in the east were showing signs of the approaching dawn. Mindful to time and my status as an uninvited 'guest', I collected my stuff and went into the men's restroom for a body rinse to remove the pool chlorine, brushed the teeth, shaved and moisturized; coupled with a decent night's rest was much refreshed. Then I washed and dried my compliment of summer gear at the same location and stowed the clean clothes. For breakfast, I consumed an apple and read the paper at a park and did the crosswords. I don't even attempt a sudoku that is above three stars; its a waste of resources.
It was almost noon when I went to a small pool at the back of an apartment complex that has a tree that shades my favorite spot where I usually write a blog entry at the end of the day. Since I've been visiting, there have only been only a few people that show up at this area. It's quiet and peaceful.
It's a far cry from the pools that I'm used to. I enjoyed playing water volleyball with loud music playing, continuous games, talking with the people, making Grandma's Award winning strawberry/banana daiquiri with fresh fruit seasoned with a couple of tablespoons of Splenda...and after the is low in the west, grilling a porterhouse or two or crab legs or tiger prawns and...other stuff.
Ahhh, well....things are different now...
Monday, May 14, 2007
Homeless - Day 4
Another decent night's rest. I may be getting the hang of this part of being homeless but let's not get too cocky and take it for granted.
I went thru the usual morning routine of putting away the sleeping gear and limbering up a bit. Since it was 4:45 AM on a Monday morning and I was feeling stiff and sore, I decided to hit the hot tub again following with a quiet slither into the pool. Now, I know many lifestyles are unavailable for this practice but in my previous life there was no way for that to happen. A hot shower and stretching out were all I had tome for since commuting to work and climbing into a cubical was priority one. But if you do get a chance or make that chance, try it - it is energizing and soothing in a physical and psychological context that I'm unable to describe.
And, of course, there was another apple for breakfast and followed with a salad for lunch..
Jeez, I'm eating healthier that when I had an apartment...
I went thru the usual morning routine of putting away the sleeping gear and limbering up a bit. Since it was 4:45 AM on a Monday morning and I was feeling stiff and sore, I decided to hit the hot tub again following with a quiet slither into the pool. Now, I know many lifestyles are unavailable for this practice but in my previous life there was no way for that to happen. A hot shower and stretching out were all I had tome for since commuting to work and climbing into a cubical was priority one. But if you do get a chance or make that chance, try it - it is energizing and soothing in a physical and psychological context that I'm unable to describe.
And, of course, there was another apple for breakfast and followed with a salad for lunch..
Jeez, I'm eating healthier that when I had an apartment...
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