August 6

  Haven't left the apartment all day, which is kind of maddening when you know there's a world of interesting things to do and see just a subway ride away. The perpetual dimness of an apartment with no natural light makes it feel weirdly frozen in time in space, since there are no glimpses of life beyond the fire escape. But I've been trying to keep close tabs on the cat (and give hourly text updates to the owner). Plus, you know, homeless research.

  I've pretty much accepted that I'm going to be living out of my car for the next two weeks. No response from Couchsurfers, WP roomie still out of the country, even a tip from an unknown CSer (helping out a stranger in true CS spirit) about a restaurant that rents rooms upstairs on the DL proved fruitless. I know someone staying in the Bronx part of NYC and she's offered me the landlord-stated-maximum visit of two nights, so I may do that til Tuesday. No other real leads. Only NYC has hostels (pricey), and this county is so geared towards rich folks that the only normal hotels are in the next state. So, car it is.

  I'm not too panicked about it, although there is no way in hell I will ever tell anyone at home. If one has to be homeless, Westchester Co. in late summer is about the best place to be. It's warm but not hot, everyone's rich and the streets are safe, and parks and strip malls with parking lots abound. I got used to inconspicuously hanging out in public places for long hours (see pre-Kisco entries), and I've definitely slept in a car before. With access to phone service, internet (work and library), a car, and even a fridge (at work), I'm doing light years better than millions of homeless people. So really it'll be like more of a short term camping adventure.

  Trolling the internet for tips (urban legend that Wal-marts let you sleep in the parking lot = confirmed! Only downside is that uppity Westchester doesn't have Wal-marts.), I came across the "Survival Guide to Homelessness" blog. Wow... check the comments for some of the most eye-opening experiences in modern America that rarely get heard. I'm most concerned with finding access to a shower, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. My favorite pieces of advice from this guy? "Get used to lying" and "Fashion is for the rich." A-men.