I came across this pretty neat story about a Blue Jays prospect, who despite having a 2 million dollar signing bonus, lives in a van at a Florida Wal-Mart and leads a spartan lifestyle by choice.

The Man in the Van by Eli Saslow

I really do admire people who live such free, minimalist lifestyles like that. I find the guy a throwback to the 1970's, when some people rejected the materialism of American society and went off to try and live off the land in nature. He's not quite doing that, but I do think Daniel is practicing a lot of those same values- being self-sufficient, not having much beyond the bare minimum, and a lot of self-reflection. Whether or not the guy gets into the Major Leagues or not, he's already won at life because he's figured out the way to lead a life that makes him happy.

Way too much about the life we're told we should have is about acquiring stuff. I like that Daniel Norris decided that it was not the life for him, and he's gone for it despite his teammates who probably think he's absolutely off his rocker. I'm glad he's being celebrated for his eccentricity, rather than being mocked for it.

I also have to admit, I have this fantasy of what it might be like to lead that kind of lifestyle...living in a van (probably more like a Winnebago), traveling around the United States, and being a free-spirit with nothing tying him down. I don't actually think I could do it, but more power to this guy for being able to do so.