They make toothpaste for you to feel less alone

I have to be honest with you. Even though I say that I’m a minimalist, sometimes when I visit websites for camping gear or Puma gear, I sort through them longingly, imaging myself as some intrepid wanderer, roaming the world with a useful pen, notebook, and a small laptop. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

I do travel and get to live in different places. That is a blessing. And that’s made possible by people, patient and understanding, willing to let me stay with them for reasonable rent payments, a barter agreement (chores, errands), or free.

If it wasn’t for others who have a conventional life with a house and a steady source of income, usually earned through a regular 9-5 career, I probably wouldn’t be able to do what I do–live frugally and travel around. Why? Because those people are the ones that afford me such an opportunity.

Initially, the intention of this blog was to talk about advertising and how advertisers threaten consumers with loneliness unless a purchase is made, but I felt like wandering. It is interesting to note that sharing the same affinity for a product or shopping experience can actually lead to a connection of sorts.

Think about it. If you’re in Whole Foods and you’re reaching for that same Tom’s of Maine toothpaste as the well-dressed, in shape person next-to-you is, you’re likely to have something in common–you both like high quality toothpaste. If you’re in Wal-Mart reaching for the same Cadbury chocolate bar, it’s likely that you’re both craving chocolate and like to spend as little as possible on it.

I’m giggling in the library at Champlain College.

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