I was reminded today that I have a blog that I have forgot to follow up on with regards to surving in Orange County.
Tent living has since come to a conclusion and I have found myself in a quaint 1 bedroom apartment in Costa Mesa. The transistion took awhile and I can't say i miss figuring out where i was going to say, how I was going to sleep and where i was going to get my shower that day.
Reflecting I leanred quite a few things about myself. The will to survive is strong, the desire to improve my surroundings is strong and my connection to reality and other peoples plights is heart felt. I suffered by decision and by pure fascination with whether or not i could. Other people don't have the luxury that i had in this process and I have a strong appreciation for those in that unbearable situation that I met along the way.
I miss the sound of the waves at night, the campfires and meeting new people everyday. I miss new methods of cooking and my ability to strike camp in under ten minutes with water coming to a boil right as i was finished.
This serves as a jumping pad to the next step. A process of appreciating the bottom and making steps with a less ego centric, materialistic based approach and from a more necessity driven, quality of life approach.
until next time...I am surviving still in Orange County with two ex wifes on the payroll, and I can say that I am going to be as much of a volunteer back into my community and those who are having a tough knock in life.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SPRING Breakers
Well I learned that there is no guarantee in camp life, especially as the warmer days approach. Apparently there are these people called vacationers and they seem to hog space because they reserve ahead of time. My suggestion, reserve two weeks out if you can, the online tool is excellent and it also serves as a good way to know if it is walk-up only or reserve only for that day. I made the mistake two days in a row of driving there first just to find out it was reserve only.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Vacation
Yes I have been on vacation away from Do Ho and the Dunes...dwelling in modern living space at a friends. This experiment is still in full effect though I think by beginning of next month, will come to a conclusion.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Day of rest
Yes it is Sunday and I have absolutely nothing to write about :) well I do I am just lazy, I am going to go set up camp and take a nap on the beach...that seems good enough for me today!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Some random photos
Just another beautiful day
Carne Asada ala skillet style. Not much a recipe for this one....veggies, carne....skillet....easy breasy
Carne Asada ala skillet style. Not much a recipe for this one....veggies, carne....skillet....easy breasy
Do Ho preparedness...
Go figure that Do Ho Beach would be having a Whale Parade tomorrow. I was out and about tonight and well the campground was full by the time I got there. Lesson learned...check the campsite website daily for random events that suck up the campsite. What was pissing me off more was they had a campsite full sign, but as I drove through there were clearly many empty slots...such is live :) Looks like it is Office dwelling tonight, which is warm, but no campfire.
Dating from a tent
There is no good category for this one. There is no real easy way to explain it. This momentary alternate living journey in life steps all over the normal ways in which one lives day to day. Dating, well thats a interesting thing.
I have a large heart and a gentle disposition. This only goes so far in life. I suppose I am having a sleepless in Newport moment right now, but well I had a great time at a great place, and life seems to work the way it does and I have a large smile inside right now, regardless of anything, and that's fine by me :)
Dating in transition, I have no answer for it. My suggestion, be honest and let the dice fall as they may. I am in my own self-imposed alternate living moment, so I suppose I have to expect it would be an interesting table discussion that defies comprehension. I have built my life up by being a straight shooter with a will and attitude to do whatever, whenever.
I have a large heart and a gentle disposition. This only goes so far in life. I suppose I am having a sleepless in Newport moment right now, but well I had a great time at a great place, and life seems to work the way it does and I have a large smile inside right now, regardless of anything, and that's fine by me :)
Dating in transition, I have no answer for it. My suggestion, be honest and let the dice fall as they may. I am in my own self-imposed alternate living moment, so I suppose I have to expect it would be an interesting table discussion that defies comprehension. I have built my life up by being a straight shooter with a will and attitude to do whatever, whenever.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
How To: Setting up camp.
Having become quite experienced now in setting up camp, I have put together a step by step approach to getting the camp up and running in no time. First off, regardless if this is a cooking night, the first step is always getting the fire going. Here is my my play by play breakdown...
1. Once car is parked, either purchase wood from camp monitor or have some from the store...store is about $4.99, camp is $6, save the dollar you get more woood from store bought.
2. Light fire(will have to do a blog on this)
3. Tarp on ground
4. Tent Up
5. All clothes, sleeping bag and padding put in the tent (no need to organize this yet)
6. Set hikers chair near fire
7. If cooking, all ingredients on picnic table organized
8. Prep food
9. Put water in pans and frying pan bring to boil and clean
10. Cook Dinner
11. Put leftovers in baggie, throw trash in trash can far away from camp
12. Organize tent and set up sleeping bag
13. Enjoy the rest of the evening.
Camp should be up and running with fire and tent in about 5 to 10 minutes, I am going to start timing this as a fun game...
WOOT WOOT!
1. Once car is parked, either purchase wood from camp monitor or have some from the store...store is about $4.99, camp is $6, save the dollar you get more woood from store bought.
2. Light fire(will have to do a blog on this)
3. Tarp on ground
4. Tent Up
5. All clothes, sleeping bag and padding put in the tent (no need to organize this yet)
6. Set hikers chair near fire
7. If cooking, all ingredients on picnic table organized
8. Prep food
9. Put water in pans and frying pan bring to boil and clean
10. Cook Dinner
11. Put leftovers in baggie, throw trash in trash can far away from camp
12. Organize tent and set up sleeping bag
13. Enjoy the rest of the evening.
Camp should be up and running with fire and tent in about 5 to 10 minutes, I am going to start timing this as a fun game...
WOOT WOOT!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Man Cave #3: Essentials
So far I have learned that there are some key elements to making ones man cave a functional foundation for surviving in Orange County. The worse part about having the Man Cave and the camp site separated is when you have a D-OH moment and forgot to bring something. Always makew a list when going to the Man Cave, trying to mount up for the next nights experience always leads to something forgotten.
This blog is simple. These are the essentials to NOT leave in your Man Cave and have in your car at all times.
1. Your toiletries. Always keep these in the car. A nice black toilet case should be euiped with:
A. Tooth brush in plastic holder
B. Deoderant
c. Floss
D. Nail care kit (tweezers, small scissors, clippers, file)
E. Q-Tips
2. Small amount of Cash hidden ($20 is a good bet, broken down into $5's or 1's for coin machines)
3. A roll of quarters
4. Pen and notepad
5. Gum
6. One book
7. A spelunker lantern
8. A Coat
9. 6 pack of Gatorade
10. Next days change of clothes
These are the basic essentials I keep with me at all times. Add that with the daily list of what you want to bring with you to the campground and WHAMMO...you will be all good!
This blog is simple. These are the essentials to NOT leave in your Man Cave and have in your car at all times.
1. Your toiletries. Always keep these in the car. A nice black toilet case should be euiped with:
A. Tooth brush in plastic holder
B. Deoderant
c. Floss
D. Nail care kit (tweezers, small scissors, clippers, file)
E. Q-Tips
2. Small amount of Cash hidden ($20 is a good bet, broken down into $5's or 1's for coin machines)
3. A roll of quarters
4. Pen and notepad
5. Gum
6. One book
7. A spelunker lantern
8. A Coat
9. 6 pack of Gatorade
10. Next days change of clothes
These are the basic essentials I keep with me at all times. Add that with the daily list of what you want to bring with you to the campground and WHAMMO...you will be all good!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rules : Pay attention to fee hikes...even when you are sleeping
So I get my 111 going, that’s my favorite camp site now, and pay my nightly fee, get my camp all set up, light my big fire, read some, go to the beach and star watch a bit, a typical normal evening. Wake up and low and behold, while I was asleep the rate went up $5 a night. Ranger Barker was kind enough to write me a citation. I guess they figure pricing their spots like Newport Beach is a great way to generate income for California.
Thanks Ranger Barker!
Thanks Ranger Barker!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Survival Recipe #2: Irish Soda Bread
I am Irish and therefore...this is a basic needed recipe for survival...
Ingredients
* 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
* 2 Tbsp sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 4 Tbsp butter
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cups buttermilk
1:
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiff to stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in some more flour. Do not overknead! Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf.
2:
Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about 1/2'' deep in an "X" shape. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped with a knife, about 35-45 minutes. (If you use a cast iron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat up than a baking sheet.) Check for doneness also by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.
Hint 1: If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil.
Hint 2: If you use a cast iron skillet to cook the bread in the oven, be very careful when you take the pan out. It's easy to forget that the handle is extremely hot. Cool the handle with an ice cube, or put a pot holder over it.
Transfer bread to a rack to let cool briefly. Serve bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted.
Ingredients
* 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
* 2 Tbsp sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 4 Tbsp butter
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cups buttermilk
1:
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk to well and mix in with a wooden spoon until dough is too stiff to stir. Dust hands with a little flour, then gently knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky to work with, add in some more flour. Do not overknead! Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf.
2:
Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about 1/2'' deep in an "X" shape. Transfer to oven and bake until bread is golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped with a knife, about 35-45 minutes. (If you use a cast iron pan, it may take a little longer as it takes longer for the pan to heat up than a baking sheet.) Check for doneness also by inserting a long, thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.
Hint 1: If the top is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with some aluminum foil.
Hint 2: If you use a cast iron skillet to cook the bread in the oven, be very careful when you take the pan out. It's easy to forget that the handle is extremely hot. Cool the handle with an ice cube, or put a pot holder over it.
Transfer bread to a rack to let cool briefly. Serve bread warm, at room temperature, or sliced and toasted.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Survival Recipe #1: Pepperjack Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
4 eggs
Milk
Farmer Johns Sausage
Two sticks of Pepper Jack Cheese
Butter
White Bread
Spices
Gear Required
Stove
Bowl
Spatula
Frying Pan (I prefer the heavy duty kind)
Instructions
First, fire up the stove to a medium heat. Start with cooking the sausage to a preferred firmness, I like my rather burntish. Now if you are feeling healthy, drain the grease from the pan. If you like a little extra flavor, leave some in the pan. Make sure you reduce the heat once you have finished cooking your sausage. Next, cut up the sausage into little pieces. Mix eggs and a dash of milk in the bowl and add to the frying pan, with butter if you prefer, or not if you are using the sausage grease. While the eggs are cooking rip apart your pepperjack cheese sticks and add. Stir eggs, sausage and cheese until all is cooked nice and firm. Turn off stove.
Now add goulash between two pieces of white bread and whammo…Pepperjack Goulash Sandwich
Side story the ducks seemed to enjoy my recipe with the scraps I drop, they invaded my campsite the next morning eating the egg I discarded(camping foul) the night before cause I burnt the first batch.
Preparation Photo
4 eggs
Milk
Farmer Johns Sausage
Two sticks of Pepper Jack Cheese
Butter
White Bread
Spices
Gear Required
Stove
Bowl
Spatula
Frying Pan (I prefer the heavy duty kind)
Instructions
First, fire up the stove to a medium heat. Start with cooking the sausage to a preferred firmness, I like my rather burntish. Now if you are feeling healthy, drain the grease from the pan. If you like a little extra flavor, leave some in the pan. Make sure you reduce the heat once you have finished cooking your sausage. Next, cut up the sausage into little pieces. Mix eggs and a dash of milk in the bowl and add to the frying pan, with butter if you prefer, or not if you are using the sausage grease. While the eggs are cooking rip apart your pepperjack cheese sticks and add. Stir eggs, sausage and cheese until all is cooked nice and firm. Turn off stove.
Now add goulash between two pieces of white bread and whammo…Pepperjack Goulash Sandwich
Side story the ducks seemed to enjoy my recipe with the scraps I drop, they invaded my campsite the next morning eating the egg I discarded(camping foul) the night before cause I burnt the first batch.
Preparation Photo
Dana Point versus Newport Beach
Well I have to say I am very surprised to find that the less expensive, little more rustic location of Doheny Beach is a much better home than Newport Beach’s more guarded, clean and service oriented environment. First and most importantly, the showers are 10 times better both in pressure and hot water. The sites are huge and even better they have personal fire pits.
The other nice thing is the consistent sound of the waves.
The down side it is 14 miles from work versus a few hundred yards.
Some photos
The other nice thing is the consistent sound of the waves.
The down side it is 14 miles from work versus a few hundred yards.
Some photos
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Man Cave Part II : Normalizing
Now that the Man Cave location is established, it is important to make it a comfortable place and a functional one. What I have learned so far is access to clothes is the most important aspect of the Man Cave.
Two Rules
1. Have a section for dirty clothes that is separated from the clean...lack of separation can lead to redundant washing.
2. YOU MUST buy a clothes rack at Target, NOT Wal-Mart...we are surviving in the OC here not slumming it. Being that I am a working professional, it is very important that my clothes stay nice and organized. The idea is to not be a transient, but a simplified liver of life.
Evolving Man Cave photo below
Two Rules
1. Have a section for dirty clothes that is separated from the clean...lack of separation can lead to redundant washing.
2. YOU MUST buy a clothes rack at Target, NOT Wal-Mart...we are surviving in the OC here not slumming it. Being that I am a working professional, it is very important that my clothes stay nice and organized. The idea is to not be a transient, but a simplified liver of life.
Evolving Man Cave photo below
Step One: Part One...The Man Cave.
The first and most important requirement is creating a central command from which to operate. Storing everything in ones car is not a good idea and lessens the quality of the survival experience.
The best option is to create the man cave, or woman palace. I my case I choose to acquire a 10x15 storage space located near my work. That said there are three important considerations when choosing a location to set up shop.
1. Location to all things important in your life, best option is work.
2. The time the storage unit is open too. Many discourage living in a storage facility, which I do as well, but the earlier one is open and the later one closes makes things so much easier for random access. I found a place that is open 6am to 9pm, which is above standard in the area.
3. Location to a bathroom. As I was organizing my man cave I ran into the issue of needing facilities after their bathroom was already closed. This is more important than it sounds.
Here is my Man Cave phase 1
I will cover man cave/woman palace basic functions in the next blog
The best option is to create the man cave, or woman palace. I my case I choose to acquire a 10x15 storage space located near my work. That said there are three important considerations when choosing a location to set up shop.
1. Location to all things important in your life, best option is work.
2. The time the storage unit is open too. Many discourage living in a storage facility, which I do as well, but the earlier one is open and the later one closes makes things so much easier for random access. I found a place that is open 6am to 9pm, which is above standard in the area.
3. Location to a bathroom. As I was organizing my man cave I ran into the issue of needing facilities after their bathroom was already closed. This is more important than it sounds.
Here is my Man Cave phase 1
I will cover man cave/woman palace basic functions in the next blog
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Home - Part 1
Home
The most interesting part of this journey is picking your living location. Now there are a few options, state parks or somewhere near work. In my case, I happen to be one block from an amazing resort park that happen s to rent spots to tent dwellers. This location is now my “Home”. A good home has a clean shower, place to sleep, and laundry. By that definition, this has that and much more. There is a pool and spa, arcade, fire pit, a bay view, on site market.
Now being that this location is a little pricey, this Home is my second home…so now I have two homes one in Newport Beach and one in Dana Point. Putting that into perspective, I believe that is some true Orange County living.
I think future blogs might contain recipes that extend beyond the dehydrated nightmare I tried on my first night at home.
Some pics
The most interesting part of this journey is picking your living location. Now there are a few options, state parks or somewhere near work. In my case, I happen to be one block from an amazing resort park that happen s to rent spots to tent dwellers. This location is now my “Home”. A good home has a clean shower, place to sleep, and laundry. By that definition, this has that and much more. There is a pool and spa, arcade, fire pit, a bay view, on site market.
Now being that this location is a little pricey, this Home is my second home…so now I have two homes one in Newport Beach and one in Dana Point. Putting that into perspective, I believe that is some true Orange County living.
I think future blogs might contain recipes that extend beyond the dehydrated nightmare I tried on my first night at home.
Some pics
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Introduction
I am a man in his mid thirties. I am a man who has two amazing children. I am a man who has two ex-wives. I divorced both of them. The first was a lesbian that didn’t know it(literally). The second was a combination of fire and ice between us and well …we will get to that in another post.
In an effort not to be a dead beat Dad, I love my two kids with an insane amount of soul, I pay child support and I don’t really complain much, I have gripped a couple times. Because of the situation I put myself in, and trust me I own it these days, for me to survive I have to make $2400 and then make my car payment before I get one dollar for myself. I have an amazing job and realize, in the current economy, that I am very blessed.
I will come back many details later.
So why blog? This is therapy for the soul, pure and simple. This is not a pity party, I enjoy writing and therefore this serves as a great release. While I don't care if any one really reads it, the entrepreneur in me sees many paths I can take this with enough stubbornness.
With this blog I intend to document my journey of surviving in Orange County, California on “limited” means. Through, this process I hope to learn critical survival skills that I can share with others headed towards this very same destination in life.
Why not rent? I have gone down that path, and eventually I will, but every roommate I have met has given me the creeps and paying $1000 for a studio is fiscally stupid. I only say that because I am resourceful and have a very positive attitude about most everything and don’t require many things to be a happy camper...Pun intended.
In an effort not to be a dead beat Dad, I love my two kids with an insane amount of soul, I pay child support and I don’t really complain much, I have gripped a couple times. Because of the situation I put myself in, and trust me I own it these days, for me to survive I have to make $2400 and then make my car payment before I get one dollar for myself. I have an amazing job and realize, in the current economy, that I am very blessed.
I will come back many details later.
So why blog? This is therapy for the soul, pure and simple. This is not a pity party, I enjoy writing and therefore this serves as a great release. While I don't care if any one really reads it, the entrepreneur in me sees many paths I can take this with enough stubbornness.
With this blog I intend to document my journey of surviving in Orange County, California on “limited” means. Through, this process I hope to learn critical survival skills that I can share with others headed towards this very same destination in life.
Why not rent? I have gone down that path, and eventually I will, but every roommate I have met has given me the creeps and paying $1000 for a studio is fiscally stupid. I only say that because I am resourceful and have a very positive attitude about most everything and don’t require many things to be a happy camper...Pun intended.
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