u/Free-Step7723

Well you guys, the bags are almost fully packed, and now it's time to sell off what we've collected since January.

We tried to make it work in WV, but man this state is shit, legitimately.

Thankfully, we have some friends that have a homestead out in Cali, now, it's not one of those glamorous homesteads like you'd see on YouTube, but it's beautiful and perfect for us, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes us.

I'm not sure if this would still count as us being Vaga, but fuck it feels just like it. Trades of services to get what we need, hunting for our food. Building shacks up. Idk, I'm excited, but nervous at the same time.

Our local PD is helping us with bus tickets to get West, bus ride will take 3 days (fuck my life), at which point we'll be kicking it in Reno for about 8 hours while we wait for the bus that takes us the rest of the way to our destination in Cali.

Hardest part? Trying to downsize, even though we're already minimalist. We're trying to hustle up what we can $ wise while we're still in WV, but I'm not sure if we will hit our goal of $500, even with selling off the bits we do have.

Loaded a few bags up of our clothes, bedding, and miscellaneous household items and donated them to a rubber tramper that's local to us right now, so that felt nice as heck to pay it forward. Especially to these two amazing human beings.

Anyways, I'm sorry for the mess of this post, I'm tired, little anxiety ridden, and ready for the 1st to be here, so we can beat feet.

Much love, stay warm (or cool), and up emm!

If you are a brokey like me, and can tolerate pancakes/waffles- this is how I stretch my meals, while still being filled !

You're going to want a pancake mix/muffin mix, one that isn't a "complete" (aka not a "just add water").

Buttermilk

Eggs.

Water.

Vanilla extract (optional- but adds flavor if you get unflavored mix).

You're going to add 2 cups of mix, with 2 eggs, and a 1/4 cup of buttermilk. I always mix the eggs and buttermilk, then add to the pancake mix. Add in the extract with the liquid mix too.

If you need more liquid, add a wee bit of water.

Mix it super good, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Then cook it for a few extra minutes than normal. You'll get some thick pancakes, that are super duper filling.

I can stretch hecka meals off these pancakes, for less than $15, that's with all the ingredients and buying a big bag of mix, and 60 eggs (7$ for the 60 count, it helps big time).

Also, for ramen to make it tastier/more filling.

Cook in a pan like usual, crack an egg in it. If you like chives, add some in. I also add onion at times (the pre diced frozen Walmart brand, $2 and no hassle).

Between these two things, I could survive off $40-$50 a month in grocery costs, assuming I eat these two things daily, with nothing else.

Much love and blessings to everyone here, the struggle gets better at some point.

Woke up to my phone ringing with a 313 area code. I get excited and hop out of my covers to take it. Of course, it was an employer stating that they can't do wfh- that's fine as I wasn't asking for that, I was putting apps in for August 1st in person start date. Ok, we will take your resume off our rooster. That's fine, there's hundreds of other jobs, and you just saved me a headache.

I tuck back in, but not before taking my morning meds to keep me sane. While doing so, I'm scrolling this sub as if it pays me- which it does. Just in the form of serotonin and dopamine. Which, can we put a price on that?

An hour later, my mind is racing, my hands are clammy. I got to do something, doing nothing isn't the production level I can afford today. I call rental assistance, get shot down, call again, we're out of funds (same, buddy).

I then sigh, refill my water bottle, and plop my antsy ass on the couch. Time to research.

I call section 8, ask about updates as we're fucked come the 5th, get told "come in July 13th for an interview for benefits". Happy birthday husband, hopefully this can be our gift.

Go to collect paperwork, they dont have it at the shelter I use for mail. Whatever, call them back, they say come pick the forums up, and fill it out for the appointment. Yes sir.

I'm done with that, it's too much bullshit when the clock hadn't hit 9:30 am yet. I lay back down.

I then get a call from Walgreens, my long awaited Klonopin script is ready for pickup, I stand up, get dressed, and walk to the bus stop. I'm sweating my ass off. It's 100 degrees. Wishing my scooters weld didn't give out, back to thumbing and strumming instead of scooting my ass through town. Whatever.

.

I get to the pharmacy, my ready script ended up being too much, so I just get a weeks worth. Whatever, give me my benzos- my anxiety is blistering like the devil touching holy water. I need a mental break.

I go to catch the next bus, she runs the light and I'm stuck with two options, wait 45 minutes in the heat for the next one, and still have to walk half a mile home, or start beating feet, fuck why did I wear slides today?

I'm drenched in sweat, I'm panting, my water is warmer than basking piss in the slabs. Whatever, 1 mile down, half mile to go.

I walk into the bodega and get a cup of ice, jokes on me, instead of the usual 60 cents, it's now a $1. Whatever, homes a straight shot anyhow, if I stop whining and getting stuck on stupid, I'll have AC and a shower in the next 10 minutes.

I get home, I take a Klonopin, I hop in the shower and scrub like a mfer. Sitting here, noticing that I have the life some of you want, and you have the life I usually do.

What changes? Nothing can right now.

I've located buy back homes I can get us into immediately, it's 300 miles away. Are we thumbing this shit, or basking and renting a car?

I feel cought in the ropes of our failed system.

Do I take a breather, allow my beloved benzo to hit my mind, or shall I dump an application and make the leap of faith.

It's blinding, either way. It looks like we will be houseless again, I'm privaleged. I grew up broken and don't have the energy to fix it. I need a home, when I'm in a tent. When I'm in a home, it doesn't feel like home, just a confined prison that I can leave at any point, aslong as I bail myself out of the lease.

I eat a strawberry wafer, writing this post, wondering "where shall my feet carry me again today" the answer? Bed, bathroom, kitchen. Why? Because the heat is blistering. I have heat intolerances.

I alas. I open indeed, new update. "Enter phone number for verification". Ok, 304-867-5309 *click*, "our servers don't allow VOIP numbers" I exhale, slam the laptop closed, and remind myself, I'm yearning for the bare minimum, because that's where I'm comfortable. If you're already there, who can take it from you?

I move on, back to r/vagabond I go, I scroll, I see mrarmenian, and a few of our other east coasters. I upvote, I read, and fascinate about it being me.

Scroll

Scroll

Scroll.

Ok, I guess I'll post again, I'm enjoying the artistry of the writing, the passion behind its beautiful.

Phone rings, it's my husband. "Hey honey, I'll be back in a few minutes", time to get dressed and ready, I said no more heat, but paperwork doesn't file itself.

I hit post, and check back later.

Until then, stay safe, stay cool, and up em (ideally, water).

Well, you guys I made some progress.

Sometimes I don't give myself the credit I deserve- such as turning my episodes into a positive outcome. After I made my post, it made me notice that I've done this shit before- and have been for years before I even met you guys.

This lifestyle offers a beautiful journey, and sometimes a rewarding lifestyle (depending on what you're going after, and where you end up!).

Which is why I put my resume up on some Detroit job boards, and woke up today to numerous jobs asking for me to apply, and then a few asking for me to schedule interviews. Sadly, I'm about 300 miles away from Detroit at this moment, but I'll be calling them and asking to do a video/phone interview, as I did put my address as "Relocating to Detroit by August 1st". Which, has worked for me in the past! (Seriously, if you're a floater like me, give it a chance!).

I also found an apartment that's extremely cheap, now- were simply looking for an apartment for the next few months, I got to redip my toes into the Detroit atmosphere before pulling the trigger, and to be frank- my health is too rough right now to rough it unless absolutely necessary. Which I've also kept a file of my safe spaces in that area.

Nonetheless, I'm hoping I land one of these positions, and can get the fuck out of West Virginia. I hate that this state drained me the way it has. I was plucking hairs noticing my life was more fulfilled when I was hunting for tent spots.

I'm someone that has to be all in, or fully vaga. I am known for hanging my keys, j chains, and more up at the drop of a dime, if it means I'll be fulfilled. Whether it's a mix of "standard" housing and roughing, or fully roughing it. I can't be confined to a town of 15,000 people, and an apartment that's falling apart.

So, let's see where these future endeavors land us. Perhaps I'll be one of you guys again soon, either way- I'm not giving up on getting out of West Virginia.

Stay easy, and up em!

Posting here, as you guys understand this shit- everyone else looks at me like I'm crazy.

I have severe anxiety(panic disorder), cptsd, depression and OCD, on top of a few other health issues that feed into it (graves disease), I've lived a very Vaga lifestyle since I was 17/18ish, moving around every few weeks-few months.

The longest I've held ground is 6 months, since I was 22, before that I found a place that was perfect for me, and stayed there for 2 years(cheap rent, 970 first year 980 second, for a 3 bed 2 bath with all utilities in central Iowa). Moving from there started a shock wave that amplified my staying put-ability.

Since then, ive moved/relocated about 20 times. Now, I moved to West Virginia in December, and signed a lease at the end of January with my husband, as he secured what seemed to be a good job. It's not, and it's gotten worse. I've already been at my wits end, I've been here too long, I need change. I need a city.

He got cut from 40 hours a week, to 16 due to getting sick from coworkers and needing hospitalized. (Yes, retaliation and illegal). Even when he worked 40 hours a week, his bring home was 1200 a month, our rents 685, we have other bills too. We can't even buy groceries. Assistance won't approve us.

Now we're lucky to see 600 a month. Still can't get assistance. I need out of this town. But my health won't allow me to do this shit how I used to, I get overheated too easily, if I got on my proper meds id be fine- but I keep gettin denied here.

What's my exit strategy? Where do I want to go? I need ONE job offer, just one and we're good to move to Detroit. Now, I know that's not the most desirable area, but I've done this before out there, and I fucking YEARN IT. I survived off $2 a day, seriously the Muslims will feed you out there hardcore, and their food is top tier.

Roll of toilet paper-.50 cents and lasts two days.

Pre roll- $1 for a gram. (No longer smoke, so save that dollar)

2 loose cigs- .50 cents.

Ramen packet-.39 cents at the bodega. Or 2 for .50 cents.

Bottle of water .50 cents.

Food, the same way we all get it, ask, dumpster dive, or EBT.

I seriously was in my best health there. The air was breathable, I barely sweat, I had medical access. I'm also only banned from one hotel (sorry for the 4 dogs and gay orgy, I promise it was all against my will).

I don't "party" though, no shame towards those who do, If that's what you gotta do, then that's what you gotta do- my Klonopin keeps me alive- doesn't make me a better human than you.

I just need more from life, is it privaleged of me to say "fuck if I was Vaga rn id have a new set of razors, and I wouldnt have a bush"?

Or that I'm willing to leave an apartment behind, to dive back into the unknown?

Why was I programmed to get sick of something after 6 months, did the abandonment issues from child hood really carry over for this long?

Anyways, I'm medicated, mildly depressed and anxious- but nothing severe thankfully (hugs to those who are), just simply spiraling and feel trapped under a shitty wv system that would rather drown someone- than allow them medical care and groceries. I just want more tuna salad bro, and I can't even get that.

Someone, convince me to just pack our bags and go back noeth- even if we're roughing it for a bit I know safe spots, and I know that we'd have a fighting chance, but I deserve more than being trapped in a 500 sq ft home that's missing a roof, and doesn't even offer the warmth my tent does.

Anyways, up emm fellow humans- one day I'll be you again, until then I will be a good noodle and support your journey while living vicariously through you.

Hey y'all, I need advice

I'm a year post op from my TT, I have graves and still super hyper, due to being on a high dose of levo (can't go lower- I get too sick and no middle ground).

My anxiety constantly feels like when I was pre-op, except every doctor I go to in my new state, refuses to prescribe my anxiety meds that actually work. So instead of just taking Klonopin for anxiety (which is my fix all, and only needed it 1-2 times a day at 1 mg), I'm stuck taking 60 mg of buspirone, 200 mg of Hydroxyzine-pam, plus propranolol daily. (On top of my 200 mcg levo dose).

I'm barely able to sleep, even if I take the hydroxyzine before going to bed, I'm stuck tossing and turning all night. I can't take melatonin due to being allergic to bromelain (unless y'all know one that doesn't have bromelain or pineapple enzyme at all, open to recs).

I need rest, and to feel human again. This is a rollercoaster I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Oh, and I'm accidentally freezing my husband out of the house! Literally have a window ac above our bed (only window in the bedroom), and with it at the lowest temp and highest fan, I'm still sweating at times. Like this is just a shitshow.

I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a TT, just don't do it if you rely on benzos, and live in a state like wv that has ridiculously high addiction rates, and takes it out on innocent folks that *need* benzos to survive.

Anyways, open to any and all advice. Please, I go in for blood work again Monday. My labs are super high previously.

Free T3- 396 pg/dl

Free T4- 7.8 pg/dl

Tsh- 0.010

Hey y'all, long time lurker, first time poster. 8 years into the game.

I took a short break, getting ready to hit the road again here soon. I have the opportunity to get a solar panel before beating my feet, is it worth it? Which one would y'all recommend if so? I don't need anything crazy. Picture keeping a phone charged when need be, and two battery packs.

Appreciate y'all! And just remember, if you need things mailed to you, usps has general delivery services for free!

You'd just have an item mailed this way, and Amazon allows locker pick ups.

(Name)

General delivery-station name

Station address

Station city state and ZIP code.

We moved into an older apartment earlier this year after searching forever because housing here is honestly rough.

At first it was just little issues, but it’s gotten way worse over time.

Right now we’ve got:

stove didn’t work for the first month we lived here

living room floor is visibly sagging and has gaps

gaps around the bathroom and front door (it’s not even really sealed)

bedroom ceiling and kitchen ceiling both leak when it rains

we recently found out the “flat roof” is basically just a tarp(tarp on top of whatever's left after shingles and whatever other parts of roof got yanked off)

after the last rain, there’s now black mold showing up on the kitchen and bedroom ceilings

?-neighboring unit is empty, and torn to crap as the roof had caved into that unit (hence the tarp), and they didn't repair the unit at all, so when it rains it sounds like we have a water feature next door, I'm saying pounding rain to the point it's flooding and the unit below it's in the same condition.

We did report the roof/leaks right away and were basically told to just put in a maintenance request and “they’re busy,” even though water was actively coming in for days.

The big thing now is our city is starting rental inspections and licensing for landlords, and I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen if this place gets inspected. I know it’s going to fail with all of this going on, but we can’t afford to just move right now.

We didn’t know about the roof issues at move-in because it was winter and nothing was actively leaking yet. Since then, wind and rain have exposed major problems, including a tarp used as the roof and ongoing water intrusion. Other tenants have told us the roof has reportedly been in this condition for about a year. We’re not in a position to move right now, so we’re trying to understand what our options are and what typically happens in situations like this when code enforcement gets involved.

We moved into an older apartment earlier this year after searching forever because housing here is honestly rough.

At first it was just little issues, but it’s gotten way worse over time.

Right now we’ve got:

-stove didn’t work for the first month we lived here

-living room floor is visibly sagging and has gaps

gaps around the bathroom and front door (it’s not even really sealed)

-bedroom ceiling and kitchen ceiling both leak when it rains

we recently found out the “flat roof” is just a tarp

-after the last rain, there’s now black mold showing up on the kitchen and bedroom ceilings

-neighboring unit is empty, and torn to crap as the roof had caved into that unit (hence the tarp), and they didn't repair the unit at all, so when it rains it sounds like we have a water feature next door, I'm saying pounding rain to the point it's flooding and the unit below it's in the same condition. We did report the roof/leaks right away and were basically told to just put in a maintenance request and “they’re busy,” even though water was actively coming in for days.

The big thing now is our city is starting rental inspections and licensing for landlords, and I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen if this place gets inspected. I know it’s going to fail with all of this going on, but we can’t afford to just move right now.

What usually happens in situations like this? Can they force repairs, or does it end up with tenants having to leave?

State is West Virginia

We didn’t know about the roof issues at move-in because it was winter and nothing was actively leaking yet. Since then, wind and rain have exposed major problems, including a tarp used as the roof and ongoing water intrusion. Other tenants have told us the roof has reportedly been in this condition for about a year. We’re not in a position to move right now, so we’re trying to understand what our options are and what typically happens in situations like this when code enforcement gets involved