Good Morning Homeless of San Diego River

So I've been jogging (jogging because I haven't worked my way up to actually running yet) the path at SD River in Mission Valley most mornings. Peaceful walk, including, believe it or not, the homeless there.

The standard stereotype is that homeless are crazy, smelly druggies that beg for food or money so they can booze up. But I guess San Diego being classy and all, means that our homeless are classy too. The several encounters I've had with the homeless people there were not the usual case.

Good Will Hunting Homeless: I'll start with my favorite box-living dude. He sleeps in a box next to a bench. Usually I catch him awake reading one of his books. He has about 6 or 7 stacked next to him, along with a newspaper, reading glasses, and yes, an iPad. An iPad. The thoughts in my head that justify how he got his hands on an iPad are endless... and how does he charge it when the battery is low. He dresses standard for a homeless guy: tattered coat, dirty stained pants, shaggy hair. What tickles my fancy are the seemingly deep thought provoking conversations he has with other bystanders. This leads me to believe he is some sort of intellectual genius philosopher who is well versed in the secrets of mankind. But I digress. Until I muster up the courage to talk to him, the question of his genius will remain just that.

Toothy Thumbs Up: alright so his name isn't all that original or well thought out. His front few teeth are missing and he always gives me the thumbs up when I jog passed him. I just think it's cool that he apparently has a positive outlook on life and appreciates my attempt at a healthy lifestyle. It's good to have a little positive reinforcement.

A man and his pouch: this homeless dude is just that, some homeless dude. I'm going to hilight his dog because, as most if you know, dogs are hilarious. This one in particular has a tennis ball. He carries it around proudly with his head held high. It's almost as if like he is pet to his master, his ball is his pet. When they stop for a break, he drops the ball and let's it roll around a bit. When it's time to leave he grabs it and off they go.

These are just a few, but I realize this post has gone on far too long. Enough.