(Voluntourista has moved)

I've moved. I'm moving. It's a process. From now on henceforth I shall type thee blog at www.voluntourista.org

Blast from the Past: 20 Things I've Learned Living in the Woods

This may come as a surprise, but this is not my first time as a blogger or even my first time as a quit-your-whatever-and-go-do-something-crazy-type person. Believe it or not, I'm a serial non-conformist. Last time around, however, it was a bit different. I blogged, but I didn't show anyone. I was also doing something crazy, but that wasn't quite the same either.

I was writing in the time before extreme social networking. In the time before you could Google every person you met.  I didn't have nearly the same amount of skills or resources or know how or whatever as I do now.  I had just graduated from college and was living in the woods with three dudes. Yup. I'm serious. This is all part of my resume to become A Voluntourista. Seems relevant, doesn't it?

Anyhow, I recently stumbled across the old blog that I was writing during that time. I thought it might be interesting to resurrect it for the modern eye. I'm really not sure if that's a good idea, but I guess you all can be the judge. The following was written at the end of a 3 month stay in an uber-rich mountain town living among the woodsies (i.e. people without homes that live in woods). It was quite an experiment, to say the least
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Friday, August 31st 2007: 20 Things I've Learned Living in the Woods

Tonight is my last night in this here small town. We will be attempting to hitch hike to Denver in the morning. I will be skipping out on my job, and leaving my home in the woods. In honor of my last night in this village I wanted to compile a list of what I have learned will living in the woods. So here it is:

20 Things I've Learned Living in the Woods

1. Water is precious. There will probably be wars about it one day.
2. You don't need a gym to get in shape, just start walking your ass everywhere.
3. People will always try to help you out.
4. Be honest. It sucks to have to lie all the time.
5. Being homeless really isn't so bad, in fact it could be a choice...so quit judging people about it.
6. But being homeless is really bad when it is raining.
7. Take care of your feet.
8. Befriend your public library. The knowledge there is free.
9. Don't do coke. It will only trap you, and when you are depressed and wondering why you are trapped...it doesn't help you figure it out.
10. Pooping in the woods is gross. No one should have to be that intimate with their shit.
11. Not every sound you hear at night is a cougar or a bear or an ax murderer.
12. You don't need to shower THAT much.
13. Cigarettes make it hard to hike up a mountain.
14. Appreciate your kitchen.
15. Its way better to pee standing up.
16. Bears can smell your mac and cheese.
17. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
18. Get your sleeping schedule from the sun. You'll feel way better!
19. Drinking too much makes you sick.


And the final things that I've learned while living in the woods is...
20. Running water and electricity are sooooo overrated.

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While it was not an easy time in my life, I have to admit that many of the wisdoms I gathered as a woods dweller will be helpful as a set out on this journey. Also, I'm coming up on another two week bout of houselessness. Last time, I wasn't nearly as prepared as I could have been. I will need to harness the power of previously Vagabond Expert Amy to help the current Four Years Soft Amy as she makes her way into this wild n' crazy world.

This is where in real life I would yell something like, "Feats of strength!" or growl "bring it on!" to the nearest listener. I can be a trash talker, ya know. However, right now, I don't really have much room to talk. Oh well.

 Here's a picture of happy me in those same woods five years ago.

FEATS of STRENGTH!!!

Getting There's Half the Fun (Readers Choice Edition)

Last month, I asked everyone that cared to notice what sort of volunteer projects I should try out during my final days Portland. I planned to stick around for approximately three months before I attempt to bike myself to the Redwoods. I think it’s especially important to spend some of my time in California’s beautiful state parks because they are facing lots of budget cutsthat threaten the state's park system-- so, good choice team. This past time around I had a total of 7 votes (Yes, I was one of them) and we voted as follows:

• After school skate program with middle schoolers (28%) – I’m doing this. I don’t go every week, but each time I can, I have tons of fun. The kids are amazing.  I will be able to volunteer with them until Mid-May. It has been very rewarding, and I have even been learning how to skate board!One thing that I have been looking into because of this experience is how to write grants. Not an easy endeavor. Advice welcome. I want to see the skate camp program expanded to an actual summer and/or weekend camp. These kids need more mentor time than just Wednesdays after school.
• Make a political info graphic with a local animator (28%) – This? Not so much. The local animator with all the skills needed to spend her valuable time working on a for money project. Being a starving artist isn’t nearly as fun as it sounds. Hopefully, however, we will be able to work together to edit some videos for the blog. She’s incredibly talented, and I’d love to be able to share some of her work with all of ya’ll.
• Community Cycling Center fixing bikes (28%) I also haven’t done this. However, since the poll has closed, and the internet has spoken; it sounds like this is something that I will have to give a try. Upon initial research, it looks like I will need to fill out an application, go to an orientation and then I can drop in on one of the times where they recycle and fix up bicycles to give out to low-income kids during their Holiday Bike Drive. This would probably be a good thing for me to do before I leave. I need to learn  how to fix all those things on a bike that inevitably will happen to me on the road.    
• Random episodic projects from Hands on Portland (14%) This I have been doing. So far, I’ve volunteered at The Rebuilding Center and Potluck in the Park. I could not praise the Hands On Network enough. They make it so easy for new volunteers to get involved. I had so much fun at the Rebuilding Center pulling out nails that I signed up to do it again. I may even pick one or two more projects to try through Hands On Portland, especially since I may have recruited some extra folks to join me. Score!

So the votes have been tallied and my path is clear. I will need to volunteer with the Community Cycling Center & complete a political info graphic with a local animator before I leave for this journey. OK. I’m not so sure about making a political info graphic though. My animator has other projects to tend to. I guess I could take pictures and tell a story about something I really care about and commit it to video. I can do that. Perhaps I will write a simple piece about volunteering or volunteer travel. That’s not a bad idea. I'll give it a go.

Thank you voting audience!

So, what needs to be voted on next? The last item that seems to be in question for me is my means of travel for the long haul and how/if my special friend is going to come along. I think that two of us are pretty stuck together, but we are quite different in the "means of travel" department. Oleg is a bit more “prepared” than I am. If it were up to me, I would just ride my bike until I got tired. He has some other things in mind.

Since this particular poll topic is a bit outside of my control, I have asked Oleg to make the selections. Question: How should my special travel friend make his way South?

 The options he has chosen are as follows:

• Bicycle + trailer 
• Tricycle/sailing catamaran  
• 4x4 camper van + sailboat on trailer 
• Sailboat + bikes 
• Veggie Oil Powered house boat

Sigh. After reading those options, maybe you can start to understand what I have been dealing with here. In each of these scenarios, I would still be riding my bike –at least to the Redwoods. That’s not the question. What is in question, however, is the means at which my very dear and very strange special friend is going to follow me.  He is willing to take your votes into consideration, so please impart your wisdom in the comments and in my very scientific poll over there. à

Thank you and wish me luck.

COUNTDOWN: 57 days

Balance, Blogging, Money & Saving the World

Have I always been an insomniac?

"Don't you know what time it is?!" I mumble-yell to no one in particular. The sky was beginning to look like that big metaphorical painter in the sky blended together some blue & yellow, but somehow managed to never make green.


I hate it.

I groaned and rolled over, desperately trying to tuck my insomnia away from the daylight.  From beneath my blanket cave, I could hear the neighbors getting ready for work.

Sigh. I certainly wasn't the one embodying the spirit of 6:30am. I should be doing yoga or showering or something. Instead, I was just hoping, dare I say praying, that I would be able to get a few hours of sleep-- just a few-- I'm not even asking for the full eight. Sheesh.

By the time 9:30 rolls around, I feel like I been in bed for days. I need to get moving. Not working has really messed with my schedule, or perhaps it was working an 8 to 5 that was "messing with my schedule" all along. I can't tell. I'm starting to think that I don't operate in 24-hour days like most people or even the planet does. I'm guessing that my planet has 36 hour days--a slower rotation. That sounds about right.


And when did I become a "blogger"? Gross dude. 

Though the frequency at which I update my blog may not suggest it; I've been writing a lot lately. Sometimes, going on 30+ hour binges of "creativity" that end in exhaustion & self-doubt. You see, I'm not actually cut out to be a "blogger." I'm generally a pretty private person, and writing about myself and my escapades requires a certain wherewithal that I most certainly lack.

I make up for it with whiskey though. It seems to help me push that "publish" button.

Don't worry, mom. I'm not drunk every time I write. Not by a long shot.  If I were,we'd have far more blog posts to sift through by now. To be honest, I'm probably a more intoxicat(ed)ing than your average blogger, but not nearly as drunk as you average writer. Somewhere deep in my cultural consciousness resides a stereotype that writers are drunks, but I can't be a drunk. I'm trying to save money. Of course. What round the world travel bloggers journey would be complete without talking about money?

The first sunny weekday that I have
been able to enjoy in many years

You mean, I still need money?
 I have already done the part that most people write about. (i.e. How to Save Money to Travel the World) I already did that. I didn't know so many people were writing about it while I was doing it either. So I did it without them and so can you. (Something else I learned from reading hella blogs: they like to tell/convince you that you can do it--whatever it may be. I most likely agree with them.)

I had a very good job before I started this whole project. I made enough. I never felt like I needed more money. Granted, I don't have children or a mortgage or a shopping habit or anything, but I never felt like I needed to save up for anything. If I wanted something, I could  have it, but it didn't always work out that way. For example, several times over the years, I convinced myself that I was going to buy a car.

Every October--give or take a good rainfall-- I would give myself a speech that went something like this, "Amy, you're an adult now. You have a 401k and health insurance. You pay taxes and go to galas. Its time for you to get a car. You could go to the beach whenever you wanted! Buy large items without a second thought! You could arrive to work well-dressed & dry. People your age are having children and buying houses, you can get a goddamn used car." I'd look at cars, ask car people, price out new car-friendly budgets, but I never ended up getting a car. Each year, I would continue to ride the same bike in the same rain pants to the same job and never actually level up and join the carbon emitters.

A cyclist I shall remain.

"My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income." - Errol Flynn


Since I no longer have to challenge myself to save exorbitant amount of money  to make my dreams a reality, I have instead been trying to limit my spending to lengthen this experience. Therefore, my most recent monetary obsession has been to live within the wages of an average minimum wage worker in the United States. According too my calculations this amounts too approximately $1160 per month. Yikes!

I'm not sure how people do this month after month after month.  I'm sure its possible, but it must be extremely boring.  I was never really an extravagant individual, but these financial constraints are just plain suffocating.

I have failed at my attempts for January & February, but each month I've been getting better. Here are some things that I am used to that I have already had to give up:

• Coffee. I used to be able to have coffee when I rolled into work. I'd sip it luxuriously while I conversed with my fellow food bankers. I loved it. I love coffee--nice coffee. Buying your own coffee, however, adds up. They call it the "latte effect." Who knew? If I wake up and brew a cup everyone morning I would need to buy a $10.00  bag of coffee at least once a week. Plus cream. If I went to a coffee shop every morning, I would need to spend approx. $2.25 per day on this habit. Done with that.
• Sushi. My favorite! My little Iowan roots knew nothing of sushi before I arrived on the left coast. I don't think my parents have ever even had sushi. But I must confess, that I have probably eaten sushi an average of once a week for the last four or five years. Yikes! That's about $20 a pop. I cringe thinking how much I would have saved if I had never discovered those damn lil' fishies. 
• Microbrews. Portland Oregon is the land of strippers & microbrews (and coffee & bikes & hipsters & cliches & whatnot). It is customary in local culture to bring a six-pack of microbrews to every potluck, BBQ, movie night, etc. Whenever you go meet your friends at a bar, another popular local custom, there is a diverse selection of microbrews on tap or in bottles from which to choose. They're usually smooth and brewed within the city limits. Irresistible. Generally, they cost $4-$5 per pint. In my "past life" I would not think twice about spending 10-15 dollars a couple nights per week on these delicious drinks. Now, not so much. I'm avoiding these scenarios as much as possible, and if I need to show my face for a birthday/going away/my bands playin' type occasion then its cheap lagers for me. 
• Health Insurance. Going without health insurance makes me nervous, but the sad thing is: most people I know don't have it anyway. Harsh reality. I would like to get some before I go do anything too stupid, but we'll have to see where all the chips fall. Keeping my insurance from my job (COBRA) would cost me $426.23 per month. That is more than I pay for anything. That is more than I have spent on anything ever, besides a ticket to the Philippines and my current freedom. 
• Anything New. Almost nothing I wear is "in style." All of my pants have holes in them. I don't own any sandals. I can't find my loofah, so I'm washing my face with my hair. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. I don't need anything new. There isn't anything that I don't have that I think I should go out and buy. Its taken a long time to get my mind to this place. I don't necessarily recommend it.

Each time I spend any money, I record it in an excel spreadsheet and classify the expenditure so that I can make pivot tables & pretty charts that accurately describe that nature of my spending. If you haven't already figured it out. I am a giant nerd. I even wrote an entry that included my shiny monthly charts, but I'm not sure if I want to share them. Seems kinda personal doesn't it? But lots of travel bloggers do it, and they admit that they get the most e-mails from people curious about budgets & saving money. hmm.

Wait, I thought you said something about "saving the world"?

Oh yeah, I did do that, didn't I? Well, who do you think I am? A super hero? Sheesh. I'm a volunteer. I'm just going to try to save the world.

PS. If anyone has suggestions how to best go about saving the world, I'm all ears.

Volunteer Project: The Rebuilding Center

PORTLAND, OREGON

My shoulders are sore this morning. Not your typical hunched-over-a-computer-all-day kind of sore. Sore in the front of my shoulders, between my arms and where I would imagine my pecs would be. I want to tell you that I been working out: toning or shaping or whatever. But that is not the case. "Working out" is not where I get my burn, just like the ladies that swapped out their weekly aerobics class for a shift packing food at the food bank, I get my exercise from life.

So what activity was my work out that left me so sore? I spent my evening ripping hundreds of nails out of salvaged wood at The Rebuilding Center. I was so focused on getting  those all nails out of all that wood that I didn't even imagine that I could hurt this bad today. I guess all that gratuitous grunting and claims of "feats of strength" have finally caught up with to me.


What is the Rebuilding Center? and How Did I Get Involved?

Essentially The Rebuilding Center seeks to make home repairs affordable for everyone in the community and divert from the waste stream by encouraging the use of salvaged & reclaimed building materials. Of course, I love it!

As you may recall, I signed up to volunteer with this shift last week through Hands in Portland. They made it super easy. When I arrived, there were already a few people standing around awkwardly waiting for someone to tell them what to do. I knew right away that these were my people.

Once it looked like everyone that was gonna be there was already there, we were directed sign some forms and listen to a schpeel from their volunteer coordinator. He explained that the mission of The Rebuilding Center , and outlined the different programs that they run: ReFind furniture sale, salvage materials store, deconstruction services and volunteer driving & community outreach programs.


What did they make you do?

After the short orientation the coordinator led the group to one of the warehouse where they had piles & piles of wood waiting. First he broke us off into teams to put away new donations. Already everyone was chatting and introducing themselves to one another. It was kinda cool.

After we finished sorting wood pieces, I got recruited to pick up nails using this super magnet that you rolled across the floor. I thoroughly enjoyed this task.  The clink of the nail getting sucked up by the magnet was addicting. It felt like a video game.

I was even paired up with this really rad lady that explained how she was there because her friends have been volunteering together on for a while now. They just finished up six different projects, and now they are coming back for more. What a great idea!

After we freed the floor from every nail we could find, they brought over loads of newly salvaged wood that had all those hidden and protruding lil' demons all over them.  Some of those nails were pretty committed to their wood, and it would take a combination of many tools to free them from one another. As one volunteer put it, "these have to be some of the first nails ever invented."

As you can probably tell, this was my favorite task, sore shoulders and all.  The time flew. Next thing I know, I'm out of breath, covered in wood chips, standing in a pile of cast out crooked victories. I look up and everyone but me and my newest friends are already cleaning up and getting ready to go. Wow. That's something I didn't know was in me.

So How Would I Rate My Experience?

The Rebuilding Center has all the elements of a successful volunteer program. They did a great job explaining the breadth of their endeavors, telling us how we could be helpful, and keeping everyone busy and productive. From a volunteer programs prospective--it's spot on. From a volunteer's perspective--highly recommended.

To be honest, it was a really enjoyable evening activity. I think I'd like to do it again. It would be even better if I could convince some of my peers to join me. Anyone? Anyone? It'll be bangin'. I promise.


So Ya Wanna....
... Volunteer with the Rebuilding Center?
... Donate to the Rebuilding Center?
...Volunteer through Hands on Portland?

Jungle Fever: An Adventure in Co-Ops & Raw Food

Do we remember how that Raw Food Detox Diet book was dropped off at a house where I was staying? Well, that same household has since then both joined a co-op and bought a juicer. This has been my homebase for the last week or so.

Our first victims

Now, these are not your average juicer co-op healthy eating kind of people. I believe this morning there were two "Garbage Burritos" ordered for breakfast take out. Not exactly raw, but whatever. Flip to the fresher side of things-- approximately one week post-juicer. We have juiced many tiny mountains of fruits and vegetables and have made tons of fibrous pulp food. This has to be the healthiest that this group of people has ever eaten. Its an amazing experiment.

But surprise, surprise, as I go along my merry path to better health and self, I stumble upon a volunteer component to it all. Apparently, at the People's Food Co-op in Southeast Portland, if you donate 3 hours of your time per week you get a 15% discount on your groceries.

Say what? I can do that! and it would be helpful to so many more people than just myself and the co-op. My friends could also benefit from my service through cheaper groceries.

So, of course, I chatted with one of the cashiers about the household volunteering at the co-op. She let me know how it worked. Apparently, they run 3-hour shifts where volunteers clean up, stock, do dishes, close the shop etc. Do one of these shifts each week and you get the discount on your groceries. I inquired about the possibility of high-skilled volunteer opportunities as well, which may be more fitting for some of the computer geeks in the group. This was also something the co-op was willing to accommodate.

After I spoke with the household and affiliates, it seems like we would like to volunteer in teams of two every other week to get into the swing of things. We could get to know the program better and see if we like working there. I promised to go to any volunteer shifts that people "forgot about" or couldn't make, since I have the time to do so.  I've also been charged with communicating our interest back to the co-op. I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers to fresher living.

Downsizing: Part III

For me, it’s easy to imagine a life without my stuff—unencumbered, light, free. I have slick back hair in my fantasy…and a one piece body suit. Whatever. But as I carry on my wayward, I’m finding it more and more difficult to part with the last of my collection. Each item seems to represent something outside of itself. Ya know? from that time I went that one place and so on.

Thankfully, I’ve been able to derive inspiration from one of my favorite people, Julia from Today I threw Away… She had been getting rid of five things a day for about a year, but then she took a break. But now? She’s back! Admittedly, I’m quite glad she started this project last year, when I was first thinking about this whole adventure. It made me want to acquire less stuff and scale down for the future. Counterintuitive, huh?

And so it follows, now seems like a good time for an update on the whole downsizing thing. I will once again be ‘floating,” and need to disappear for about a week. So I've organized all my stuff. It only seems fitting. 

I managed to sort everything in three piles. First, is the stuff that I will donate or “gift.” I have it sitting in the basement ready for departure:

Here’s the helpful infographic to outline the stuff that I’m leaving in the closet. There is still so much to get rid of:

Ok, maybe that’s not all that helpful. Doesn’t it seem like I have more stuff than last time? I’m not sure how that happened, but this is the honest to god last of it—blankets and all. OK fine, I still have one bike... and this stuff, that I’m taking with me:

I swear, the next time that I do one of these downsizingentries I’ll be a lean mean travelin’ machine, or maybe not. This is hard er than it looks...

PS. I had this entry ready to go last week when I began my houseless wanderings, but my transient lifestyle has made it difficult to simultaneously find electricity & internet that my 2005 DELL Inspiron can connect to--she's finicky. I'm going to need to level up my hardware if I'm ever going to become the digital nomad of my dreams. 

Project Hands On

Part of this whole "voluntourista" thing is actually volunteering. Currently, I'm not exactly an excellent candidate for some volunteer work, because I will be leaving relatively shortly, and I can't make a real commitment to an organization. I do, however, want to help.

Honestly, getting started as a volunteer in any capacity can be daunting. If you're looking to get involved doing something, but you're not quite sure what, like I am, I suggest hooking up with your local Hands On Network. If they aren't directly operating a volunteer referral office in your area, they may know someone who is.

One of the great reasons to volunteer through Hands On is the supported volunteer events. This means that the network has recruited a volunteer team leader to help orient new volunteers. Having a person like this can make it easier to be helpful in a new environment.

Since I'm looking to be helpful in the short term with few recognizable skills, I think it would be best for me to join a few of these HandsOn supported "done in a day" projects. Hands on Portland does a great job of outlining volunteer opportunities in a simple calendar, many of the other cities linked up to the Hands On Network have the same easy to use web-site. I just signed up, logged in, and got started.

I chose two projects to get my toes wet in the wild world of episodic volunteering. First! In honor of my mother, I am going to sort through reusable materials at The Rebuilding Center with Our United Villages. Than as a nod to the food bank, I shall serve a free hot meal to anyone in need with Potluck in the Park. Combined the projects only require 6 hours of my time and should be quite fun. If you don't mind getting a bit dirty and lifting some things around.

Also, through Hands On you can also find referral projects that get you in touch directly with the organization that your helping. This is a better way to make a long lasting connection and ultimately a larger impact. Who knows? If it turns out I like to sort through scrap materials or serving food, I might just stick around and do it again.

PS. Yes, I'm still volunteering with Skate Club and have learned how to turn around on my board, and even do that cool move where you step on it and catch it in your hand. This is not as easy at it may sound.
Also, You will be delighted to know that my ankle isn't sprained, just twisted. More updates to come.

Love or Something Like It

We ran into Metin the other morning. Coincidentally of course, it was right after I posted my thoughts on serendipity & life choices.  He was sitting beneath a painting that said, "Everything you imagine is possible."

He wanted to share this poem with us and you:

 Love,
     My higher-self, my gut-feeling, instantly knows the best answer and the reaction during my tests and trials.
     Such ‘sense’ is deeper than any conditioning I may have.
     When I’m with you, Love, I’m a child again,
     And I’m back to the times when I didn’t have any concepts and requests.
     Now, beyond doubt, I surrender to your beauty,
     And as I do so, I remember the reason I’m here is because of a promise I made long ago,
     Before my existence, in a dream,
     That you’re the emotion I would choose to live.
     __ Happy Valentine’s Day __

**Find more of Metin's writing on his web-site.  

Many knowing looks were exchanged. A particular milestone in my relationship made this poem all the more poignant. Sipping hot cocoa before the sunrise; we held hands under the table as we read. 

Disgustingly sweet. I know, but its all part of the story. 

PS. Feel free to ridicule my sappiness at your leisure. I don't mind. Old me would thank you.

Happy Accidents

After the little afternoon at the river, I started to think more about "serendipity" an how much it plays into my philosophy on life. As it goes, I choose to read and accept 'signs' as they come to me. This isn't exactly easy to explain, but perhaps an example would help.

Let see. I currently live where I do because I am of the the hippy-dippy "listen to the universe" ilk. About two months ago I was unhappy with where I was staying. I wasn't exactly sure what to do next. I had the same uncertainty of future that I do now, but without a timeline or a next step.

Painting above my bed

At just the right time I hear word that there is a room opening up in the house where many of my very best friends live. Its a partial sublet, which means that every once and a while I need to... find a different place to live. As awful as that may sound, its the perfect living situation for what I've been calling my, "transitional phase."  It's less expensive, and is forcing me to ease into a more transient lifestyle.

Wait, is that serendipitous? Is the room opening up the serendipitous part? or me deciding to jump on the offer? or what?

Just like anyone else, I decide to look it up on Dictionary.com

Wait, should I train for a career in Criminal Justice? Is he cheating on me? Gah! Never mind, back to the matter at hand.

Serendipity. Yes. I do, in fact,  have an "aptitude" for making desirable discoveries by accident, and things often work out for me--or at least I choose to remember the times that things work out for me.

I don't necessarily think it is some sort of cosmic gift. I am convinced that by choosing to listen to the "signs" that come up, I am actually just listening to myself. Its kinda like flipping a coin to make a decision but not necessarily doing  what the coin says. But instead, noticing that you flinch when the coin lands on heads and doing the opposite.

But really, I didn't think that serendipity was an "aptitude" or even luck like dictionary.com says. So where do you turn next? Why Wikipedia, of course.

Wikipedia says:

Serendipity means a "happy accident" or "pleasant surprise"; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful without looking for it. 

It also says that serendipity is one of the top ten most difficult words to translate, which is a whole 'nother story. Ugh.

Anyway, moving on...

The second half of my aptitude for desirable discoveries is deciding that things are in fact, desirable discoveries. I was once told that deja vu is a sign that you are on the right path--whatever that means. Somewhere along the line this concept got twisted into a how I currently decide if I'm on the right path.

You see that painting up there? The one that is hanging above my bed? Well, about two years ago I was a at a garage sale in Washington with one of my best friends. I begged her to buy this painting for me. For some reason, I felt like I needed it. A bit out of character for me, but whatever.

She bought it, because she is amazing. That evening, however, I didn't take the painting back to my house. I bike everywhere and I can't take home a 12-pack of toilet paper let alone a full painting. So, I left the painting in her garage and forgot about it.

Years later, I end up renting a room in that same friend's house, and guess what? Hanging above my bed is that very painting. I didn't realize it at first; I just knew that I liked it. But later, I find out the story behind the painting, and that I had picked it out in the first place. The guy that lives in my room found it in the basement and hung it above his bed... and months...maybe years later, I take shelter in its shadow.

Therefore, I'm convinced I'm on the "right path".

BONUS SERENDIPITOUSNESS

for my reference and yours

1. Right after I decided to write this entry, I see a car with SRNDPTY for a licence plate at the coffee shop where I am enjoying a beverage
2. The Raw Food Detox Diet Book was dropped off at the house I was staying just when I was wondering why I get sick all the time.
3. And finally, there is a cat at Ooie's sailing class named Shmoopy. Don't ask. 
4. UPDATE 2/16: Ran into Metin again at a coffee shop. He gave me a poem about love at just the right time in my life.
5. UPDATE 2/17: I run into an old friend whom I haven't seen in while, and she reveals that she has a skill that I never knew about; she grew up her entire life sailing and would love to get back on a boat. 
6. UPDATE: 2/18: My horoscope (I know, gross horoscopes) in a publication I rarely read, but do support, suggests that I need to write more, and include more romance in my writing. Weird.

I wish I could think of more examples, but I am sure they will come. I'm not crazy, I swear.

Raw Foodist?

While I was "floating" last week, someone dropped off The Raw Food Detox Diet book. Oh god, not another book about food.

At my last job, we were knee deep in the shortcomings of the industrialized food system. In my humble opinion, a lot of our problems concerning our health, education, nutrition, environment and economy could be solved (or at least addressed) by implementing a strong local food system in every community. It's heartbreaking how easy it could be. Please pause for a moment of silence for the loss of our natural food system.

I am not, however, here to preach about the problems of the world or act like I have the solution. I'm just here to blog. Right? Whatever.

So anyway, I read the entire book that day--cover to cover. A lot of the information wasn't new to me. Really, the craziest things I learned about were poop, and the types of poop that there is. Never mind. I'm stopping here.

I'm not becoming a raw foodist. Eat more whole foods. Great idea! I really do feel best when I eat tons of fruits & vegetables and almost no wheat/gluten. I'll try to be better about that, but that's not really the epiphany that came out of this. What was the epiphany? Simplicity in food & habits.

The less I need my extravagant food & bad habits the longer I will be able to travel the world. 

Plain and simple.

So what's the first thing to get the boot? COFFEE.

And what was my secret? NAPS. LOTS & LOTS OF NAPS.


How's that for some self-help blogger guru bullshit? You're welcome.

Getting there is Half the Fun. Right?

He's looking at submarines right now.

We've probably had this conversation a million times. What is the best way to travel? We seem to fluctuate anywhere between strapping a 40-foot trailer to his ready for anything Cold War Van to an ultra-light self supported bike trip. We were starting to settle in on bike touring with inflatable boats when this submarine thing hit. I wasn't having it.

"So submarines are a deal breaker?" he pries. "Would you fly with me? Which would you do first? Fly or submarine? Both homemade."

"Both? Homemade?"

"Well, not homemade....I'd rent a garage...to make them in." I chuckle. I can't tell if he realized he's made a joke or not.

Unfortunately, its not really that funny. He could be serious. If I didn't want to travel the world by submarine, I better speak up now. "Sorry, dear. I am not about to die in your submarine o' recycled materials."  He has the same affinity for recycling and aversion to trash as I do. I'm surprised we don't live beneath piles of scrap materials.

"Fair enough." He's still clicking and searching. A big grin creeps across his face, "I can see this half-submarine thing working for you though," he turns around the computer screen to show me.

Now there's the ticket. I'd take a half-submarine for sure.

You're never quite sure where he's gonna land concerning this topic. He has a wild imagination, and them internets sure can take you for a ride.

I'm pretty set on biking to the Redwoods and beyond. He's also into the idea, but honestly, I don't see Ooie doing the lightweight camping thing. We'll see what he settles on or if he settles at all.

The future is definitely uncertain.... to say the least.

He has his first sailing lesson today at noon.

My First Skate Sesh, Bro

I've started volunteering with an after school mentor-type program run through SUN Community Schools. Each Wednesday after the last class the kids join up with their leader/mentor/teacher and my dear friend, Early. They check in together and then Early juices up the van and takes them to a park to skate together. Pretty simple. Extremely effective.

This particular class consists of solely middle school boys. I had two brothers growing up, and have always had lots of male friends, so hanging out with lil' dudes isn't really the issue. The issue is middle school. yuck! It's a crazy crazy time. Everything is changing. They're growing and learning a lot, seeking to rebel against previously established norms and find their own identity. Actually, that sounds an awful lot like my life right now. Adultescence? Maybe they can mentor me too.

My attempt at cool 

I'm not around kids much these days. I have no idea what they are into. What do they listen to? What do they talk about? Will they be taller than me? Will they like me? Am I a square? Do they even say 'square'? ack!

Truth be told, I can't skate. If I were ever actually charged with the task of teaching children how to skateboard, I'd have to admit that I have no tangible skills in this area.

Fortunately, however, I don't have to teach them to skate. They already know how to do that. They skate around me like little fish in water. I, on the other hand, am extremely clumsy. I run into things. I trip over my own feet. And I've decided to take up skateboarding? hmmm.

Early filming as the kids show off their skills

All the of the boys were incredibly sweet, intelligent and helpful. They saw that I couldn't skate and started to teach me the basics--where to put my feet, how to use my hands, what it means to be goofy foot, etc. And yes, in case you were wondering, I am goofy foot.

With their guidance, I managed to stand on the skateboard and pump my leg to make it go faster! I can even turn slightly! The only problem is when I get going too fast, I panic and jump off the board. This doesn't really surprise me.

Over the course of the afternoon, I fell a total of three times, and still can't quite feel the tip of the middle finger on my right hand, but we're all good.

I'm really excited of the possibility of shedding my fear and gaining a new skill. I'm also excited to hang out and do fun things with these great lil' dudes... I mean medium-sized dudes (oops). I have a feeling that when this is all said and done, they will be giving me more than I could ever give them...

...but that's volunteerin' for ya.

Introduction to Homelessness

These past five days or so, I've been..."floating." I don't really want to call it "homeless," because I feel like I have many homes in lieu of the traditional one. I don't, however, have a place that is all mine and that houses all my stuff-- now, I'm saying "stuff" like someone punched me in the stomach, stuuuuff. Oooof.

Well, I don't have one of these places. I don't  have a place that isn't occupied by the man that actually owns the the place. You see, the guy whose room I'm currently subletting is back from tour, and needs a place to rest his weary head while he is in our beautiful city of roses. Therefore, I needed to do my best to disappear.

My homeless house circa 2007

I've been houseless before. About a five years ago, I ended up in  the woods of Colorado. Its a long story, but essentially I was squatting in an abandoned miner's cabin without electricity or running water, 10,000 feet above sea level for several months after college. I even held a job in fancy hotel a mere two mile hike away.

Unfortunately, this time I wasn't quite as prepared. Here are some things I've learned during this initial bout of houselessness.

1. A portable bag of toiletries is extremely beneficial. Be sure to include shampoo.
2. If you're staying with friends, cook them dinner. And while you're at it...do the dishes,.
3. If you're sleeping in a car, make sure you go to the bathroom before you settle in.
4. If you're staying with men in their twenties remember that they may or may not have clean towels and/or toilet paper. Be self-sufficient.
5. Always carry a change of underwear. Always.

My expert traveler homeless vagabond self of several years ago would be ashamed that I hadn't already learned these lessons. However, at this point in my life, I feel no shame admitting my shortcomings and feel even more compelled to write them down, because hell, my memory could go at any moment.

Bear with me.

Throwing it All to the Wind

I had a poll down over there. ---->

It asked my anticipating audience (OK. The handful of you that know this exists) what exactly I should do next on my do-gooder journey. Considering I'm open to nearly any and all possibilities, there seems to be no harm in enlisting the opinions of those who...care to have opinions.

The options were: go with my brother & father to the Philippines or bike down to volunteer in the Redwoods. And the winner is: (drumroll) BIKE DOWN TO THE REDWOODS! 

Granted, there were only three votes, and one of them was myself... I will hold true to the "will of my readers" and move forward with the plan to bike to the Redwoods! 

I have more questions for you. Over there ----> 

Let me know what you think.