How to Be Houseless
Take care of your teeth- that’s the first thing to know. Everything else is fungible. Second, own a good pair of medium-sized scissors; large enough for your head, small enough for your nose. Third, a sixteen-ounce water bottle is best. More is too heavy, less not enough for hot days. Fourth- talent. A guitar or violin, if you play. If not, learn. You have time, and nobody likes someone who just flat begs. Personally, I prefer to set up near a Starbuck’s. They have electricity, and bathroom doors that lock. On a good day, I can wash up and recharge my cell phone and laptop. Don’t be surprised. I never said I don’t work for a living. I got family, too. Which reminds- good to set up a Paypal account. Oh… find yourself a really big towel. It can double as a pillow. Now, some of my well-to-do friends have bicycles. Nice. Libraries are not always in easy walking distance these days. As for me, I’m rich. Got a bike, backpack, and a bedroll. But, you know, I’ve worked hard, saved my money. Even used to check into a hotel now and again. For a treat. Can’t do that anymore. They don’t take cash. No worries though. I’ll be down in sunny San Diego by November. Back up here, cooling my jets in Half Moon Bay by mid-June- God willing and the cops don’t lock me up, that is. Look, I’m just saying- not a bad life, but let me tell you what- you got to take care of your teeth- that’s the most important thing.
Phillip Larrea