(no subject)

[asthran]

Well, my arrival in Arizona was rather different than what I was expecting.. I'd been told that rennies would be camping just off the highway up from the renaissance festival, at mile marker 208. It turns out there's now a truck stop there. I called around, and found out that the last someone had heard, rennies were camping out on some public trust land a few miles away. When I got there, there were lots and lots of tire tracks - no rennies. So, I resigned myself to not knowing where I would be sleeping for the weekend - It was the New Years weekend, no government offices would be open, I didn't know how to go about getting a campsite at a public campground, and I didn't know anyone in the area.

I'd sleep in my car. It would suck. I was bummed.

Thankfully, the Saguaro Fitness Center was open for half of the 31st, so went and signed up - $127 for 3 months - and soaked in the hot tub for a bit. The gods are kind - a random blurry guy started talking to me (I wasn't wearing my glasses) and it turned out to be Alan, whom the MRF folks may recognize as The Last of the True Pickle Guys. He told me of a New Years celebration that was happening in downtown Tempe (a Phoenix suburb) as well as all sorts of other helpful info about the area.

Rather than sleep in my car and be anti-social and depressed all night, I decided to go to Tempe. I parked and walked toward the festivities, and fell into conversation with a guy parking cars in a lot two blocks away. His name was DenNnis, self proclaimed Mill Avenue (the street in downtown Tempe) Food Critic, and the most annoying man in Arizona. I found out that the Block Party had a $20 entrance fee, and there were a whole lot of people in town for the Fiesta Bowl. Football fans. Yay. I instead wandered around the very very pretty Arizona State University campus, then wandered back to the parking lot to socialize (and help park cars!).

I met a few of his friends, including socraticlaughtr, who was housesitting for some friends, and he offered me a couch for the night. After a bit of internal debate, I went for it. His friends came home earlier than he expected, waking me up suddenly at 6 am. I blearily lifted up my head and introduced myself as a stray that Josh had taken in, they said Oh, okay (as this is common behavior from him), and I fell back asleep.

Well, I have been offered a futon for the next three weeks, and I'm going to stay here until the campgrounds open. It's a very different family situation than I'm used to back home, and, *laughs* once again, I'm helping to clean their place, as a gratitude/thanks/chipping-in sort of thing. It will be good. Things worked out well.

Comments

[thatballguy.livejournal.com]

I did the whole living out of a car thing for 2 months. . . not fun, and I'm glad to hear that you're safe and warm. See you in a month!

[asthran.livejournal.com]

*nods* Yeah, living out of a vehicle does have a certain romantic appeal to it, but when you're in a strange place, when you don't know anyone, don't have anything to do... it's a real bummer.

Getting that membership was a great self-esteem booster, but then the health club was going to be closed for 2 and a half days... joy. *makes face*

*smiles* I'm looking forward to it!

[asthran.livejournal.com]

*has a thought*

Does that mean you're back living with your parents?

[thatballguy.livejournal.com]

was referring to the first part of the fall semester, and while I was working trf. But yeah, my mom got over her issues with me and let me move back in. I don't know what she gets upset about anyways, I pay rent.

[nightjasmine.livejournal.com]

Very glad you didn't end up sleeping in some unknown area in your car for 3 weeks, I would have had to worry about ya :P Glad ya found some nice people

[asthran.livejournal.com]

Me too! *hugs* thanks!

[asthran.livejournal.com]

Say, could you post the link to the place where you made your doll-avatar? If you have it bookmarked?

[nightjasmine.livejournal.com]

Ach I rarely play with doll makers, and never save em lol... that one was damned good though...I will see if I can figure out which one it was for ya. =) Oh and thanksf or the call, just got the messege. Will call ya back soon. Have fun in Arizona! *hugs*

good to see your safe

[ganuk.livejournal.com]

hey I guess you found a warm bed. I guess I could see the use in a gym mebership.. well I hope to see you when you get back to town

Re: good to see your safe

[asthran.livejournal.com]

Actually, the main use of the health club membership is that it means I can take showers.