VAN LIFE

For really no other reason than I told Brian and his girlfriend, Maya, that I would move down to Santa Barbara back sometime in March am I here. I really don’t know what I’m doing here. But I think I would feel this way anywhere I was living: what do I do now? I’m not quite sure. I figured Santa Barbara was close to friends and family; had a beach, and decent surf; good vibes from what I could tell during past visits and mini-hiatuses; and the fact that Brian and his main squeeze gave me the OK to live outside their apartment in my van for a nominal renter’s fee so that I could have access to a bathroom and kitchen—quite generous people. (More to come on this soon.)

I am a substitute teacher with two local school districts, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, but basically unemployed right now, living off savings: expect anecdotes. As a note, I just recently graduated from a rather rigorous one-year Masters program in Education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, hence my fuck-it-ness attitude of being a self-declared, high-rolling bum. (Teacher Moment: D.G.A.F., adj. – Don’t Give A Fuck; ex. “Yr so DGAF.”) So, I essentially have a five-year window to teach for two years in a California school while completing some additional hoop-jumping program to clear my credential; it’s only preliminary right now.

I figured Santa Barbara would be an enjoyable city to reside for a few years to do this. Beach and good surf is essentially the only requirement I had for moving somewhere. The novelty of having not lived here also draws me in to Santa Barbara. This seems long-winded, and it is: Welcome to that which is Blog Blabbin’. But to fully understand just why the hell I’m writing a blog called “Van Life,” I wanted to share the story that brought me here, and you to ultimately reading these words. Welcome, also, to the conditions of our lives. In the sense of a plot diagram—because this blog will essentially be an unfolding of my story living in a van—consider this entry in many ways to be the Exposition. Take what you will from it. Discard what you must. If you’d like, please feel free to write me at:

Chris Greeley
PO Box 4681
Santa Barbara, CA 93140

Receiving mail is wonderful. Responding to mail is even better. It works both ways. I would love to exchange thoughts.

No insulation in the van, hot summer days, and no open windows in an attempt to be inconspicuous as a person living in his van equal discomfort.

Sweatily yrs,

Chris

Ps. Expect pictures as well, as seen above. I most likely will not explain them. If this bothers you, write me. Otherwise, roll with it.