Working a day job & 3rd shift job

I picked up a 3rd shift job at Pick 'n Save, 11pm to 7am. I thought it'd be an interesting experience as well as a way to make and save more money. The closest I've ever gotten to a 3rd shifter is when I bartended from 9pm to 4am. I finished my first three shifts and so far I actually really enjoy it! Its completely mindless work which is what I need for such late hours. I get to listen to my own music and take breaks as I please. The only bummer is that I also work a day job which can be either 1st or 2nd shift hours. So, if I work 3rd shift the same day, I end up working 16 hour days with only about four hours of sleep. I thought I was going to die, but I've actually been able to handle it fairly well! I'm hoping to work both jobs together for a month. We'll see how long that lasts.

Always on the move

The really awesome part of this experience is that I'm always on the move. I no longer am allowed sulk in my apartment. If I need internet, a restroom, food, a place to sleep, I have to go somewhere and find it. AND I'm biking EVERYWHERE! The only time I drive is to visit my parents or to go to one of my day jobs in an outlying town. I'm also hammocking everywhere! I love this on-the-go lifestyle. I know it'd be MUCH different if I had no money to buy food and no friends/family to provide shelter, but that's why I'm even more thankful than before; you never realize how amazing these "common necessities" are until you have to buckle down and consciously use them! I love everything that's been given to me and everyone who's been placed in my life. God is good.

Correlation

I've noticed that the less "stuff" I have the more faith and trust I put in God. At first, that annoyed me because I should always have large amounts of faith and trust no matter what. But in reality, faith and trust is a lifestyle... A way you have to choose to live. If I didn't minimize my life to a roof rack over my 4Runner, I wouldn't have ever experienced this lifestyle - which feels AMAZING, by the way. And now that I know this feeling, now that this lifestyle is engraved into me, it'll never leave me. Even when I do acquire "stuff" and "things," I will always understand that I'm protected and loved as a result of my faith and trust.

Couch surfing

I've been sleeping on couches A LOT more than my truck, which means I've broken "guideline #1" already. I guess it's really cool to know I have friends and family members who are so eager to offer me a place to sleep. Once winter rolls around, I'm going to negotiate a deal with someone about renting their studio space for $100/month. All I need is a warm place to sleep. It's a bummer to think about eventually spending $400+ a month on an apartment I don't need right now. Once I start "settling down" then of course, I want a stable place I call Home, but til then, I'm diggin' this life.

The difference between "believing" and "having a relationship."

There are a lot of people who believe in God, but there are few people who have a relationship with Him. Those who have a relationship with Him know it's 100% individual. Therefore, you have no right to tell anyone what's right or wrong. Not to mention, He is the only judge and therefore is the only one who knows your heart. And if your heart is empty, ONLY He knows. God isn't just a thing for Sunday mornings. God is the foundation of life. He is who I'm living for. I'm not living to become a millionaire, to be fashionable, to be famous, I'm living to talk about Him to anyone who asks and to follow His word as much as I can. I'm living to be a light in the darkness. I'm not here to convince you to also have a relationship with Him. That's not my job. That's what free will is. In conclusion, my experiences and mindset will never be (and shouldn't be) the same as yours.

Stop worrying.

I attempted to explain myself to a concerned citizen last night. It was a useless conversation because my relationship with God is different from theirs (as it should be). Fear and paranoia are two emotions people should never experience. It's a waste of energy. I'd rather live in a car than live in fear. Wait a minute...

I need to get these curtains made

Gotta find me a place to sew up some curtains...

Dilemma: using the restroom

I have a gym membership which works for the mornings and nights. But, I've been thinking about what I'm supposed to do if I violently wake up and need to use the restroom... and I have NO idea, ha! The world is your oyster? OR, the world is your bathroom? We'll find out I'm assuming.

Showers are good.

Been working for my uncle the past two days and didn't feel the need to impress him, so I lived like a dirty hippie. Got back into town today and IMMEDIATELY showered. Felt SO GOOD. Pitched my hammock for the first time this year!! It was amazing. Took a little snooze and started crocheting a hat. Decided to busk the Brewers game and finally found a spot that didnt't kick me out for soliciting! Yay! Met a fellow busker named Mark R. Taylor the Crazy Harmonica Player. He gave me some good tips about catching a busy crowd! Sitting on top of my truck right now, staring into outer space and getting destroyed by mosquitoes. 

Hung out with my sister and effed around with our hair. Laying in my truck about to pass out. Its 3am. My sleeping mat is super comfy. 

Goodnight and God bless!

Why I'm living out of my 4Runner:

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And He is more than enough for us.” ― David Platt, Radical

I've decided to live out of my 4Runner for (at least) 40 days in order to strengthen my faith and trust in Christ. I need to look toward Him rather than people for comfort when I'm feeling emotionally distressed. I expect a lot out of people and that's a mistake (sorry, ex-boyfriends). I need to expect, or rather, I need to know my emotional needs will be met by Christ.

I've set three guidelines for myself for this upcoming pilgrimage:
1) Allow myself to sleep in a building only once per week. I'm trying to avoid reliance on people when I can spend it alone in prayer. But, if I'm visiting with family or friends, I will consider crashing at their place. If I sleep in the building though, it will not count as one of the 40 days.
2) Allow myself to spend only $6/day on food and drink. My stomach is the reverse of Mary Poppin's purse. Yeah, this pilgrimage isn't about dieting, but its about control and focus. If I comfort myself with food, drink and material things rather than prayer, then I'm not putting my full faith and trust in Christ. However, I will not pass up donations... perhaps an Ace Pear hard cider? Just sayin'.
3) Save every penny. No tattoos. No Thursteak. No supplements.