my own drum

Here I am, like Waldo, turning up just about everywhere. This time I'm in Atlanta, one of the few big cities that I like. For the record, the other is San Fran/Bay Area. I don't seem to have much to write about tonight. However, for all the time - about 6 weeks - that I've been without an internet, I seemingly had a lot to say. One of these days I'll get a pocket journal.

One aspect of Atlanta is that my situation of being homeless seems to be exaggerated. It's hard to get into a decent shelter unless one is willing to get off of drugs and/or alcohol. That leaves me out, because I'm already clean and sober. I guess I could tell a lie...nahhh. And here's why. Going into one of the recovery situations also means giving up considerable rights and freedoms. I like coming and going as I please, going to meetings that I enjoy, and doing whatever work that brings me pleasure. I'm not about to tell some silly lie just to give those things up.

I learned a new word today, and interestingly enough, it applies to me. Here's how it came about. Last week I was taking a shower at a facility which caters to those in my situation. Unknown to me at that time, I had somehow lost a book that I had been reading. As I was getting dressed after my shower, a fellow entered the room and began giving away his possessions - we shall assume they were his to give away. He was giving all manner of things, clothes, shoes, bags, even a book, "The Bourne Ultimatum". It seems that the fellow had made up with his former girlfriend, and was moving back to her place. He didn't need these things. Besides the book, I managed to get a decent pair of tennis shoes, a knit cap and scarf, and even a small portable camp shower. It looks more like a colostomy bag, holding only a gallon of water. Still, it's a portable shower.

So I've been reading this book, and I ran across the word 'impecunious'. It means lacking money, penniless. I'm not quite there yet, but pretty darn close. (If you want to send money, I'll be happy to provide my PayPal ID to you.) So life is pretty good out on the streets. I'm relatively happy, particularly since I've gotten over my cold/flu/congestion/whatever the hell I had. I've learned a new word, and I've been staying busy every day. There is also the matter of getting a laptop, so now I can once again participate in the world of the web. Happy Days.