Shifting Gears in 2016

All across the internet it seems everyone is cursing out 2016. Anticipating a better 2017.

Honestly, I can’t complain because 2016 wasn’t a particularly bad year for me. In fact the last two years I’ve kind of been kicking major keester in the “achieving personal goals” department.

In 2015, I decided to downsize, move into a van and start a podcast/blog. Blah, blah, blah.. I know that’s all I talk about here on, DudeInVan.com (Go figure) My point is, that was a goal and I accomplished it.

Home

In January, at the beginning of 2016, I was working in corporate television. My new obsession.. I mean goal was to get back to producing radio. After months of people telling me walking across America was a bad idea, a friend called me a asked if I would consider riding a bicycle across the country instead. 

I said "YES!” immediately, but most people don’t know this part.. I held off from committing to the trip because I was waiting to hear back from a radio station that I thought I had a chance to work at in the Northern Midwest. In February, I was listening to the radio show, I applied to, and one of the cast members compared my broadcasting experience to a “Subway sandwich maker”… That’s when I realized I wasn’t going to get a call. 

The plan was to quit my corporate job to find a new job, as a Radio Producer.

Day 1, New Jersey

At the end of March I gave my employer a six week notice. By mid-April I bought a bicycle and on the first week in May I was on my way to California riding my stead. 

Full Refund, San Francsico 

I learned a lot about myself and I met bunch of really great people along the way. 

Some New, Some Old Friends.

I contacted a bunch of radio stations as I traveled through 12 states. A few places replied.. most didn’t. At the end of the trip I had a couple of interviews over the phone between Colorado and California.

After miles of peddling from the East Coast to the West Coast, as crazy as it sounds, I accepted a Radio Producer job at the end of my trip.

So, I can’t speak for you, because 2016, for me, went as planned.

Highest Point, Colorado 

I have no regrets. I don't believe in looking back. What I am proudest of? Working really hard... and achieving as much as I could. -Elena Kagan

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!