Day 135

Today is day 135.. 

I'm testing out a new parking spot, so... If I don't make it out alive please tell my friends they suck and they still owe me $5. JUST KIDDING. Most of them owe me $10! 

This is my first post since I've been back from Chicago, and that is mostly because I've been running around booking interviews for the podcast. If you follow me on my social media, you can tell I had a good time. 

I want to take a moment of your time to explain some confusion people are experiencing in relation to my lifestyle. 

This page, for me, isn't just a place for me to write about my life in my van. The van thing is secondary to the podcast. I want to talk to strangers about random topics. If you scroll down to my first post I clearly point out I want to be a better Broadcaster. That being said.. Honestly, the van thing is just something I've always wanted to try. So far I like it. You may find that weird, and that is fine. It is weird... 

I love how people try to explain to me that I am "homeless." What is a home? Why do you think my van isn't worthy enough to live up to your idea of what a "home" is?

Since 2009 I've moved at least once if not twice each year. Do all those locations fit the description of "home"? Maybe by your definition, but certainly not mine. I own this van and the stuff inside of it. I planned the layout and I've done the modifications to the inside to make it more confortable. The people with the most negative opinions are the same people that have never seen my van in person. I enjoy my income instead of handing my money to the electric company, the cable company, and that crappy landlord that still hasn't replaced the fridge that leaks water everywhere (college was a blast!). At this point in my life I refuse to be stressed out by bills and a place I can barely afford. I rather be a nomad that gave away most of my possessions to spend more time with friends and doing things that make me happy. 

..ok I'll stop ranting, again. What sparked this post is I donated a pair of jeans that no longer fit me, tonight. I guess I'm still a little salty about it. My backyard just keeps getting larger. OH! speaking of large back yards, I started a real estate class. Yep, that's right. Living in a van and selling people homes. Just because I refuse to life in a place I can barely afford doesn't mean I don't understand why others do it. Having a toilet and running water is AMAZING! I appreciate the little things. 

Till next time! 

Day 114

It's my second day in Chicago.

This city is beautiful. I think I'm going to be a true tourist and do one of those segway tours. I kinda want to move here.

I've been leaving my Dude In Van business card at all the shops and resturants I stop at, and I think most people have been throwing them out. No worries. I'm still having a great time.

Yesterday I went to Smoque BBQ @ 3800 North Pulaski- The best BBQ I've ever had! Check them out. Twitter: @SmoqueBBQ IG: @smoquebbqchicago Website: www.smoquebbq.com

This morning I had breakfast at Yolk @ 1120 S Michigan Ave- Awesome service and food! Check them out too! Twitter: @EatYolk IG: @EatYolk Website: www.eatyolk.com

The "Art Gallery" place is actually not an art gallery, per se.. But it is super chill with awesome people. This weekend they are hosting an art show in the house. The owner of the house is currently hanging up all sorts of great art, prepping the house for the event. I think tomorrow is my last day here at the house.. Either way Chicago is great so far. I've been posting pictures on Instagram. You can click on the Social Media link above to check those out. 

Thanks for stopping by and I'll talk to you soon!

If you happen to see one of my card at your shop LET ME KNOW, by tweeting or leaving a comment below.

Day 113

As the title of the blog post indicates.. Today is Day one hundred and thirteen.

This post is a little different than my normal Dude In Van posts. Today I am, roughly, 670 miles away from my van. I'm speaking to you as Dude In Chicago.

I'm sitting in a coffee shop with my black coffee and blueberry scone. (I never had a scone before.. kinda regretting it) I tried going to a zoo earlier, but the zoo was closed. I've been trying to go to a zoo for about 2 years. I guess this is the type of wild and crazy get away you have when you don't plan anything. Why am I in Chicago? Because it was the cheapest flight listed. I booked a room on Air BnB, but I have to wait till 2pm to check in.. It's at an art gallery, I think. The car I rented has Jersey plates, coincidence? Maybe.  Chicago has way too many stop signs, by the way.

Am I rambling? Is this what rambling looks like when you type it out?

My main goals this weekend is have some deep dish pizza, see some bean mirror looking structure and see a fountain.. Or maybe just watch the Saints game on TV. (All were suggested to my by friends)

Actually, I hope to record and post a podcast or two.

I'll check in later.

Side Note- It's freakin' cold out in Jersey, I froze my keester off the other night. I picked up some blankets, but I think I'm going to have to start prepping the van for the winter when I get back.