Here is my first installment of answering your burning questions...
* Do you really sleep in the van?
Of course. What kind of van dweller would I be if I didn’t actually dwell in the van?? I generally spend every night of the week but one or two in the van. Those one or two nights are spent on a charitable friend’s couch.
* Where do you shower?
It depends on the night. If I'm hanging out at a friend's place, I'll usually just shower there. If not, my default shower is always the locker room at my university. It's tricky getting a good shower at the locker room though. You have to have perfect timing for a private shower. I'll have to share those adventures in a future post.
* How many blankets are you using as cushioning/future warmth?
The layers consist of 2 thin mattress pad covers, a memory foam mattress pad, an egg crate mattress pad, a fitted sheet, 2 blankets, a down comforter folded in half (basically now 2 layers). then 3 more blankets & a sheet. I also have a sleeping bag for if it ever gets THAT cold. Right now, I generally use 1-2 blankets, so I have plenty of cushioning.
* How do you charge your phone?
I charge it all day at school, then sometimes for a little bit at work. I also have a car charger for emergency charges.
* Do you think if someone let you park Mo in his garage you could sleep in him all winter? Maybe forever?
I’ve actually been thinking about that a lot this past week. I know I’ve been saying the van dwelling situation was only going to be a 3 month stint, but more than likely it’s going to be until I can save up enough to start paying for an apartment. If that means until December or so, then I’d better start gathering tips on staying warm. I think it can be done with the proper preparations.
* Where is your favorite place to park during the night?
Well, it’s unsafe to tell all my secrets, but I prefer to stay at apartment complexes. It’s a trick to find the perfect spot. Some light, not too much. Some cars, not too populated though.
* How's gus gus?
He’s around. I don’t see him as much, but still a few times a week after school. I even got him to pose for a picture with Mo last week. Check out Wordless Wednesday for the shot!
* Do your students know?
Nooooooo, although I have had a few funny conversations about homeless people & bums with random students. See my post on the homeless threat I pose to my kids.
* What address do you have things mailed to?
I use a friend’s apartment address for now. If I do it long term, I’d think about a PO box.
* When will you give up living in mo?
I haven’t decided that yet. I guess I’ll just do it until I can’t anymore. It’s really not so bad. Definitely not as bad as any of you imagine it. You adapt. Sure, some situations are undesirable & inconvenient, but the money I’m saving is still worth it to be. It’s all about the will power to overcome hardships.
Thanks for sharing a Q&A Moment with Mo...
