Nomadic Negatives

Ok, well, I have to be honest. Being a nomad isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So, here I’m going to talk about the different things that I haven’t really enjoyed as a nomad.

1) Memories are better when shared – It feels great to be able to go and do stuff every day, but, it gets lonely just wandering around by yourself. I’ve realized that a lot of activites are only fun because of the people that surround us when doing an activity. A lot of times the activity itself isn’t necessarily that exciting.

2) Not “having” to be anywhere is unfulfilling – One of the things I was excited about was the fact that I would have no strings attached and I could go anywhere at anytime. However, I also found that to be kkind of bothersome. I mean, maybe it’s because I was in Phoenix, and I’ve been there plenty of times, but I didn’t really have anything i really “had” to do each day. There wasn’t anything noteworthy that I had heard of that I wanted to see in Phoenix. Also, because it was a holiday, there weren’t too many people working. So, I kind of wandered around restlessly during the day. I felt kind of useless and unambitious because I didn’t have enough to do.

3) Planned spontaneity isn’t spontaneous – One of my opinions is that vacations should never be planned. You should only plan the destination. This makes way for more spontaneity, and so the events are more fun, just because of the fact that they were unplanned. Well, when spontaneity is a way of life, it takes a lot of the fun out of it. When you don’t know where you are going to sleep every night, it is no longer spontaneous trying to find a place to sleep, it’s how you live.

4) I feel like a mooch – This question came up from people about whether I thought I’d feel like a mooch. I didn’t really think so. My thought was that it would be like sales. Yes, my ability to live would be dependent on others, but that’s the same for a salesman. YOu just have to learn to gain people’s trust, and your success is based upon your ability to do so. Well, I felt like a mooch. I felt like people offerent me things out of sympathy, not because they genuinely wanted to enjoy the journey with me. I hate feeling like a burden to people.

5) I felt gross – I thought that if I brought normal clothes, had enough to wear clean shirts every day, and if I showered and shaved every day, that I would feel normal. Nope. I still felt kind of dirty. I had to wear the same pair of jeans every day, and they were getting dirty by the end of the week. I also was a little gross after walking around all day.

6) Hitchhiking harder outside UT – I know, everybody told me it would be, and I knew it would be as well, but I was kind of surprised. People won’t even roll down their windows or acknowledge you when trying to ask for rides. Of course these were all rides I was trying to get around town, so, there are a lot of variables to look at, but, the people of Phoenix seemed very frightened of a hitchhiker.

Ok, these are the main things that I haven’t liked about being a nomad so far. I think the main thing I didn’t like was feeling like I was a mooch and that I was unambitious with anything I needed be doing. It made me want to have a more normal existence where I can provide for myself and do my own thing. I’ve always been very independent, and I felt the strains of my dependence on others. I didn’t like that feeling.

There are some things I really enjoy and that I’ve learned so far as well. I’m going to put those in the next post. I’ve just been analyzing lately the things I haven’t liked as much as I thought.

Different Than I Thought

Ok, yesterday was my first official day as a nomad. I stayed in a hotel with my parents on Wednesday night, but I didn’t have any place to stay last night. So, it was pretty eventful.

To start out the day, I just went over to the Fiesta Mall in Mesa to sit and chill. I had a phone interview with the Associated Press at 10 AM, and then I also had a live radio interview with KSL News Radio around noon. I was very happy to see that the Air Force vs Houston game was being played on a TV in the mall, so I kept myself occupied between interviews watching that game.

One thing I was suprised with was that I just didn’t really feel like I had anything to do. I mean, I’ve lived in the Phoenix area before, so, I don’t have the desire to walk around and explore that I normally will have when visiting a place for the first time. I just planned on being here so that I could have a fun New Years Eve. So, I did feel kind of bored during the day.

Well, I have a friend from college that said I could stay with her family, so, she texted me her address and I decided to head on over to her place. I decided to try and test out my hitchhiking skills. I definitely had some problems, but it was mostly because of my frame of mind. It just feels a lot different here. Anyway, I finally went up to a car and tried to get a girl to roll down her window so I could ask for a ride. She gave me this death stare and then shook her head. haha, it was pretty funny. But, then I decided that maybe that approach won’t work too well here, and that I’ll need to talk to people before they get in their cars.

So, my next approach was to a guy at a gas station. I walked up to him and asked him how he was doing, and he said, “I don’t have any money dude”. Haha, wow, do I really look like one of those guys? After talking to him, we we’re joking about how I don’t really look like a drug addict, but anytime anybody approaches him at a gas station, it’s normally because of money. Well, he wasn’t going my direction, but, I think I’ll probably approach people outside their cars from now on.

Now, I didn’t really ask for more rides after that, but, I didn’t really NEED to be anywhere. So, I was totally fine just walking. It was fun to be able to walk outside in the awesome weather. Without a time constraint or anywhere to be, it was hard for me to motivate myself enough to get a ride. That’s something that I had when I was in Provo because I had to get to work in good time.

Anyway, my flip flops aren’t broken into well enough yet, so my feet were getting sore where the strap was rubbing. So, I kept taking them off to walk barefoot down the street. That’s why my calves are nice and sore today.

I ended up walking to a restaurant where I met up with some friends for dinner. I hung out with them most of the night. However, I never knew where I was going to sleep since I hadn’t met up with the girl who was going to let me stay at her house. I didn’t want to stay at her house unless I hung out with her, since I was going to be out pretty late. Well, it wasn’t until late, like 2 am, when I was at a New Year’s afterparty, that I found a place to stay. I was just talking to some girls that I had met before, and they offered me a place to stay. I ended up staying with one of their friends, who I hadn’t met until just then. An interesting turn of events.

So, my first day was quite an interesting one. I had a great time for New Years, and I really enjoyed hanging out with my friends. I was able to find a place to stay, even though I didn’t know where I was going to be for the majority of the night. I think if I’m fine sleeping on the grass, then it’s easier for me to remain calm about finding a place. I just have to be positive that things will work out, and, well, they did.

Being Home-less vs BEing Homeless

Ok, it’s time for me to make a distinction about my trip. When I explain to people what I’m doing, they often have this view of me as a homeless man. You know, like I’m going to be sleeping outside, showering infrequently, and scouring the dumpster for my meals.

I can understand why people think that, because most people we see hitch hiking might fit that description. So, when I say that I’m going hitchhiking around the country, it’s normal for people to associate my experience with their existing views of hitchhiking.

However, I do not plan on living like a stereotypical homeless person. It’s true that I will be homeless, but I won’t be living the homeless lifestyle. I will be sleeping indoors at different people’s homes on my trip. I plan to never sleep outside, unless it’s great weather and I decide to sleep on the beach or something for fun. I’ll eat normal food, and I won’t be scrounging around looking for food in dumpsters. Also, I’ll take a shower every single day, and I’ll be dressed normal and be clean-shaven every day. So, if you think I’m going to grow out a beard, put my possessions in a shopping cart, and have plastic bags that I put all my stuff in, you’re wrong.

I think this perception that people have also translates over into their concern that I’m going to get mugged and what not. Just because I’m homeless, doesn’t mean I’m going to go walking around the slums of the city. No, I’d rather like to avoid the trashy places, because getting robbed doesn’t sound like it would be that fun. I’m still going to be very practical-minded, and I’m not going to put myself in awkward situations or places. So, no, I’m not going to go hang out in East LA or wherever.

Since the purpose of this trip is to find out what I’d like to do with my life, what kind of people do you think I would like to hang out with? Well, I would like to explore jobs that I have an interest in and that seem like I might enjoy them. That means, I’ll be jobshadowing educated people in well-respected occupations. No, I’m not going to go with somebody to McDonalds and see how flipping burgers really is.

Now, I know that some of you might be thinking that I can have all the hope in the world, but that I still need to prepare myself for whatever situation I can find myself in. I agree, to a small extent. I think if I accept certain situations as options, like, sleeping outside, then I will find myself sleeping outside once in a while. But, if I refuse to accept that as an option, then I will never do it. I will be in complete control of what I do on this trip, based upon what I’m willing to do. Maybe it’s more fun to picture me as a smelly, dirty homeless person. Sorry folks, it’s not gonna happen.

Will Strangers Help Me?

I just decided this morning to quit my wholesalematch.com job. I just wasn’t feeling it, and I thought it would be hard for me to be mentally into my work. I would have liked to make some more money this week from my job, but it looks like I definitely will be going on this trip without any money. I think I’m just getting excited to go on my trip, and I didn’t think the money was worth the extra week at a job I don’t enjoy that much.

Now, as far as my beta-testing period has been going; I’ve been really enjoying it. Getting a ride around Provo is actually really easy. I think it will be even easier when I’m in a place where I don’t know that many people. I’ve only had two people say no to me so far, and I’ve been asking for rides every single day. I’m not extremely confident asking for rides because I’m just “practicing” at this point. I mean, I don’t like to tell people that it’s just practice, and that I really could be driving around in my own car. I’ll prefer it much better when I have to hitch hike out of actual necessity. I don’t really like asking for rides at night, so I’ll have to do my best to get rides during the day on my trip, because it just feels kind of weird asking people at night.

As I’ve been spending nights at different places, I’m realized that trying to stay at a different place every night is kind of unrealistic. I mean, I could probably do it, but I feel like I’m using somebody just for a place to stay when I only stay for a night. I prefer to stay for a few days because then I get to know people better and share more experiences with them. I think I’d like to stay with people for 2-3 days because after about 3 days I just feel like I’m overstaying my welcome. So, with every person I stay with, I should have a discussion with them about how long they will let me stay, and then I can make plans around that. I’m pretty sure the hardest thing on my trip is going to find different places to stay on a regular basis. So, I’ll try to schedule places to stay in advance, because that would be pretty nerve-racking if I don’t have a place to stay at night on a certain day.

One of the things I keep telling people about my trip is how I’m sure that when I meet people, tell them about my story, and become friends with them, that they will want to help me out. Even as I’ve been getting ready for this trip, I’ve seen how people are anxious to help me out. A lot of people don’t understand exactly why I’m doing what I’m doing, but it’s mostly kids my age that don’t quite understand. Suprisingly, most of the older generation seem to be more excited and understanding of the trip.

Anyway, there is this guy that I talked to on the phone a while ago from my phone sales job. I talked to him a month or two ago when I was really trying to figure out what I should do, and when I was analyzing whether I should go on this trip or not. Even though the initial purpose of the call was to sell him, he ended up giving me some good advice about my situation. Well, I sent him an email today to let him know what I was up to. He was very excited about the trip, and he gave me a generous donation, which I was very surprised about. It’s interesting to me because we’ve never met, and we had a thirty minute conversation a month ago. Despite that, he is so willing to help me out, and I feel like I could call him up if I ever get to his state. In reality, I anticipate lots of different things happening like that. I know that as I interact with many different people every day, I’ll often be surprised at the help that people will offer me after knowing them for only a short time.

Lots of people wonder how I’ll find places to stay when I don’t know anybody in a certain city. I explain how I expect people to offer help by just talking to them and telling them what I’m doing. From my own experience by knocking doors for two summers, and through my other experiences of meeting people at random events, I’m confident that people are much more willing to help strangers than most people think.

No Towel

While thinking of this trip, i continue to try and figure out ways to minimize what I bring with me. One thing I’ve decided isn’t a necessity is a towel. So, in the morning after I take a shower, I just air dry. I thought this would be annoying, but it’s actually not too bad. Anyway, random thought, but I thought you might enjoy a little tidbit of what it’s like to try and be a nomad. No luxuries.

Well, today I got my first blatant rejection while asking for a ride. I was kind of upset, although I shouldn’t blame people for not wanting to give a ride to a random guy that walks up to their car and asks for one. However, it did kind of psych me out mentally, and so today was an off day for getting rides. I was second guessing myself too much. Rather than pre-judging people and deciding whether or not I think they will give me a ride, I should just ask whoever and let them decide. I’ve also decided that I’m not a huge fan of waving down cars. I’ve just had better experiences asking for rides from people that are stopped. So, I walked quite a bit today. Asking for rides is one of those things that makes me nervous whenever I think about it. But every time I do it successfully, I have a great experience and think it’s the best way to get around.

I got a new backpack yesterday. and it’s working out nicely. Kory from Out N Back hooked me up and gave me a great deal. It has been great to get used to the pack I’ll be using on my actual trip. My shoulders have been getting kind of sore, so, I guess I just need to get a little stronger. Maybe I need to start doing shoulder exercises?

I’m a Nomad – Day #1

Well, I guess we could say that today is my first official day of nomadondom (new word, I just invented it). I no longer have a place I can call my own, I have to get rides any where I go, and I’m bringing a backpack around with me everywhere I go. As my first day, I gotta say that it sure is a lot of fun. I’m sure it will be even more fun when I actually am in a place where I don’t know anybody.

As far as getting rides from hitchhiking, I successfully got around Provo by getting 6 different rides today. My first two rides were just down the road and I waved the cars down to get the rides. I’ve decided that I don’t like getting rides from people for such short distances. You don’t get to talk to them at all and I just feel like I’m using them. But, I did have fun when I got a ride into Orem and back for my two different jobs. It was super fun to meet new people like that.

I also don’t feel like I can really ask people to let me stay at their house while I’m in Provo either. I think it would be fun to stay with random people, but really, I have plenty of friends I can stay with, so, it feels weird to ask others to help me out, when I really don’t need it.

It looks like I’m going to be able to get both a backpack and sleeping bag for a really good price. I’m going to get the sleeping bag through an account that Runner’s Corner has with Mountain Hardwear, and Kory from OutNBack is hooking me up with a good deal on my backpack. I love how people are so helpful.

Hitchhiking

Well, I have officially moved out of the Big Tan today and into my car. I put all remaining possessions of mine into my car, and thought that I wanted to live out of it. However, when I was talking to my friend Aaron Haslam, I realized the danger of using my car since it isn’t registered. I can’t afford to get a ticket at this time, so, I better not drive it around and park it on the street. It looks like I’ll be getting some practice this week in the art of hitchhiking. I borrowed a backpack from Aaron, and I’ll just try to leave my car in the parking lot of my old house, and make my way around town by getting rides from people.

I consulted Seth about his methods for hitchhiking, and he gave me some pretty good ideas. He said it is better to just go to a gas station and ask for rides, rather than sticking your thumb up by an exit. That’s what I was pretty much planning on doing anyway for my trip, but, it was nice to hear my plan confirmed. Also, for hitchhiking around a city, he said he just waves down cars and asks for rides. I tried it twice today, and it seemed to work just fine. The second guy I got a ride from told me that I should bring mace or something on my trip because of the danger of hitch hiking. It’s interesting, because I’ve always disregarded the worries that people have about hitchhiking, but, I wonder if some of those concerns are more legitimate than I’m making them out to be. So, I decided I’d like to make a study of documented incidences that have happened as a result of hitchhiking. So, if any of you can find any news stories or anything on the subject, please bring them to my attention. Just go ahead and post them in comments about this post.

Potential Dangers?

When I tell people about my trip, I get a variety of different reactions. But, one common concern that people have is how safe it is to hitch hike and live with random people I don’t know that well. The most common stated dangers are: I could get raped, robbed, or killed. Well, I’m going to confront those specific dangers in this post.

First off, I want to direct you to a blog I found about a guy who documents his trip hitchhiking across america. Now, his blog is pretty interesting and he definitely has some interesting adventures. But, I’d like to quote him on this topic of dangers to be faced:

“They say hitchhiking is dangerous. Everyone said I’d get robbed, raped and killed. I paid no attention. I figured America’s paranoid, and hitchhiking is safe. You can’t have an adventure nowadays without someone saying you’ll get robbed, raped and killed.”

Now he goes on to say that he NEARLY got raped and killed, but that’s because he thought hanging out with an ex-convict would be good company to have. Anyway, I agree with him that people are pretty paranoid about the dangers that exist, and lots of the fears people have are completely irrational and ridiculous. So, let’s talk about them one by one.

Rape: Now, this is the most ridiculous fear of them all. It hardly even needs discussing. But, I’m pretty sure I can hold my own on this one. If I ever get into an awkward situation, I’ll use my Ninja skills. No worry.

Murder: This one cracks me up. It’s like people think there are mass murderers that just drive down the highway looking for people to kill just for the shear pleasure of it. Seriously? Maybe we need to stop watching so many movies. The only reason I would get killed is if somebody has a motive for doing it. I don’t have money. I don’t have wealthy parents. I’m not from some famous family. So, the only motive somebody might have is if I’m an eyewitness to something. I’ll guess I’ll keep my eyes half closed the whole time, just in case. Trust me when I say that I was in a lot more danger as a missionary then I’ll be on this trip. I have the wits to avoid the kind of places I sought out on my mission. No more likely to die on this trip than I am every day as I drive in my car.

Robbery: Ok, now this is a legitimate concern. I could definitely get robbed on this trip. I won’t have that much, but, I know I could still get robbed. So, here’s my game plan if it does happen:

1. Try to smooth talk the robber out of it. I think even robbers would get excited about my trip and want to help me out. Hopefully at this point I’ll have made a bunch of money on the streets, so maybe I can offer to teach them some of my tricks. I’m not planning on a high probability of success with this one.

2. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to get away. So, this will entail a quick kick to the man’s pride and joy, or maybe some mace in the face. I’ve already had some offers of friends to buy me a can of pepper spray. They say they’ll feel better about it if I’m armed.

3. If I do get robbed, no worries. I won’t really have that much stuff anyway. Then, I’ll just rely on the kindness of people around me to help me get what I need to finish my journey. I’m sure it will all work out.

Now, I doubt anybody is going away with this blog relieved from the worries they had for my physical safety. However, maybe you can see how ridiculous and unlikely the possible dangers are. I’ll be fine, and I’m sure I’ll come away from this trip with a renewed perspective on how good most of the people in this world really are.