Life As Nick Starr

First time being sick since I moved into my car. Fortunately, my parents live nearby and were allowed me to come over and take a nap after leaving work early. I’m still not feeling 100% today, and my throat feels worse, but I’m not sneezing all the time anymore. Got plenty of water, cold pills, etc so hopefully I will feel better.

BTW, the title of this post comes from my Gtalk (NickStarr) away message yesterday, to which no less then 5 people said, “Home sick, don’t you mean car sick? Zing” After the 2nd time it got a bit old.

I “live” in the Tampa Bay area currently, and it is getting to be quite hot. During the day it is barable, mainly because everywhere I go has AC. In the car at night, it just isn’t possible to run the AC all night long. I don’t want to have my windows down, due to bugs getting in or anyone that might be walking by. It isn’t that hot outside at night yet, and there tends to be a breeze, but I don’t benefit from that being in the car all night long.

Last night I woke up 3-4 times to turn the AC on full blast for a few minutes to cool down. I’m not wearing my typical mock turtleneck and bluejeans at night, but rather slip into shorts and a mock turtleneck t-shirt.  I can’t think of any ways to get cool at night without having the windows down.

I was thinking about that headband thing from the 90’s that had fans in it to cool you down, but can’t seem to find it online anywhere. Anyone have any suggestions? I’m thinking of staying at the Hostel I stayed at on Clearwater Beach more often (well I haven’t been there but that one weekend).

When I do get a truck (which keeps looking further and further way), I am going to make sure it has screened in windows in the bed topper, so this won’t be such a problem.

Ever since my first trip out to California back 2-3 years ago, I’ve really enjoy it there. Not saying there is anything wrong with Tampa Bay, this is where I grew up and I know it quite well. I’m just at a place where I am not really tied down to much, and maybe a change would be good.

If I total my monthly living expenses let’s see what I can come up with minimum cost to live:

Car: $210
Insurance: $150
T-Mobile & Internet: $80

Total: $440 + Food and Gas

That isn’t that tough to make happen. As I’ve mention before I’m blogging for Boy Genius Report, and that would cover all of my basic expenses. Moving out to Cali would take around $267 one way according to Trip Gas Calc.

When I’m out there, I could get a part time job for extra income for food and other expenses (aka tech gadgets). It just would be able to feel my “freedom,” but with a full time job already it’s tough to feel like I’m free.

I’ve been thinking of the different areas of California to move to. There’s LA, SF, San Diego, Sacramento, etc. I know people in most of the major cities out there, but the majority of the tech community is in the SF area. It would be cool to be able to hit up the impromptu meetups and geek dinners out there.

Just sort of rambling out my thoughts. Any suggestions?