So, am I crazy?

[Kusanagi]

The last few weeks since I got laid off have been interesting ones to say the least. i've lost my place to live, my job, and in alot of aspects, my sanity.

Sadly, my friends seem to be very wary because of what I have done. Something radical to cut down on my expenses.

I was given a steal on a cargo van which through alot of research, blood, sweat, and tears I have converted it into a camper/RV. Thank god for craigslist.

All the electronics are in, and working. I only got shocked about half a dozen times :P

I now have a place to sleep no matter what happens, and the van is mechanically sounds I can go anywhere in the country there's work.

Anyone got a job offer? I can seriously take someone up on it now...which was my goal with this project.

The van features:

1500 watt inverter/battery charger
Microwave
Minifridge
Several outlets
Sink, faucet
6 gallons of fresh water, 6 gallon storage tank for waste water/dishwater
Wardrobe area, kitchen area, pots, pans, etc
Bed in the back big enough for me.

?I've spent about the last week getting used to the lifestyle of stealth camping. I spent the days working on the van, and the nights finding a safe, secluded place to park for the night. Because it's a plain white cargo van, I havent been disturbed by the police or muggers, and I can park nearly anywhere I please.

I work out, shower, and shave at the gym.

My dad traded my computer for a brand new HP laptop which I can get signal from anywhere. I parked by a WalMart and leeched off the local Burger King for their wireless signal.

I'm looking for work but now I can get a part time job for only a few hundred a month. It's definately trading one set of stressors for another, but I feel like I'm really starting over from square one.

I have a few hundred left over to live off of until I can find a new job...but all I need is just a place to park once a week or so to fully recharge my batteries.

I'm not homeless...just houseless. :)

Interestingly enough, I've been hit hard by learning who my true friends are and just how strong some of the family ties are.

Everyone seems to have critisizm for how stupid I am for doing this. Everyone seems to be quick to point out the flaws with this. Nobody is offering any solutions, and I've been pointing that out.

It's like "Yeah, I don't want to be associated with the crazy guy that lives in the van, oh, and I don't want you even driving in my neighborhood but if you want to meet up somewhere where my other friends won't see us like at Denny's at 11pm then I might be able to make it..."

I'm not asking for food, I'm not asking for a couch, I'm just asking for an extension cord and a place to sleep securely without worrying about the cops bothering me or someone breaking in to my vehicle, since all I own now is inside it.

For now...some pics. Sorry if this post is a bit disorganized :)

It's alot more finished now than it is in these pics, I'll try to get more the next time I park at my folk's place.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v312/kusanagisan/van/

Anyone who wants my cell # can PM me for it :)

[RootedPhoenix]

That's the one thing I do not get about people.

You are trying your best with what you now have. However you got there, you are there now. You've got the van, you're living in it. It doesn't seem like you're crying about how awful it is. It sounds like you are willing to do everything yourself that you can.

And still people will pick you apart. I do not understand people's minds.

I guess it must be because you no longer fit in their narrow thoughts of what someone "should" be do they can't deal with you. And worse!...they don't want to.

Trials tell you who really cares. *sigh*

*offers hugs* I've got nothing else, but I've always got hugs and good thoughts. :)

[One-Fang]

Wow. Personally I think that's an awesome solution. I've had friends that have lived from a bus for a while. Mobile living is definitely a lifestyle option - it doesn't make you "a homeless bum" or anything.

The only concern I might have is the regular access to gyms for the showering etc if you move around. But maybe you can get access to the Y in any city or something? I dunno. Either way, there's always bound to be somewhere you can go. Cheaper to buy a new gym subscription than move into an apartment. :)

Look for your city's tent parks, holiday camps. You would be able to park there for minimal fee and they'll have showers and full kitchens you can take advantage of.

[wagegoth]

Kus, I wish there was a job I could offer you here. They just keep cutting and cutting.

[Kusanagi]

Something will come up, I'm sure of it.

And the only difference between these "friends" and myself is 2 paychecks.

[Kiwi]

I think the van looks awesome!

If you cant find any friends/family to give you a plug in, im sure an RV campsite would hire you a spot for a night.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

What are your skills? I'll keep an eye and ear out. Are you drawing unemployment?

Heck, that van is nicer than my old place. :lol:

If showering is an issue, pick up a solar shower. They work and they don't even need electricity. You could probably pick one up for under 20 bucks. If you want to get fancy, I think Coleman makes a little tent shower cabana, even.

[Gravekeeper]

I....actually think the van is sorta cool. >.>

It's even stealthed as it doesn't look like any sort of camper.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Wow, pretty impressive. Good luck with the job search. I wish I could help you.

[The Gatekeeper]

Nice work Kus. That looks pretty comfy! You might want to edit out the plate number though, you never know who's looking at those pics.

A question just came to mind though. How did you get your hands on the wood? That's a lot of wood (get your minds out of the gutter people :p) and we know how tight money is.

[Ree]

That's a lot of wood...
...and we know how tight money is.
Yeah, where I work, that would be over $200 worth of wood and materials.

[SengaKitty]

I think it looks incredible really. :) I PMed you about a possible job here in Louisville, if you're interested. We also have lots of camp grounds around here... I don't know about hooking up to electricity or whatnot, but I could look into it for you.

[Kusanagi]

The wood was procured through scrap and a few friends working at the home depot when i used to work there. You'd be amazed how much scrap there is that can be marked down at 50 cents a piece if you know who to talk to.

[TheSHAD0W]

Looking at your photos, please make sure that battery box is ventilated, preferably to the outside. Explosive fumes can build up in there.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Wood's not all that expensive, it's the hardware that costs a lot.

[morgana]

What sort of job are you looking for, Kus? Lots of sales jobs on Monster and Careerbuilder in the Kansas City area . . .

[Kittish]

An idea for places to shower/park if and when you leave your original area- truck stops. Some of them may have at least electrical hook ups for RVs that come through, and if you stick with the larger/busier ones, fairly decent shower facilities. Just to be on the safe side, however, I'd recommend some shower sandals if you don't already have them. Truckstops generally charge for their showers if you're not getting diesel fuel, but it's something like 6 bucks or so.

[Kusanagi]

My gym membership is at 24 Hour Fitness so I can shower anywhere they have a club.

Plus, I want to work out! At this rate, I'll be under 200 lbs by july.

[Dave1982]

OK.... pardon me for saying this, since it isn't a helpful comment and I'm sure there's a good reason for it, but......

I think it's pretty messed up that your father can provide assistance with building this van and getting you the electronic gear, but can't/won't let you stay at his place. Even if it meant camping out in the basement I'd think that'd be far preferable to living out of the back of a van. (Though as you pointed out, you now can go pretty much anywhere and still have that mobile roof over your head).

I retract that statement if your folks are renting and the terms of the lease and/or the size of the place absolutely preclude it, or if this was your choice and not theirs.

On a more positive note, good luck with the job hunt. I wish I had something I could refer you to, but getting up here would be quite a haul in any case. Though if you decide to apply at Staples, you can say I referred you (which can't hurt. And no, I get no kickback for that, unless you are hired into a management position).

[Andara Bledin]

Nice job on the van, Kus.

And, I know it's hard to tell in text, but the tone of your messages sounds a whole hell of a lot more relaxed than some of your other not-so-recent ones.

I'm going to PM you with some possible job options you might want to look into. They're mostly a freelance thing, but if you can get a halfway decent Internet signal and are willing to put in the time and effort (which I'm pretty sure won't be a problem), there are some intriguing ways to make money on the Internet.

^-.-^

[Kusanagi]

I think it's pretty messed up that your father can provide assistance with building this van and getting you the electronic gear, but can't/won't let you stay at his place. Even if it meant camping out in the basement I'd think that'd be far preferable to living out of the back of a van. (Though as you pointed out, you now can go pretty much anywhere and still have that mobile roof over your head).

No space at Dad's house for me to stay, and this is alot more preferable to me living on the couch in their living room, honestly.

My grandparents have a spare room but since they live in a trailer park they have incredibly strict rules, so I could only stay about once a week at most.

I was staying at my mom's for a while but her landlord won't let me stay longer than the 4 weeks I was there trying to get on my feet. So they're helping me out as best they can, even if they do want to offer some criticism about it. I'm in sales, I'm used to people blowing smoke.

I'm doing my best to make some money on the internet, I always was able to before. I have a few business things going right now, and I'm looking to bring a few new people into it.

The days are relaxed while looking for a job. Bust out the camp stove, make some breakfast, go to the local fast food joint, get a soda and leech off the wireless signal and send out two dozen apps, lounge around in the evening at the park/beach/museum, go to the gym and work out/swim/shower, bust out the stove, make some dinner, clean up, find a safe place to park next to a 24 hour business and watch a movie before bed.

I tell ya...it's a new set of circumstances to be sure, and a new set of things to be stressed about...but knowing I have a home and can take it anywhere with me...it's an incredible relaxing feeling, and its the best thing for me right now before I get some more heart tests done in June.

[Dave1982]

OK, then I retract that comment. I hope you are able to get back on your feet.

You know, it may not be the best place to work, but it occurs to me that the Back to School season will be starting soon (believe it or not), so to reiterate a previous suggestion, you could try applying with your local Staples (which you can do online). Even if it's just a temp position, it's better than nothing and will get you at least some money.

I know that's not much, but it's more helpful that just "good luck."

[tropicsgoddess]

I would say to come down to my area, but the job market here in Fort Lauderdale SUCKS. Awesome job on the van,btw. Looks kinda like my dad's van, is it an '89?

[BrightEyedKitty]

Neat! Build me one? :lol:

[Kusanagi]

1985 Dodge Ram B150 :)

I'm really enjoying the simplicity it's adding to my life.

[Kinoo]

Totally NOT crazy, the van is pure genius. Good luck with the job hunting.

[Eric the Grey]

Awesome job on the Van Kus. When I read you post about the attempted break-in I almost freaked at the idea that you were living out of it, but now, it looks kind of cool.

I've been near enough to the edge to appreciate what you're doing. Best of luck on the job hunt and be careful.


:cool: Eric the Grey

[Jester]

I'm not homeless...just houseless.

An important distinction. You have made something out of nothing, which is not an easy thing to do at all. That is damn impressive.

Interestingly enough, I've been hit hard by learning who my true friends are and just how strong some of the family ties are.

Everyone seems to have critisizm for how stupid I am for doing this. Everyone seems to be quick to point out the flaws with this. Nobody is offering any solutions, and I've been pointing that out.

It's like "Yeah, I don't want to be associated with the crazy guy that lives in the van, oh, and I don't want you even driving in my neighborhood but if you want to meet up somewhere where my other friends won't see us like at Denny's at 11pm then I might be able to make it..."

These people suck. Pure and simple.

In '98 and '99, I spent several months traveling the U.S. living out of my truck. Did all of my friends understand this? No. Did they criticize it? My true friends did not. They supported what I was doing, even if they did not understand it. My own mother said she thought I was nuts, but that despite the fact that she herself could not do something like that, she admired my courage for doing it.

I admire your courage for making something out of nothing, for taking a crappy situation and, rather than playing The Victim, as so many people in our society do, you took the bull by the horns and refused to be thrown.

You rock. Those who think you are an embarrassment to them are not worth your time or effort. I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of them would not be able to make as much of the situation if they were to lose their jobs as you did. Personally, I think you are doing better than the people who are forced to move in with parents or on to their friends' couches.

These people who think you are someone they do not want to be seen with?

Fuck 'em. They don't DESERVE to be seen with you.

And the only difference between these "friends" and myself is 2 paychecks.

No. There is also the difference of integrity, which they don't seem to have. Again, fuck 'em.

I....actually think the van is sorta cool.

Very cool. I thought I did alright for myself with my Blazer in my grand journeys, but honestly, it was not a home so much as a place to sleep when I had nowhere else (friends, relatives, or coworkers) to crash. The van? She is a HOME.

And yeah, the stealth mode of it is a nice touch.

OK.... pardon me for saying this, since it isn't a helpful comment and I'm sure there's a good reason for it, but......

I think it's pretty messed up that your father can provide assistance with building this van and getting you the electronic gear, but can't/won't let you stay at his place.

As his response showed, you did not know all the details of the situation, so for you to make such a judgmental comment was, as you yourself, not helpful.

Even if his father was being a total troll about all this, the fact remains that Kus took the lousy situation he had and went about making it better. Rather than focusing on the bad that was happening, he focused on the good that could happen, and then made it happen. Props to him.

The days are relaxed while looking for a job...

...leech off the wireless signal and send out two dozen apps

Suggestion: you might want to be a bit less relaxed, and actually go to businesses and apply in person for various jobs. Take a few hours each day after you've sent in the online apps, and actually pound the pavement to find a job.

Just one fellow's opinion.

[Eireann]

Kusanagi and Jester, try this for the people who don't understand van living.

Give them a copy of Steinbeck's Travels with Charley.

[Jester]

Eireann, there is a saying within the magic community.

"For those who believe in magic, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, none will suffice."

Look, his friends do not need to understand what he is doing. They don't even have to like it. But to treat him like a pariah for doing it? That is just below the belt and not worth his time.

Perhaps it would have been different with my friends if I had been living in one place out of my truck, rather than traveling. Perhaps some of my friends would have reacted differently. I don't know, because I have been fortunate enough to never HAVE to live out of my truck. I only CHOSE to do it to travel. Perhaps if I had had to do it, some of my associations would have shown different colors.

Personally, I still say the folks treating him like this are assholes, and no explanation, book or otherwise, will suffice.

[Slytovhand]

OMG - Kus are you CRAZY????

Well - someone had to say it... didn't they?? :p

Actually - I think it's ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!! eleventy

Strangely, I actually feel proud of you for doing this, for the same reasons as Jester. You were in a seriously sucky position, and you've gotten yourself up off your butt (ok, you weren't really on your butt) and made things work your way... total responsibility! AWESOME!

(btw, I'm at work, so I can't see the pics).

Also, you've done something that most people are scared to do - you've made yourself incredibly independant! And I can tell (as can others) that you really are a lot more relaxed. Excellent!

As for finding a job?? Sod it! Why do you really need one? After all, if this new found freedom allows you to start doing some things you've never really thought you could do before, go for it! I know someone who has a combi all done up with mattress, stove, etc. She just needs the public toilet/showers and she's right. Does tarot readings in exchange for... whatever... sometimes money, usually food or some such similar. She gets to go where ever and when ever she wants (her only problems are if the thing starts to break down... that's when she needs to charge for some of the work she can do... much like yourself).

So - where do you want to go today?? As you said, you can pretty much go to whereever you want now....

I can get you a job here... but I suspect that as awesome as your van is, it might have a bit of difficulty with the Pacific Ocean :p

Oh, and as for your 'friends'... I'm sure you'll find 'better' in your travels! And, though you may not see them as much, they'll still be a lot closer.

[Jester]

As for finding a job?? Sod it! Why do you really need one?

1. Food.
2. Gas for the van. Can't travel without it, and gas stations are not big on the whole bartering system.
3. I get the general feeling that Kus doesn't want this to be a permanent thing.
4. A job can make you feel good about yourself and not like you are just sitting around doing nothing, not to mention providing money for various things you either want to do (entertainment) or need to do (remember, he has some health issues he needs to take care of).

[Slytovhand]

Well, I was thinking more - permanent job. Cash flow - yes. Money - yes. But a stable constant regular hours type job - no, not really.

Sort of like the difference between a home and a house....

[sms001]

You're absolutely NOT crazy Kus.

To tell you the truth, this idea was in my head so long that it still gives me some peace of mind comfort to think about even though I'm not "two paychecks" away from the whole show collapsing.

I really like that you took things to a logical conclusion. My idea was always one of those pickup bed campers. Not nearly as practical as your van.

I totally understand the peace of mind having such a thing brings you. I have no family and if worse had come to worse it would have been really REALLY nice to know that there was someplace of my own that I could go and rest and be relatively safe and gear up for the next round of challenges.

The downside of course is that in a few years when you are over the hump and someplace that utilizes your talents well has made you filthy rich and you need the room in the driveway for your new boat.....you're going to hate to let the ol' Ram Casa Kusanagi go. :)

Good luck and godspeed.

[fireheart]

What you have done Kus, was amazing, and more than me or my friends can say. (one of them was booted for being gay as far as I know, one lives with a drunken dad, the other is fine, but she herself worries me at times). But yeah, like the others have said, make sure your battery is well ventilated.

Also, I don't know if you can afford it or not, but have you considered prepaid wireless broadband if they have it over there? You get a USB modem, which once you get a signal from, you can download to your heart's content. You just pay for the amount you think you'll need. There's nothing wrong with leeching, but if you're somewhere without a nearby source, chances are there may be a signal you can download from.

Um...one other thing I'd heartily recommend as well is to search sites for tips on living cheaply.
*ducks tomatoes*
Not in the SC sense. There are some sites out there that have tips like what to soak your red markers in if they start to run out :lol: etc. Some magazines might have them too...I know it may seem weird, you buying or thumbing through women's magazines, but they don't have to know you're buying them for yourself. (That's Life and Take 5 are two magazines in Australia that publish a heap of tips, if you like, I'll PM some to you).

[Slytovhand]

Well, now that I've seen the photos, definitely waaaaaaayyy cool!

[ArcticChicken]

I think it's kind of.....romantic.

Not as in flowers and candles, but the romance of the open road, all those choices in front of you...

[Kusanagi]

After a few weeks of living in the van, the changes to my lifestyle have really been beneficial.

I have a part time job right now that brings food to my stomach and gas to the van at $60 a fillup. Oy.

My job tends to take me to the costal areas of San Diego so I've spent alot of time down at the beach and at the gym, and damn, it's showing. When a friend you haven't seen in a month doesn't recognize you because of the weight you've lost and the shape you're getting in, that's awesome!

I do my laundry about once a week - there's a laundromat in a shopping center where I spend the night sometimes (The place has free WiFi.) I go to the laundromat, take my hamper out from under the bed, start it.

Go to the store and find out what I want to eat and settle on some pork chops from the counter and grab a quart of milk.

Go back to the van, set up the stool inside, set up the camp stove. Take some flour from the tupperware container in the pantry, dump it inside the bag from the store with some garlic and spices stored above the sink, coat them, throw them in the pan with a little oil.

Fry them up till the smell fills the van as I watch some downloaded anime on the laptop, then take them off and use the drippings in the pan with some more flour and milk to make some basic gravy...make a pouch of instant mashed potatoes on the other burner and eat like a king while watching the sun set and listening to music on the laptop.

Spend about an hour doing dishes in the little sink, putting everything away, putting the leftover milk and pork in the fridge, and finish up the laundry. Go to the gym, grab a shower, and then find a nice place to park and go to sleep.

Wake up in the morning, open the fridge, take out the rest of the milk, pork, and some eggs and that really thick bacon from the deli, and make an omelette on the stove. Heat up a cup of water in the microwave.

Watch the sunrise to the smell of cooking bacon and eggs while enjoying hot chocolate.

Dear god...why the fuck didn't I start doing this sooner!?

[Food Lady]

Tell us about the job. Any SCs? :D

Wow, your laundry is even more convenient than mine! And yeah, it's $60 for gas, but you're NOT paying $700 a month for rent. I'm glad things are working out for you; I knew they would.

[morgana]

Sounds like you're much more content than we've ever seen you, Kus. Bravo! :cheers:

[Slytovhand]

Oh AWESOME!!!!

Sometimes, as crap as the universe sometimes makes things go, doesn't it really make it worth it????

[Der Cute]

This is where we can say:

Proof. Simplicity- roof, shelter, clothing, food.. the rest is really gravy.

Kus, I'm proud of you. You sound really....relaxed here.... Much more so than you were at the store. Take some time and think about life in general. Enjoy it.

I hope you're sleeping better, more often, waking up rested. I hope you go see a doctor soon - I bet your heart's much happier now.

Keep us updated, and post pics of the beach! I'm jealous!!!

Cutenoob

[Jester]

Dear god...why the fuck didn't I start doing this sooner!?

We often find some of the best things in life when we are not looking for them, or when we are forced into them. The first part is how I got involved with just about every awesome woman I've been involved with. The second part is kind of how I ended up in Key West.

You rock, Kus. Don't ever forget that.

[smileyeagle1021]

I was going to say, if Kus is still looking for a job, we just had yet another part timer walk out...
Salt Lake does have rather pleasant weather normally this time of year, only 12 hours away :wave:
And I know quite a few places to leech internet and at least one 24 hour fitness :)






or he could take my job... please oh dear God can someone take it off my hands...

[SengaKitty]

Kus, the tone of your posts here have been getting lighter and lighter. Happier than I've ever seen your posts, which makes me happy for you! Sometimes it's the simple pleasures in life that mean the most, and it seems you've come to realize that. Keep it up and enjoy what you've got going! It sounds great :D

[Kusanagi]

I see the specialist at the end of this month to get an update on my heart condition, unless it acts up and I end up in the hospital before then :knocks on wood: Hopefully the decreased stress will translate into good results :)

[TheSHAD0W]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lax-colony20-2009jul20,0,4549617.story

You're not crazy, Kus, in fact you seem to be ahead of the pack.