Time for another gas expense report (July 31th to August 31st)
Days: 31
Spent: $376.05
Dollars/Day: $12.13
Mileage: 2580k
Current odometer reading: 161002k
Remaining Volume: About half a tank.
Notes: Expenses were considerably lower this month - something I am happy about, but feel they will continue to drop (hopefully!). I did get an oil change, fixed some electrical issues and bought new tires, but as my brother pointed out - I would incur incidental expenses living in an apt, so I'm not going to include them in the grand total (just try to keep them as low as possible).
Ideally I would track food costs also. I'll see if I can work on that.
Sunday 31 August 2014
Friday 29 August 2014
Souper Time
I took some photos to try to capture super time last night:
Stopping to Smell the Flowers
I like to people watch.
I saw a man today stop to smell some roses...while smoke from his cigarette slowly escaped his nose. He shook his head, as if disappointed. I'm not entirely certain what he was expecting...
It did remind me to examine my actions and make sure I'm not just going through the motions while missing the point.
I saw a man today stop to smell some roses...while smoke from his cigarette slowly escaped his nose. He shook his head, as if disappointed. I'm not entirely certain what he was expecting...
It did remind me to examine my actions and make sure I'm not just going through the motions while missing the point.
Thursday 28 August 2014
New Shoes
The next time you see Walden, be sure to complement him on his new shoes.
After debating the cheapest, yet safest, route to replace Walden's dangerously worn front tires - I found had multiple options of where to source cheap tires:
The wrecker option was too sketch, generally people don't replace their tires enough (should be every 5 years)...I did poke around a couple in the Valley - but nothing stood out as overly promising.
Craiglist had quite a few options...it would still be a bit of a coin toss. I'd still need to find someone to mount/balance the tires (cheapest I saw was $28 for the two - at Walmart).
I tried a few used tire dealers in Abbotsford. No one had my size in stock. My theory it's because most people running 205/70 R15, have them on utilitarian vehicles and use them until they pop. I suspect the price would be close to the Craigslist option but would come with some sort of warranty. They advertise prices starting at $10 a tire but I'm unsure if I would want to admit I was rolling on rubber that cheap.
Finally - Crap Tire or Walmart logically would be the cheapest of the chains. I went with Walmart as they were a little cheaper ($215 vs $176) and I like their policies regarding over-nighting in their parking lots. Tires are a safety item...so there is that to consider also.
The Weathermaxx tires themselves, despite being cheap and Chinese, should do the trick - after all - all tires need to meet Canadian safety specs..........right.........?
So far, they don't seem overly bad...not that I've be out on the skid-pad, rock crawling or drag racing with them (not that I intend to either and that's the point). We'll see how they handle wet conditions and how noisy they are when it's dry (I generally have the radio cranked anyways). Plus they come with a 100k warranty - hard not to justify new tires.
< For my records odo reading is ~161k >
After debating the cheapest, yet safest, route to replace Walden's dangerously worn front tires - I found had multiple options of where to source cheap tires:
- A wrecker: $30 per tire + mounting/balance fees
- Craigslist: $40 per tire + mounting/balance fees
- Used tire dealer: ?? (see below)
- Brand new tires from a box store like Crappy Tire/Walmart. (Crappy tire: $215 | Walmart: $176)
The wrecker option was too sketch, generally people don't replace their tires enough (should be every 5 years)...I did poke around a couple in the Valley - but nothing stood out as overly promising.
Craiglist had quite a few options...it would still be a bit of a coin toss. I'd still need to find someone to mount/balance the tires (cheapest I saw was $28 for the two - at Walmart).
I tried a few used tire dealers in Abbotsford. No one had my size in stock. My theory it's because most people running 205/70 R15, have them on utilitarian vehicles and use them until they pop. I suspect the price would be close to the Craigslist option but would come with some sort of warranty. They advertise prices starting at $10 a tire but I'm unsure if I would want to admit I was rolling on rubber that cheap.
Finally - Crap Tire or Walmart logically would be the cheapest of the chains. I went with Walmart as they were a little cheaper ($215 vs $176) and I like their policies regarding over-nighting in their parking lots. Tires are a safety item...so there is that to consider also.
The Weathermaxx tires themselves, despite being cheap and Chinese, should do the trick - after all - all tires need to meet Canadian safety specs..........right.........?
So far, they don't seem overly bad...not that I've be out on the skid-pad, rock crawling or drag racing with them (not that I intend to either and that's the point). We'll see how they handle wet conditions and how noisy they are when it's dry (I generally have the radio cranked anyways). Plus they come with a 100k warranty - hard not to justify new tires.
< For my records odo reading is ~161k >
Battle Stations
I drove my brother back to Yaletown last night after orienteering. After getting some Chipotle (if they were as common as Starbucks, I might have a problem) - I drove over to North Vancouver and parked for the night.
By the time I rolled into North Van, it was super late and past my bed time (~2130hr-2200hr). I picked the first quiet street I could find, which happened to be in a in an commercial/industrial area. I generally don’t choose areas like it because they creep my out at night.
I fall asleep immediately…however in the middle of the night….0300hr or close. I have a dream in which I’m trying to warn someone of some danger - “Wake up” was repeated until I woke into RL with a jolt.
I generally don’t wake myself via dream so I spent the next 10 minutes manning the .50 cal, worried that it was actually my subconscious trying to warn me of imminent danger...turns out it was a false alarm (I think).
I feel it's inevitable that someone will come knocking in the middle of the night...
By the time I rolled into North Van, it was super late and past my bed time (~2130hr-2200hr). I picked the first quiet street I could find, which happened to be in a in an commercial/industrial area. I generally don’t choose areas like it because they creep my out at night.
I fall asleep immediately…however in the middle of the night….0300hr or close. I have a dream in which I’m trying to warn someone of some danger - “Wake up” was repeated until I woke into RL with a jolt.
I generally don’t wake myself via dream so I spent the next 10 minutes manning the .50 cal, worried that it was actually my subconscious trying to warn me of imminent danger...turns out it was a false alarm (I think).
I feel it's inevitable that someone will come knocking in the middle of the night...
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Over the Line
I popped over the border while I was in Abbotsford for some cheaper gas and got to break in my brand new passport.
The border wait was about 10-15 minutes in each direction - so it wasn’t terrible…but I wouldn’t want to wait much longer than that.
Got grilled by the guard a bit;
“Where are you going”
“Going to get some gas”
<points to gas station>
“Do you have any luggage in the vehicle?”
“Luggage?”
“Yes..luggage”
“Uh. Yeah. I have a bunch of camping gear”
“Where you going? Why do you have camping gear?”
“Uh. I’m on a road trip in Canada - all I want is some cheap gas”
“Carry on.”
“Thanks!”
Frankly, I was tempted to get into my life story and how I was a transient with no fixed address.
“I am a homeless man in a van. I come in peace. I just wanted some sweet, sweet, cheap gas….”
“Step out of the van sir”
Any way I look at it, I don’t think it would have ended well. Probably with van and cavity search - though that would make for a more interesting post.
Anyways. I filled at 3.76 which is about 107…gas in the valley was about $1.34/L. So I should come out ahead, even with VISA fees and time wasted in the line.
The border wait was about 10-15 minutes in each direction - so it wasn’t terrible…but I wouldn’t want to wait much longer than that.
Got grilled by the guard a bit;
“Where are you going”
“Going to get some gas”
<points to gas station>
“Do you have any luggage in the vehicle?”
“Luggage?”
“Yes..luggage”
“Uh. Yeah. I have a bunch of camping gear”
“Where you going? Why do you have camping gear?”
“Uh. I’m on a road trip in Canada - all I want is some cheap gas”
“Carry on.”
“Thanks!”
Frankly, I was tempted to get into my life story and how I was a transient with no fixed address.
“I am a homeless man in a van. I come in peace. I just wanted some sweet, sweet, cheap gas….”
“Step out of the van sir”
Any way I look at it, I don’t think it would have ended well. Probably with van and cavity search - though that would make for a more interesting post.
Anyways. I filled at 3.76 which is about 107…gas in the valley was about $1.34/L. So I should come out ahead, even with VISA fees and time wasted in the line.
Balding Walden
Extending past the end of summer requires retooling for rainy conditions. Clothes will need to be swapped out for warmer ones, I’ll switch out my sleeping bag for my Hyperloft one (down doesn’t do well in damp conditions - plus it’s rated to -7ºC).
Most importantly, I need to prep Walden to tackle the elements. His lights have developed cataracts and need to be polished. The most pressing issue is that he needs new shoes - up front in particular, his front passenger tire is balding. Based on the wear, I suspect it’s scrubbing due to alignment issues. The steering doesn’t pull to one side but the tread is really worn on the outside of the tire.
I knew it was pretty low for a while, but seeing as I wasn’t sure if I’d be doing this into the winter - figured I’d go until I couldn’t. When Darren pointed it out as we worked on Walden…I agreed, it needed to be replaced (it’s down past the wear bars).
The cheapest new fronts I could find are around $215 for a pair mounted (courtesy of Crappy Tire)…so naturally I started to inquire at used tire dealers. No joy - so after an afternoon of putzing around Abby…I decided it probably could wait a little longer while I sourced some tires (I have a bad habit of agonizing over larger purchases).
I set course for Vancouver and hit the warp button.
Fast forward to me hanging out in a parking lot near Ikea killing some time. I decided to inspect the tire further to see just how much time I actually had.
Sticking my head into the well, I was immediately greeted with bare belt. Shiiiieeeet.
I noted earlier that the spare had plenty of tread and that despite it’s age is unknown - it would be better than the tire currently on there (I need to check the date of manufacture today).
Luckily changing tires is one of the few manly man skills I possess. My first day with Evenrude (my Firefly) - I had tread remove itself on the highway. In fact, my first reaction to seeing the belt this time around was “Aaahhh, that’s not THAT bad”. Evenrude was a loveable but derelict shit box and had old tires…He lost more tread off another tire later on the way to a date. I was late and performed what I felt was the fastest tire change in history.
It’s been a while but I still got it - I swapped the spare onto Walden in a Staples parking lot. It was a good opportunity to try my Joby Gorilla tripod (the magnetic/flexible kind). I’d recommend opting for the magnets - I’m not sure how often I’ll utilize them - but they are really handy when you do (sticks to Waldens fenders nicely).
Pictures of the operation:
Most importantly, I need to prep Walden to tackle the elements. His lights have developed cataracts and need to be polished. The most pressing issue is that he needs new shoes - up front in particular, his front passenger tire is balding. Based on the wear, I suspect it’s scrubbing due to alignment issues. The steering doesn’t pull to one side but the tread is really worn on the outside of the tire.
I knew it was pretty low for a while, but seeing as I wasn’t sure if I’d be doing this into the winter - figured I’d go until I couldn’t. When Darren pointed it out as we worked on Walden…I agreed, it needed to be replaced (it’s down past the wear bars).
The cheapest new fronts I could find are around $215 for a pair mounted (courtesy of Crappy Tire)…so naturally I started to inquire at used tire dealers. No joy - so after an afternoon of putzing around Abby…I decided it probably could wait a little longer while I sourced some tires (I have a bad habit of agonizing over larger purchases).
I set course for Vancouver and hit the warp button.
Fast forward to me hanging out in a parking lot near Ikea killing some time. I decided to inspect the tire further to see just how much time I actually had.
Sticking my head into the well, I was immediately greeted with bare belt. Shiiiieeeet.
I noted earlier that the spare had plenty of tread and that despite it’s age is unknown - it would be better than the tire currently on there (I need to check the date of manufacture today).
Luckily changing tires is one of the few manly man skills I possess. My first day with Evenrude (my Firefly) - I had tread remove itself on the highway. In fact, my first reaction to seeing the belt this time around was “Aaahhh, that’s not THAT bad”. Evenrude was a loveable but derelict shit box and had old tires…He lost more tread off another tire later on the way to a date. I was late and performed what I felt was the fastest tire change in history.
It’s been a while but I still got it - I swapped the spare onto Walden in a Staples parking lot. It was a good opportunity to try my Joby Gorilla tripod (the magnetic/flexible kind). I’d recommend opting for the magnets - I’m not sure how often I’ll utilize them - but they are really handy when you do (sticks to Waldens fenders nicely).
Pictures of the operation:
Monday 25 August 2014
The Show Will Go On
When embarking on this journey, I wasn't sure how long I've be at it for. Even after a less than auspicious start, I breezed through my goal of 10 days. Then Walden and I celebrated our one month vanniversary...though I admit, at that point it felt more like a long road trip than actual vandwelling. At one and a half months, with most of my travels behind me, I feel the honeymoon phase is ending just as summer holidays are coming to an end for the real world...I'm starting to dig in and looking to the future.
I've always said that the end would likely be a woman. Someone special is coming back into my life at the end of the month - but I've gotten the go ahead/permission to continue. She wasn't always cool with the idea - but I feel the response to this blog has won her over (combined with the "I'm a peacock, you gotta let me fly" argument)...she even has a parking spot for Walden for when I visit! Score.
The pilot was successful. A new season is on it's way.
Literally...
Same bat time, same bat channel.
I've always said that the end would likely be a woman. Someone special is coming back into my life at the end of the month - but I've gotten the go ahead/permission to continue. She wasn't always cool with the idea - but I feel the response to this blog has won her over (combined with the "I'm a peacock, you gotta let me fly" argument)...she even has a parking spot for Walden for when I visit! Score.
The pilot was successful. A new season is on it's way.
Literally...
Same bat time, same bat channel.
Good News Everyone!
Happiness is fickle.
As comedian Louis C. K. points out, "Everything is wonderful and nobodies happy". It can be easy to forget that you once were content with the status quo as your perspective shifts and you establish a new baseline.
Apart from his block heater incident - I've been very happy with Walden. He dutifully performs his side of the bargain without incident (knock on wood!) - that said, a list of niggling problems has grown over the past month as
I've got to know him.
Still, non of them were deal breakers, so I learned live with them. Life in general is pretty adaptable - we can get used to a lot of things. Opening the passenger door to talk to hitch hikers gets to be normal. The inoperable 12v plug in the dash is simply forgotten about and unlocking each door manually becomes second nature.
After a month and half of living in a vehicle - fix one such nuisance, by fixing your power window for example, and you'll find yourself having small orgasms lowering and raising it with a push of a button. Then again, I've been known to be easy to please.
I'm currently up the Valley in Chilliwack - which is home to my friend Darren. Darren is a talented mechanic, so together we set about trying to solve some of the aforementioned issues.
Mission successful!
Here is a list of things that we fixed:
Thanks Darren! You are my hero!
As comedian Louis C. K. points out, "Everything is wonderful and nobodies happy". It can be easy to forget that you once were content with the status quo as your perspective shifts and you establish a new baseline.
Apart from his block heater incident - I've been very happy with Walden. He dutifully performs his side of the bargain without incident (knock on wood!) - that said, a list of niggling problems has grown over the past month as
I've got to know him.
Still, non of them were deal breakers, so I learned live with them. Life in general is pretty adaptable - we can get used to a lot of things. Opening the passenger door to talk to hitch hikers gets to be normal. The inoperable 12v plug in the dash is simply forgotten about and unlocking each door manually becomes second nature.
After a month and half of living in a vehicle - fix one such nuisance, by fixing your power window for example, and you'll find yourself having small orgasms lowering and raising it with a push of a button. Then again, I've been known to be easy to please.
I'm currently up the Valley in Chilliwack - which is home to my friend Darren. Darren is a talented mechanic, so together we set about trying to solve some of the aforementioned issues.
Mission successful!
Here is a list of things that we fixed:
- 12V plug (in the dash): One of three, so having one that didn't work wasn't a huge issue. Easy fix though - turned out just to be a blown fuse.
- Mud flaps: They were barely hanging on and rattling so we removed them.
- Interior lights: I've been wanting to disable them for stealthy night time entry/egress. At first we just pulled the fuse - but it turns the windows are on the same circuit. Ended up pulling the relay, which worked perfectly. Another perk is that I can leave my doors open without worrying about the battery. I am going to look for a sheet and some magnets so I can make a 'breathable door' for when I boondock in the sticks.
- Power locks: When removing the interior light relay - we decided to check the other relay of systems that were U/S. Turns out the power lock relay didn't exist! No idea why it was removed...popped in a new one and bobs your uncle...power locks functioned again.
- Passenger power window: This was the biggest, hardest and most satisfying of all the fixes. Turns out Ford doesn't want to make it easy to swap window motors. It was easy enough to remove the door panel but the motor and regulator are riveted into the door. So Darren drilled out the one rivet that held the motor and wiggled it free. After establishing we could actually replace it - we rushed down to Pick-a-part wreckers and Darren ripped one out of Walden's distant relative (I was tempted by his leather seats!). Replacing it turned out to be a bother - the helix gear didn't want to mesh. After much cursing, we finally got it to mesh and the rest went together rather easily. SO AMAZING!
Thanks Darren! You are my hero!
 |
| Judging by the amount of hot glue and broken tabs...someone attempted this repair earlier but were stumped by the rivets. |
 | ||
| Darren drilling out the bracket rivet. |
Thursday 21 August 2014
Planes, trains and automobiles
Despite despising cars as an interurban transport solution (and thinking them as the bane of society) - I am a car enthusiast.
I have owned (stored mostly) a modified Mazda RX-7 since 2002. In my early twenties, I foolishly dumped an a large part of my resources into running and upgrading it. I've since learned my lesson and keep her around as a reminder never to head down that road again (that, and I can't seem to be able to bring myself to sell her).
Even though the car is an overall failure and sits unused...the rex has taught me a lot of lessons and largely contributing to my philosophy about possessions vs experiences. I felt at the time, spending money on experiences would only leave me empty handed. I used the all-inclusive, drunk, Mexico vacations (and the like) as a basis for this conclusion - but neglected to expand my view of what sort of other experiences I could have. Obviously, that is a pretty broad generalization but it sums it up - plus being the uncompromising dude I am, I committed fully building the car.
It wasn't all bad - one thing I love about cars, specifically cult models - is the community they develop. I was delighted to discover I wasn't the only weirdo who owned an RX-7. In said sub-cultures...it's quite common to wave at other drivers of the same type. Sort of a - you have sweet taste in cars bro - gesture.
With seeing how prolific Windstars are, I've limited myself to yelling "Wiiiiiiiinnnnnndstaaaaaaarrr" or waving at his specific model type. The soccer moms don't get it....
I have owned (stored mostly) a modified Mazda RX-7 since 2002. In my early twenties, I foolishly dumped an a large part of my resources into running and upgrading it. I've since learned my lesson and keep her around as a reminder never to head down that road again (that, and I can't seem to be able to bring myself to sell her).
Even though the car is an overall failure and sits unused...the rex has taught me a lot of lessons and largely contributing to my philosophy about possessions vs experiences. I felt at the time, spending money on experiences would only leave me empty handed. I used the all-inclusive, drunk, Mexico vacations (and the like) as a basis for this conclusion - but neglected to expand my view of what sort of other experiences I could have. Obviously, that is a pretty broad generalization but it sums it up - plus being the uncompromising dude I am, I committed fully building the car.
It wasn't all bad - one thing I love about cars, specifically cult models - is the community they develop. I was delighted to discover I wasn't the only weirdo who owned an RX-7. In said sub-cultures...it's quite common to wave at other drivers of the same type. Sort of a - you have sweet taste in cars bro - gesture.
With seeing how prolific Windstars are, I've limited myself to yelling "Wiiiiiiiinnnnnndstaaaaaaarrr" or waving at his specific model type. The soccer moms don't get it....
 |
| Came back from Starbucks to find Walden had made a friend. |
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Persistence Hunter
In the big smoke, unrestricted parking is an endangered species. I always get a little thrill when I can park unfettered and not get hassled.
Figuring out where to hunt for a spot just got a little easier :
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://vanmapp1.vancouver.ca/googleKml/residential_parking_areas
For when visiting the core:
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/interactive/maps/parking-costs/
Figuring out where to hunt for a spot just got a little easier :
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://vanmapp1.vancouver.ca/googleKml/residential_parking_areas
For when visiting the core:
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/interactive/maps/parking-costs/
Monday 18 August 2014
Leaving the Nest
The treat receipt deal ended today - which makes me re-evaluate my dependency on Starbucks. I'd like to reduce my visits to once a day - which forces me to consider how I'll connect to the internet.
I have two options, a internet stick or a tethering via a cell phone. I'm reluctant to commit to either as I know a new iPhone is coming down the pipeline. So, if I were to go the cell route, it would be a soon to be obsolete iPhone 4. I'm currently using a 3G (I rarely use it for anything other than texting)...so even a 4 would be a massive upgrade. One perk to a cell is that it replaces the 3G and would allow a pocket device with data.
Either option would allow great freedom in terms of where I work - which is very appealing - an might prove to be more cost effective over the long run. I'd hate contracts and would rather go month to month (another point for the cheap iPhone option).
Has anyone had extended experience with either? Opinions?
I have two options, a internet stick or a tethering via a cell phone. I'm reluctant to commit to either as I know a new iPhone is coming down the pipeline. So, if I were to go the cell route, it would be a soon to be obsolete iPhone 4. I'm currently using a 3G (I rarely use it for anything other than texting)...so even a 4 would be a massive upgrade. One perk to a cell is that it replaces the 3G and would allow a pocket device with data.
Either option would allow great freedom in terms of where I work - which is very appealing - an might prove to be more cost effective over the long run. I'd hate contracts and would rather go month to month (another point for the cheap iPhone option).
Has anyone had extended experience with either? Opinions?
Hydration Frustration
Canadians are well known water wastes. We love our long showers etc - so it should come as no surprise that I’m having a difficult time keeping Walden stocked with water. Currently, I have capacity for about 12L of water (3 x 4L) which I had initially planned on filling at gas stations or washrooms.
Other than forgetting to fill when I have the chance, I run into three main issues:
Other than forgetting to fill when I have the chance, I run into three main issues:
- The washroom idea doesn’t work because 4L jugs are too big…I need to fashion a funnel and hose.
- Gas stations have free water less frequently than I remembered. A lot are doing it by donation. Coins are something I don't frequently have on and I am not carrying cash.
- I have my water filter but that is time consuming and really only ideal for when I’m in the sticks.
The Grasshopper And The Ants
My grandmother was a busy lady - or so she felt. In reality, as far as we could tell, the two things that would fill her day were walking Croc (her dog) and washing her hair. This isn’t a judgment, just a comment on how we fill time - the more time we have, the longer it takes to do something. Just as we take up more space and spend more money when we have it.
I remember during my one year in the military realizing there is always time for tasks. They kept piling on more things for us to do, yet after the initial griping - things would get done. Obviously there is a human limit and schedules sometimes genuinely conflict, but much like physical endurance, the ceiling for productivity is much higher than we generally believe. Occasionally we run into people who seem to get more shit done in a week than we do in a month…the only difference is that they take on more work understanding that there is always time…
Despite a busy start to my adulthood - I would say - generally things have remained pretty simple and uncluttered. Maybe even getting more so - perhaps I am not the best guy to be commenting on this. What I do know is that I know a lot of ‘busy’ people. Everyone seems to want to be unnecessarily busy…or at the very least appear so (even worse!)…and then bitch about it.
Fuck that.
I’ve managed to “free up” at least four hours of my life since moving into Walden. My rational being, that my days start earlier (a couple hours there) and my computer time is more deliberate; meaning I’m not burning hours on Netflix, Youtube or Reddit etc.
I understand money must be made and chores be done - I still do this (I still allocate a lot of time towards my job), however, I am productive not busy - the distinction being, there is always time to see my friends and do what I want to do. People conflate having free time with being lazy. Then use filler activities to feel productive - like TV or the internet (Canadians watch 20-30 hours of TV per week on average alone…)
If you are working yourself to exhaustion to maintain a lifestyle - perhaps it’s time to objectively reevaluate your lifestyle. A simpler life leads to more time. I don’t, not yet at least, need to mow the lawn, take the kids to soccer or rearrange furniture. So what exactly do I do with my time?
If you imagine that with all my free time, that I sit idly in my van staring at the steering wheel - remember what I said about my grandmother. I pretty much am doing what I’ve always done with fewer distractions - living deliberately with more time to do it. More meat, fewer potatoes.
The effect of this, leaves something exposed, unsatiated. It currently manifests itself as a desire to drive. At first, I felt living in a van was a ‘hammer in hand’ scenario…however, as my brother pointed out - it’s something internal. A desire to do fill my time - something I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. It’s not ‘boredom’, it’s the inability to slow the fuck down. Even with an uncluttered schedule, I satiated it with oversleeping and the internet. The internet is particularly insidious. It’s filler wrapped in utility. The utility is the excuse, the filler is what you gorge upon.
Time > money.
A life free of distraction and manufactured busy-ness forces you to answer a very important question: What do you want to do with your time? What do you do with your time?
(Remember…read only blogs of the highest quality and entertainment value ;-) )
I remember during my one year in the military realizing there is always time for tasks. They kept piling on more things for us to do, yet after the initial griping - things would get done. Obviously there is a human limit and schedules sometimes genuinely conflict, but much like physical endurance, the ceiling for productivity is much higher than we generally believe. Occasionally we run into people who seem to get more shit done in a week than we do in a month…the only difference is that they take on more work understanding that there is always time…
Despite a busy start to my adulthood - I would say - generally things have remained pretty simple and uncluttered. Maybe even getting more so - perhaps I am not the best guy to be commenting on this. What I do know is that I know a lot of ‘busy’ people. Everyone seems to want to be unnecessarily busy…or at the very least appear so (even worse!)…and then bitch about it.
Fuck that.
I’ve managed to “free up” at least four hours of my life since moving into Walden. My rational being, that my days start earlier (a couple hours there) and my computer time is more deliberate; meaning I’m not burning hours on Netflix, Youtube or Reddit etc.
I understand money must be made and chores be done - I still do this (I still allocate a lot of time towards my job), however, I am productive not busy - the distinction being, there is always time to see my friends and do what I want to do. People conflate having free time with being lazy. Then use filler activities to feel productive - like TV or the internet (Canadians watch 20-30 hours of TV per week on average alone…)
If you are working yourself to exhaustion to maintain a lifestyle - perhaps it’s time to objectively reevaluate your lifestyle. A simpler life leads to more time. I don’t, not yet at least, need to mow the lawn, take the kids to soccer or rearrange furniture. So what exactly do I do with my time?
If you imagine that with all my free time, that I sit idly in my van staring at the steering wheel - remember what I said about my grandmother. I pretty much am doing what I’ve always done with fewer distractions - living deliberately with more time to do it. More meat, fewer potatoes.
The effect of this, leaves something exposed, unsatiated. It currently manifests itself as a desire to drive. At first, I felt living in a van was a ‘hammer in hand’ scenario…however, as my brother pointed out - it’s something internal. A desire to do fill my time - something I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. It’s not ‘boredom’, it’s the inability to slow the fuck down. Even with an uncluttered schedule, I satiated it with oversleeping and the internet. The internet is particularly insidious. It’s filler wrapped in utility. The utility is the excuse, the filler is what you gorge upon.
Time > money.
A life free of distraction and manufactured busy-ness forces you to answer a very important question: What do you want to do with your time? What do you do with your time?
(Remember…read only blogs of the highest quality and entertainment value ;-) )
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| Went for a run then, ate supper and read until sunset. |
Friday 15 August 2014
Moist
I had a damp night last night.
It rained heavily.
At first, I felt nice and cozy in Walden - the rain drumming on his roof. Beats a tent right? However, at time went on, things weren't as rosy (though far from miserable)...
First two issues were my fault, my silk liner was still slightly wet from laundry - as it was a cool, humid day - it didn't dry as rapidly as I have grown accustomed to. My body heat dried fully as I lay in it - which added to the ambient humidity.
Second issue arose when I spilled my Nalgene! Whoops. Luckily it was only half full and was in a spot that I could avoid while sleeping. It didn't help - though, to date, I am impressed with how his carpet deals with spills.
Finally, all the windows needed to be closed as water was trickling in. Even the slat windows in the back.
I woke up to a very humid van. This makes me think I'll need to take more drastic measures in order to survive winter...I'm starting to seriously consider more radical modifications to Walden (ie. cutting additional/hidden vents or adding independently powered fans to his existing ducting (he is pretty deluxe and has ceiling/rear ducting which might come in handy).
It rained heavily.
At first, I felt nice and cozy in Walden - the rain drumming on his roof. Beats a tent right? However, at time went on, things weren't as rosy (though far from miserable)...
First two issues were my fault, my silk liner was still slightly wet from laundry - as it was a cool, humid day - it didn't dry as rapidly as I have grown accustomed to. My body heat dried fully as I lay in it - which added to the ambient humidity.
Second issue arose when I spilled my Nalgene! Whoops. Luckily it was only half full and was in a spot that I could avoid while sleeping. It didn't help - though, to date, I am impressed with how his carpet deals with spills.
Finally, all the windows needed to be closed as water was trickling in. Even the slat windows in the back.
I woke up to a very humid van. This makes me think I'll need to take more drastic measures in order to survive winter...I'm starting to seriously consider more radical modifications to Walden (ie. cutting additional/hidden vents or adding independently powered fans to his existing ducting (he is pretty deluxe and has ceiling/rear ducting which might come in handy).
The Fruits of Summer
I read online today that 1 in 100 people would have McDonald's today. While eating my Big Mac for lunch I contemplated whether my choice was completely voluntary. Disgusted with myself - I've satiated my fast food craving for a while. Not sure if I'm losing weight and am craving fatty food...or just needed a cheap meal where the proportions weren't completely all out of wack.
Big Mac and nuggets aside, my daily diet is becoming decidedly more fruitarian. 'Tis the season right? I can see why chimps go bananas for bananas - they are the perfect food for a primate on the go. Same goes for melons and containers of berries. It might be the summer heat, but I can't say I'm hungry for much else - perhaps I am reverting to a more primal state.
I took it to the next level and prepared a fruit salad last night (had it with half a chicken). The mango was one of the best I've had (the 'local' peach was lackluster):
I've been on the look out for a good spot to pick blackberries...gotta put on that winter weight. ;-)
Big Mac and nuggets aside, my daily diet is becoming decidedly more fruitarian. 'Tis the season right? I can see why chimps go bananas for bananas - they are the perfect food for a primate on the go. Same goes for melons and containers of berries. It might be the summer heat, but I can't say I'm hungry for much else - perhaps I am reverting to a more primal state.
I took it to the next level and prepared a fruit salad last night (had it with half a chicken). The mango was one of the best I've had (the 'local' peach was lackluster):
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| Eat your fucking heart out Martha Stewart |
I've been on the look out for a good spot to pick blackberries...gotta put on that winter weight. ;-)
Thursday 14 August 2014
The Road to Nowhere
A grey pall hangs over Vancouver - offering a brief reprieve from the summer sun. Unfortunately this means my favourite location, Wreck Beach, isn’t an option. So, like a sunflower without a sun, I’m wandering around the UBC campus doing my best to blend in with the students. I’ve been informed I can no longer pass as a fresh faced undergrad, too many wrinkles - so grad student it is. Working on my masters in Mobile Living and Urban Studies (if anyone asks).
My initial plan was to roll on down to chill in the hippy hive of Nelson - however - I forgot I had committed to help my friend move. Luckily, she reminded me before I drove to Nelson from Kelowna. Nelson is about a 8hr drive from Vancouver…so it wouldn’t make sense to go then immediately drive back to help. There is some orienteering in Cranbrook (BCOCs) at the beginning of September which may lure me back out in that direction.
Gas prices have spiked, curtailing my gallivanting (one must dwell in a van to discover how many words have ‘van’ in them). I’m trying to keep the miles low over the next couple of days and let the credit card cool off. I caught the last gas station in Kelowna with 1.26/L (everything else was ten cents more) which was nice….though I had to endure a surprisingly orderly (I love Canadians) rush to get gas. Gas in Vancouver is 1.41/L which means I am roughly paying that per 10km. Gas is currently 1.04/L (according to an online converter?) in Washington State. That may be reason alone to head south to visit the Yankees.
I'm pretty comfortable at UBC. I know the area and the facilities are conducive to my needs. I'm limiting my driving to rotating Walden between my sleeping spot and a convenient location for the day. This is how I envision living more permanently in a community (possible rotating through 3-4 locations and having a gym membership as to not cause issues). UBC has one street that is free parking…so I have been participating in a ‘race’ to grab a spot at 5-5:30am each morning…any later and they are gone.
After acquiring my spot today, I tried to sleep some more…however, found it impossible due to high traffic. The amount of traffic on the road makes no sense to me - it’s literally at the end of a peninsula. I have no idea where everyone is rushing to (the speed limit is 40km/hr but frequently my van would shake due to speeding vehicles). I’m starting to suspect I’m in a Truman Show like scenario and the vehicles are just extras driving in a loop (unless they are going to Museum of Anthropology for some unknown reason). I’ve included a map below to illustrate.
My initial plan was to roll on down to chill in the hippy hive of Nelson - however - I forgot I had committed to help my friend move. Luckily, she reminded me before I drove to Nelson from Kelowna. Nelson is about a 8hr drive from Vancouver…so it wouldn’t make sense to go then immediately drive back to help. There is some orienteering in Cranbrook (BCOCs) at the beginning of September which may lure me back out in that direction.
Gas prices have spiked, curtailing my gallivanting (one must dwell in a van to discover how many words have ‘van’ in them). I’m trying to keep the miles low over the next couple of days and let the credit card cool off. I caught the last gas station in Kelowna with 1.26/L (everything else was ten cents more) which was nice….though I had to endure a surprisingly orderly (I love Canadians) rush to get gas. Gas in Vancouver is 1.41/L which means I am roughly paying that per 10km. Gas is currently 1.04/L (according to an online converter?) in Washington State. That may be reason alone to head south to visit the Yankees.
I'm pretty comfortable at UBC. I know the area and the facilities are conducive to my needs. I'm limiting my driving to rotating Walden between my sleeping spot and a convenient location for the day. This is how I envision living more permanently in a community (possible rotating through 3-4 locations and having a gym membership as to not cause issues). UBC has one street that is free parking…so I have been participating in a ‘race’ to grab a spot at 5-5:30am each morning…any later and they are gone.
After acquiring my spot today, I tried to sleep some more…however, found it impossible due to high traffic. The amount of traffic on the road makes no sense to me - it’s literally at the end of a peninsula. I have no idea where everyone is rushing to (the speed limit is 40km/hr but frequently my van would shake due to speeding vehicles). I’m starting to suspect I’m in a Truman Show like scenario and the vehicles are just extras driving in a loop (unless they are going to Museum of Anthropology for some unknown reason). I’ve included a map below to illustrate.
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| The Road to nowhere. |
Wednesday 13 August 2014
Vanabonding
I've put Walden back on the shelf for now. As relevant as it is to my advanture - it is not light reading - I feel like narcoleptic when I attempt to read it.
I've changed my tack and have started Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. It's fantastic. Mr. Potts also feels Henry Thoreau sheds considerable insight to this kind of lifestyle (though I'm more of a Vanabond than a Vagabond) - and like a momma bird kindly pre-chews and regurgitates the pertinent quotes. Mind you this isn't equivilant of reading it myself (maybe one day) but I get the gist without falling asleep every two sentences.
I've changed my tack and have started Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. It's fantastic. Mr. Potts also feels Henry Thoreau sheds considerable insight to this kind of lifestyle (though I'm more of a Vanabond than a Vagabond) - and like a momma bird kindly pre-chews and regurgitates the pertinent quotes. Mind you this isn't equivilant of reading it myself (maybe one day) but I get the gist without falling asleep every two sentences.
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Shoo Fly
Long, radio-less drives bring out the poet in me. This one has been percolating for a while;
There is a pesky fly that prefers to dwell
near the pedals down, in Walden’s footwell.
His sole purpose, as far as I can tell,
is to make long drives a torturous hell.
As swatting it at speed would not end well.
There is a pesky fly that prefers to dwell
near the pedals down, in Walden’s footwell.
His sole purpose, as far as I can tell,
is to make long drives a torturous hell.
As swatting it at speed would not end well.
The End
Naturally, much like Henry Thoreau's neighbors in Walden, my friends have been asking a lot of questions about living in Walden. While discussing it with my orienteering family over the last couple of weeks - I've had the opportunity to explore my thoughts on it further.
I've always hated small talk so I gravitate towards the verboten three - sex, politics and religion - so it comes as a relief to have something to discuss that won't grossly offend people I don't know intimately.
I worried that it would come across as a little vainglorious talking about it - after all it's not particularly amazing - but people seem genuinely curious/interested about this arrangement and what drove me to this point (yes, that's a driving pun).
After showing them Walden (inevitably, they sniff the interior) - we get into the Why. The older crowd, generally are more incredulous, and think I'm doing this as a lark. Sure, there is that aspect - the adventure within normal life - but the more I reflect on it, the more I realize there are deeper underlying concepts that really appeal to me on a long term basis (and that I've been trending this way for a while).
Now that I appear to have the logistics roughed out - and shown it's sustainable (in summer at least). One question keeps popping up:
"When will you stop?"
I answer, "When I get tired of it or someone stops me"
What do you think will be The End and when?
Will Walden have a mechanical? Will I tire of it? Will the reason be romantic? Winter? Financial?
I really should start a betting pool. ;-)
I've always hated small talk so I gravitate towards the verboten three - sex, politics and religion - so it comes as a relief to have something to discuss that won't grossly offend people I don't know intimately.
I worried that it would come across as a little vainglorious talking about it - after all it's not particularly amazing - but people seem genuinely curious/interested about this arrangement and what drove me to this point (yes, that's a driving pun).
After showing them Walden (inevitably, they sniff the interior) - we get into the Why. The older crowd, generally are more incredulous, and think I'm doing this as a lark. Sure, there is that aspect - the adventure within normal life - but the more I reflect on it, the more I realize there are deeper underlying concepts that really appeal to me on a long term basis (and that I've been trending this way for a while).
Now that I appear to have the logistics roughed out - and shown it's sustainable (in summer at least). One question keeps popping up:
"When will you stop?"
I answer, "When I get tired of it or someone stops me"
What do you think will be The End and when?
Will Walden have a mechanical? Will I tire of it? Will the reason be romantic? Winter? Financial?
I really should start a betting pool. ;-)
Waste not - want not.
Yesterday I had spinach, tomato and ham wraps.
Yum.
Then I had tomato and spinach wraps.
Then spinach wraps.
Then handfuls of spinach.
You see the problem here.
Logically the solution would be to buy more tomatoes, wraps and ham - however - I'd get caught in an infinite loop and be eating wraps forever.
I used to encounter this problem living alone in my apartment but the inability to store fresh ingredients exacerbates the problem. I've considered a cooler but frankly I'm not interested in dealing with constantly stocking it with ice etc - in this heat it would be a constant hunt for ice.
I miss pasta - one of my staples. When I visited Switzerland, I found they had single serve portions of pasta sauce. I wish they had those here, it was fantastic - especially considering meals and restaurants started at $25!
One thing thing I can't enough of is fresh Okanagan fruit. So fucking amazing...
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| Still ended up eating plain sprouts after a few sandwiches like this. :-P |
Monday 11 August 2014
BFF
Dearest Walden,
Omg bro - it's been one month since we met. I moved in immediately because I knew you were the one. We had a bit of a rocky start - people said we were crazy - but we showed them!......so far...
Thanks for the last 6000 km. It's been great.
Happy one month vaniversary Walden! It's been vantastic.
[PS. I bought you an oil change. Hope you like it...]
Omg bro - it's been one month since we met. I moved in immediately because I knew you were the one. We had a bit of a rocky start - people said we were crazy - but we showed them!......so far...
Thanks for the last 6000 km. It's been great.
Happy one month vaniversary Walden! It's been vantastic.
[PS. I bought you an oil change. Hope you like it...]
Sunday 10 August 2014
Tumbleweed
I think I my summer plans may have climaxed too early...
I'm back in civilization after spending a couple of nights in Savona, BC for the Western Orienteering Championships. People who are unfamiliar with BC tend to think of our lush rainforests of the coast - however, the area the competition was held in is brutally hot (mid to high 30s) and arid. The dry, open forests here make for good orienteering as they offer infinite route choices. I had a slightly better showing than the COCs last weekend but I am still finding myself off course and lost.
Sort of how I'm feeling now. Up until now, I've had places to be - people to see...AOCs, COCs, WCOCs...so it's felt much like a road trip (essentially it is - except I have no home address).
Not that the novelty is wearing off but it's starting to dawn on me that driving in circles around the province isn't really what this is about. At the same time, I don't feel it's time to 'settle down' either in a city (as it's not about that either) - I feel that chapter will come in September.
So the big question is - what now? As my Dad always says - the difficulty in life is the choice...
Incidentally for all you vandwellers out there - Kamloops Walmart does not allow over-nighting.
Some pictures from the area:
I'm back in civilization after spending a couple of nights in Savona, BC for the Western Orienteering Championships. People who are unfamiliar with BC tend to think of our lush rainforests of the coast - however, the area the competition was held in is brutally hot (mid to high 30s) and arid. The dry, open forests here make for good orienteering as they offer infinite route choices. I had a slightly better showing than the COCs last weekend but I am still finding myself off course and lost.
Sort of how I'm feeling now. Up until now, I've had places to be - people to see...AOCs, COCs, WCOCs...so it's felt much like a road trip (essentially it is - except I have no home address).
Not that the novelty is wearing off but it's starting to dawn on me that driving in circles around the province isn't really what this is about. At the same time, I don't feel it's time to 'settle down' either in a city (as it's not about that either) - I feel that chapter will come in September.
So the big question is - what now? As my Dad always says - the difficulty in life is the choice...
Incidentally for all you vandwellers out there - Kamloops Walmart does not allow over-nighting.
Some pictures from the area:
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| Big fan of panoramas. :-) |
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| Graham going for gold. |
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| Chilling on a dock after an event. |
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| Traaaaaaain! |
Thursday 7 August 2014
Tuesday 5 August 2014
The Next Level
Just got my passport renewed which opens up the states for exploration.
I don't have anything planned after my competition in Kamloops. Time say hello to our neighbors in the south perhaps? We shall see where the wind takes me!
Namaste*.
* Juuuuuuuuuuuust kidding. I'm not that much of a fucking hippy yet. Gotta get some prayer flags for Walden first. ;-)
I don't have anything planned after my competition in Kamloops. Time say hello to our neighbors in the south perhaps? We shall see where the wind takes me!
Namaste*.
* Juuuuuuuuuuuust kidding. I'm not that much of a fucking hippy yet. Gotta get some prayer flags for Walden first. ;-)
A Weekend in Whistler
After posting so prolifically - it feels like it's been a while since I last wrote a post.
I've been busy crashing around in the woods, lost and delirious, while orienteering in Whistler. My brother was along for the ride, so for the first time since I bought Walden - I paid for a camp site (a primitive one, no amenities). He slept in my tent while I slept in my protective tan shell.
My brother is a bit of a Yaletown princess...so for the second night he found a couch to crash on in a hotel. For the third night, he did one better...he wrangled a hotel room for free! Two of the orienteers were called away for work and couldn't use it - so he jumped at the chance (Thanks Jeremy and Virginia - we owe you one!).
It was pretty sweet - two stories - right in the Village - not bad for my first overnight return to civilization eh? It's not like I have made a vow of poverty or anything but I definitely felt like I was 'cheating'. To avoid being totally bourgeois, I slept on the couch with no covers (I figured my brother needed the one bed more). Even so, after close to a month of sleeping on the floor of the van using a thin 3/4 Thermarest, it was pretty deluxe...
This brings me to the point of this post. One thing I've been noticing are the small things, and how they are much more enjoyable. Everything is relative.
A shower for example. As much as I love jumping into glacier fed creeks, using jugs of water in parking lots or automatic sprinklers - a long hot shower is up there on the list of luxuries I miss. Having one now, is THAT much better! (The automatic sprinklers were an achievement I unlocked this weekend after a run with my brother - it wasn't terrible - sort of what I imagine getting hosed down during indoctrination in prison would be like.
Food. Never been a foodie - but I definitely have noticed an increase in interest in proper meals. My stomach must be shrinking because for the first time, I'm having difficulty finishing 'average' sized meals. Sweets too are overwhelmingly sweet. I couldn't finish a large ice cream cone in Summerland...which for those who know me...is unfathomable.
If you ever find life is feeling flat and uninteresting. Instead of chasing more - try taking away some of the creature comforts you take for granted. Then learn to be happy without them.
I've been busy crashing around in the woods, lost and delirious, while orienteering in Whistler. My brother was along for the ride, so for the first time since I bought Walden - I paid for a camp site (a primitive one, no amenities). He slept in my tent while I slept in my protective tan shell.
My brother is a bit of a Yaletown princess...so for the second night he found a couch to crash on in a hotel. For the third night, he did one better...he wrangled a hotel room for free! Two of the orienteers were called away for work and couldn't use it - so he jumped at the chance (Thanks Jeremy and Virginia - we owe you one!).
It was pretty sweet - two stories - right in the Village - not bad for my first overnight return to civilization eh? It's not like I have made a vow of poverty or anything but I definitely felt like I was 'cheating'. To avoid being totally bourgeois, I slept on the couch with no covers (I figured my brother needed the one bed more). Even so, after close to a month of sleeping on the floor of the van using a thin 3/4 Thermarest, it was pretty deluxe...
This brings me to the point of this post. One thing I've been noticing are the small things, and how they are much more enjoyable. Everything is relative.
A shower for example. As much as I love jumping into glacier fed creeks, using jugs of water in parking lots or automatic sprinklers - a long hot shower is up there on the list of luxuries I miss. Having one now, is THAT much better! (The automatic sprinklers were an achievement I unlocked this weekend after a run with my brother - it wasn't terrible - sort of what I imagine getting hosed down during indoctrination in prison would be like.
Food. Never been a foodie - but I definitely have noticed an increase in interest in proper meals. My stomach must be shrinking because for the first time, I'm having difficulty finishing 'average' sized meals. Sweets too are overwhelmingly sweet. I couldn't finish a large ice cream cone in Summerland...which for those who know me...is unfathomable.
If you ever find life is feeling flat and uninteresting. Instead of chasing more - try taking away some of the creature comforts you take for granted. Then learn to be happy without them.
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| Fooling around with friends at the summit. |
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| Yours truly. Staying true to my promise of never smiling for a camera again. |
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| The mayhem just before the middle distance race. |
Friday 1 August 2014
Brainy brainy brainy…
A line I gleaned from the introduction of Walden that read “It is impossible to combine the hardiness of savages with the intellectualness of the civilized man” rang true in my ears as I consumed my evening meal - a half roasted chicken and a couple buns - with my fingers. Grease covering my fingers and face, I reflected on the fact that it was a struggle to wade through the introduction of the book I intend to digest during my trip. I am obviously more hardy savage than civilized - good thing I have some time on my hands.
Unless the Dunning-Kruger phenomenon is in full effect, I’m by no means stupid - but Walden is on a different level. So far I’ve been forced to eat it a sentence at a time - it’s excruciatingly slow going. Good practice in persistence and patience.
Worst case scenario - it makes me look brainy on the beach.
Unless the Dunning-Kruger phenomenon is in full effect, I’m by no means stupid - but Walden is on a different level. So far I’ve been forced to eat it a sentence at a time - it’s excruciatingly slow going. Good practice in persistence and patience.
Worst case scenario - it makes me look brainy on the beach.
July Sit Rep
Gas expenses from July 11th to July 31st
Days: 20
Spent: $505.51.
Dollars/Day: $25
Mileage: 4424k (assuming I bought it at 154k - it was around there)
Current odometer reading: 158422k
Remaining Volume: About Half a tank (35L?) = ~325k
Notes: Obviously my trip to Edmonton was a a big increase in costs, despite gas being slightly cheaper in AB. I have been driving a lot and hope to cut the costs in August to something a bit more reasonable.
Days: 20
Spent: $505.51.
Dollars/Day: $25
Mileage: 4424k (assuming I bought it at 154k - it was around there)
Current odometer reading: 158422k
Remaining Volume: About Half a tank (35L?) = ~325k
Notes: Obviously my trip to Edmonton was a a big increase in costs, despite gas being slightly cheaper in AB. I have been driving a lot and hope to cut the costs in August to something a bit more reasonable.
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