Nomadic Tendencies

I mentioned in a previous post, about how I would like to one day just pack up my things and move on a whim. Nowhere in particular. Just pick a direction to head towards and continue driving until I find a location, I want to explore for a while. Which I find weird because I don't really like to drive. Maybe it's the excitement and possible opportunity to start over in a new place , that propels me to overlook my constant hatred for driving a motor vehicle. Oh well, I'll just have to find out first hand. After I've exhausted all there is to experience at this juncture of my life, I pack up my things and repeat to a new destination. This lifestyle is known by many names such as a: vagrant, rogue, drifter, hobo, etc. I personally prefer the term vagabond/nomad. Sometimes I do wish I was a little more of the outdoors(y) type, so I could just go on a permanent nature retreat into the wild. That's something I've always wanted to do since I was a kid. But the chances of me surviving in the wilderness for a long period of time, with my current skills, are extremely slim. I do pride myself on literally being able to live just out of a duffel bag. I've always considered myself a simple man, with simple needs. During the way, I wouldn't even mind working odd jobs to fund this self-exploration project. I truly believe the life of a nomad suits me well. Always constantly on the move, traveling from one town to another. Maybe helping a few people along the way, while kicking a little bad guy ass, wouldn't hurt either. Sound a little familiar? Life's too short to spend the rest of your remaining years, trapped behind a tiny cubicle without a view of the outside world and what it has to offer. In my eyes, life is all about experiences. I sure as hell want to experience as much of this world as I can, good or bad. I'll take it as I get it. But to wake up every single morning, just to leave your loved ones, only to join the rat race for measly pay check. Nah! No, thanks. Not for me. I rather take the low road and keep my dignity. I like this quote from F.D.R. : "We, and all others who believe in freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees." So the rat race continues...

I do enjoy the extravagant pleasures; life has to offer, from time to time. But eventually that life gets old. That's why it doesn't amaze me when I read about millionaires/billionaires spending their vast amounts of money on non-essential items and lavish parties, instead of actually trying to make a difference in this world. The ability to have just about anything your heart desires at your beckon call, eventually starts to become dull. Who would've knew, right? Unfortunately for the majority of our society, which are the 'have-nots', we keep striving until we reach this pinnacle, where we can finally be upgraded into that 35% tax bracket, like it's something to be proud of. At times, I think the only reason the rich donate to charities is because they can write it off on their taxes. Imagine if they couldn't, would they really be willing to pull out their check books to write hefty amounts, to complete strangers? The only advantage I'd really savor from being wealthy, is the financial independence that comes along with it. The complete freedom and piece of mind that equate with not having to worry about paying bills, taxes or just wondering where your next pay check is coming from. In my opinion, that's priceless. Fuck becoming rich just to own material shit, though that's a plus, but I'm in it for the financial freedom. Say it with me now. Financial Freedom. Damn, just the thought brings a smile to my face. As of yet, it's the only reason why I haven't chosen the drifter lifestyle...

I also wish life had signs like the picture above. Just clean cut and dry. No unexpected surprises. Don't get me wrong. Surprises are what keep life interesting and you just have to learn how to roll with the punches. But sometimes, I'd just like to have a sign that let's me know I'm headed in the right direction. Whether it be a visual indication or just some random stranger telling you: "You're on the right track." But I guess, if life were so simple, it really wouldn't be worth living and just become stagnant.

Somehow I believe, hitting the road on my own (Scout included), will help steer me in the direction where I feel my mind is finally at ease.

"I like songs about drifters - books about the same.
They both seem to make me feel a little less insane.
Walk on off to another spot.
I still haven't gotten anywhere that I want.
Did I want love? Did I need to know?
Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow?"

-The World At Large by: Modest Mouse-

This song is always playing in the back of my mind, when I think about packing up and leaving to a new place. Only time will tell on how long I can fight these tendencies...

-Signing off from the trenches-