-Bugsy

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Daily Fruit

Get a Job 'Ya Bum


Sunday, Nov 26, 2006 from San Luis Obispo, California

“Get a job ‘ya bum.” That’s the single comment on the article from the News Review in Oregon. Check out the article here.

I haven’t had a comment like this since a couple weeks before leaving. Of course there were a few people who seemed to be joking about it, but they may have been serious. I’ve had a few negative comments, but I wanted to address this on specifically. Being called a bum bothers me a little. Not that it gets me down, if anything it’s motivation. But here’s how I look at it…

Yes, I do have a job. I have the greatest job in the country. Sure you could say I’m unemployed and homeless. But, am I really? I’m not employed by a big corporation trying to make big bucks. I’m employed by fellow Americans all across the country who have given me support and shown their faith in what I’m doing. I’m working for these people. And I’m not taking in any income. When you really look at it I’m working 12-16 hours a day, seven days a week, taking in new information, learning about the country, sharing my experience, photographing, journaling, documenting and remembering as much as possible as I meet dozens of people in each state. My job is to turn out content that people want to read, produce something that people can live through and enjoy. And believe me, there have been a lot of people giving me support.

As for homeless… not at all. If home is where the heart is, and I leave a piece of my heart in every state (which I really have so far), then I have a home in every state. This country is my home, everywhere I go I find a piece of home. It’s amazing. And I can say with great confidence that I’ve left a little something with most, if not all, of the people I’ve stayed with.

This is the most work I’ve ever done. I’m not making a dime and I feel I’m turning out an amazing project with great content. Pro athletes and corporate CEOs make millions in a year and don’t turn out something like this. I try to raise a few thousand to turn out the project of a lifetime. A bum? Not the way I see it. I’m ecstatic to be working for dozens of different people who have employed me through donations. Once again, I’ve got the best job in the country.

Blog Date Posted: Nov 26, 2006 | 415 words | comments 7 Comments
Comment by Penny Bell
From Boise, ID

Bugsy - I don't know you from Adam, but I have witnessed the impact that you made on the people you met here in Boise, and I have to say that I think you have the most incredible job in the world and the fact that you are making that same impact on all of the people that you meet along the way, is one incredible thing! Keep up the GREAT work!!!!!

Comment by Kristi
From Hugo, MN

Are you kidding me? Only an ignorant jerk would call you a jobless bum!! Bah humbug!

Comment by Jen
From Chicago 'Coolville', IL

"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents." -Salvador Dali

Comment by Shelly
From Roseburg, OR

I was totally offened by that comment in the newspaper article. I just wanted to take the time to let you know that anyone who makes comments like that are very close-minded. Your adventure is very inspiring and it will teach you many lessons about yourself & our great country. Thanks for being a positive inspiration.

Comment by jenny
From santa cruz, CA

well said Jen, anyone who would criticize this endeavor is obviously jealous. Enjoy your youth, lad!

Comment by dad
From baraga, MI

If you noticed, the guy didn't even sign his name, it was "anonymous". That really takes nerve. Great response Bugs, I wouldn't have known how to answer to that as well as you did.

Comment by Nancy
From San Luis Obispo, CA

The adventure you are on is the envy of all you touch! What you are doing, is what most of us dream of and don't have the guts to do! Continue on your path my friend and know that the lifes you are touching are much richer having known you and traveled with you on your adventure!! I KNOW mine is!! :)