freethewhat.com Live your dreams by your own standards

29Jul/102

Rice and Beans

Rice and BeansSo I am trying to make meals that don't require refrigeration and can be made in small portions.  I came across a rice and beans recipe and made some tasty modifications.

  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion (Chopped)
  • 1 Green Pepper (Chopped)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 1 can Stewed Tomatoes
  • 1 can Black Beans
  • 1 cup Uncooked Rice

Combine olive oil, onion, and green pepper. Cook until caramelized.

Add garlic, tomatoes, beans, and rice and simmer until rice is tender.

Note: This recipe yields a huge load of food.  I am trying to find a way to get stewed tomatoes in smaller sizes.  Will update when I figure it out.

Filed under: recipes 2 Comments
27Jul/100

Hiding in the Woods

So I decided to drive out into the sticks last night and have a peaceful night. I was able to rid of the background noise of vehicles, sirens, and people.  Getting away is a bitch though.  My phone vibrates with emails, texts, facebook, twitter, calls, etc.  As much as I want to get away right now, life just seems full of distractions.  It was a lot better out in the middle of nowhere, but yet I still have life full of distractions.

Eventually I decided to leave my phone in my car and go for a hike, and was amazed.   The frogs chirped and the coyotes howled.  I love it.  I haven’t experienced that in a while, and am so happy I decided to head into the woods.  I felt rejuvenated and ready for another day.

Filed under: life No Comments
15Jul/101

Mobile Me (law suit waiting to happen)

One new water pump, new timing belt, and an oil change later will cost you approximately $550.  I will say this though I am more than happy to pay that.  My van is running just amazing, and my check engine light is gone.  While there, I was asking the guy about my strut towers which are rusting very badly.  He mentioned to me I can buy a cap for them.  It will reinforce the rusted strut tower and will add a new life to my wonderful caddy.  Also CV joints are starting to go out too.

It may cost me a lot, but i'd rather find it while i'm settled down instead of adventuring.

Filed under: life, repairs 1 Comment
13Jul/100

Life in a Back Pack

My supplies ready to go.

So this is officially what it has come to.  I currently have no vehicle, but still have an apartment for 29 more days.  The apartment will be last resort, as I don't want to revert back to my old lifestyle.  I made a call to arms trying to get a bicycle for a couple days to improve mobility.  If I can get that I can make it into some remote woods for the night. I have already tried finding a hostel.  Surprise, this town doesn't support travelers.  I can't say that, they do as long as you are willing to pay for a hotel.  I may go to the local mission, but I really don't want a preached couple of nights.  That and I feel as if I would not be welcomed. So to say the least this week should be quite interesting.

**Update**

I had many requests I stay at my apartment, and I left my knife in my van. There for I am going to be staying these next couple nights at the apartment.

Filed under: life No Comments
13Jul/100

First Major Problem

Thermostat

Left incorrect size that was installed. Right is the correct thermostat I bought.

Vehicle: Hello there, and how are you doing today?

Me:  I am all smiles how about you beautiful?

Vehicle:  Well not so hot.

Me: My apologies, what can I do for you?

Vehicle: Nothing (vomits green), just not feeling well.

Vehicle: Will you take me to the doctor’s?

Me: Yes, yes I will.

Well it’s happened, I have to get my car fixed.  Last night on my drive home from my hometown my car started overheating.  I had this same issue earlier this year and it was a simple fix of swapping out the thermostat.  This time around I’m not so lucky.

My water pump has seized up and is no longer pushing coolant throughout my engine.  The situation is shameful to say the least.  Here I am talking about how great living in your vehicle is, and how much freedom you have.   When in reality if I lose this I lose a home.

Things just got a bit real when I found out the bad news.  I can’t lie and say it was all just peachy keen.  I am quite upset about the situation and honestly a tad concerned.  This van has taken on new meaning; it is my home.  What am I going to do while it’s in the shop?  Will the repairs only take a day? Are they going to raise the price if they find out it is my home

**Update**

I just got a call back from the mechanic, and he has told me he isn't finding any leak, smoking, or issues at all.  I explained to him how to reenact the issue, and he is going to try again.

**Update**

Well the verdict is in.  I have to lose my house for about 3 days, and it's going to cost about $500-$600.  Slightly bumming right now.

Filed under: repairs No Comments
12Jul/102

This is my Life

During grade school a teacher asked the common question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

With no hesitation I responded, "HOMELESS!"

At the time it was a great idea and I thought it to be grand.  Turns out 10 years I am not homeless, but still dream of the homeless life.   It appears to me all these cushy possessions are completely unnecessary.  I have a TV, Xbox, Record Player, etc.  All the good things people "need" in life.  The only issue is I was never happy.

"If I go buy this it will make me happy..." (A common thought that went through my head).

My money has been spent wisely on materialistic goods that would make me warm inside.  I've lived a the "responsible" life.  I went to school (racked up debt), got a job (ties me down), bought my goods (happiness not included).  Ten years and I still reflect on the massive failure teenage self would've seen me as.

Now lets take my life shake it up a tad and fulfill my dreams.  Please leave your shit in the garbage.  Put your belongings on the curb and make life simple.  Now I live with the following:

  • Computer
  • Phone
  • Camp Stove
  • Portable Heater
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Cot
  • Van

I live in my van and could not be happier.  I still think there are places to downgrade, but this is a huge step for the unsettled soul.  Now that you at least know where I am coming from.  I hope you decide to come back.

Filed under: life 2 Comments