Recap (Day 22)

Woke up at 5AM, got dressed for work (Sun Sentinel shirt, cap, etc).

Went out, bike seat was soaked from last night's rain.

What a pain to pedal a bike with your ass up in the air...really...pain through my legs like you couldn't imagine.

Worked the corner selling papers until 8AM, then nobody even would take the papers for free!! (except a few old guys). Made $2.50 selling papers from 6-8AM. Now comes the funny part, made the same amount in 20 mins signing!

Went to Burger King, spent $3.19 this time, i was hungry.

Went to the field, and to the same tree, cat-nap time.

Went to the turnpike at 1PM, expecting Dwayne to be at the better corner. He wasn't, so i worked it.

He showed up at 2PM, with a haircut, i knew something had happened.

He had applied for a job at the Mobil gas station near us, and after 20 days of waiting, he got the answer. He was hired!!

I was so happy for him i even hugged him. This was his last day signing, and i yielded his corner after we spoke a bit.

Some guys that do catering dropped enough food for both of us.

We stopped at 5PM, i told him to take most of the food (was hot dogs and burgers) for Hobo.

I went to Burger King, to the back side of it, out of sight to eat. I liked the hot dogs, but couldn't even finish eating one burger, they weren't to my taste.

Read more of the book until almost 8PM, then rode to the library.

Went to the bathroom, tried to shave a bit of the beard with a small electric shaver, did an ok job.

Checked email, same as yesterday.

Almost 9PM, my flashlight died this morning, i need to buy a new one. Maybe from Publix, since someone gave me a $15 gift card.

Recap (Day 21)

Woke up at 3:30AM, went to the corner to get the papers ready (the inserts with advertising come separate).

Sold papers until 9AM, made $5, hey better than nothing.

Went to Burger King (the staff now greet me, i've become a regular), spent $2.13 for breakfast.

Was tired, probably from waking up very early. I went to the field where my tent is, parked myself under a tree and took a nap (well, tried to, not too easy to nap on cardboard at 11AM), more like cat-naps really.

Went to the turnpike at 2PM, waved to Dwayne who was working the better corner.

"Signing" is what the homeless call it. Others call it panhandling. I like signing better.

Was there until about 5:30PM, went to Burger King for some food and read the Darth Vader book.

Must've been almost 7:30PM when i decided to go to the library, since they're open until 9PM Mon-Thr.

Checked my email, craig's list. The normal, no reponse to my post looking for work.

Left the place at 9PM, went home, read some more of the book, Oh yeah...i got caught in the rain as i was crossing the field toward my tent.

It rained most of the night, lightly thank god.

Day 20

Bleh, i was not too happy last night. I thought i had closed the "front door" and opened it so there was a net between me and the outside.

The appearance of a ton of mosquitos after an hour (while trying to read a book) finally got me to look at it again, realizing my mistake.

I woke up at 7:30AM, overslept. Missed the drop-off time for the papers, but talked to Paul on the phone. He will drop them daily at the corner, i hope he doesn't think i'm lazy because of today.

Went back to Burger King, spent $2.13 for breakfast. Finished reading the book (well, it's a graphic novel, damn you Marvel and Stan Lee!).

Forgot to mention that yesterday i donated blood (which i think it's O negative). Got me a t-shirt, apple juice and some cookies in return. I'm wearing the t-shirt today.

Went to the library early with a plan. It's been over 2 weeks since i took a shower, and the library has a big restroom. The one for handicapped has a drain on the floor, you get the idea.

Took me 20mins to clean up, had to stop every time someone came in the restroom, i was afraid to get caught.

After washing up (thanks to Dwayne for the info about the drain and providing me with soap and shampoo a while ago), i dried up with 2 towels i had bought for my journey.

Came in the library, nice and clean. Nobody suspected a thing.

Checked my email, still nothing. I've read the consulate's website and apparently i can get a DNI with a birth certificate. Question is: will i be able to get it on the spot, or do they mail it to you?

I'm hoping they give it on the spot.

No answer to my craig's list posts.

Oh, "How to move to Canada" is in my hands, I'm learning a lot. However it's meant for american citizens so no mention of refugee-related process or regulations.

It does say what Canada is looking for in general regarding skill and careers.

Also, lists lawyers in Alberta.

Perhaps it would be better to wait a bit longer so i go with some cash to hire an immigration lawyer?

I don't know, I need to think it over.

I'll call and find out how to get to the consulate this week for sure.

Btw, the bike is nice for transportation, but my ass is hurting and my legs feel as if they're on fire sometimes.

Day 19 (Updated)

Woke up a bit after 4AM. God is nudging me to wake up, probably to call Paul and sell papers.

I get dressed, go to the gas station and call him, it was about 4:40AM.

He shows up at 5AM and gives me the corner of Lyons and Glades (east bound).

I make $5, at 9AM it's pretty much dead.

Today i got something done, i got a bike and a lock. I'm more mobile.

I'm at the library at noon, and check my email, still nothing.

I repost my "job wanted" at craig's list, i would love to have a full time job, really.

Searched online for the power adapter for laptop, it costs about $25 with shipping on ebay.

But, no address to sent it to!!

Gonna check Wal-mart, maybe they got a generic power adapter for it.

Going to take "Star Wars - Outbound Flight" and "Star Wars - Darklord: Rise of Darth Vader" today, since i finished the other SW book.

I will probably sign at the turnpike again today. It's helping a lot with food and I've got 1/2 the bus ticket to Canada so far.

Edit: Well, went to the corner, got chased off twice by a highway patrol car (damn he wouldn't give up after an hour). However got enough to buy food, stayed at Burger King until 9PM then went home to sleep.

Recap (Day 18)

Woke up early, set on doing my laundry. Unfortunately nature called and for the first time i had to poop in the bushes near my tent. Good thing i got toilet paper.

Took me 5 hours total to do my laundry. Partially walking to a thrift shop to buy a bike, they didn't have anything i could use.

I barely made it to the last bus of the day to get home.

Dropped off my laundry at my tent, then went to hit the turnpike with my sign from 4PM to 6PM. Got enough to go to Burger King and get 2 whooper jr. I stayed there until 9PM reading a book.

By now they know me, nobody disturbs me.

I stop by Dunkin Donuts, get my free Boston Creme while i bullshit a bit with the nice kids that work there.

I was tired, so i went home to sleep.

Day 17 (Updated)

It rained last night, sucked even more 'cause i had no flashlight.

Had thought of doing laundry, but the weather is crappy this morning, cloudy, humid and looking like it was going to rain.

Burger King, Crossaintwich, worth $2.76, delicious. Stayed there until 11:30AM and then started to walk toward library.

Returned 2 books, probably going to take 2-3 out for the weekend. Still waiting on "How to move to Canada" which should be on hold for me when it arrives.

Checked email, nothing from the consultate, or from craig's list worth mentioning. It's 4:20PM, i'm going to go and see if i can hit the turnpike again with a sign. Even if nothing comes out of it, i have enough to eat today, thank god.

Edit: Got enough change to eat at Burger King. A racoon took the food i had stored outside my tent. He was bold enough to try while i was there looking at him with a new flaslight!

PS: Dwayne saw me that night walking toward Walgreens to get the flashlight and i ended up going to Publix with him (where he was going) and got a ride back.

Recap (Day 16)

2:30AM i'm reading a book, "The stupidest Angel" also by Moore.

4:30AM, Paul is not here, I call him from a pay phone. He says he is behind and will be there at 5:30.

He shows up and drops me at Palmetto and State Road 7, with 30 papers.

Deal is, up to 45 papers free, whatever i get is mine. Over 45 we split it.

From 6AM to 9:30AM i make $10 selling papers.

He picks me up and drops me off at the gas station.

I go see Dwayne and talk a bit, it's nice to be able to hang with someone.

I'm tired and falling asleep, so i don't stay long. I go home and fall asleep.

Wake up around 2:30PM, go to Burger King, order a meal since i wanted to treat myself. I stay there until 4:30PM reading a book.

I take a new homeles sign i made back to the corner near the turnpike and work it until 6PM.

Made enough for another day.

I buy a gallon of water, yet somehow i lost my flashlight. Bleh!

I'm starting to make friends with some kids at Dunkin Donuts, i'm getting free Boston Creme donuts, my favorite.

Some nights i feel very much alone, but i've been trying to push the feeling aside by talking to god sometimes or listening to my little radio.

It's been harder to sleep in the past few days.

Recap (Day 15)

Okay, what i thought would be a crappy day, turned out to be a good one.

Woke up at 8AM and went to Burger King, to find it closed.

Walked towards the library, knowing it was closed today and tomorrow.

I was walking without purpose, just letting my feet move.

I reached the corner of State Road 7 and Glades Road (for some reason i always seem to go there often)

I meet Frank, guy selling Sun Sentinel papers. "Divorced" with a kid and a wife that sounds like mine. He's lucky, he wasn't legally married, so divorce was not an issue.

Nie guy, even called Paul, the guy who gives out the papers for me.

10mins later he shows up in his van and i'm "hired as an independent contractor"; i'm to meet him at a gas station near my home tomorrow at 4:30AM.

Cool beans, right?

Still, low on cash, i went to the corner with my homeless carboard sign. Wasn't too bad, until the highway patrol showed up. 2 cars, for one homeless.

I got grilled, ID checked, then had to explain since both cops didn't believe i was homeless (i try to keep clean).

My mistake was stepping off the meridian to accept cash from people. "Blocking traffic" seems to be the reason, oh yeah and he was very clear "step off the meridian and you're mine". Yup, clear.

I had made enough to eat today, but if i got arrested, not enough for bail.

My charm and sincerity pretty much kept me from that.

But, i was warned.

Frank calls me over, some nice family gives me a thanksgiving meal in one take-out platter. I thanked them, and Frank, then walked back toward home.

I stop by the church with the thrift shop, sit down and eat.

I decide to use my sign again near the turnpike and see Dwayne on another corner, i wave at him.

We both stop at about 5PM.

I had earned enough to cover a few days of food. However we both had been given food and water bottles during our time at our corners.

We ate pretty good, JC plays an old black and white DVD movie at the camp, i think it was "A gun for hire". I liked it, Dwayne doesn't like that kind of movies.

9PM, said goodbye to the guys and went home.

Woke up a few times, at 2AM i got dressed and went to the gas station.

Recap (Day 14)

Ok, bike gone. God giveth and god taketh away, so goes the saying.

Walked back home, well i call the tent home. Can't remember what i did wed, will update if i recall.

Day 13 (Updated)

I couldn't sleep last night. I got up and got dressed at 11:30 and walked the streets with my backpack.

I walked towards the library since i felt comfortable with that area. I could not think of what to do. The moon was out, and i thought "the eye of god is watching me, there must be a reason why I'm awake", yet i couldn't come up with any logical reason. I'd been sleeping regularly in the past few days I thought.

I end up between State Road 7 and Glades Road, looking at a bicycle. It's just leaning against the concrete bridge over a water canal. I look around and i didn't see anyone, i even look under the bridge.

"I need a bike" i thought, looking at it, with a chain wrapped around underneath the seat and a bag with 2 warm beer cans hanging from one of the handles. I stand next to it a while, hoping someone would tell me to back off, or just claim the bike. It didn't happen.

I put the bag with the beers on the ground, hop on the bike and start riding back. My guilt was heaviest half way back to my spot. I considered going back, but then thought that a druken pissed off guy may not understand and i know almost every drunk or homeless guy has a knife/boxcutter with them (i carry a knife as well).

I felt torn. Was god testing me? or was he giving me opportunity to get something i needed because someone else did not need or deserve it?

My faith in god has been renewed, but of course with that comes questions. "Am i suppose to be here? is this right? is this wrong?"...morality usually is based on the society, which is heavily influenced by religion.

What is right here, is wrong elsewhere.

I was up to 3:30 AM, reading another book "Practical demonkeeping : a comedy of horrors" (i finished the vampire book in the libray yesterday) by the same author. My goal was to stay up to 5am and catch the Sun Sentinel delivery truck to find out who to contact to sell the papers at the corner as I've seen a few homeless do. I couldn't stay awake that long, so I went to my tent and parked the bike next to it.

I woke up at around 7AM, went to Burger King, spend $2.13 for breakfast and spent a few hours reading the book. I took off a bit before 10AM because i knew the library would open soon. I parked the bike outside; i had thrown away the chain last night so i just parked it on the bike rack, if it's there when i come out, then it's god's will, if not, i'll just walk home.

So far no answer from the consulate regarding the DNI which stands for Documento National the Indentidad, roughly translated "National Document of Identity". It sure sounds important.

I didn't call to find out how to get to the Consulate which is in Miami or how to get to the Greyhound office yesterday. I'm losing my focus as I've become more worried about my financial limitations.

I posted on Craig's List asking for work, even posted asking for a place to stay, hey you never know unless you ask. You don't want to know what I'm offering, but let's say I'm not willing to be hosted by a guy, women only. I guess all the things I learned in my 20's about female anatomy will come in handy. Maybe i'm becoming too desperate to get moving forward somehow.

I've got to find out who to contact to sell the Sun Sentinal at corners, that seems to be a straight up and honest job...rather than be someone's...well...personal toy.

Reading books seem to keep my mind occupied, however my options in the area are pretty much exhausted, even with the bike i don't want to go too far from my tent. It's 4PM and I've been in the library for about 6hrs and i finished reading the book, returned it, read 2 graphic novels and about to get another book to read. I'm a Timothy Zahn fan, but i haven't read anything from him in a few years, "Star Wars - Survivor's Quest" should be a good read.

A friend offered to send me a care package, but no address, unless i figure something out, i'll ask Dwayne maybe he may have some ideas, being homeless for 3 years has made him very creative.

Hmm...just found out where my friend is at, Gainsville which is...omg 300 miles away. Hmmm, almost out of florida actually.

Am i worried, right now, yeah. God may be looking out for me, but he has another 6 billion people to look after, i can't expect him to give me a hand every single day, i got to figure something out.

Why is the consulate taking to long to answer? my first email was answered within hours, it's day 2 since i sent the second one.

I better check out the book i want, see if i still have a bike and get back home. I need to get my mind working.

Edit: Its 5PM library is closing, happy thanksgiving!

Day 12 (Updated)

Heard the same noises from the previous night, i ignored it.

Spent a few hours reading "You Suck", a book about vampires in love, it was a good comedy. I finished reading it this morning.

I went to a nearby mowing service which JC told me to check out for work. It didn't pan out. I was told by one of the bosses that business was slow and they were considering laying people off. I thanked him and went to Burger King, where I'm having my Sasuage Biscuit breakfast.

$1.07 goes a long way; yesterday i went to a few places, including 2 bagel shops looking for work. They wanted me to fill applications, i tried my best to explain that i was looking for a cash job, and was told "sorry" at every place or "we're not hiring at this time".

The insect bites are starting to annoy me a bit.

I'm at the library now, trying to think of what to do today. I know i got to call the toll free number to find out exactly how to get to the Greyhound office using local buses, Palm Tran has a help line so I'll probably get a good set of directions.

I'm not sure if I want to call the peruvian consulate, or email them. I don't have an address or phone number for them to call me back or mail anything to me. I need to think more carefully, i can't afford to blow what could be my only chance to get a legal passport.

The day is not over, I'll try to make it a productive day somehow.

Edit: Got 2 books from the library and started to read one, which actually was the prequel to "You Suck". I spent a few hours at Burger King reading it.

While i was at the library i emailed the consulate, and i got an answer. I can't get a passport without a DNI.

Email to ask if i could get it with a birth certificate.

Tonight i slept well.

Day 11

Last night i heard footsteps on the grass near my spot. I was worried, i opened the tent's door a bit and smelled beer.

I considered going out to confront whomever was out there. I put my sneakers on and came out with my flashlight, but i didn't turn it on. I was used to the darkness.

I thought "who am i to chase anyone away? i don't own this land".

I went back inside my tent as quietly as I came out. Whatever happened or didn't was in god's hands.

I still was a little worried so i didn't sleep straight through.

Today i woke up early, got dressed and decided to find and greet whomever had been nearby.

I searched and didn't find anyone. He was gone.

I'm at McD's having a sausage biscuit, no small hash browns today, i need to lose weight.

Being hungry doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

I'm going to the bagel shop, then the library to relax and learn more about Canada.

I'm also going to call a toll free number to figure out how to get to the nearest greyhound bus lines so when i have the money i can buy my ticket to Canada and find out what ID i may need to cross the border.

Edit: I need a passport to cross, I'll call the peruvian consulate tomorrow and see how long and how much it costs to get a passport.

Recap (Day 10)

I went in the morning to visit Dwayne. We spoke about religion. He is a Jehova's witness.

It was an interesting topic, even though a bit boring.

He lend me his phone to call Mr. Gong, who told me to be at the restaurant at 5:30PM, things looked good.

His cell is one of those pre-paid phones.

He also allowed me to call a dear friend of mine in North Carolina whom i had promised to call after i left Nina.

She was happy to talk to me, we spoke a while and i told her that i'd call her again in 1-2 weeks again.

I then went to the library, which was 30mins away on foot.

I had saved my old Broward library card, which made it easy for me to get a Palm Beach card. They didn't ask me for ID even though they should have, i think it was the change of shift that made it happen.

God gave me a break, again.

With the new card i was able to use the library's computers and online access. I updated my blog and made a post in my guild's forums.

I researched how much it would cost me to take a bus to Canada. $110 if i booked it at least 7 days in advance. Not much for a trip all the way to Edmonton, Alberta.

I figured a whole month of work full-time would get me to Canada, maybe less.

I spent a few hours at the library.

I showed up at work on time, happy to be there and all that was left to do was to discuss hours and pay. I wasn't greedy but i needed a full-time job.

Mr. Gong offered 25 hours a week at $6.50 per hour. The rate was satisfactory, but the hours were not. I thanked him, and he even asked me to try back in a few weeks.

The place was slow, but i thought there would be more hours.

Tomorrow i will go to the next place the haitian mentioned, a bagel store.

Right now I've caught up with it all, writing in this notebook at a Mc Donalds.

I come out of McD's and I see a sign "All positions wanted" at a bagel store next to it.

I hope i sleep well tonight.

Recap (Day 9)

Most of my clothes were dirty, not good enough to look decent if one is to ask for work.

I walked a few hours to the closest laundrymat.

The place wasn't cheap but it was nice and had 3 TV's going, i watched the Ellen Degeneres show.

On my way there i bought a 6-pack bag of socks and a pair of cheap sneakers at Wal-Mart. A well spent $15.

I took the bus back home.

I went to the camp to cut most of my beard off to look more decent, they got a large mirror there.

I changed at my tent and went to the first place the haitian had mentioned, a japanese restaurant.

The owner wanted to try me out so I worked from 5:30PM to 10PM. I got along with the staff, and tried to be nice and friendly. Everyone seemed to like me. I was to be a diswasher/cook helper, which was fine by me.

I went home happy, i had made a good impression and i had Mr. Gong's phone # (the owner) to talk to him the next day.

I slept pretty good this night.

Recap (Day 8)

I woke up early, with a plan.

Dwayne had told me a days ago that my driver's license may not have been revoked, but suspended instead.

So, i bought an all-day bus pass and headed to the DMV office closest to me.

It took a while to get there. The visit was short, my outdated city I.D. and my expired work permit closed the door practically.

It was a long shot.

Next to the DMV was a Salvation Army thrift shop, so i got a pair of jeans since the other thrift shop didn't have them (i got a 25% homeless discount!).

I then traveled to another thrift shop and got a nice backpack, i mentioned being homeless and the nice lady reduced the price from $5 to $4, every buck counts.

By the time I got back, the sun was going down.

That night i watched "Blackbeard" the mini-series on DVD at the camp with the guys. It was enjoyable.

That night i already knew what i was going to do the next day. I had met a haitian at the bus stop and i mentioned that i was looking for work and he told me about 2 places near me that may hire me for cash.

I slept most of the night.

Recap (Day 7)

Again woke up early. A nearby church had a thrift shop open. I needed another pair of pants, a backpack, a notebook, socks and a used pair of sneakers.

The shop was open from 10AM-3PM so i thought i had some time.

I tried to hang out at corners like Dwayne, hoping to score some cash. It didn't work, it felt ackward. He had warned me about the feeling.

I went to hang out with JC a bit and lost track of time.

I barely made it to the thrift shop, with just 5 minutes left to shop. I found 2 tee shirts, a simple hat and a nice sleeping bag.

They assumed it was a comforter and i didn't say anything. I walked out and was about to leave the church grounds... but my heart knew it was wrong.

I walked back to the shop and told them that it was a sleeping bag and asked if i owed them any money. They said it was ok.

Sometimes it's hard to be honest, temptation is everywhere. I'm trying my best to be an honest man.

I set up the new "bed" and then saw one of the shirts i had bought was too small.

I guess it was god's way of saying "Gotcha!", heh.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude.

That night i slept much better.

Recap (Day 6)

I woke up early, went to Burger King as i had done the previous days for the $1 breakfast menu. $2.13 was my morning budget, sometimes i had to cut it to $1.07

This time i showed up at 9AM at the camp. Dwayne was a bit surprised, but he didn't seem to mind.

There was a prospect for work and told him where it was based on the instructions i had been given saturday night by one of the comedy club employees.

Dwayne said that it was far, but i didn't care.

A job is what i needed, and it appeared that it was full time, what I needed.

I spent most of the day walking, trying to find "Backstreet Grill" and failing miserably.

Being away from my tent all day made me fear the loss of what little i had.

However i thought, "it's out of my control, i shouldn't stress over it".

I was happy to see my spot untouched.

I went to visit JC, Dwayne and Hobo after my long day. I was welcomed and even talked to JC a bit (he doesn't talk much).

Hobo has taken a liking to me and hasn't barked at me since the second time i was there.

The camp has a generator so we watched Jeopardy, the champions edition (past winners compete against eachother).

They also shared their food with me again.

I was tired so after the show i retired to my tent.

That night my cat naps were longer, i was getting used to my sleeping arrangements.

Recap (Day 5)

I woke up early, soon after sunrise. It must have been 7-8AM when I went to see Dwayne.

It is then that i found out that he wasn't a morning person, heh.

Still, he talked to me; even gave me more food. Surprisingly JC gave me a used sleeping bag and a sleeveless winter jacket. Dwayne also gave me a sweater if i got too cold at night.

He told me to move the tent because it was too exposed. "Out of sight, out of mind" he said, meaning nobody would tell me to move if they can't see me.

I decided to find a spot to move. JC gave me a rake, a machete and a hand saw to clear it (which I returned after I was done with them).

The misconception that the homeless are useless or ill equipped was seriously disproven by my new friends.

As i was clearing my new area where i would move my tent someone in a pickup truck drove right to me and asked me if the tent was mine.

I was honest and said yes.

The man was the caretaker of the property. He told me he didn't mind me being there as long as i moved the tent to a less visible spot. I explained to him that it was exaclty what i was doing.

Apparently one of his relatives is also homeless, which made him a very understanding person.

He told me to take care and left.

I spent the rest of the day setting up the tent at the new spot, however as i was finishing up it started to rain. I tried to move fast but the sleeping bag and some other things got wet.

I had no control over it, so I didn't stress about it.

It is, what it is.

I slept on carboard again that night inside the tent. I got used to listening to a small portable radio at night to pass the time. Such a small thing has brought me great joy, i love music.

Comments and Recaps

Comments are now enabled. I've got limited internet access through a library, I will try to keep things updated. I did recaps of the first few days of my adventure, more is to come. It's 3:20PM and I need to get ready to work (yes, I got a job).

Later!

Recap (Day 4)

The sun came up and i was talking to Dwayne. He gave me some advice and food. He even said I was welcome to come back.

The camp was occupied by him and an old man called J.C., and Hobo the dog.

I had decided to spend the day setting up the tent.

Pain was still all over my body, so i laid back on cardboard and took it easy in the afternoon to let the tent finish drying up.

A couple of hours later I was trying to put together the tent based on the instructions i had saved from the tent i had forgotten to take.

Some parts were broken, but i managed to put it up somewhat with what i had.

The tent was about twice as big as the one i had bought.

God really was looking out for me :)

That night i slept in the tent, it felt good to have shelter. A few hours after, it rained a bit, had i been outside on cardboard i would've gotten sick for sure.

I couldn't sleep straight through, it was more like cat naps because all i had inside the tent as bedding was cardboard.

Still, i was happy to have it.

Recap (Day 3)

I woke up at dawn and began to walk north. A couple of hours later I was taking a break in front of a storage business.

The office was not open yet so i knew nobody would be telling me to move.

Cars would go in and out, mostly ignoring me. Then a guy in a truck asked me if I was looking for work.

I jumped at the chance and said yes.

He told me to wait for him, when he came out he said that he'd be back.

He came back and apologized, he wouldn't need me and gave me two bucks for waiting. I thanked him and moved down the road.

At the corner i was holding my Canada sign, hoping I'd get a ride. I had no luck.

Then the same guy from before flags me down and calls me over across the street.

He says "there is a reason you're here man. I need you".

His name was Allen, a carpenter. He was going to build a shelf in his storage room and needed someone to help him.

Allen was a nice guy, with his own troubles. Married for seven years with kids, recovering drug addict and alcoholic he was trying to get his life together.

I told him I was going to Canada and why I was trying to get there. He sympathized with my situation.

It felt good to work again.

I think we were done at 1-2PM, he gave me enough cash to cover my food expenses a few days. Allen also gave me a cart that usually attaches to the back of a bike. I loaded my heavy backpack and I was in heaven. No more shoulder pain.

He also told me about an abandoned tent in a field near a large tower.

I thanked him for his help and walked my cart hoping that perhaps I'd have a tent to sleep in that night.

Because I didn't know the area well I asked for directions a few times nicely and ended up finding out that indeeed there was an abandoned tent.

It looked as if it had been abandoned for weeks, water inside and collapsed. I took it apart and spread it on the grass to let the sun dry it out.

Didn't take me long to find out I was in Boca Raton.

I must have walked about 20 miles in a couple of days, not fast enough. I needed to think of other options. My feet, legs and shoulders were still sore so I couldn't think of much.

That night I tried to sleep on a few large cardboard boxes i had found at the back of a Dunkin Donuts.

I tried to create a large enclosure with some space for fresh air to come in. It worked, until i realized that it cause me to sweat which combined with the cold it made me shiver.

It was late at night and it was too cold to stay asleep.

I thought of making a fire, but i didn't want to be noticed in the middle of the night on a field which i was probably tresspassing.

Before I go on, I must say I've gone through an awakening of faith, in god.

On my second night I was attacked by some kids, throwing eggs from a car, some hit me. They threatened to shoot me.

After they moved on I walked to Mc Donalds hoping to get a napkin to clean up, but it was really late at night.

Now a beautiful blonde in an expensive car comes out of the drive-through and offers me a bag of cookies, which i gratefully accepted.

On the third day a laid off wielder gave me a bag of mini-bagels.

God has been looking out for me.

This has lead me to talk to him more often, and to try and turn a new leaf.

Ok, back to the third night.

As as I was walking toward Glades Road, hoping to warm up by walking, I saw something unbelievable. A fire!!

The employees at "New York Comedy Club" had made a fire by using a large ceramic pot with wood and newspaper.

They were kind enough to share their fire. We talked a bit and they convinced me to stay in florida before going to Canada.

They mentioned a homeless camp which was close by, near the field I was sleeping at.

It was about 4:30AM when i found the camp, at first it looked abandoned, until the dog barked.

I froze, not knowing what the dog was going to do besides barking. I then slowly moved back trying to leave.

Soon after someone came out. I introduced myself to someone who was also homeless like me.

His name was Dwayne, we ended up talking for over 4 hours.

Recap (Day 2)

It had been a hard night, with only a jacket and bushes to protect me from the wind.

I woke up and realized I was across a high school. My first thought was "oh man, i need to move fast" because a guy with a huge backpack probably would be noticed.

As i moved a few blocks north it dawned on me that i was in a wealthy area.

The weight of the backpack forced me to stop to take breaks every few blocks.

I thought my luck had ran out when a patrol car stopped right in front of me as i was taking a break on some nice grass.

I told him the truth, i had left my wife and was on my way to Canada.

He ran my I.D. and found no warrants or anything that would have given him a reason to take me into custody.

Surprisingly he told me i was going in the wrong direction. The officer then told me how to get to State Road 7 which he said was a better way to go.

I thanked him and I put the backpack on quickly (too quickly) and walked back following his directions.

Now comes the funny part.

A block away I realize that the backpack is on me wrong and I can't take it off!!

My only choice was to fall on the grass on purpose to try and take it off.

Of course someone at the corner notices and tells a person who is driving by, who ends up driving to me, gets out of his car and helps me get the backpack off. I thanked him.

So who else shows up?

The officer I had just spoken to less than 10 minutes before.

A quick explanation and a grin got me sympathy and I was allowed to move on.

About an hour later I'm thirsty and two workers tell me there is a water fountain in the Municipal building nearby.

I figured since I'm not looking for trouble I'd be ok. I was half right.

The lady at the lobby pointed to the water fountain and I must have drank a lot and sat a while, because on my way out I was greeted by three police officers.

They were more thorough, more questions, checked my backpack, padded me down for weapons, ran my I.D. (twice!!) and i tried to look as harmless as possible.

I ended up getting a ride to State Road 7 in a patrol car, I guess they wanted me to move along as soon as possible.

I moved slower than the first day, my shoulders were in serious pain.

That night i slept on the cardboards again, behind a bush which was shaped in a wide "U" so nobody could see me from either direction of the street.

Recap (Day 1)

I was in such a hurry to leave that i left a lot of important things behind, like I mentioned in my previous post.

I stayed on Pine Island Road, heading north for hours. It wouldn't have been so hard if it wasn't because the backpack had at least 50 pounds in it.

Night came and i slept on two pieces of cardboard i had linked which read "Canada or Bust - God Bless You!!" hoping to get a ride that day.

My teeth were shaking so hard it was a miracle I was not discovered. My "bed" was between two large sections of bushes separating a neighborhood and Pine Island Rd.

Day 2

Last night I slept on the ground between 2 bushes freezing. Why?

Things I forgot because I was in a hurry to leave and because my backpack was full and heavy as well (at least 50 pounds):

sleeping bag
tent
light jacket
laptop power supply
a bag with all my higiene items like deodorant, shaving cream, etc.
blanket

But so far I got luck, got stoped by copes 3 times, was cleared and even gave me a ride to state road 7 and was told that it goes all the way to canada.

New plan: Hichhike my way north, its very hard to walk with the heavy backpack for hours, did it from 4pm to 3am yesterday with some breaks.

at mc donalds wifi, trying to save power, bye

I'm going

As in right6 now!

A chance

Nina's got an appointment today, I may get a chance to get out. I've been spending all day with my cat, 3 years with her since she was a kitten...man this sucks.

No break today =(

Nephew got sick and ended up having a phone session with his therapist. Nobody is leaving the house, no chance today.

Dammit, and I was all ready to go too. I'm thinking the weekend may give me a chance to leave, I hope.

174 Steps

Goggle Maps, from where I am to Alberta, Canada...no joke, 3,071 miles:

1. Head west on NW 45th St toward NW 86th Ave - 154 ft
2. Turn left at NW 86th Ave - 400 ft
3. Turn right at NW 44th St - 0.2 mi
4. Turn left at N Pine Island Rd - 0.7 mi
5. Turn right at W Oakland Park Blvd/SR-816 W - 2.8 mi
6. Continue on NW 124th Ave/N Flamingo Rd - 7.3 mi
7. Turn right at Griffin Rd/SR-818 W - 7.5 mi
8. Turn right at US-27 N - 269 mi
9. Turn left at W Silver Springs Blvd - 1.7 mi
10. Turn right at NW 27th Ave - 0.7 mi
11. Turn left at US-27 N - 22.5 mi
12. Continue straight onto W Noble Ave/US-27-ALT/US-41 Continue to follow US-27-ALT - 26.6 mi
13. Turn right at N Main St/US-19 N/US-27-ALT N/US-98 N Continue to follow US-19 N - 95.8 mi
14. Turn right to stay on US-19 N - 9.8 mi
15. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto US-19 Entering Georgia - 22.6 mi
16. Slight left at US-19 N/US-84 W Continue to follow US-19 N - 60.5 mi
17. Continue on US-82 W - 3.3 mi
18. Merge onto GA-520 W/US-82 W via the ramp to Columbus/Dawson Continue to follow GA-520 WEntering Alabama - 79.5 mi
19. Continue on US-280 W - 26.1 mi
20. Continue on Columbus Pkwy/US-431 Continue to follow Columbus Pkwy - 0.9 mi
21. Turn right at S 6th St - 0.8 mi
22. Turn left at 2nd Ave/AL-14 Continue to follow AL-14 - 2.1 mi
23. Turn right at Birmingham Hwy/US-280 W Continue to follow US-280 W - 107 mi
24. Continue on Rosedale Dr (signs for Montgomery/Homewood/US-31 S) - 0.4 mi
25. Turn right at 18th St S - 0.2 mi
26. Continue on Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S - 0.7 mi
27. Slight left at 20th St S - 1.5 mi
28. Turn left at 1st Ave N/US-11/US-78 - 499 ft
29. Turn right at 19th St N - 0.9 mi
30. Turn left at 11th Ave N - 0.2 mi
31. Turn right at 17th St N - 0.1 mi
32. Continue on 18th St N - 0.5 mi
33. Continue on 16th St N - 0.7 mi
34. Turn left at Finley Blvd - 1.4 mi
35. Slight right at Bankhead Hwy W/US-78 W Continue to follow US-78 W - 36.6 mi
36. Turn right at Oak Hill Rd - 0.7 mi
37. Turn right at AL-195 - 24.4 mi
38. Turn left at US-278 - 0.2 mi
39. Turn right at AL-195 - 10.9 mi
40. Turn right at AL-243 - 19.9 mi
41. Turn right at US-43 N - 17.1 mi
42. Turn left at US-72 W Entering Mississippi - 53.8 mi
43. Merge onto MS-2 E/US-45 N via the ramp to Selmer TN Continue to follow US-45 NEntering Tennessee - 16.7 mi
44. Turn left at US-45 N/US-64 W Continue to follow US-45 N - 38.3 mi
45. Turn right at S Church St - 0.2 mi
46. Turn left at E Chester St/US-70 W Continue to follow US-70 W - 1.6 mi
47. Continue on US-45-BYP N - 8.5 mi
48. Continue on US-45 N - 1.5 mi
49. Merge onto US-45E N via the ramp to Milan - 43.0 mi
50. Continue on Elm St/US-45E-BR - 1.9 mi
51. Turn right at TN-431/University St/US-45E-BR - 0.2 mi
52. Turn left at N Lindell St/US-45E-BR Continue to follow US-45E-BR - 4.0 mi
53. Continue straight onto TN-43 N/US-45E N - 6.1 mi
54. Turn left at US-45E - 1.6 mi
55. Continue on TN-215 N Entering Kentucky - 0.5 mi
56. Continue on Julian M Carroll Purchase Pkwy N - 1.2 mi
57. Take the ramp to Clinton/US-51/Fulton - 0.3 mi
58. Turn left at US-51 N - 36.2 mi
59. Turn left at Green St/US-51/US-60/US-62 Continue to follow US-51/US-60/US-62Entering Illinois - 4.8 mi
60. Turn right at US-51 - 4.2 mi
61. Continue on IL-3 N - 0.2 mi
62. Turn left at Old IL-3 - 1.0 mi
63. Turn right toward IL-3 - 243 ft
64. Turn left at IL-3 - 7.3 mi
65. Turn left to stay on IL-3 - 17.4 mi
66. Turn left at IL-146 Entering Missouri - 3.7 mi
67. Continue on MO-34 W - 2.2 mi
68. Slight right to stay on MO-34 W - 13.0 mi
69. Continue on MO-72 - 36.9 mi
70. Turn left to stay on MO-72 - 0.7 mi
71. Turn right at La Chance St - 472 ft
72. Turn left at N Main St - 302 ft
73. Turn right at Ct Square - 144 ft
74. Turn right at MO-72/US-67-BR - 1.5 mi
75. Slight right to merge onto US-67 N - 28.7 mi
76. Take the MO-47/MO-K exit toward Bonne Terre - 0.2 mi
77. Turn left at MO-47/MO-K Continue to follow MO-47 - 15.5 mi
78. Turn right at MO-21/MO-47 - 4.9 mi
79. Turn left at MO-47 - 20.4 mi
80. Turn left at MO-30/MO-47 - 6.2 mi
81. Sharp right at MO-47 - 1.2 mi
82. Turn left to stay on MO-47 - 6.2 mi
83. Turn left at US-50 - 0.4 mi
84. Turn right at MO-47 - 11.1 mi
85. Turn right at MO-94 - 0.7 mi
86. Continue on MO-TT - 3.6 mi
87. Turn left at MO-T - 12.5 mi
88. Turn right at S Service Rd E - 328 ft
89. Turn left at MO-W - 5.9 mi
90. Turn left at US-61 N - 90.4 mi
91. Merge onto US-61 N via the ramp to Canton - 31.2 mi
92. Continue on MO-27 Entering Iowa - 7.3 mi
93. Continue on IA-27 N - 72.7 mi
94. Take exit 80 for IA-22 - 0.3 mi
95. Turn right at IA-22 - 0.5 mi
96. Turn left at CR-W64 - 8.9 mi
97. Turn right at Oak Crest Hill Rd SE/Old Hwy 218 S Continue to follow Old Hwy 218 S - 1.5 mi
98. Continue on S Riverside Dr - 1.7 mi
99. Continue on US-6 - 19.0 mi
100. Turn right at US-151 - 8.1 mi
101. Turn left at CR-E66 - 4.1 mi
102. Turn right at CR-W24 - 4.5 mi
103. Turn left at US-218 W/US-30 W - 6.0 mi
104. Turn right at US-218 - 13.0 mi
105. Turn left to stay on US-218 - 19.8 mi
106. Turn left to stay on US-218 - 9.9 mi
107. Slight right toward Texas St - 0.2 mi
108. Turn left at Texas St - 2.4 mi
109. Turn left toward US-218 N - 121 ft
110. Turn right to merge onto US-218 N - 2.3 mi
111. Take the 1st St/Young Arena/US-63 N ramp - 0.2 mi
112. Merge onto W 1st St/US-63 N Continue to follow US-63 NEntering Minnesota - 87.0 mi
113. Continue on CR-1/N Section Ave Continue to follow CR-1 - 24.1 mi
114. Turn left at 12th St SE/US-14 W Continue to follow 12th St SE - 1.8 mi
115. Continue on Salem Rd SW - 1.6 mi
116. Continue on W Circle Dr SW - 0.3 mi
117. Continue on CR-22 - 5.8 mi
118. Turn left to merge onto US-52 N - 57.9 mi
119. Continue straight onto Courthouse Blvd/MN-55 W Continue to follow MN-55 W - 12.6 mi
120. Take the exit toward Fort Snelling - 0.4 mi
121. Merge onto Bloomington Rd - 338 ft
122. Turn right to stay on Bloomington Rd - 0.1 mi
123. Turn right at Tower Rd (signs for MN-55 E) - 0.2 mi
124. Slight right at Federal Dr - 141 ft
125. Turn right to stay on Federal Dr - 0.2 mi
126. Slight right at Minnehaha Ave - 0.4 mi
127. Continue on Hiawatha Ave/MN-55 W Continue to follow MN-55 W - 6.9 mi
128. Slight right at 7th St N/N 7th St Continue to follow 7th St N - 0.8 mi
129. Turn right at E Lyndale Ave N - 0.8 mi
130. Turn left at W Broadway Ave - 2.1 mi
131. Continue on CR-81 N - 7.2 mi
132. Slight right at US-169 N - 6.6 mi
133. Turn left at Main St - 0.6 mi
134. Take the ramp onto US-10 W/US-169 N Continue to follow US-10 W - 79.2 mi
135. Merge onto US-10 W via the ramp to Motley - 102 mi
136. Turn right at MN-34/US-59 (signs for MN-34 E/US-59 N) Continue to follow US-59 - 59.6 mi
137. Turn left to merge onto US-2 W toward Erskine Crookston - 24.0 mi
138. Turn right at CR-46 - 2.0 mi
139. Turn left at CR-11 - 7.0 mi
140. Turn right at University Ave/US-2 W Continue to follow US-2 WEntering North Dakota - 243 mi
141. Continue on US-2-BYP W/US-52-BYP W - 1.3 mi
142. Continue on US-2 W/US-52 W - 4.1 mi
143. Take the ramp onto US-52 W - 74.4 mi
144. Turn right at US-52 Entering Canada (Saskatchewan) - 7.4 mi
145. Continue straight onto HWY-39 - 121 mi
146. Turn left to stay on HWY-39 - 42.5 mi
147. Continue on HWY-301 - 13.1 mi
148. Turn left at HWY-202 - 4.6 mi
149. Slight right - 2.0 mi
150. Slight right toward HWY-42 - 0.8 mi
151. Turn left at HWY-42 - 30.0 mi
152. Turn right at HWY-367 - 14.8 mi
153. Turn right at HWY-19 - 24.0 mi
154. Turn left at HWY-44 - 8.7 mi
155. Turn left toward HWY-219 - 0.4 mi
156. Turn right at HWY-219 - 3.5 mi
157. Turn left at HWY-44 - 0.7 mi
158. Turn left to stay on HWY-44 - 13.3 mi
159. Continue on HWY-45 - 10.5 mi
160. Turn left at HWY-15/HWY-45 Continue to follow HWY-15 - 38.6 mi
161. Turn right at HWY-4 - 39.3 mi
162. Turn left at HWY-14 - 41.6 mi
163. Turn left to stay on HWY-14 Entering Alberta - 57.7 mi
164. Continue on HWY-13 - 74.2 mi
165. Turn right at HWY-870 - 18.0 mi
166. Turn left at 1 Ave/HWY-14 Continue to follow HWY-14 - 83.4 mi
167. Turn left at 23 Ave NE - 2.1 mi
168. Slight right at 23 Ave NW - 1.1 mi
169. Turn right at 50 St NW - 4.7 mi
170. Turn left at 90 Ave NW - 1.6 mi
171. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Connors Rd NW - 1.7 mi
172. Continue on McDougall Hl NW - 0.4 mi
173. McDougall Hl NW turns slightly left and becomes 100 St NW - 0.5 mi
174. Turn right at 103A Ave NW - 184 ft

Arrive at: Edmonton, AB Canada

Well at least I know which way to go, heh.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Well, take 2 of the escape scene will hopefully take place tomorrow afternoon. Stay tuned to the movie of my life...cause it feels unreal sometimes.

I think I got everything prepared and I should be able to be out of the house in 30mins or less. I've ammended my plan to include a trip to the nearest Salvation Army store for winter clothing (which I hope doesn't cost a lot).

I've been listening to Wayne Dyer CD's, between that and learning from the Dao De Jing book I believe I've grasped the basic concept of the Dao. I'm going to try to live with the Dao in mind, to go with the flow and with peace within myself.

Tomorrow is a new day, and I will try to post a few minutes before I leave.

Who knows?

Well, I added a donation button. Maybe someone wants to give me a little help. I got $40 in cash and $40 in my paypal card. $80 to make it to Canada is...well, a tight budget and odds are not quite on my side. I'd appreciate any help I can get from anyone, even if it's just $1. Thanks in advance to anyone able to help me with my trip.

Like the title reads: Who knows?

Happy Sunday and an opening...

Yesterday I had a great time at the wedding of Barry's son. A touching ceremony, a nice party afterwards. I saw what I would like to have, a normal loving relationship with good friends around.

I had 5 beers, I haven't had a beer in 6 years and I thought I would enjoy it as I did in the past. I did like the taste, but I didn't enjoy it. I don't think I will ever drink again.

My chance seems to be Wed afternoon, in 2 days I must be ready to take off in a hurry. I've uninstalled lotro today and posted in my guild's forums saying I'll be away for a while and why, the posts replying showing support has helped me calm down a bit.

I'm nervous of course, I got to get out with what little I have (which is a decent weight to carry still) and based on a friend's advice stop by a Salvation Army store and get winter clothes for the canadian weather in Alberta.

With some luck, Wed is the day. I will try to post before I leave.

Final steps...

Yesterday and today I've written my goodbye letters to everyone in the house, most are short except the one to Nina. It was hard to write them...

I will be going to Barry's son wedding tomorrow, I got a new outfit and I look good in it, I will be taking it with me so I have something to wear when I look for a job in Canada.

Monday I will be uninstalling Lord of the Rings Online and Anarchy Online, and everything else in my computer. After that day, I will take off at the first chance I get.