Woke up late (9AM), getting a bit lazy because i really don't want to hold a sign anymore.
Got dressed, and stayed at BK eating breakfast and reading until after 10AM. Decided to go straight to the library, drop off 2 books i finished and then ride to the Glades corner off 441 where i knew Frank would be.
I signed for an hour and a half with a grand total of $1.20, then some dude gives me and Frank 2 christmas cards with money in them. I thanked him and said "God bless you" (which is what i tell everyone, even those who don't give anything). That one person made my day, there was no need to get greedy.
Dal, Andy, some other homeless I know but don't remember his name and another dude which i've seen around but never was introduced to waited for the preacher to show up for food.
We joked a bit around, trying to tell Andy to stop riding his bike drunk 'cause he may get killed that way.
Food arrives, and Frank shows up for his share. We all thank the nice couple and we dig in. Today we got meatballs, vegetables, fruit, buns, corns, potatoes, cake, soup. A good free meal.
After that i went to the nearby movie teather and watched "I Legend" with Will Smith, i liked it. I figured i would treat myself to some entertainment.
I got to the library at around 5PM, and been here since. They're closing in about half an hour (today it closes at 6PM). Overall, not a bad day, thank god.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Day 51
Woke up at 8:30AM, went to BK and read a SW Book. I was at the Glades corner near the turnpike at 10AM. I signed for about 2 hours, things were very slow so i rode to the Glades corner off 441 (State Road 7).
I find that Del, Mad Mike (not the same Mike i deal with before) and Andy are there. Mad Mike on the corner where Frank is selling his papers as usual; Andy passed out from drinking and Del about to hit the north corner of 441.
There was some road work, so every corner was slow due to the detour caused by the orange cones on the road.
I waited until Del was done, then took the north corner from 12:40PM to 3PM. Didn't make much, but enough to cover for food and buying a Schick Quatro razor. I'm gonna work on getting the stuff so that January i can clean up nice, shave and get a hair cut to look for a cash job.
The job will add to my Canada fund as i kill time while my mexican friend gets ready to go with me. Every cent counts, and I will not be signing in January even if i have to eat only once a day. I will not fall into that pit that so many homeless i've seen trapped in.
I'm now at the library, just checking my mail. Some kid asked for my help regarding posting online on forums, then asked me legal advice (yeah, i'm your poor's man lawyer) about his father's finances after he passed away.
He didn't know which bank he had an account with, and all i did was use common sense and non-linear thinking. The man was over 60 years old, no elderly man wants to drive too long to make a deposit or withdrawal at his bank.
I told him to work his way out from his father's residence and comb the area after he got the death certificate which he can use to ask any bank to look up if his father had an account with them.
He asked advice about other stuff, which i was glad to answer and counsel him as best i could.
I like to help people =D
He thanked me, shaked my hand and left the library with a smile.
Mind you right now i look very much like a homeless guy, beard, long hair and all. I wonder how people will react when i get nice and clean, heh.
I find that Del, Mad Mike (not the same Mike i deal with before) and Andy are there. Mad Mike on the corner where Frank is selling his papers as usual; Andy passed out from drinking and Del about to hit the north corner of 441.
There was some road work, so every corner was slow due to the detour caused by the orange cones on the road.
I waited until Del was done, then took the north corner from 12:40PM to 3PM. Didn't make much, but enough to cover for food and buying a Schick Quatro razor. I'm gonna work on getting the stuff so that January i can clean up nice, shave and get a hair cut to look for a cash job.
The job will add to my Canada fund as i kill time while my mexican friend gets ready to go with me. Every cent counts, and I will not be signing in January even if i have to eat only once a day. I will not fall into that pit that so many homeless i've seen trapped in.
I'm now at the library, just checking my mail. Some kid asked for my help regarding posting online on forums, then asked me legal advice (yeah, i'm your poor's man lawyer) about his father's finances after he passed away.
He didn't know which bank he had an account with, and all i did was use common sense and non-linear thinking. The man was over 60 years old, no elderly man wants to drive too long to make a deposit or withdrawal at his bank.
I told him to work his way out from his father's residence and comb the area after he got the death certificate which he can use to ask any bank to look up if his father had an account with them.
He asked advice about other stuff, which i was glad to answer and counsel him as best i could.
I like to help people =D
He thanked me, shaked my hand and left the library with a smile.
Mind you right now i look very much like a homeless guy, beard, long hair and all. I wonder how people will react when i get nice and clean, heh.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Day 50
Woke up late, at 8:30AM not worried. Got my breakfast at BK and signed from 10AM to 11AM and then stopped. I made $7 and wasn't really in the mood to sign anymore, I'm really starting to dislike doing it.
At around noon I get to the library, and here i am. I was happy to be able to check my email, my new friend Giselle (from migente.com) sent me a note to get to know me better. I replied of course.
I tried to check thedarkhunters.org, which is my Lord of the Rings Online guild... and i was surprised to see this:
"FUTURE HOME OF A DOTSTER-HOSTED WEBSITE"
I was like "what the...?", completely confused. How do i keep in touch with most of my online gaming friends without the guild forums? i got to see if i can contact either Acheron or Natalya and find out what happened to our website.
I'm going to PM Acheron through the official lotro forums now.
At around noon I get to the library, and here i am. I was happy to be able to check my email, my new friend Giselle (from migente.com) sent me a note to get to know me better. I replied of course.
I tried to check thedarkhunters.org, which is my Lord of the Rings Online guild... and i was surprised to see this:
"FUTURE HOME OF A DOTSTER-HOSTED WEBSITE"
I was like "what the...?", completely confused. How do i keep in touch with most of my online gaming friends without the guild forums? i got to see if i can contact either Acheron or Natalya and find out what happened to our website.
I'm going to PM Acheron through the official lotro forums now.
Recap (Day 48)
Ah, day after christmas. Still no library today, i knew it, and wasn't too happy about it. Woke up late, 8:30AM. Went to BK for breakfast, then headed for the turnpike. I didn't intent to sign for long. Did it from 10AM to 1PM, then a short time at the Glades corner.
Didn't make much, wasn't surprised.
I guess i will have to share something now, may as well. I got a mail 2 weeks ago at my gmail email account which was in the Spam folder that caught my eye. It advertised a free site called migente.com for hispanics/latinos to socialize. I registered and for the most part a few females from nigeria tried to ask me for money after they "fell in love" with me after 2 emails... how gullible do they think men are?
After some research i find that if someone writes "email me at XXX address" it pretty much meant a nigerian (or from some other part) scam to get money out of guys.
So now I only talk to a handful of females on migente.com, being as honest as I can (saying i'm homeless is not too appealing). I'm not looking for a quick-fix, or a one-night stand either.
I'd like to have latina friends, and if anything develops before i go to Canada (which is next month) i may postpone my trip but not cancel it. I want to become a canadian citizen and be a member of that society. I have no doubts about that.
I was hoping to reach a certain amount of funds by christmas, which i didn't reach. However i think it may be enough to get a passport, the bus ticket and help me with the first month in Canada. A month is enough to find i job i think, any kind of job will do as long as it's honest.
Thanks to all those who have helped me with moral and financial support. Like i told someone, i appreciate a cent as much as a dollar, everything counts.
I spent most of today just riding around, trying to sign at a few different corners, with the same result. People spent most of their cash on christmas, and probably now just have their new year's party cash left, heh.
It is what it is.
No idea what i will do for new year's, hopefully something more normal and less dangerous that being near 3 troublemakers.
Didn't make much, wasn't surprised.
I guess i will have to share something now, may as well. I got a mail 2 weeks ago at my gmail email account which was in the Spam folder that caught my eye. It advertised a free site called migente.com for hispanics/latinos to socialize. I registered and for the most part a few females from nigeria tried to ask me for money after they "fell in love" with me after 2 emails... how gullible do they think men are?
After some research i find that if someone writes "email me at XXX address" it pretty much meant a nigerian (or from some other part) scam to get money out of guys.
So now I only talk to a handful of females on migente.com, being as honest as I can (saying i'm homeless is not too appealing). I'm not looking for a quick-fix, or a one-night stand either.
I'd like to have latina friends, and if anything develops before i go to Canada (which is next month) i may postpone my trip but not cancel it. I want to become a canadian citizen and be a member of that society. I have no doubts about that.
I was hoping to reach a certain amount of funds by christmas, which i didn't reach. However i think it may be enough to get a passport, the bus ticket and help me with the first month in Canada. A month is enough to find i job i think, any kind of job will do as long as it's honest.
Thanks to all those who have helped me with moral and financial support. Like i told someone, i appreciate a cent as much as a dollar, everything counts.
I spent most of today just riding around, trying to sign at a few different corners, with the same result. People spent most of their cash on christmas, and probably now just have their new year's party cash left, heh.
It is what it is.
No idea what i will do for new year's, hopefully something more normal and less dangerous that being near 3 troublemakers.
Recap (Day 47)
Monday morning. Christmas day. Woke up late, at around 8:30AM, but knowing that BK would be closed i knew i'd have no breakfast. I took my time to get dressed and made my way to the turnpike, and started to sign at 9:30AM. Things went rather well, so by 12:30PM i moved to the Glades corner and continued there for about an hour. I ended up getting some sandwiches from someone, breakfast was covered.
I headed over to the Mobil gas station where i knew Timmy would be. Lucky hippie, made $50 in a few minutes, a single bill from a generous lady. He made more then than i had for hours, and he didn't even had to sing with his guitar for it! But he wasn't greedy, neither was I. I had promised to give him $2 for a beer and even after he got lucky i gave him the $2, i don't like to break my word.
Rico was with him and i gave him some Hershey candy and some cookies i had been given earlier today.
Some dude in a car gave us 3 budweissers, and since it's christmas day, i was given one. Hey, it's a holiday so i drank mine. Then Timmy bought some Tilt's (alcoholic drink) for me and Rico. Yup, drank it. I ate 2 of my sandwiches, saved the other 2 for the next day.
I got a buzz, since i rarely drink the alcohol has a stronger effect on me. I decided to head to State Road 7 (also known as 441) on my bike, quite slowly. I end up meeting with some homeless dude (forgot his name) behind the Methodist Church while I was looking for Paulie to wish him a happy holiday, guy gives me a beer (#3 of the day) and we talk a bit about Sheri (the homeless that got ran over).
I get to Frank's corner, and of course he was there. Asked me to look over his stuff while he did something, 30 mins later he comes and then says he is leaving. I sign for a bit then Del asks me to give him the corner, i said no problem of course.
I leave and i'm going back towards Mobil to try and find Timmy. On the way there i find Rico and he's also looking for Timmy. We split up to see if we can find him.
I end up at the corner off Glades and Lyons in front of the National Bank. The dude who gave me the beer is there, Andy is there (a homeless i know for a bit), Joe who introduces himself and a guy and his girlfriend (and she doesn't look homeless at all).
She asks me how long i've been homeless, my name, etc. I guess the normal things a female would ask in that situation. Things were going fine. The dude who had given me a beer earlier even bought my santa hat (which i had found earlier) for $5 which was cool and shared a big bag of food someone gave him. Pies, ham, stuffing, it looked like a lot of leftovers from a christmas diner.
I digged in a bit, then the dude with a girlfriend (sorry but i really don't remember these people's names and you will find out soon why) asks me to leave, telling me "out of respect". I was confused as to what the respect part reffered but i left anyways.
I'm about to head home when i see Timmy across the street talking to Paulie, i ride over, wish Paulie a merry xmas and tell Timmy what happened. He says not to worry and to head back to the spot and hang out with them. I knew Timmy has been around a few years so I go back with him.
Things were a bit tense but it seemed ok. For a while, i even talked to Andy a bit. Joe throws down a bag of marihuana for either Andy or Timmy to roll (i had no intention to smoke that, i quit that a long time ago and wasn't about to start again. I'm drinking a Tilt Timmy had bought me. Then the same dude who had asked me to leave gives me looks that could kill. I had a bad feeling.
He gets up and his friend (the guy who had bought the santa hat from me) holds him back and i know something is wrong. He is telling me to leave, that i'm scaring his girlfriend...then i remember that she had been whispering in his ear, so that is what she was doing.
So much for holdiday spirit huh?
His friend tells me to "get the fuck out of here!" and i get up to leave. I had enough of the nonsense. These people were not drunk or high (nobody had smoked yet), they were just sober morons.
I get to my bike and Mr. Boyfriend-on-a-leash walks behind me and i can spot he has a knife on his right hand. Yup, trouble.
I had two choices. Get off the bike, pull my knife and stand my ground with the possibility of someone getting hurt (and maybe arrested) or keep riding away and let it go. It was an easy choice. I kept riding. I would gain nothing by hurting him, or standing up to him
I heard his friend screaming at Timmy and Joe trying to say that Tim was an ok guy. I didn't like leaving Timmy there, but in the position i am, i would only risk my neck for Dwayne or JC...anyone else is on their own.
One thing is taking a calculated risk by standing up to a bully trying to take a corner i got to first, another is having to face a moron with a knife at night and his friend (who may also have a weapon).
I went over to Paulie, and he said that is why he stayed away from them. He doesn't like trouble, and i can't blame him. He told me to wish JC and Hobo a merry xmas, so that is where i headed next.
I knew JC would be alone, and i was right. Dwayne would be with his sister another 2 days. I wished him a merry christmas and gave him Paulie's regards. He was watching "Master and Commander" with Russell Crowe so i stayed and watched it with him. Afterwards i told him to take care of himself and went to my tent.
I felt bad about Timmy, so i came out and headed to his camp, i found his tent and him next to it. He was ok, thank god. Timmy explained he stayed long enough to smoke a joint (heh, of course) and then was told to leave. I guess Joe kept him there as long as possible.
Rico showed up a bit later and i was glad he was ok, since apparently he went to the same spot and "the girlfriend" told him right away he had to leave.
I won't be associating with those 3 nuckleheads again, not sure about Joe tho. I know that Andy stood up for me after i left and he also stood up for Timmy.
I left their camp and went home. I couldn't read, was not in the mindset to do so, neither was i up to learn japanese (got a basic course on CD from the library), so i just listened to the radio. I ended up going to sleep at 3AM, it was hard to fall asleep, i kept my knife near me. I was not afraid of anyone trying to come for me, but i was on self defense mode for hours. Just because i don't fear death it doesn't mean i should put my guard down.
I headed over to the Mobil gas station where i knew Timmy would be. Lucky hippie, made $50 in a few minutes, a single bill from a generous lady. He made more then than i had for hours, and he didn't even had to sing with his guitar for it! But he wasn't greedy, neither was I. I had promised to give him $2 for a beer and even after he got lucky i gave him the $2, i don't like to break my word.
Rico was with him and i gave him some Hershey candy and some cookies i had been given earlier today.
Some dude in a car gave us 3 budweissers, and since it's christmas day, i was given one. Hey, it's a holiday so i drank mine. Then Timmy bought some Tilt's (alcoholic drink) for me and Rico. Yup, drank it. I ate 2 of my sandwiches, saved the other 2 for the next day.
I got a buzz, since i rarely drink the alcohol has a stronger effect on me. I decided to head to State Road 7 (also known as 441) on my bike, quite slowly. I end up meeting with some homeless dude (forgot his name) behind the Methodist Church while I was looking for Paulie to wish him a happy holiday, guy gives me a beer (#3 of the day) and we talk a bit about Sheri (the homeless that got ran over).
I get to Frank's corner, and of course he was there. Asked me to look over his stuff while he did something, 30 mins later he comes and then says he is leaving. I sign for a bit then Del asks me to give him the corner, i said no problem of course.
I leave and i'm going back towards Mobil to try and find Timmy. On the way there i find Rico and he's also looking for Timmy. We split up to see if we can find him.
I end up at the corner off Glades and Lyons in front of the National Bank. The dude who gave me the beer is there, Andy is there (a homeless i know for a bit), Joe who introduces himself and a guy and his girlfriend (and she doesn't look homeless at all).
She asks me how long i've been homeless, my name, etc. I guess the normal things a female would ask in that situation. Things were going fine. The dude who had given me a beer earlier even bought my santa hat (which i had found earlier) for $5 which was cool and shared a big bag of food someone gave him. Pies, ham, stuffing, it looked like a lot of leftovers from a christmas diner.
I digged in a bit, then the dude with a girlfriend (sorry but i really don't remember these people's names and you will find out soon why) asks me to leave, telling me "out of respect". I was confused as to what the respect part reffered but i left anyways.
I'm about to head home when i see Timmy across the street talking to Paulie, i ride over, wish Paulie a merry xmas and tell Timmy what happened. He says not to worry and to head back to the spot and hang out with them. I knew Timmy has been around a few years so I go back with him.
Things were a bit tense but it seemed ok. For a while, i even talked to Andy a bit. Joe throws down a bag of marihuana for either Andy or Timmy to roll (i had no intention to smoke that, i quit that a long time ago and wasn't about to start again. I'm drinking a Tilt Timmy had bought me. Then the same dude who had asked me to leave gives me looks that could kill. I had a bad feeling.
He gets up and his friend (the guy who had bought the santa hat from me) holds him back and i know something is wrong. He is telling me to leave, that i'm scaring his girlfriend...then i remember that she had been whispering in his ear, so that is what she was doing.
So much for holdiday spirit huh?
His friend tells me to "get the fuck out of here!" and i get up to leave. I had enough of the nonsense. These people were not drunk or high (nobody had smoked yet), they were just sober morons.
I get to my bike and Mr. Boyfriend-on-a-leash walks behind me and i can spot he has a knife on his right hand. Yup, trouble.
I had two choices. Get off the bike, pull my knife and stand my ground with the possibility of someone getting hurt (and maybe arrested) or keep riding away and let it go. It was an easy choice. I kept riding. I would gain nothing by hurting him, or standing up to him
I heard his friend screaming at Timmy and Joe trying to say that Tim was an ok guy. I didn't like leaving Timmy there, but in the position i am, i would only risk my neck for Dwayne or JC...anyone else is on their own.
One thing is taking a calculated risk by standing up to a bully trying to take a corner i got to first, another is having to face a moron with a knife at night and his friend (who may also have a weapon).
I went over to Paulie, and he said that is why he stayed away from them. He doesn't like trouble, and i can't blame him. He told me to wish JC and Hobo a merry xmas, so that is where i headed next.
I knew JC would be alone, and i was right. Dwayne would be with his sister another 2 days. I wished him a merry christmas and gave him Paulie's regards. He was watching "Master and Commander" with Russell Crowe so i stayed and watched it with him. Afterwards i told him to take care of himself and went to my tent.
I felt bad about Timmy, so i came out and headed to his camp, i found his tent and him next to it. He was ok, thank god. Timmy explained he stayed long enough to smoke a joint (heh, of course) and then was told to leave. I guess Joe kept him there as long as possible.
Rico showed up a bit later and i was glad he was ok, since apparently he went to the same spot and "the girlfriend" told him right away he had to leave.
I won't be associating with those 3 nuckleheads again, not sure about Joe tho. I know that Andy stood up for me after i left and he also stood up for Timmy.
I left their camp and went home. I couldn't read, was not in the mindset to do so, neither was i up to learn japanese (got a basic course on CD from the library), so i just listened to the radio. I ended up going to sleep at 3AM, it was hard to fall asleep, i kept my knife near me. I was not afraid of anyone trying to come for me, but i was on self defense mode for hours. Just because i don't fear death it doesn't mean i should put my guard down.
Recap (Day 46)
Sunday morning. Christmas Eve. I'm looking forward to signing, but not to the holiday itself. My first christmas being practically alone. Sure I got Dwayne and JC as neighbors (Dwayne went to his sister's), Timmy is near also...but it's not the same without my little nephew and niece.
I used to wrap all the gifts late at night christmas eve, i was the master giftwrapper. I enjoyed doing it, with my sister-in-law helping me, we'd joke around during those hours and keep our eye peeled and ears open in case one of the kids woke up to use the bathroom.
We always told them Santa would not leave anything if he was caught delivering gifts, and they always believed it so they would go to sleep at 9-10PM and stay in bed.
It was nice to see their smiling faces christmast morning, beaming with surprise.
Well I signed from 10AM to noon at the turnpike then switched to the Glades corner for about 3 hours and things went well.
BK was going to close early, at 4PM. I decided not to go there and rode to the Glades corner off State Road 7. On the way i dropped off 2 books at the library that i finished reading. Frank was at the corner, we spoke a bit and then i started to sign at his corner.
He left soon after and i started to do a bit better. I signed for about an hour and a half, then stepped out for Del (another homeless) to take the corner.
I didn't know what to do after that, since BK was close and the Library was closed as well. My two main hangout and safe places were not available.
I ended up going back to my tent around 7PM after riding around trying to figure out where to go.
Staying at home, i kept reading and then started to listen to a basic japanese course on CD i got from the library. That combined with listening to the radio kept me entertained until midnight. I tried to sleep, but i woke up a few times during the night.
I used to wrap all the gifts late at night christmas eve, i was the master giftwrapper. I enjoyed doing it, with my sister-in-law helping me, we'd joke around during those hours and keep our eye peeled and ears open in case one of the kids woke up to use the bathroom.
We always told them Santa would not leave anything if he was caught delivering gifts, and they always believed it so they would go to sleep at 9-10PM and stay in bed.
It was nice to see their smiling faces christmast morning, beaming with surprise.
Well I signed from 10AM to noon at the turnpike then switched to the Glades corner for about 3 hours and things went well.
BK was going to close early, at 4PM. I decided not to go there and rode to the Glades corner off State Road 7. On the way i dropped off 2 books at the library that i finished reading. Frank was at the corner, we spoke a bit and then i started to sign at his corner.
He left soon after and i started to do a bit better. I signed for about an hour and a half, then stepped out for Del (another homeless) to take the corner.
I didn't know what to do after that, since BK was close and the Library was closed as well. My two main hangout and safe places were not available.
I ended up going back to my tent around 7PM after riding around trying to figure out where to go.
Staying at home, i kept reading and then started to listen to a basic japanese course on CD i got from the library. That combined with listening to the radio kept me entertained until midnight. I tried to sleep, but i woke up a few times during the night.
Recap (Day 45)
Woke up early Saturday morning, ate breakfast (i'm sure you can guess where) and signed from 9:30AM to 1PM at the turnpike, then moved to the Glades corner until about 3PM.
From there i rode straight to the library. Stayed there until their closed at 5PM reading.
I didn't know what else to do besides going back to BK. I locked up my bike at BK then walked to Dunkin Donuts to get some freebies when i find Timmy is back in town, he came back a month after he left with his friend Rico.
We spoke a while and discussed Sheri's death (a homeless woman we knew who passed away a few days ago in a car accident, she walked into traffic drunk).
His tent is not far from mine, Timmy is the classic "hippie" if you can imagine. Peace, Love, Grateful Dead fan, guitarist and all around nice guy.
He even treated me to some donuts since he had a $5 gift card from the place. Got me 2 boston creme donuts (yeah, love those).
Afterwards we went to BK and talked a bit before he left. I stayed at BK reading until a bit after 10PM.
Went home, read some more then went to sleep around 11PM.
From there i rode straight to the library. Stayed there until their closed at 5PM reading.
I didn't know what else to do besides going back to BK. I locked up my bike at BK then walked to Dunkin Donuts to get some freebies when i find Timmy is back in town, he came back a month after he left with his friend Rico.
We spoke a while and discussed Sheri's death (a homeless woman we knew who passed away a few days ago in a car accident, she walked into traffic drunk).
His tent is not far from mine, Timmy is the classic "hippie" if you can imagine. Peace, Love, Grateful Dead fan, guitarist and all around nice guy.
He even treated me to some donuts since he had a $5 gift card from the place. Got me 2 boston creme donuts (yeah, love those).
Afterwards we went to BK and talked a bit before he left. I stayed at BK reading until a bit after 10PM.
Went home, read some more then went to sleep around 11PM.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Day 44
Woke up at 7:30AM, was at BK at 7:45 until a bit before 10AM.
Got to the turnpike and all was going pretty good for 30 mins, in that time i had made $10 and i was happy.
Of course the lord wanted to remind me, that this is really not meant to be my lifestyle. So what did the good lord do to get his point across?
He sends a big old nasty trooper to kick me off the corner.
I got so scared of going back to the turnpike corner because i didn't want to get arrested that i moved to the Glades corner. I signed there a while and didn't make a cent.
Got on my bike and decided to ride to Lyons and try my luck there. Was there 30 minutes and i got the same result (which explained why all 4 corners of the intersection had no homeless signing).
I got back on my bike, rode to the library, dropped off 2 books i finished reading (oh yeah Dwayne was happy i got him the book last night). I moved down to the Glades corner off State Road 7.
Frank was there (he is always there it seems) and i knew i wouldn't make much with him at the best corner. I wasn't very keen on going on either of State Road 7's meridians. Knowing that the preacher would show up soon for food, i joined a group of homeless (most which i knew) who were also waiting for the same reason behind a dumpster wall.
The preacher showed up at 12:45PM, with trays of food for everyone. It was good to eat lunch, it made me feel a bit better.
A bit after 1PM i went to the Glades corner and signed until 3PM and made $4. I tried signing at one of the other corners for 30 mins and made $2. I then went back to Frank's corner and ended up bribing him with $1 (2 newspapers he wanted to sell before leaving).
I signed until 4PM, the flow of cash had been slow, but better after Frank left. I made around 30 bucks today. Decided not to go to the bank, and went straight for the library since they close earlier today.
Well. God made a clear point, this signing is not for me. I don't like having to look behind my back for a trooper or sheriff, or the uncertain feeling of not knowing if i will make at least enough money to eat today or to put anything towards my Canadian dream.
I try to breathe deep, relax and allow myself to go with the flow. I've been thinking about continuing my life story in this blog, but haven't had much time to put my memories together. Some of my late 20's and early 30's seem like a blur sometimes.
However writting about the mistakes i made in my relationships with women and my family may allow me to remind myself not to repeat them. There are things a man won't like to admit to himself, much less on a public blog. However i feel that so far it has helped me grow a great deal as a human being and as a man.
Maybe in January when i'm no longer signing i will do it. Yeah, maybe.
Got to the turnpike and all was going pretty good for 30 mins, in that time i had made $10 and i was happy.
Of course the lord wanted to remind me, that this is really not meant to be my lifestyle. So what did the good lord do to get his point across?
He sends a big old nasty trooper to kick me off the corner.
I got so scared of going back to the turnpike corner because i didn't want to get arrested that i moved to the Glades corner. I signed there a while and didn't make a cent.
Got on my bike and decided to ride to Lyons and try my luck there. Was there 30 minutes and i got the same result (which explained why all 4 corners of the intersection had no homeless signing).
I got back on my bike, rode to the library, dropped off 2 books i finished reading (oh yeah Dwayne was happy i got him the book last night). I moved down to the Glades corner off State Road 7.
Frank was there (he is always there it seems) and i knew i wouldn't make much with him at the best corner. I wasn't very keen on going on either of State Road 7's meridians. Knowing that the preacher would show up soon for food, i joined a group of homeless (most which i knew) who were also waiting for the same reason behind a dumpster wall.
The preacher showed up at 12:45PM, with trays of food for everyone. It was good to eat lunch, it made me feel a bit better.
A bit after 1PM i went to the Glades corner and signed until 3PM and made $4. I tried signing at one of the other corners for 30 mins and made $2. I then went back to Frank's corner and ended up bribing him with $1 (2 newspapers he wanted to sell before leaving).
I signed until 4PM, the flow of cash had been slow, but better after Frank left. I made around 30 bucks today. Decided not to go to the bank, and went straight for the library since they close earlier today.
Well. God made a clear point, this signing is not for me. I don't like having to look behind my back for a trooper or sheriff, or the uncertain feeling of not knowing if i will make at least enough money to eat today or to put anything towards my Canadian dream.
I try to breathe deep, relax and allow myself to go with the flow. I've been thinking about continuing my life story in this blog, but haven't had much time to put my memories together. Some of my late 20's and early 30's seem like a blur sometimes.
However writting about the mistakes i made in my relationships with women and my family may allow me to remind myself not to repeat them. There are things a man won't like to admit to himself, much less on a public blog. However i feel that so far it has helped me grow a great deal as a human being and as a man.
Maybe in January when i'm no longer signing i will do it. Yeah, maybe.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day 43
Today i woke up late, 8AM. I got dressed quick and 10 minutes later i was eating breakfast at BK.
Mind you that i don't always order their food. When people give me food at the turnpike i save it and eat it either as/with breakfast or dinner.
At night i usually try to order a salad rather than a whopper jr.
I left BK and got to the turnpike corner at 10AM and signed until 1:30PM, then went to the Shell gas station to use the bathroom quickly.
When i returned the other corner was taken (it was empty before i went to Shell). The guy there tells me is he friends with Mike and we agree he stays for 20 mins then i can have the corner. All seemed fine.
Then Mike shows up and tells me it's his corner and to get back to my corner (the turnpike), i explained i couldn't go back because of the trooper and well... from that point things seriously deteriorated. He started with an attitude and from raising his voice he went to screaming at me, inches from my face.
God knows i don't like violence, i love peace. However if i allowed him to walk over me, even just verbally it would show a weakness which i felt that could easily spread among other homeless and i would very likely become an easy target for others to push me around.
I dealt with "Poppa Pete" last week, now i had to do the same with Mike without actually swinging at him.
It's not easy to turn a volatile situation around, but i'm not a kid and i've been in tough situations before in my life.
He kept going at it, so i had to raise the stakes to make him feel i would fight him if it came down to it, not because of the corner but because of the disrespect he was showing me publicly.
I made it clear, that i would not swing at him first, but that if there was a fight, i would certainly finish it. I even had to tell him if he wanted to "throw down" we could do it in a parking lot so we wouldn't get arrested.
I had to appear willing to fight, even tho inside i was scared, not of pain or death or anything that could happen in a real fight... i don't like violence like i said before... but i know that if someone did throw a punch, i can take it... the problem is not me getting hit, the problem i see is me beating someone because i've been in fights before in my 20's and i know that there is a place i don't want to go... a place where everything and everyone turns grey, faceless and i will go at it hard until whomever is in front of me, is down and won't get up.
I've been in that place a few times, and i consider myself lucky to not have seriously hurt anyone back then.
First i guess it was common sense which allowed me to keep myself in check once i became a husband. Now i think God has given me the strength to keep myself from going to that place i fear.
Well, back to what i was saying.
Things were loud, however i managed to use reverse psychology on him by asking him if i ever disrespected him or if i ever had put my hands on him. He mentioned something that happened last week which i don't even remember. Then is when i saw my opening, he was pissed about that and it was the foundation of his anger... so the easy way to defuse it was... to apologize and offer my hand for him to shake it. A man knows when someone apologizes in the middle of a loud arguement and offers a hand... it's likely to be sincere and not taking the hand makes the person look petty.
He took my hand and shook it, from there the emotions went down. He calmed down and i lowered my voice to a normal tone.
Within 10 minutes we were talking normal, and we started to agree on many things. How we get kicked off corners and slowly the conversation turned from volatile to friendly. In the end Mike even hugged me as he apologized again for screaming at me!
Being homeless may look like an easy life, but there are hidden dangers in the lifestyle that normal people don't see.
Other homeless are the #1 problem, #2 local authorities like the Sheriffs and Troopers that can give you tickets and even arrest you (but at least they won't throw a punch at you), #3 are those people who hate homeless and scream at you or insult you verbally which you don't know if they will come back to do real damage to you (anyone can throw a rock or something else from a moving car and it can hurt you or kill you).
Every time at night when i ride back to my tent i look around, try to listen for footsteps in the grass or anything that would give me a clue that someone may be near me or my tent. I always open my tent and check inside with my flashlight before i go in.
Things that i've never mentioned in the blog because for a normal person it may appear to be paranoid behavior. But you don't know how many times i have to look behind my back, looking out if a Trooper is coming, or a Sheriff or if someone is following me to rob me since... well, never heard of the police being concerned about a homeless guy getting robbed, have you? their priority are the normal people, those with an address, tax paying residents/citizens that pay their salaries.
After it was all said and done, i rode to Lyons and Glades. I got there at 2:10PM (the incident with Mike took a while to resolve) and signed for about 30 minutes in the rain... made 35 cents (yes, cents). Clearly god didn't want me to sign for the rest of the day, heh.
I deposited the little money i had made today in the bank.
I got to the library at 3PM. I'll be taking out the book "Confessor" for Dwayne, he had asked me to get it for him last time we spoke. I'd forgotten the title of the book and had to google a bit to find it since i knew it was a fantasy book. We have that in common, we're science fiction/fantasy readers.
A graphic novel caught my eye, as well as another Star Wars book by Timothy Zahn (a new book it seems), and i will be taking them also.
My library card has helped me cope with the fact that i'm alone.
Well, i'm not really alone. Physically yes. It's just me and the world. I know i have a good number of online friends out there supporting me emotionally and some even helping me a bit financially through these tough times.
But still...going to my tent, in the night and having nobody to say hello to, nobody to ask "how was your day?", nobody to call and just plan to hang out or go watch a movie... you know, normal everyday stuff... it's not easy.
I've adapted faster than i thought, learned the ropes, the do's and dont's of being homeless. But this is certainly not a lifestyle i wish to stay in, not by a long shot my friends.
I rather have 7 layers of clothing, cold in Canada working, doing anything legitimate rather than stand at a corner with a sign depending on others to help me.
However right now, the fact is, i make more money signing. After december i know (from what Dwayne told me) that the influx of cash even at the turnpike decreases significantly so January (if i have to stay another month, hopefully not) i would have to get a regular job, probably as a dishwasher at the japanese restaurant.
I've been thinking of what i have planned, and how to deal with contingencies, like "what if i can't get a passport in a day? what if they want an address to send it to?", i need to plan things out to anticipate the possible problems before they exist.
Maybe Luis (yes, that is the name of the mexican that wants to go with me, we have the same name) could lend me his address so he could receive my passport. I will mention it to him in January, not now, it's not something that has to be discussed, yet.
Wow, this is one of the longest blog entries so far. Probably because i didn't write it on my notebook; i'm going straight from memory and how i'm feeling right now. It's 5:30PM, early still.
I will stay until 8:30PM i think, reading and then hit BK until 10PM or so, swing by Dwayne's and leave him the book at his doorstep as a surprise. I trust that he will be able to read it within the 2 weeks i'm allowed to borrow it.
Mind you that i don't always order their food. When people give me food at the turnpike i save it and eat it either as/with breakfast or dinner.
At night i usually try to order a salad rather than a whopper jr.
I left BK and got to the turnpike corner at 10AM and signed until 1:30PM, then went to the Shell gas station to use the bathroom quickly.
When i returned the other corner was taken (it was empty before i went to Shell). The guy there tells me is he friends with Mike and we agree he stays for 20 mins then i can have the corner. All seemed fine.
Then Mike shows up and tells me it's his corner and to get back to my corner (the turnpike), i explained i couldn't go back because of the trooper and well... from that point things seriously deteriorated. He started with an attitude and from raising his voice he went to screaming at me, inches from my face.
God knows i don't like violence, i love peace. However if i allowed him to walk over me, even just verbally it would show a weakness which i felt that could easily spread among other homeless and i would very likely become an easy target for others to push me around.
I dealt with "Poppa Pete" last week, now i had to do the same with Mike without actually swinging at him.
It's not easy to turn a volatile situation around, but i'm not a kid and i've been in tough situations before in my life.
He kept going at it, so i had to raise the stakes to make him feel i would fight him if it came down to it, not because of the corner but because of the disrespect he was showing me publicly.
I made it clear, that i would not swing at him first, but that if there was a fight, i would certainly finish it. I even had to tell him if he wanted to "throw down" we could do it in a parking lot so we wouldn't get arrested.
I had to appear willing to fight, even tho inside i was scared, not of pain or death or anything that could happen in a real fight... i don't like violence like i said before... but i know that if someone did throw a punch, i can take it... the problem is not me getting hit, the problem i see is me beating someone because i've been in fights before in my 20's and i know that there is a place i don't want to go... a place where everything and everyone turns grey, faceless and i will go at it hard until whomever is in front of me, is down and won't get up.
I've been in that place a few times, and i consider myself lucky to not have seriously hurt anyone back then.
First i guess it was common sense which allowed me to keep myself in check once i became a husband. Now i think God has given me the strength to keep myself from going to that place i fear.
Well, back to what i was saying.
Things were loud, however i managed to use reverse psychology on him by asking him if i ever disrespected him or if i ever had put my hands on him. He mentioned something that happened last week which i don't even remember. Then is when i saw my opening, he was pissed about that and it was the foundation of his anger... so the easy way to defuse it was... to apologize and offer my hand for him to shake it. A man knows when someone apologizes in the middle of a loud arguement and offers a hand... it's likely to be sincere and not taking the hand makes the person look petty.
He took my hand and shook it, from there the emotions went down. He calmed down and i lowered my voice to a normal tone.
Within 10 minutes we were talking normal, and we started to agree on many things. How we get kicked off corners and slowly the conversation turned from volatile to friendly. In the end Mike even hugged me as he apologized again for screaming at me!
Being homeless may look like an easy life, but there are hidden dangers in the lifestyle that normal people don't see.
Other homeless are the #1 problem, #2 local authorities like the Sheriffs and Troopers that can give you tickets and even arrest you (but at least they won't throw a punch at you), #3 are those people who hate homeless and scream at you or insult you verbally which you don't know if they will come back to do real damage to you (anyone can throw a rock or something else from a moving car and it can hurt you or kill you).
Every time at night when i ride back to my tent i look around, try to listen for footsteps in the grass or anything that would give me a clue that someone may be near me or my tent. I always open my tent and check inside with my flashlight before i go in.
Things that i've never mentioned in the blog because for a normal person it may appear to be paranoid behavior. But you don't know how many times i have to look behind my back, looking out if a Trooper is coming, or a Sheriff or if someone is following me to rob me since... well, never heard of the police being concerned about a homeless guy getting robbed, have you? their priority are the normal people, those with an address, tax paying residents/citizens that pay their salaries.
After it was all said and done, i rode to Lyons and Glades. I got there at 2:10PM (the incident with Mike took a while to resolve) and signed for about 30 minutes in the rain... made 35 cents (yes, cents). Clearly god didn't want me to sign for the rest of the day, heh.
I deposited the little money i had made today in the bank.
I got to the library at 3PM. I'll be taking out the book "Confessor" for Dwayne, he had asked me to get it for him last time we spoke. I'd forgotten the title of the book and had to google a bit to find it since i knew it was a fantasy book. We have that in common, we're science fiction/fantasy readers.
A graphic novel caught my eye, as well as another Star Wars book by Timothy Zahn (a new book it seems), and i will be taking them also.
My library card has helped me cope with the fact that i'm alone.
Well, i'm not really alone. Physically yes. It's just me and the world. I know i have a good number of online friends out there supporting me emotionally and some even helping me a bit financially through these tough times.
But still...going to my tent, in the night and having nobody to say hello to, nobody to ask "how was your day?", nobody to call and just plan to hang out or go watch a movie... you know, normal everyday stuff... it's not easy.
I've adapted faster than i thought, learned the ropes, the do's and dont's of being homeless. But this is certainly not a lifestyle i wish to stay in, not by a long shot my friends.
I rather have 7 layers of clothing, cold in Canada working, doing anything legitimate rather than stand at a corner with a sign depending on others to help me.
However right now, the fact is, i make more money signing. After december i know (from what Dwayne told me) that the influx of cash even at the turnpike decreases significantly so January (if i have to stay another month, hopefully not) i would have to get a regular job, probably as a dishwasher at the japanese restaurant.
I've been thinking of what i have planned, and how to deal with contingencies, like "what if i can't get a passport in a day? what if they want an address to send it to?", i need to plan things out to anticipate the possible problems before they exist.
Maybe Luis (yes, that is the name of the mexican that wants to go with me, we have the same name) could lend me his address so he could receive my passport. I will mention it to him in January, not now, it's not something that has to be discussed, yet.
Wow, this is one of the longest blog entries so far. Probably because i didn't write it on my notebook; i'm going straight from memory and how i'm feeling right now. It's 5:30PM, early still.
I will stay until 8:30PM i think, reading and then hit BK until 10PM or so, swing by Dwayne's and leave him the book at his doorstep as a surprise. I trust that he will be able to read it within the 2 weeks i'm allowed to borrow it.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Day 42
Woke up at 7AM, was at BK at 7:30. I got a plan today.
Twice the trooper got me around 3PM, so...i will eat breakfast and start at 10AM and then stop before 2PM and switch to a different corner. That should work, otherwise...a ticket or an arrest, which i can't afford either way.
Signed from 10AM to 1:30PM at the turnpike corner. 2 people had given me food so i sat on the grass near the Department of Transportation building and ate lunch. At 2PM i went to the other corner (on Glades Road) and signed until 3PM. He showed up at around 2:30PM, probably looking to catch me at the turnpike.
I hit the library and here i am, reading graphic novels, checking my email, my guild's forums and whatnot. I made less money today of course, but no ticket for me today!
I got to see the bright side of it.
Library closes in 30 minutes so i will give a quick THANK YOU to the people who are helping me out by donating towards my trip to Canada. It doesn't go unnoticed, or unappreciated. I'm happy to see that even away from my friends they still give me a hand. You have not idea how touched i am when someone who i haven't met in person reaches out and helps me get a bit closer to getting my life back together. Dammit my eyes are teary and i don't need people to think i'm going nuts at the library.
Well, you know what i mean.
I wonder if i can find a white cat in Edmonton once i'm settled... I've got this image in my head of having a white cat called "Snowflake" for some reason and i can't get it out of my head for months.
Well, may as well end the blog on a good note.
God bless you all.
Twice the trooper got me around 3PM, so...i will eat breakfast and start at 10AM and then stop before 2PM and switch to a different corner. That should work, otherwise...a ticket or an arrest, which i can't afford either way.
Signed from 10AM to 1:30PM at the turnpike corner. 2 people had given me food so i sat on the grass near the Department of Transportation building and ate lunch. At 2PM i went to the other corner (on Glades Road) and signed until 3PM. He showed up at around 2:30PM, probably looking to catch me at the turnpike.
I hit the library and here i am, reading graphic novels, checking my email, my guild's forums and whatnot. I made less money today of course, but no ticket for me today!
I got to see the bright side of it.
Library closes in 30 minutes so i will give a quick THANK YOU to the people who are helping me out by donating towards my trip to Canada. It doesn't go unnoticed, or unappreciated. I'm happy to see that even away from my friends they still give me a hand. You have not idea how touched i am when someone who i haven't met in person reaches out and helps me get a bit closer to getting my life back together. Dammit my eyes are teary and i don't need people to think i'm going nuts at the library.
Well, you know what i mean.
I wonder if i can find a white cat in Edmonton once i'm settled... I've got this image in my head of having a white cat called "Snowflake" for some reason and i can't get it out of my head for months.
Well, may as well end the blog on a good note.
God bless you all.
Recap (Day 41)
My day was doing ok even when things being slow at the turnpike.
A little after 3PM (i was going to stop at 3:30PM) the same trooper that gave me the ticket last monday... gives me another one!!
I tried to charm him (was a waste of breath), even begged him to let me just go.
Nope. $48.50 out the window. That pretty much killed my day.
But i kept my anger in check and didn't say anything else to the officer.
I was going to go and see Dwayne and JC but after what happened i wasn't in the mood to be social. Rode to the library and on the way i cursed and then ask for god to forgive me for allowing my anger to get a hold of me.
I stayed at the library until almost 9PM reading for the most part.
Right before going into BK i decided to hit Dunkin Donuts to get me some free donuts from the guys (i needed the pick-me-up) and Dwayne saw me and we talked a bit.
The same officer that has given me 2 tickets, never gave him a single ticket (except warnings which are free of charge) for all the months he was signing at the same corner. He told he "he has it in for you man" so now i gotta watch my back.
I hot BK at about 9:30PM and stayed until 10:15PM eating a salad and reading.
My ride home was a bit grim, i was felling down. I got home and read until midnight, then went to sleep.
A little after 3PM (i was going to stop at 3:30PM) the same trooper that gave me the ticket last monday... gives me another one!!
I tried to charm him (was a waste of breath), even begged him to let me just go.
Nope. $48.50 out the window. That pretty much killed my day.
But i kept my anger in check and didn't say anything else to the officer.
I was going to go and see Dwayne and JC but after what happened i wasn't in the mood to be social. Rode to the library and on the way i cursed and then ask for god to forgive me for allowing my anger to get a hold of me.
I stayed at the library until almost 9PM reading for the most part.
Right before going into BK i decided to hit Dunkin Donuts to get me some free donuts from the guys (i needed the pick-me-up) and Dwayne saw me and we talked a bit.
The same officer that has given me 2 tickets, never gave him a single ticket (except warnings which are free of charge) for all the months he was signing at the same corner. He told he "he has it in for you man" so now i gotta watch my back.
I hot BK at about 9:30PM and stayed until 10:15PM eating a salad and reading.
My ride home was a bit grim, i was felling down. I got home and read until midnight, then went to sleep.
Recap (Day 40)
Woke up early, ate breakfast at BK, went to sign from 10AM to 3PM without a problem.
All is well in the world, well... my small world.
Rode to the library and stayed there doing the usual until 9PM.
Hit BK and talked to Mark a bit. Craig is getting fired for ignoring him on his last day before going on vacation. Bad move on his part. Craig is a funny guy, but not too mature.
Left BK a bit after 10PM (they left me stay even after they officially close the doors).
Read at home, went to sleep at about 11PM.
All is well in the world, well... my small world.
Rode to the library and stayed there doing the usual until 9PM.
Hit BK and talked to Mark a bit. Craig is getting fired for ignoring him on his last day before going on vacation. Bad move on his part. Craig is a funny guy, but not too mature.
Left BK a bit after 10PM (they left me stay even after they officially close the doors).
Read at home, went to sleep at about 11PM.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Recap (Day 39)
I was up at around 8AM, rode to BK and was there at 8:30AM.
Had breakfast and listened to the radio a while. Afterwards i read a book until 10AM.
I got to the turnpike in a few minutes, by 10:30AM i realized the corner was dead.
I rode to Lyons and Glades and signed at the west corner for an hour, making $7 bucks. Not much but when it started to rain i saw it as god's signal to stop and i did.
I got on my bike and arrived at the library at 11:30AM. I waited outside, continuing to read the book until noon (the time they open sundays).
I returned a book and was careful since today the security guard was not the usual elderly man but the very aware (and strict) female in her 40's.
It took me over 20 mins to take my "shower" in the bathroom, stopping every time someone entered the men's room.
I entered the library fresh and clean.
I checked my email, posted on my guild's forum and completely forgot to update my blog. I read in between the computer use (which requires reservations with my library card).
Just befoore they would close (at 5PM), i left and by 5:30PM i was at BK, reading.
Dwayne and Herb (another homeless) came in to eat and we conversed a bit.
Before he left i asked him when was his next day off. He said tuesday and told him I'd see him then.
It's 9:30PM now, staying at BK 4 hours reading to pass the time may seem like a waste of time, but what else can a homeless guy do on a Sunday?
I can't wait for January, so i can shave, get a haircut and get my passport so I can move on with my life.
Almost forgot, a mexican that works at BK wants to go to Canada with me.
He's an older guy, nice fellow. But he doesn't speak english much. I'm not sure if it would be wise for us to travel together.
I'm trying to figure out what to do about that situation.
Oh well, with god's blessing maybe we could make it.
I'm gonna read some more, then go home, listen to music and then sleep.
Had breakfast and listened to the radio a while. Afterwards i read a book until 10AM.
I got to the turnpike in a few minutes, by 10:30AM i realized the corner was dead.
I rode to Lyons and Glades and signed at the west corner for an hour, making $7 bucks. Not much but when it started to rain i saw it as god's signal to stop and i did.
I got on my bike and arrived at the library at 11:30AM. I waited outside, continuing to read the book until noon (the time they open sundays).
I returned a book and was careful since today the security guard was not the usual elderly man but the very aware (and strict) female in her 40's.
It took me over 20 mins to take my "shower" in the bathroom, stopping every time someone entered the men's room.
I entered the library fresh and clean.
I checked my email, posted on my guild's forum and completely forgot to update my blog. I read in between the computer use (which requires reservations with my library card).
Just befoore they would close (at 5PM), i left and by 5:30PM i was at BK, reading.
Dwayne and Herb (another homeless) came in to eat and we conversed a bit.
Before he left i asked him when was his next day off. He said tuesday and told him I'd see him then.
It's 9:30PM now, staying at BK 4 hours reading to pass the time may seem like a waste of time, but what else can a homeless guy do on a Sunday?
I can't wait for January, so i can shave, get a haircut and get my passport so I can move on with my life.
Almost forgot, a mexican that works at BK wants to go to Canada with me.
He's an older guy, nice fellow. But he doesn't speak english much. I'm not sure if it would be wise for us to travel together.
I'm trying to figure out what to do about that situation.
Oh well, with god's blessing maybe we could make it.
I'm gonna read some more, then go home, listen to music and then sleep.
Recap (Day 38)
Woke up at 8AM, got dressed and was at BK by 8:30AM.
It rained last night and earlier today. It's cloudy right now, it hope it clears up by 10AM.
I'm hoping "Poppa Pete" doesn't show up, i would like to avoid problems today.
With all the rain, humidity and heat combined I'm surprised i haven't gotten sick yet. Dwayne told me weeks ago that he got less sick after becoming homeless. Sorta weird, 'cause i usually get a cold quite easily.
I'm seriously considering signing sunday, probably half a day.
It rained last night and earlier today. It's cloudy right now, it hope it clears up by 10AM.
I'm hoping "Poppa Pete" doesn't show up, i would like to avoid problems today.
With all the rain, humidity and heat combined I'm surprised i haven't gotten sick yet. Dwayne told me weeks ago that he got less sick after becoming homeless. Sorta weird, 'cause i usually get a cold quite easily.
I'm seriously considering signing sunday, probably half a day.
Recap (Day 37)
When i left the library last night, i noticed it had rained the time i had been inside.
My bike (and more important: the seat) was wet and my sign ruined. I had to throw it away.
Rode to BK and ended up with a wet butt (which wasn't pleasant).
Mark (night shift manager) and Craig (a handicapped nice guy) were at BK, we joked around a bit. It's good to have aquaintances, specially when they are the ones that serve you food.
At 10PM i rode home.
What happens to a homeless guy in the rain? imagine a big wet dog, that is how i smelled and felt, bleh!
The rain came back soon after i got into my tent. I tried to read the SW book to keep myself distracted from all the humidity.
I couldn't read for too long and tried to listen to music to help me fall asleep. It helped a bit, i don't remember at what time i went to sleep.
Today i woke up at 7AM, got dressed and was on my bike (with my ass not touching the seat) and at BK by 7:30AM.
The sky is cloudy and the radio gives a 30% chance of more rain today, which would kill my signing time for sure.
It's 9AM now, sky cleared up, maybe i will get lucky and not have to deal with rain again. I will accept god's will on whatever happens, after all i don't have control over the weather, heh.
I've been reading the SW book meanwhile, and when i arrived i joked around with the morning staff, they heard of Craig's and the sign i had made for him "Homeless Personal Assistant & Juggler" which he had asked me to make him, we had a good laugh last night and today about it.
I will probably go to the turnpike around 10AM.
Started signing just a bit before 10AM, things went pretty good until around 1PM. Things slowed down at that time, when all of a sudden a green car flies out of the turnpike and makes a turn into the Shell gas station with the left rear tire blown to shreads!!
I thought "it's dead right now, god has a reason to put me here... i'm gonna go help them".
And i did. 2 christian guys who had driven last night in the rain with a flat tire and today 2 miles after the tire blew (they were lucky not to get killed).
Took about 30 mins for me to change the tire (the spare had a hole and i had to fix that too). They gave me $20 and a prayer.
It was nice to know that i can still help someone even in the position i am.
"Poppa Pete" tried to push me off the corner with the excuse of "respect" and his partner (an elderly man with a cane) being older than me.
I stood my ground, told him to lower his voice and not disrespect me. He got the point, but i did give the old man 40 mins at the corner, it was my choice, not Pete's.
Later on he tried to bully me again, and i pushed back verbally making sure he knew that i was not going to let him push me around. He cracked a joke to end the disagreement and to end it i laughed.
I finished signing at 4PM, rode to BK to count my cash quick (and made the mistake of telling Craig how much i had made), then rode to the bank and deposited most of it.
Got to the library at 4:30PM and will stay here until 6PM when they close.
After that i will go to BK and tell Craig i was kidding with him. I don't need anyone to know how good (or bad) an income i make, specially locals. I need to be more careful.
I don't have much saved, but what little i have should be something private.
I'm sure you can guess what i will do the rest of the night.
Considering xmas is getting closer, i may work sunday, i'm not sure yet.
My bike (and more important: the seat) was wet and my sign ruined. I had to throw it away.
Rode to BK and ended up with a wet butt (which wasn't pleasant).
Mark (night shift manager) and Craig (a handicapped nice guy) were at BK, we joked around a bit. It's good to have aquaintances, specially when they are the ones that serve you food.
At 10PM i rode home.
What happens to a homeless guy in the rain? imagine a big wet dog, that is how i smelled and felt, bleh!
The rain came back soon after i got into my tent. I tried to read the SW book to keep myself distracted from all the humidity.
I couldn't read for too long and tried to listen to music to help me fall asleep. It helped a bit, i don't remember at what time i went to sleep.
Today i woke up at 7AM, got dressed and was on my bike (with my ass not touching the seat) and at BK by 7:30AM.
The sky is cloudy and the radio gives a 30% chance of more rain today, which would kill my signing time for sure.
It's 9AM now, sky cleared up, maybe i will get lucky and not have to deal with rain again. I will accept god's will on whatever happens, after all i don't have control over the weather, heh.
I've been reading the SW book meanwhile, and when i arrived i joked around with the morning staff, they heard of Craig's and the sign i had made for him "Homeless Personal Assistant & Juggler" which he had asked me to make him, we had a good laugh last night and today about it.
I will probably go to the turnpike around 10AM.
Started signing just a bit before 10AM, things went pretty good until around 1PM. Things slowed down at that time, when all of a sudden a green car flies out of the turnpike and makes a turn into the Shell gas station with the left rear tire blown to shreads!!
I thought "it's dead right now, god has a reason to put me here... i'm gonna go help them".
And i did. 2 christian guys who had driven last night in the rain with a flat tire and today 2 miles after the tire blew (they were lucky not to get killed).
Took about 30 mins for me to change the tire (the spare had a hole and i had to fix that too). They gave me $20 and a prayer.
It was nice to know that i can still help someone even in the position i am.
"Poppa Pete" tried to push me off the corner with the excuse of "respect" and his partner (an elderly man with a cane) being older than me.
I stood my ground, told him to lower his voice and not disrespect me. He got the point, but i did give the old man 40 mins at the corner, it was my choice, not Pete's.
Later on he tried to bully me again, and i pushed back verbally making sure he knew that i was not going to let him push me around. He cracked a joke to end the disagreement and to end it i laughed.
I finished signing at 4PM, rode to BK to count my cash quick (and made the mistake of telling Craig how much i had made), then rode to the bank and deposited most of it.
Got to the library at 4:30PM and will stay here until 6PM when they close.
After that i will go to BK and tell Craig i was kidding with him. I don't need anyone to know how good (or bad) an income i make, specially locals. I need to be more careful.
I don't have much saved, but what little i have should be something private.
I'm sure you can guess what i will do the rest of the night.
Considering xmas is getting closer, i may work sunday, i'm not sure yet.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Quick Thanks!
I got to the library just in time to post in my guild's website, check my mail and post here.
I'd like to thank everyone who has donated towards my trip, I'm very touched by the moral and now financial support from online friends.
Things are a bit rough these days, but once I'm in Canada i hope i will be able to be more active online, have the chance to have my own phone (or cell) so i can call and reach out to all the good people who are helping me now.
All this shows me that what i've been recently considering after my arrival in Canada is the right choice. Once i'm settled in Edmonton, i intend to volunteer to a non-profit organization there that helps the homeless.
Just as i get help, i should also help others when i have the chance to do so.
Library is closing in 20 mins.
One again, thanks to everyone who has donated towards my trip to Canada, it means a lot to me.
Sincerely
Luis
I'd like to thank everyone who has donated towards my trip, I'm very touched by the moral and now financial support from online friends.
Things are a bit rough these days, but once I'm in Canada i hope i will be able to be more active online, have the chance to have my own phone (or cell) so i can call and reach out to all the good people who are helping me now.
All this shows me that what i've been recently considering after my arrival in Canada is the right choice. Once i'm settled in Edmonton, i intend to volunteer to a non-profit organization there that helps the homeless.
Just as i get help, i should also help others when i have the chance to do so.
Library is closing in 20 mins.
One again, thanks to everyone who has donated towards my trip to Canada, it means a lot to me.
Sincerely
Luis
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Day 36 (Updated)
My research last night about being a Shyness Coach has got my attention.
At 9PM i left the library and did my normal routine.
Woke up today at 8AM, was at BK by 8:30AM (after i dug up all my savings). Ate breakfast, then rode to the bank and arrived exactly at 9AM as they opened the doors.
Deposited all i had saved. I'm now relieved of the stress of having to hide cash.
Went to the turnpike very early. I was at the corner at 9:30AM to beat "Poppa Pete" to it. He never showed up.
I signed even when it rained. By 3PM i had made enough, so i got on my bike and rode to the bank to deposit what i had.
From there a quick ride to the library, which is closer from the bank.
Been here since. Checking my email, posting in my guild's forums, answering PM's. A somewhat normal online life, almost.
Going to read "I, Jedi", a SW book i got recently.
Edit: Thanks to those who donated to my trip, thank you VERY much, it does help a lot towards my Canadian goal.
At 9PM i left the library and did my normal routine.
Woke up today at 8AM, was at BK by 8:30AM (after i dug up all my savings). Ate breakfast, then rode to the bank and arrived exactly at 9AM as they opened the doors.
Deposited all i had saved. I'm now relieved of the stress of having to hide cash.
Went to the turnpike very early. I was at the corner at 9:30AM to beat "Poppa Pete" to it. He never showed up.
I signed even when it rained. By 3PM i had made enough, so i got on my bike and rode to the bank to deposit what i had.
From there a quick ride to the library, which is closer from the bank.
Been here since. Checking my email, posting in my guild's forums, answering PM's. A somewhat normal online life, almost.
Going to read "I, Jedi", a SW book i got recently.
Edit: Thanks to those who donated to my trip, thank you VERY much, it does help a lot towards my Canadian goal.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 35
Woke up at around 8AM, got dressed and went to BK for breakfast.
Thus far i've narrowed down my career choices to: Newborn or Pet Photographer, Shyness Coach, Victim Assistant and Virtual Assistant. I like to help people.
Left BK at 10:30AM to find "Poppa Pete" at the turnpike corner.
I just turned around and headed to Lyons & Glades, but i found that there was work being done (orange cones all over the meridians).
Not having much of a choice i rode west and saw Frank selling papers at the Glades/State Road 7 corner.
We spoke a bit. Sadly he is making $20 for 8 hours of work selling the Sun Sentinels Mon-Sat and makes $50 or so Sundays.
He told me about a preacher that gives food Mondays, Wendsdays and Fridays at a nearby parking lot between 11:30AM and 12:30PM.
At about 12:45PM they showed up, Frank introduced me and i thanked them as i got a free meal.
I signed a bit at Frank's corner, got a small box of cereal... well it was something.
Riding back towards the turnpike i saw a bank, the one in which i used to have a checking account that Nina (my wife, hopefully ex-wife by now) had emptied and overdrawn years ago.
I figured enough years may have passed by.
Guess what?
With my old city ID, my invalid social security # and a few bucks... i got a checking account!!
The guy helping me get the account even made sure i didnt get anything at my address (had to come up with a story of having a live-in girlfriend that spent all the money she could see... well Nina did that so it was half a lie). The branch will have my banking card and 150 free checks within 10 days. I even convinced him not to call my phone # (which was fake anyways) because if my "girlfriend" saw the number of a bank i "may be questioned", he understood and made sure i was not called either.
Tomorrow I will dig up what little i've saved, go to the branch and deposit it. This certainly will make me feel more safe about my Canada trip funds.
I didn't like that i had to deceive a nice guy, but i don't think they would give a checking account to a homeless peruvian.
I got to the turnpike at 3:30PM and "Poppa Pete" was still there, told me he would stay one more hour then leave.
I signed at the other corner, made $7 during that hour. When he left at 4:30PM i moved over and made $5 in half an hour.
At 5PM i got on my bike and rode to the library.
Updated my notebook, then the blog. It's almost 7PM now and i'll be researching more about being a Shyness Coach.
Thus far i've narrowed down my career choices to: Newborn or Pet Photographer, Shyness Coach, Victim Assistant and Virtual Assistant. I like to help people.
Left BK at 10:30AM to find "Poppa Pete" at the turnpike corner.
I just turned around and headed to Lyons & Glades, but i found that there was work being done (orange cones all over the meridians).
Not having much of a choice i rode west and saw Frank selling papers at the Glades/State Road 7 corner.
We spoke a bit. Sadly he is making $20 for 8 hours of work selling the Sun Sentinels Mon-Sat and makes $50 or so Sundays.
He told me about a preacher that gives food Mondays, Wendsdays and Fridays at a nearby parking lot between 11:30AM and 12:30PM.
At about 12:45PM they showed up, Frank introduced me and i thanked them as i got a free meal.
I signed a bit at Frank's corner, got a small box of cereal... well it was something.
Riding back towards the turnpike i saw a bank, the one in which i used to have a checking account that Nina (my wife, hopefully ex-wife by now) had emptied and overdrawn years ago.
I figured enough years may have passed by.
Guess what?
With my old city ID, my invalid social security # and a few bucks... i got a checking account!!
The guy helping me get the account even made sure i didnt get anything at my address (had to come up with a story of having a live-in girlfriend that spent all the money she could see... well Nina did that so it was half a lie). The branch will have my banking card and 150 free checks within 10 days. I even convinced him not to call my phone # (which was fake anyways) because if my "girlfriend" saw the number of a bank i "may be questioned", he understood and made sure i was not called either.
Tomorrow I will dig up what little i've saved, go to the branch and deposit it. This certainly will make me feel more safe about my Canada trip funds.
I didn't like that i had to deceive a nice guy, but i don't think they would give a checking account to a homeless peruvian.
I got to the turnpike at 3:30PM and "Poppa Pete" was still there, told me he would stay one more hour then leave.
I signed at the other corner, made $7 during that hour. When he left at 4:30PM i moved over and made $5 in half an hour.
At 5PM i got on my bike and rode to the library.
Updated my notebook, then the blog. It's almost 7PM now and i'll be researching more about being a Shyness Coach.
Recap (Day 34)
Woke up at 8AM, got dressed 1/2 hour later. I decided to pay the ticket and stay honest.
Went to BK, asked the staff (which is friendly with me at this point) where i could pay the ticket around here.
They were surprised at the question and even when i showed them the ticket they had no answer for me.
I moved to the back, out of sight to eat some food i had reserved for breakfast.
Oh yeah... last night 3 racoons raided part of my storage of food outside my tent.
One was brave enough to move right next to my "door" a few times, so i had to scare them off with noises and my flashlight.
Then the rain started; for hours the wet racoons would return and sometimes fight each other (i guess over which one would get whatever food they found).
I didn't sleep too well last night, that's for sure.
I left BK around 10:30AM, straight to the library.
I went online and found that i had to go to a county courthouse at Delray Beach (the closest one to me).
I left the library at 1PM thinking i could ride there with my bike with the instructions i had acquired from mapquest.
After 2 miles and looking at the time, knowing the place most likely closed at 5PM i decided to take the bus (thank god they have bike racks).
Took 2 bus lines, then the rest of the way on the bike.
I got there at 4:20PM!
Tried to explain i was homeless, was told that i would have to return at a later date to contest it. I paid the $48.50 and was out of the courthouse by 5PM.
By the time i was back at the library (may as well go to my favorite place) it was 6:30PM.
Stayed there until 9PM, got 2 SW books ("Republic Commando: Triple Zero" and "Republic Commando: True Colors").
On my way to BK i helped someone (a latino) with his stalled car.
I got to BK at 9:30PM, ordered a salad.
Now i've written about today in my notebook, and i'm gonna eat my salad, then go home, listen to music and then sleep.
Went to BK, asked the staff (which is friendly with me at this point) where i could pay the ticket around here.
They were surprised at the question and even when i showed them the ticket they had no answer for me.
I moved to the back, out of sight to eat some food i had reserved for breakfast.
Oh yeah... last night 3 racoons raided part of my storage of food outside my tent.
One was brave enough to move right next to my "door" a few times, so i had to scare them off with noises and my flashlight.
Then the rain started; for hours the wet racoons would return and sometimes fight each other (i guess over which one would get whatever food they found).
I didn't sleep too well last night, that's for sure.
I left BK around 10:30AM, straight to the library.
I went online and found that i had to go to a county courthouse at Delray Beach (the closest one to me).
I left the library at 1PM thinking i could ride there with my bike with the instructions i had acquired from mapquest.
After 2 miles and looking at the time, knowing the place most likely closed at 5PM i decided to take the bus (thank god they have bike racks).
Took 2 bus lines, then the rest of the way on the bike.
I got there at 4:20PM!
Tried to explain i was homeless, was told that i would have to return at a later date to contest it. I paid the $48.50 and was out of the courthouse by 5PM.
By the time i was back at the library (may as well go to my favorite place) it was 6:30PM.
Stayed there until 9PM, got 2 SW books ("Republic Commando: Triple Zero" and "Republic Commando: True Colors").
On my way to BK i helped someone (a latino) with his stalled car.
I got to BK at 9:30PM, ordered a salad.
Now i've written about today in my notebook, and i'm gonna eat my salad, then go home, listen to music and then sleep.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Day 33
Woke up with a very painful charlie horse on my lower left leg. God, it felt as if someone wanted to pull my muscle out!
I thought "oh god why so early?", it was 6:30AM.
I relaxed and got up at 8AM, got dressed and went to BK for breakfast as usual.
Left a bit before 10:30AM to find a black plastic bag and a backpack at the corner i sign at. I thought it was abandoned since nobody was around so i moved it to another corner.
An hour later a big white guy is very upset and tells me he was there first and why i moved his stuff... his name was "Poppa Pete" and he made his point. First come, first served like the saying goes.
I go to the other corner.
Around noon he tells me he needs to drink a beer and that i can sign at his spot for 1/2 hour.
I thank him and i move over.
He doesn't return for 2 hours, then tells me he will sign until the bus comes.
He is gone in 30mins.
I keep signing.
Just as i thought things were back on track at about 3:45PM a tropper stops by, gets my ID and gives me a $48.50 ticket for tresspassing.
He stayed there so i had to go. "Library time" i thought.
I got to the library at about 4:15PM and updated my blog a bit and checked my email.
I will read more of the Dummies book and maybe get some more SW books before i leave.
Not sure if i want to pay the ticket, the address on the ID is 7 years old and once I'm in Canada it won't matter.
I thought "oh god why so early?", it was 6:30AM.
I relaxed and got up at 8AM, got dressed and went to BK for breakfast as usual.
Left a bit before 10:30AM to find a black plastic bag and a backpack at the corner i sign at. I thought it was abandoned since nobody was around so i moved it to another corner.
An hour later a big white guy is very upset and tells me he was there first and why i moved his stuff... his name was "Poppa Pete" and he made his point. First come, first served like the saying goes.
I go to the other corner.
Around noon he tells me he needs to drink a beer and that i can sign at his spot for 1/2 hour.
I thank him and i move over.
He doesn't return for 2 hours, then tells me he will sign until the bus comes.
He is gone in 30mins.
I keep signing.
Just as i thought things were back on track at about 3:45PM a tropper stops by, gets my ID and gives me a $48.50 ticket for tresspassing.
He stayed there so i had to go. "Library time" i thought.
I got to the library at about 4:15PM and updated my blog a bit and checked my email.
I will read more of the Dummies book and maybe get some more SW books before i leave.
Not sure if i want to pay the ticket, the address on the ID is 7 years old and once I'm in Canada it won't matter.
Recap (Day 32)
Woke up at 7:30AM, it's sunday and i'm taking the day off!!
Got dressed, gathered all dirty laundry into my backpack and rode to the laundrymat.
Sheryl was there, we talked a bit. Used a $5 McDonalds gift certificate i had been given a few days ago to get a breakfast meal while my clothes were in the washer.
Rode back to laundrymat to finish laundry, read SW book meanwhile.
Riding to the place took about 35mins, 45mins for the way home 'cause i was riding against the wind.
Get my laptop and went to the library. Returned a bunch of graphic novels and got "Cool Careers for Dummies".
I've read Dummies books before, they are good. I'm trying to asses what sort of career i can have in Edmonton because i really don't want to become a dishwasher or laborer again if i can help it.
I got so far: Expense Reduction Consultant, Web Content Finder, Conference Taping Specialist, Shyness Coach, Victim Assistant, Virtual Assistant, Troubled Teen Consultant, Foreign Language Interpreter, Technical Support Specialist, Computer Repairperson, Solar and Wind Energy Technologist/Installer, Electrician, Personal Chef, Product Tester, Deb Collection Specialist. Some may require a short period of training.
Went online, updated some of my blog. Checked my guild's website (i always do).
Stayed in the library until closing (5PM).
Went to BK, ate a salad and read a SW book, felt sleepy at around 7PM so i went home.
Listened to music, then read more of the book, i think i fell asleep around 10PM.
Got dressed, gathered all dirty laundry into my backpack and rode to the laundrymat.
Sheryl was there, we talked a bit. Used a $5 McDonalds gift certificate i had been given a few days ago to get a breakfast meal while my clothes were in the washer.
Rode back to laundrymat to finish laundry, read SW book meanwhile.
Riding to the place took about 35mins, 45mins for the way home 'cause i was riding against the wind.
Get my laptop and went to the library. Returned a bunch of graphic novels and got "Cool Careers for Dummies".
I've read Dummies books before, they are good. I'm trying to asses what sort of career i can have in Edmonton because i really don't want to become a dishwasher or laborer again if i can help it.
I got so far: Expense Reduction Consultant, Web Content Finder, Conference Taping Specialist, Shyness Coach, Victim Assistant, Virtual Assistant, Troubled Teen Consultant, Foreign Language Interpreter, Technical Support Specialist, Computer Repairperson, Solar and Wind Energy Technologist/Installer, Electrician, Personal Chef, Product Tester, Deb Collection Specialist. Some may require a short period of training.
Went online, updated some of my blog. Checked my guild's website (i always do).
Stayed in the library until closing (5PM).
Went to BK, ate a salad and read a SW book, felt sleepy at around 7PM so i went home.
Listened to music, then read more of the book, i think i fell asleep around 10PM.
Recap (Day 31)
Woke up at 7AM, read a graphic novel (can't recall if it was SW or X-Men) until about 9AM. Ok, so i'm a bit of a nerd, so sue me.
Got breakfast at BK, read a SW book until 10:30AM then went to the turnpike to sign until 5PM.
Went to...surprise!...BK!! duh... got some food and stayed there until 9PM reading.
Went home, read until 11PM then went to sleep after arguing with a racoon about his (or her) unwanted attention and him (or her) being way too close to my tent.
Got breakfast at BK, read a SW book until 10:30AM then went to the turnpike to sign until 5PM.
Went to...surprise!...BK!! duh... got some food and stayed there until 9PM reading.
Went home, read until 11PM then went to sleep after arguing with a racoon about his (or her) unwanted attention and him (or her) being way too close to my tent.
Recap (Day 30)
Woke up at 8AM, went to BK for breakfast.
Worked the turnpike from 11:30AM to 5PM.
Ate at BK, trying to stick to the $1 side salad with ranch dressing. I want to lose some weight.
My body feels stronger, most likely from walking and biking.
Read a SW book (i'm going through quite a few it seems) until 9:30PM then left BK.
Went home, listened to the radio a bit and then went to sleep.
Worked the turnpike from 11:30AM to 5PM.
Ate at BK, trying to stick to the $1 side salad with ranch dressing. I want to lose some weight.
My body feels stronger, most likely from walking and biking.
Read a SW book (i'm going through quite a few it seems) until 9:30PM then left BK.
Went home, listened to the radio a bit and then went to sleep.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Day 29
Woke up at 7:30AM. Read the book until 9AM.
Went to BK (where else?) for breakfast and continued reading the book until 10AM.
Left BK and went to a bust stop near the turnpike corner to read a star wars graphic novel... by the time i finished, it was 11:30AM, later than i thought.
Signed until 5PM, got a cuban sandwhich from a guy and it was worth sitting down to eat for 10mins, it was delicious.
Went back to BK for the biggest strawberry milkshake they could give me (it was gigantic)... i think i need to stop getting these milshakes.
Got to the library at 6:20PM, updated the blog. 8PM now, will update blog again with today's entry and stay to read a SW graphic novel until 9PM.
I've noticed that i feel less pain on my legs from the long hours (6hrs almost non stop signing and walking) at the corner. My back is still in bad shape, but i'm going to bear with the pain. It's worth it if after new year's i can go to Canada.
Even with my current condition and situation, i've never been happier (compared to my 11 years of marriage). I enjoy looking up at the sky and appreciate my freedom.
I wonder if (after i'm sure that i'm divorced) i will find a kind soul to call my beloved?
Only god knows, i guess.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is another day to sign.
Went to BK (where else?) for breakfast and continued reading the book until 10AM.
Left BK and went to a bust stop near the turnpike corner to read a star wars graphic novel... by the time i finished, it was 11:30AM, later than i thought.
Signed until 5PM, got a cuban sandwhich from a guy and it was worth sitting down to eat for 10mins, it was delicious.
Went back to BK for the biggest strawberry milkshake they could give me (it was gigantic)... i think i need to stop getting these milshakes.
Got to the library at 6:20PM, updated the blog. 8PM now, will update blog again with today's entry and stay to read a SW graphic novel until 9PM.
I've noticed that i feel less pain on my legs from the long hours (6hrs almost non stop signing and walking) at the corner. My back is still in bad shape, but i'm going to bear with the pain. It's worth it if after new year's i can go to Canada.
Even with my current condition and situation, i've never been happier (compared to my 11 years of marriage). I enjoy looking up at the sky and appreciate my freedom.
I wonder if (after i'm sure that i'm divorced) i will find a kind soul to call my beloved?
Only god knows, i guess.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is another day to sign.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Day 28
Woke up at 7AM. Last night the nearby construction site started working at 4AM!! bright lights and enough noise to make it hard for me to get back to sleep.
Went to BK for breakfast.
Started signing at 11AM, was kicked off the corner by a latino highway trooper (so much for latino brotherhood) at about 2:15PM. I waited 25 mins then went back to the corner. Stayed there until 5PM. I got some food during that time so i only got a $1 milkshake from BK.
I decided to just spend the money for the power supply that i needed for the laptop ($80 plus tax).
I got to the library at 6:30PM, new power supply works great.
Problem is: library wi-fi doesn't work well with windows xp networking software! it wont detect the wi-fi... yet it worked at Mc Donalds last time, bleh!
Battery is now charged at 50%, been reading "Everville" meanwhile.
Library is about to close. I will probably do the same routine as last night.
Thursday will be my last blog entry until Monday due to signing time and library time conflict.
Went to BK for breakfast.
Started signing at 11AM, was kicked off the corner by a latino highway trooper (so much for latino brotherhood) at about 2:15PM. I waited 25 mins then went back to the corner. Stayed there until 5PM. I got some food during that time so i only got a $1 milkshake from BK.
I decided to just spend the money for the power supply that i needed for the laptop ($80 plus tax).
I got to the library at 6:30PM, new power supply works great.
Problem is: library wi-fi doesn't work well with windows xp networking software! it wont detect the wi-fi... yet it worked at Mc Donalds last time, bleh!
Battery is now charged at 50%, been reading "Everville" meanwhile.
Library is about to close. I will probably do the same routine as last night.
Thursday will be my last blog entry until Monday due to signing time and library time conflict.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Day 27
Woke up at 6:30AM, got dresses and went to BK for breakfast. There i asked 2 local gents about where to get a PO Box. I was told to check Pak-n-Ship store and the Post Office nearby (which i didn't know was so close to me).
Both places were a bust, minimum 6 month contract, which comes to $150 or more, not worth it for the month's use (since i will be leaving in january).
I may have to spend $80 for a universal power adapter, bleh!
Worked the turnpike corner from 10:30AM to 5:30PM. oh yeah, i bought a red and white santa hat to see if it would increase the cash flow, it didn't.
I won't wear it again until xmas week.
Went to BK, spent a bit more since i got a small strawberry milkshake, love that flavor.
Got to the library at about 6:30PM, checked my inbox, nothing. I'm giving up on finding a normal job on craig's list. Maybe i will have better luck in Edmonton.
I'm gonna read the book for a while ('til 9PM), then head home, listen to the radio until about 10-11PM and then go to sleep.
Both places were a bust, minimum 6 month contract, which comes to $150 or more, not worth it for the month's use (since i will be leaving in january).
I may have to spend $80 for a universal power adapter, bleh!
Worked the turnpike corner from 10:30AM to 5:30PM. oh yeah, i bought a red and white santa hat to see if it would increase the cash flow, it didn't.
I won't wear it again until xmas week.
Went to BK, spent a bit more since i got a small strawberry milkshake, love that flavor.
Got to the library at about 6:30PM, checked my inbox, nothing. I'm giving up on finding a normal job on craig's list. Maybe i will have better luck in Edmonton.
I'm gonna read the book for a while ('til 9PM), then head home, listen to the radio until about 10-11PM and then go to sleep.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Day 26
Woke up at 7:30AM. Decided to go and do my laundry later that morning (a mistake i realized later).
Went to BK at 9AM to eat breakfast, my laundrybag was with me; left the bike at home (mistake #2).
Took the bus to the laundromat, that took a while due to the route it takes (and it's the only bus that takes me to the place).
Had to buy a new bag because the one i was using had too many holes.
Total cost of doing laundry (plus my new laundry bag): $5, detergent and softener included.
By the time i had made it back home and to my corner...a guy named Ron had it.
I tried to talk my way back to having it by telling him I'd be back in 1 hour (it was 1PM then) to work the corner, i felt guilty afterwards for doing that. Greed took a hold of me, Dwayne wasn't happy about it when i told him.
"Whomever gets there first has it" he told me. He was right.
I worked the other corner and was gonna tell Ron i wasn't going to take the corner from him at 2PM.
At 1:30PM a highway patrol kicked Ron off the corner, he waved at me and left.
When god sends you a message, he sure is clear about it, at least with me.
A few minutes later, i moved to the better corner and started to sign. Things went ok until about 4:30PM, another highway patrol trooper (a nice woman) kindly told me to pick another corner because the spot which most know to be the most profitable, it's also private property of the Department of Transportation and they put a "tresspassing" sign right at the corner.
I moved to the other corner, waited 10mins then moved back. I signed until 5:30PM, then went to BK, ate 2 whooper jr, a well spent $2.13.
Counted my money, then rode to the library.
I think the first week of january (2008) i will get on acquiring my DNI, Passport and my bus ticket to Canada, all in one week. I may have to bribe someone at the consulate to get all i need in a day ( hey i know how things work with a peruvian bureaucracy).
It's going to be rough going to Canada next month, but if i stay here...i may end up stuck signing for god knows how long and i don't want to do that.
I rather freeze to death than hold a sign at a corner to live after new year's.
Almost forgot, someone gave me a new medium shirt, don't fit me, probably will give it to the thrift shop at the church near me.
Library is closing soon, I'll be heading home, read some more of the book, listen to music and then sleep. Pretty much all my hopes and dreams lie in Canada, a big risk, but hey... it's that or being stuck here with zero shot at being a legit guy.
Went to BK at 9AM to eat breakfast, my laundrybag was with me; left the bike at home (mistake #2).
Took the bus to the laundromat, that took a while due to the route it takes (and it's the only bus that takes me to the place).
Had to buy a new bag because the one i was using had too many holes.
Total cost of doing laundry (plus my new laundry bag): $5, detergent and softener included.
By the time i had made it back home and to my corner...a guy named Ron had it.
I tried to talk my way back to having it by telling him I'd be back in 1 hour (it was 1PM then) to work the corner, i felt guilty afterwards for doing that. Greed took a hold of me, Dwayne wasn't happy about it when i told him.
"Whomever gets there first has it" he told me. He was right.
I worked the other corner and was gonna tell Ron i wasn't going to take the corner from him at 2PM.
At 1:30PM a highway patrol kicked Ron off the corner, he waved at me and left.
When god sends you a message, he sure is clear about it, at least with me.
A few minutes later, i moved to the better corner and started to sign. Things went ok until about 4:30PM, another highway patrol trooper (a nice woman) kindly told me to pick another corner because the spot which most know to be the most profitable, it's also private property of the Department of Transportation and they put a "tresspassing" sign right at the corner.
I moved to the other corner, waited 10mins then moved back. I signed until 5:30PM, then went to BK, ate 2 whooper jr, a well spent $2.13.
Counted my money, then rode to the library.
I think the first week of january (2008) i will get on acquiring my DNI, Passport and my bus ticket to Canada, all in one week. I may have to bribe someone at the consulate to get all i need in a day ( hey i know how things work with a peruvian bureaucracy).
It's going to be rough going to Canada next month, but if i stay here...i may end up stuck signing for god knows how long and i don't want to do that.
I rather freeze to death than hold a sign at a corner to live after new year's.
Almost forgot, someone gave me a new medium shirt, don't fit me, probably will give it to the thrift shop at the church near me.
Library is closing soon, I'll be heading home, read some more of the book, listen to music and then sleep. Pretty much all my hopes and dreams lie in Canada, a big risk, but hey... it's that or being stuck here with zero shot at being a legit guy.
Recap (Day 25)
Woke up at 7:30AM, listened to the radio for 30mins, then got dressed and went to BK.
Spent my usual $2.13 for breakfast, I'm listening to American Top 40 on the radio.
It's 9:20AM now, i will be going to the turnpike at 11AM to start signing.
Things went pretty good. From 11AM-5PM i signed, made a good chunk.
I felt a bit tired and worried. The more i have, the more concerned i'm about as to where to place my savings.
Went to BK, spent $2.13 as usual. Stayed there reading the book "Everville" by Clive Barker that Dwayne had given me weeks ago. So far i like it.
Left BK at about 8PM and decided to get some empty milk crates to make myself a "bed" with 8 crates, as a base, carboard to smooth it out and the 2 used sleeping bags on top.
Took me about an hour to get it all done, i like the new bed, makes me feel a bit more normal.
Racoon struck again at a bag with food i had hung on a tree. I made noises, but he would only stop a few minutes, then go at it again.
I let him finish, meanwhile i read more of the book, then turned off the flashlight and listened to the radio until 11PM before i went to sleep.
Spent my usual $2.13 for breakfast, I'm listening to American Top 40 on the radio.
It's 9:20AM now, i will be going to the turnpike at 11AM to start signing.
Things went pretty good. From 11AM-5PM i signed, made a good chunk.
I felt a bit tired and worried. The more i have, the more concerned i'm about as to where to place my savings.
Went to BK, spent $2.13 as usual. Stayed there reading the book "Everville" by Clive Barker that Dwayne had given me weeks ago. So far i like it.
Left BK at about 8PM and decided to get some empty milk crates to make myself a "bed" with 8 crates, as a base, carboard to smooth it out and the 2 used sleeping bags on top.
Took me about an hour to get it all done, i like the new bed, makes me feel a bit more normal.
Racoon struck again at a bag with food i had hung on a tree. I made noises, but he would only stop a few minutes, then go at it again.
I let him finish, meanwhile i read more of the book, then turned off the flashlight and listened to the radio until 11PM before i went to sleep.
Recap (Day 24)
Woke up at 8AM, relaxed knowing i wasn't going to be selling papers today.
I must approach things from a profit pov. If i can make 3-5 times or more signing than selling newspapers... i got to sign.
Dwayne told me i could make more than enough to reach Canada if i work the corner all of december to new year's from noon to 5-6PM.
Went to the turnpike at noon, then at 1PM Mike (another homeless guy i know) showed up asking to get the corner i had for a bit. I'm not greedy so i left him have it from 1:30PM to 3:30PM.
I spent those 2hrs at BK finishing the second star wars book.
Then worked from 3:30PM to to 5:45PM, Dwayne was right. I made a decent chunk of money.
Went to BK, ate some food and stayed until 8PM. Rode to the Laundromat to thank Sheryl who works there for her advice last week, she told me to get a bike.
Spoke with her a bit, then headed home.
I think i went to sleep at 10 or 11PM.
I must approach things from a profit pov. If i can make 3-5 times or more signing than selling newspapers... i got to sign.
Dwayne told me i could make more than enough to reach Canada if i work the corner all of december to new year's from noon to 5-6PM.
Went to the turnpike at noon, then at 1PM Mike (another homeless guy i know) showed up asking to get the corner i had for a bit. I'm not greedy so i left him have it from 1:30PM to 3:30PM.
I spent those 2hrs at BK finishing the second star wars book.
Then worked from 3:30PM to to 5:45PM, Dwayne was right. I made a decent chunk of money.
Went to BK, ate some food and stayed until 8PM. Rode to the Laundromat to thank Sheryl who works there for her advice last week, she told me to get a bike.
Spoke with her a bit, then headed home.
I think i went to sleep at 10 or 11PM.
Recap (Day 23)
Bought a crank-up flashlight last night. No batteries needed, it will save me money.
I then went home, read some more of the book before i went to sleep.
I woke up at 7AM, and decided it would be my last day selling papers. The amount of money i was making was miserable, not even minimum wage.
I went to BK for breakfast, then to the corner from 8-10AM, made a couple of bucks. I then dropped off the papers at the usual spot and sent word to Paul not to leave me any papers.
Returned to the corner and signed a bit. Made more doing that for 30 mins than in 2 hrs selling papers. I'm sure i made the right decision.
Rode to the turnpike and signed from 11AM to 5PM.
I made decent money. Went to BK and spent $2.13 for food and stayed there until 9PM reading a book.
My back has been hurting for a few days, probably from me sleeping in the tent. Even with a sleeping bag my back was still in bad shape before i became homeless.
I've been working through the pain, my thought is "nothing worth having comes easy, anyways, if i feel the pain, it means i'm alive".
I read more of the book at home, the new flashlight works pretty good. I crank it for a min and it works for half an hour.
Went to sleep at 11PM.
I then went home, read some more of the book before i went to sleep.
I woke up at 7AM, and decided it would be my last day selling papers. The amount of money i was making was miserable, not even minimum wage.
I went to BK for breakfast, then to the corner from 8-10AM, made a couple of bucks. I then dropped off the papers at the usual spot and sent word to Paul not to leave me any papers.
Returned to the corner and signed a bit. Made more doing that for 30 mins than in 2 hrs selling papers. I'm sure i made the right decision.
Rode to the turnpike and signed from 11AM to 5PM.
I made decent money. Went to BK and spent $2.13 for food and stayed there until 9PM reading a book.
My back has been hurting for a few days, probably from me sleeping in the tent. Even with a sleeping bag my back was still in bad shape before i became homeless.
I've been working through the pain, my thought is "nothing worth having comes easy, anyways, if i feel the pain, it means i'm alive".
I read more of the book at home, the new flashlight works pretty good. I crank it for a min and it works for half an hour.
Went to sleep at 11PM.
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