The Essentials for Every Abode as a Minimalist: Looking Back at the Past Three Years

It has been over three years since I found my way to Minimalism, and it has been longer than that since the journey began. It began in September 2006 when I moved over 2000 miles, and ended up with staying with a relative while I got settled. I was used to an 1800 square foot apartment, and after a divorce, still had quite a bit of belongings as I had moved most of my stuff from high school to my new home of 2.5 years. Upon returning to Ohio with my cats and car, I had to work with what I brought for my 2 week trip through Canada and the United States until my stuff arrived. I realized at that moment that I didn't miss any of the items coming back to me, and where on earth was all of it going to fit in three rooms upstairs. Storage was to expensive, and I didn't have to drive far as everything I needed as far as food, supplies, thrift stores, and everything else was right there.

There are benefits and drawbacks to city dwelling. The city offers smaller spaces, less storage, but easier access to just about everything, which means there isn't a need for 3 months of toilet paper, or a fancy printer setup as the copy shop is right around the corner. Oddly enough, there wasn't much for public transportation upon my return, and walking was restricted to the safer times of the day, as well as working day in and day out to find a job, so replacing, or buying new items wasn't something I could freely do. So, I had to work with what I had brought home, which after pet supplies that weren't local (I bulk packed to make sure there was enough for the trip, and the transition to food and litter that could be locally obtained at a reasonable price, as money was incredibly tight at that point), wasn't much.

With me were: four weeks of clothes, one tote of dishes, food, and camp stove &/or electric burner to be used outside the car, toiletries which included a Coleman camp shower, portable towel, 6 packs of wash cloths, baby wipes (good for just about everything), hand sanitizer (has many uses), and toiletry bag with shampoo, body wash, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, no wash poo and body wash, and toilet paper (conventional and camping). Also, the car preparation kit included: battery charger, jumper cables, hardware kit, (screwdrivers, 12 volt drill, and so forth.) Cell phone, heavy, giant laptop, and camera with attached chargers and cables. I also carried a sleeping mat, bag, and tent. The cats each had a carrier with a litter box, bed, food and water dishes, as well as toys for the trip. They all traveled well, as we practiced prior to leaving by going on local quick trips to get them used to the feeling and noises of the car. After the first bumpy part of the cruise, everyone settled in, and it went well. I stayed in two hotels on the way home, and visited many places. Therefore, travel and pets is fully possible, and dreams do come true. It was that cross country trip that changed the way I looked at travel, and became addicted. This post comes as I explore the next phase of what is to come, and how my views have changed, what has worked, what hasn't, and how finances come into play.

 

Greetings from the great midwest

It has been a while since my last post, and not to much has happened other than working on school, spending time with the family, and figuring out what comes next. With only 3 semesters until graduation, time is wrapping up on the full time college gig, and thus the beginning of another chapter in life. I settled on renting a studio for the time being, and it has been nice, other than the lack of air conditioning in the summer. But, the price is right, and school is online only, so the stipend is less, but te goal was not for a fancy place in the Beverly Hillls. It is a nice country like setting where my neighbors dogs keep me company, and I have room for Ajah. She is doing well after a long winter. This is my first year of not showing, but with only one cat, no vehicle of my own at the moment, and working the last leg of school; there just isn't the funds. However, the scenery, the precious moments with my grandma, who is now 80, and spending time with my nephew are more valueable than anything money can buy. Besides that, living within my means, and having no additional debt from school is a beautiful thing. I am thinking on working a low pay job this spring until summer while working to find a more permanent job, and continue my masters in the fall, provided I can get situated. There is parking for a truck and trailer in my current location, with plenty of others around here, and no leave date, so I will feasibly be able to stay here, park here, and have a homebase, mailing address for the future. Beyond that, it is hard to say where things are going. With my families health going, and no kids of my own, I plan to begin looking at potential traveling companions. I am a bit unconventional, and it has been 9 months in my current location. This far in, I have not unpacked, have not really decorated, and find myself longing for some traveling. A home base with the system set up like it is makes having a home base almost mandatory.
I was considering more animals in the future, but Tippy will be mine if something happens to her owner, and Ajah turns 7 this year, so that is enough when looking at the long haul. As it stands, traveling takes part of the priority list, but so does being situated and responsible. It is hard to say what i going to happen with job offers out of state. Money is important, and with so much hinging on the righ one, it is a gamble to look at.

I talked to some old friends, which was very uplifting, and made for a bright and beautiful day. Well, that is it for now. Time to enjoy spring time.

Hello

First off, I would like to apologize for my lack of posts. A lot has happened since my last post in December. With plans laid out to get an RV in AZ by New Years, and find work, and so forth, things didn't happen as planned, but alas, fate doth have its way. So with that, I decided at end of last semester to come back to Ohio where rent is cheaper, I have a car available and my cat can live in her happy place once again basking in windows, going on walks, and I can visit friends, family, and work my way through school with the company of a few pets along the way.

My cat is about to turn 6 in 7 days, and I have exactly one year left of school. I actually managed to save this semester. School has been busy, and so my time has been dedicated to that which takes a lot of time up to be honest. As far as a trailer, that is going to be my choice as I want to be able to pull over, park, unhitch, visit friends with my trailer, and work from that angle.I will be restricted in taking the trailer to certain areas, but thats what hookups and parks are for. I need something Rajjah can be comfortable in, can be left behind, and I can drive my car away. So that's the plan.

At the moment, I am living in a house with my cat, and its working great for right now. Lots of fresh produce from the garden, peace and quiet in a country atmosphere, but not to far from the city. The landlord just put in a new well, so fresh drinking water.

School comes first, then a full time job. School is getting harder, but still possible, and its all online at the moment. I haven't bought a car yet as the cost is a bit high, but time tells all, and that's that. I flew back in June 2012, been here for around 11 weeks, and another semester just finished. School starts again in the Fall, so that's that. Nothing truly exciting to write about, but figured I would pop in and say hi. 

Here is a quick update. I am in school full time as planned, got my apartment, and thansgiving went well. Ajah and I just chilled and had a visit from some friends, it was good. I am close to the bus, walmart, and other places. No tv, or internet at the moment except my phone, which provides email access as needed. I am working on getting a new van in Jan, and assuming a role of responsibility in a Roman micronation that I am part of. Its been quiet, but busy. The apartment is furnished now with a Queen bed, 2 small rugs, 2 tv trays, and a camp chair. I ordered 2 pieces of art as well, namely the Lararium of the Vetti, and the Millenium Tree of Life, a modern art piece. Its still set up as a studio as the spare room is where Ajah looks out the window and where company can stay with the foam chair to bed or air mattress from the van.
I have an awesome breakfast nook and small kitchen with pantry that is really full. I have bee staying home, taking walks, and focusing on school. Apartment is fully tiled and easy to clean with a bathtub, shower, full vanity, and walk in closet. 650 sq ft feela huge, but its cozy. So tuat is the update for now, with Saturnalia around the corner, friends coming in again, life is good so far. Not much blogworthy at the momet, and looking forward to getting on the road again. I will post pica as soon as I can.

A bicycle

IF, and thats a big IF, things work out tomorrow, then I will be getting Ajah from boarding on Wed and moving tomorrow. Then I will be getting a bike. After working out that Ajah does great on plane rides, does her usual walking bit, and gets along with people; I am considering taking her on a bike, YES a real bicycle. She has walked, sat on my bookbag, attended cat shows, been in a carrier of every sort, and the carrier I had for her on the plane could sit on the back quite nicely, or a front basket. There is a holistic vet down the road, the bus is noisy, and filled with curious people. It wasn't a bad experience, but the bike could be just as fast, and give her some fresh air.

The apartment I am looking at is .25 miles from a bus stop that runs hourly. The other is about 3/4 miles to a 15 min bus, and so having a bike makes sense. Besides the fact, I could easily fit everything I took on the plane, plus most of my 2 boxes being packed (has my camping gear mostly) on a bike. Add a bike trailer and it would all fit just snazzy (including the cat). Yes, I am considering a small bicycle tour with the cat in tow (a weekend to start). Wonderlust is there, but its not financially possible to get a van right now, and I have grown to enjoy biking since being car free for the past few months.

Then, when I do get a van, it will easily fit the bike on the back or in the van, have room for my cat, and my stuff. I am also investing in furniture that can travel, but still look civilized, and follow my minimalistic preferences. I do need one a duffel and medium wheeled bag for future shipping of stuff, instead of the two boxes they keep getting shipped in. Aside from that, the two duffels that travel now can fit in ortlieb bags and that could work well. 

So, furniture being looked at, a camping table with cloth, and a camping chair with a good pillow for cushion. Then a convertible foam chair to bed with some collaspible dinner trays, and a nice futon (that can hang out in a friends garage). Then, I was thinking on building a box for the foam as a bed type contraption, with room to store luggage and a basket.

For Ajah, I am going to put a pvc tube around the camp table and glue/staple sisal rope to it, in addition to her door hanging scratcher I brought along, and cardboard scratcher. It will be very lightweight, cheap, but yet sustainable and easy to move stuff, and clean under. I am hoping the bed contraption, or at least the wood used can be used in the van.

Only thing is that the van will be a class B or C, or a trailer because I need facilities, and am not mechanically inclined..... And so that is the update for now.

An Update thus Far

I rented a casita for 8 days to find a place to live. Ajah is currently in boarding. She did awesome with the flight. I would prefer to have her with me, but its safer and better for her during the transitory period to be in a stable environment. Not to mention its fiscally better than a deposit or pet fee for the week. I miss my girl terribly but the boarding place is doing great with her, and she has her own room with a floor to ceiling cat tree. Its emotionally difficult without her because she is my emotional support, and I react worse without her. She has visited elderly, and visited some folks in wheelchairs while in the DFW airport.She is an awesome cat.

So we took a taxi from Toledo to Detroit, flew to Dallas, then flew to Tucson. The flight was late, so we spent the night at the airport. She spent the night on her leash. Then I took her to to boarding and I went to the casita rented for the week.

I interviewed a potential roommate, and I have 2 exams tomorrow, and some final homework to finish.So hopefully by the end of this weekend, I will have a new home, and can get Rajjah from boarding. I haven't actually signed up for classes yet as I don't want to commit until I know I have a place to live. I will sign up for online classes this week at least. But in person will depend on how things go. What happened last semester can't happen again. Right now I am going through a wanting my normal life back. A camper van, my cat, a job, and a few online classes would satisfy that urge. Mentally, things are a bit challenging at the moment, but that is outside the scope of this blog (no I am not nuts lol).

Apps on a Android 2.2 Archos 10.1 Tablet

Having had an Archos 10.1 entertainment tablet bought off ebay with accessories for 300 for a few months, here are a few apps that have come in handy. This is the simple 8 GB model with an SD card for additional space. There are 5 possible home screens to organize apps and a index grid accessible from all 5 screens. I use 4 of the 5 screens for my main apps as well as a few lesser used ones and background type programs in the index.This tablet didn't come with the Android Market, but it did come with Arch Tools that had a market download. So I have both the apps lib and Android Markets to choose from. I also have the Amazon apps store, and use it along with the Droid Market for all my app needs. Below are some of the apps I currently have... and I will also give mention to Dolphin browser and Ever Note as wonderful apps, but I chose my ebook and Office Suite Pro over the previous two. Color Note, a separate calendar app, and the Opera/Native browser handles the web side.

Lets start with the ereader apps: Google Books, Kobo, FBReader and Moon Reader.  Google books is accessible from anywhere and is stored on googles server, other than when you actually read a book, it will download individually. Kobo is from when I had a Kobo ereader, which got returned due to only being an ereader. I enjoyed it, but my laptop can function as a multi purpose ereader, and now the tablet. My books are synced from any device and the selection is okay. FBReader is great for a simple reader, mostly used for easy access to Gutenburg, while Moon reader is great for large print. The last two are great for epub downloads. Amazon has a books app, but I haven't found a need for that, as I have a lot of books that I haven't read yet. 90 percent have been free. Reading on a tablet is nice, and having multiple readers for multiple sources of books that would normally require several ereaders, all on one device is nice. I like e-ink, but this works well.


Games: Angry Birds, all versions, Solitaire combo, Mahjong, Jewels, and Jewels Deluxe, and 4 in a row. I have a few others on the SD card that aren't played often, but are indexed. The ereaders and games are on the fifth screen.

Music and Media are throughout the 3rd and 5th screen. Tune in radio, news and weather, BBC, tv.com, occupy together, Mediafly, the native Music app, Cineshow Time, native Photo Frame, Gallery, Video, and Camera.

I already talked about the browsers. But, the main difference is that Opera Mobile gives you the mobile version of web applications, functions faster, and has a great touch interface. The native browser includes flash and is preferred for seeing full websites. I have had Mozilla and Dolphin as well, but decided for space reasons that Mozilla is too slow and Dolphin is fun, but isn't a priority right now. I may download it again in the future as I really want to explore it more, along with evernote, but those are later. Those two programs are great for a computer and tablet to connect together, but I don't sync my tablet to the laptop.

The Acer Aspire One, which I am typing this from, is now running a full version of Microsoft Office 2010, has a HUGE ebook for my computer class, along with the usual ebook, music, and school paper, graphics, ect, and is pretty bogged down right now, with both backed up on an external HD. I am definitely looking at getting a MacBook Air in a few months for the graphic programs and GarageBand software. Then, the Microsoft Office 2010 can be added later. I want to do web design again and the little netbook isn't going to work for that. My main desktop is not working any longer. This little netbook will remain a back up and then the MacBook can do more. I used to have a Mac and I miss it, but the pricetag for one is a bit steep right now. Eventually, I will replace this Acer Aspire One with a dual OS tablet (Windows and Android 3.2 coming out next year). Touchscreens are much nicer and user friendly on the 10.1 screen, and will be able to write papers, do research, and still enjoy the Android app interface on one machine, but they need to work the kinks out.

Mac: I am really sad to see the rags to riches Steve Jobs pass away. He created art work with his technology. Apple isn't the best in everything, but their products are sharp, thin, great out of the box functionality, and pretty; just gorgeous to look at. The price is still high, but the programs don't need a for dummies manual, it just works, and there is a great customer support team on the other end. I look forward to a lightly used MacBook when the budget has it, and I will remember the guy some say was temperamental, as a treasured part of the Apple legacy. I read somewhere he said that Microsoft doesn't bring culture to their programs. I have to agree. Windows isn't pretty like Apple, and takes some getting used too. Windows office programs make nice, simple programs. Word and Power point come to mind. But then again, some of the Apple presentation programs give some very nice results. So, both have their place: Windows is cheaper, somewhat functional, and is more easily adaptable to other programs; Apple is very customized and locked down to work with Apple, and that comes with its own issues, but they have a nice selection to compete.

The new computers coming out with Google chrome that are a web based OS are something that I simply can't wrap my head around. The idea that a computer is only functional in the cloud and web based, just isn't something I can work with. There are plenty of times when I am away from an internet signal and want to play games, listen to music, or work on a presentation for uploading later. I would be stifled by a web only system, and even with an internet signal, those other offline items are still done, it just doesn't seem functional. Why have a portable device that is only a web device? So, I am skipping Chrome, which I actually got rid of over a year ago. I tried it again recently, and just don't like it.

Android is by far my favorite. It still has a way to go with the word processors and other more intensive software, but it has come a long way with games, media, simple notes, calendars, photos, and communication. The Android screens are pretty with some Zedge software, the apps work nicely, the market is constantly updated, with many things for free.The USB ports, additional SD card storage, and the very customizable interface makes for an easy user experience. I use my tablet for as many things as I can except for intense typing, and even that can be done with a USB or bluetooth keyboard. Too bad Office or Open Office weren't available in their desktop forms on an Android tablet. Netflix also needs to get with the program.

Also, Sony gets huge kudos. I bought the Sony Walkman and silicone case USB chargeable MP3 player 2 months ago. The FM tuner works great, the download and upload is easy through a variety of stores and formats, as well as the video (if you are so inclined, I haven't added anymore than what came with the MP3 player). My older Sony camera also works nicely, and the warranty folks have been more than helpful.

End of technology post: also, got a new phone a Samsung 401G from Net10 for 25 bucks with 750 minutes included. It works nicely so far, good long battery life, but its an older style qwerty phone. Its a simple slider, decent screen, good for text and talk. The WAP browser is no fun, but the E71 is broke at this point. I miss my old phone and will get the old one fixed as soon as possible, but this one works for a cheap back up phone, or one I want that is more stable with better battery life.