ON THE BREADLINE: TONY SABERTON

Saberton, of Louisville, Kentucky, was a corporate auditor for major cell-phone retailer. He was laid off on February 1st of this year and currently writes a blog, Homeless But Happy, that is by turns engaging, funny, and heatbreaking.

How do you cope with getting up every morning? What motivates you?

I get up around noon… You could say I miss the mornings. I stay up late and sleep all day most of the time. I guess it goes in streaks. This week I am making myself get up every morning and being productive. Sometimes I’m depressed, sad, angry… It’s different every day.

Likewise, how do you cope with getting to sleep at night, or getting any sleep, period?

I tend to drink a lot of vodka to get my daily recommended carbs and sleep hours. Alcohol is the only thing that gets me to sleep at night. I have drunk more in the last two months than I have in the last year. Depression can sometimes do that to you, so I just need to be careful and make sure I don’t become a victim of that disease.

Give an example of the sort of changes or cutbacks you’ve had to make in the way you live your life.

I sleep on a blow-up bed in my apartment or the back seat of my car when I’m traveling. I do not have a TV or cable; however, I do have a laptop where I “borrow” an internet signal from my neighbors. I have discovered bootleg movie sites which save me money from going to the movies. I also watch Hulu.com: my saving grace for keeping up with my favorite TV shows!

I stacked my fridge with bags of frozen veggies and chicken. I don’t drink Starbucks anymore because now I drink Tasters Choice. They have to-go boxes now with seven tubes of coffee inside for a dollar. (Just add water.) Great deal!

I do have a gym membership. Just in case I become homeless, I can stay in shape, shower, crap, stay warm or cool off in the summer.

Share with us some of your recession gallows humor.

My favorite line is, “I never thought I would own my home in this lifetime, but it looks as if I will. My 2002 Toyota Camry Ranch Cape Cod with central air will be mine in just a few more payments!” They all get a kick out of that.

What, if anything, gives you hope that the future holds better things?

Well, you just have to think positive and try to enjoy the time off without going nuts! It’s bound to turn around some time, and I have a lot of experience, so I think I will be okay soon!