Somebody Turned Me In

[cdiggy]

So I have been living in my step van for about 7 months in a storage facility. Pretty sure the manager knew I was living in it but was kind enough to look the other way. When I payed my bill the yesterday he told me that one of the tenants said something to him so he had to do something about it. He ran the gate reports and they said I was coming in late at night an leaving early in the morning and it had to stop. Very cool guy. I was getting a little lax in my efforts to remain incognito and people took notice. Amazing because if I was in their situation I would want someone there all the time in case break ins occurred. My fault though. Secrecy is the key in most instances. So my life just got a little tougher in those regards. Just goes to show you that although most people are pretty cool there is always someone that will cause you grief. So I guess I need to ditch my grand marquis for a van and park on the street now. Word to the wise: trust no one. Protect yourself because as I said in another thread there is always someone who will kick you when you are down. I am very appreciative that the manager looked the other way while it was winter and freezing cold but at the same time somebody would rat me out just because of whatever... Pay attention and keep your guard up at all times, especially in a hostile environment!

 

[Canine]

My condolenses

 

[cyndi]

Someone was jealous of your low rent lifestyle.

 

[SoulRaven]

Haters what can one do?

It’s always going to be a problem.

Even more so for the young, beautiful, tall, thin, articulate, and artistic types much like Taylor Swift and myself.

 

[cdiggy]

Someone was jealous of your low rent lifestyle.

Haha! Maybe. I think it was more just some anal retentive person that enjoys seeing other people get in trouble. See it all the time. That's why shows like 'cops' are so popular.

 

[Canine]

Why are you living in a storage place?Just seems a strange thing to me.What about that job you were pushing in South Carolina?At least you would not be breaking the law.

 

[SoulRaven]

So pitch the idea that you're willing to offer free overnight security, and make it official.

 

[cdiggy]

So pitch the idea that you're willing to offer free overnight security, and make it official.

That sounds like a good idea but I think I will just find another way. If I have to I will rent a room but I would rather find a cheaper way. A legal van on the street will do in a pinch. Just have to find the right one.

 

[cdiggy]

Haters what can one do?

It’s always going to be a problem.

Even more so for the young, beautiful, tall, thin, articulate, and artistic types much like Taylor Swift and myself.

Funny stuff. Taylor swift or that chick Jewel. Don't think she lives in a van any more...

 

[LeeRevell]

Haters what can one do?

It’s always going to be a problem.

Even more so for the young, beautiful, tall, thin, articulate, and artistic types much like Taylor Swift and myself.

Careful who you compare yourself to.  That Swift woman turns my stomach and makes my skin crawl.  Looking at her gives me the same sensation as a garden slug or a fat spider.....   :s

Many years ago, a friend and I had a storage room that we worked on cars in.  We had a "poor man's shop" in it.  Others also ran auto shops and other businesses there.  We had one old 'homeless' coot actually living in a smaller unit.  The facility had a small bathroom with sink, so he could clean up there.  All units had electric outlets.
He called the Deputy on us once as we were banging out some dents.....   said we were 'disturbing his sleep'.  The deputy arrived, and he was my cousin Robert.  Haha.....  Robert told him to just keep quiet or he'd evict the old man.  He gave us no trouble after that.  Rules were laxer back then.  Most of them now have secure locked gates.  You might get a key card, or not, depending on the business.  I think insurance pressures ended the businesses and living in these places.

 

[Almost There]

  I think insurance pressures ended the businesses and living in these places.

That and zoning regulations...a lot of the storage businesses are located in industrial areas and part of the zoning regulations is that there is no residential occupancy allowed.

Some that are in mixed zone areas have living accommodations for a staff member. Perhaps you might be able to find employment at one if there's any in your area.

 

[cdiggy]

That and zoning regulations...a lot of the storage businesses are located in industrial areas and part of the zoning regulations is that there is no residential occupancy allowed.

Some that are in mixed zone areas have living accommodations for a staff member. Perhaps you might be able to find employment at one if there's any in your area.

Right now I a m painting new construction houses for the rich and shameless. Pay is ok but I am saving to get out of NJ and out west. Whether I take a low paying job with housing or rent a room (or apartment) would seriously chew into being able to save my travel money so I am kind of stuck right now. Plus I am repowering the step van to a much needed stronger engine that is fuel injected and a 4 speed replacement for the 3 speed. I gotta do a little hustling to make this all work but it's all good. My main point to the post was just to be mindful of your surroundings. I got lax in that department and it came back to bite me in the ass!

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I watched an older women in a small car a few months back harass this small rv that was obviously trying to stealth park, her tooting horn, flashing lights, caught my attention as I was walking past, her window was down, I ask her what she was up to even if it was obvious. first she asked if it was mine then she said something to the effect, they should be at the campground, I told her to mind her business, that these people weren't hurting anyone and to go home. She drove away, I was a bit surprised by her attitude and self righteousness. So now not surprised that someone dubbed you in. hope you find some new digs soon.

 

[cdiggy]

I watched an older women in a small car a few months back harass this small rv that was obviously trying to stealth park, her tooting horn, flashing lights, caught my attention as I was walking past, her window was down, I ask her what she was up to even if it was obvious. first she asked if it was mine then she said something to the effect, they should be at the campground, I told her to mind her business, that these people weren't hurting anyone and to go home. She drove away, I was a bit surprised by her attitude and self righteousness. So now not surprised that someone dubbed you in. hope you find some new digs soon.

Not surprising. These people are everywhere. It's all good. I just can't overnight there. Complicates things a little but it's all good. Once I start the power upgrades I would need to move it anyway so it was kind of inevitable.

 

[SoulRaven]

That sounds like a good idea but I think I will just find another way. If I have to I will rent a room but I would rather find a cheaper way. A legal van on the street will do in a pinch. Just have to find the right one.

If you're happy with your rig, I wouldn't be looking to trade it out.


You are in a unique position where you can offer free or paid overnight security.

I know a couple of people who hooked up with contractors and  park at their construction sites at night to cut down on theft and vandalism.  One of them gets paid $1,000 a month for doing it, and that is what he lives on.

Another friend just made a deal at a food cart court, no pay, but a free place to park and free electric.

For many years I got paid to park at Christmas tree lots overnight to prevent thefts.

I can park almost anywhere with no hassles, but if I had a rig that was hard to park, I'd just start looking for anybody that might be interested in having overnight security.  You just have to think outside the box.

 

[cdiggy]

If you're happy with your rig, I wouldn't be looking to trade it out.


You are in a unique position where you can offer free or paid overnight security.

I know a couple of people who hooked up with contractors and  park at their construction sites at night to cut down on theft and vandalism.  One of them gets paid $1,000 a month for doing it, and that is what he lives on.

Another friend just made a deal at a food cart court, no pay, but a free place to park and free electric.

For many years I got paid to park at Christmas tree lots overnight to prevent thefts.

I can park almost anywhere with no hassles, but if I had a rig that was hard to park, I'd just start looking for anybody that might be interested in having overnight security.  You just have to think outside the box.

Wasn't thinking of swapping out my rig, my daily driver is a mercury marquis. It is a good car with a big trunk I can fit most of my painting gear in. Gets 19 city 24 highway so I would miss that but if I can get a van I can hall a lot of gear plus sleep in it. Storage for my rig is $41/month which was great when I was living in it. Still a good deal for around here though. As for overnight security that sounds like a great idea. Don't know if I could pull it off in the town I work in. LEO is a real problem where I work. They are intolerant to say the least and harass all they can. People get tickets here for 26 in a 25 and construction workers with trucks get tickets for non commercial registrations even when they are just workers carrying there tools to the job. I would love to be able to find a gig like that here but it is not likely to happen.

 

[Patrick46]

I would love to be able to find a gig like that here but it is not likely to happen.

(here's a lesson I beat into my kid's heads...)

"You NEVER Know, Until you ASK!!!"


When I met my wife 30 years ago, I was living FREE in my stepvan, parked behind a small country autobody shop, that had it's own small junkyard out back. (I was a live-in watchdog.)
I had a PO Box in a small strip mall at the edge of town...that also had a grocery store and a fitness gym at the facility. (showers, food, and mail, in one spot!) I had my first sign shop in my buddy's taxidermy shop, and I rode with an outlaw motorcycle club. Everything was within 5 miles of each other, and I never had to go into town. (unless I was heading somewhere to party)
Life was simple, life was good.

"You NEVER Know, Until you ASK!!" All I did was ask.

 

[cdiggy]

(here's a lesson I beat into my kid's heads...)

"You NEVER Know, Until you ASK!!!"




"You NEVER Know, Until you ASK!!" All I did was ask.

So true on so many levels. And I will definitely look around and ask of I see the right spot. It will definitely be outside of town. This town I work in is the ONE place where I really do know before I ask. Multi million dollar houses on a barrier island and a police force that screws with ever body. If you are following a LEO he will pull over to let you go by so he can scrutinize your ride and run your plates. If it were not for the money I make I would never venture onto this island. a dry town that has always been dry. They raid the American legion and the VFW to keep them dry. The only place to get served alcohol is the Republican club and even if you are a card carrying republican you are not getting served or even let in the front door unless you are a member of the "Big Boys Club". I am sure there are places like this all over but in all my years I have never seen anything like it.

 

[SoulRaven]

 

[cdiggy]

Dude, what are you psychic? You knew what out me giving up any real clues... Am lmao right now!