Forty-Four Days and Forty-Four Nights: The Ride is Over

By Erin Bush

So, after a long, long couch surfing expedition I have finally landed in my new place. Forty-four days and forty-four nights was the final rolling count of nights not sleeping in my own bed. It didn’t become tiresome until around day 32 when a few things just kind of fell apart and I had to go with some other [albeit, awesome] options. To make up that span, I spent a total of 13 nights in the Inner Richmond over two different segments, 5 nights in the Marina, 14 nights in the Financial District also over two different stays, 4 nights in Lower Pacific Heights, 7 nights in Pacific Heights and one night in a bed that was not at all on the schedule.

Often times it was quiet and easy since friends lent up their places while they were away on vacation. I got to see how organized they are, how they live their lives in maybe one of the more intimate settings of life — your home. All of my friends were incredibly welcoming. One friend made up a brochure of the area for eats, drinks, shopping, wi-fi password and sensitive neighbors, all the key elements of staying in her place. Another, left sticky notes around the place letting me know where hangers were, how to use the TV and where I could find extra TP. A third, left me with an envelope and keys, a “Good luck, text me if you have any questions, byeee!” The others were like sleeping in the dorm — come back to the place with a group of them watching TV drinking wine.

Anyhow, after day 32 I had finally had enough, I was tired and wanted to be settled in my own place doing my own thing not having to worry about any of my things or the next place I was going to crash. In the end, I think this was a really good thing for me to have done. As a kid, I moved around a lot, and similarly, as an adult I have reflected that same lifestyle. I went to four elementary schools, two colleges in different states — hell, I have only been living in California for four and a half years, but I have lived in South Lake Tahoe, San Jose and San Francisco. I typically get bored of the same place after about 18 months and find a new thing or place to escape to. Never have I wanted so bad to just have a single place to stay in the same city I currently live in. Here’s to wanting stability, finally.

I also wanted to extend a big hug and a huge thank you to all of those friends, old and new who let me into their lives and put up with me for my often extended stays. You all are great friends and I am quite lucky to have you in my life. Much love and many thanks.