B is for Better

The word of the week is "better". Every time I think I have it made, things just keep getting better. It's shocking. I'm loving this.

I have been scouring the web for a place to live in Payson. I was invited to stay in Scottsdale but since I want to experience Payson and all it has to offer I politely declined said invitation. In fact, tomorrow I am going up to Payson to check out two prospective living arrangements. The first is with a woman that comes across as rather flaky but the rent makes up for it ten fold. And she accepts dogs. You can’t beat that with a stick. Maybe you could. I’ll give it a try and tell you how it goes. Hmm… that could get me evicted… this might remain a mystery. The second is down the street and I am meeting with this guy that is about as smart as a rock. Excellent. Anyway, tomorrow high noon I further my exploration. I’m really pumped about starting everything. New home, new job, new environment, new people… new everything. Fresh starts are so rad. The reception I have had people wise has been nothing but rewarding so I’m not worried about a thing. Nothing but friendly faces and blue skies. The woman that is employing me actually scouted the place I am looking at tomorrow so I would know if it’s a good part of town. How cool is that? I’m looking forward to working for her. I might even stop in tomorrow as she said I can groom some dogs if I would like. I would. I miss all my little friends terribly.

Oh, get this… We’re going backpacking in the wilderness!! By we I mean me, Jim and our new wonderful friend in Scottsdale (who just happens to be a veteran camper so we don’t run the risk of inexperience killing us). I have been researching my ass off and the final solution is that we are bringing a tent and food rations just in case. There will also be a GPS unit in the bottom of a pack because getting lost and dying is not preferable, but we are only going to look at it if we absolutely have to. Otherwise we are going to rely on a compass and maps. As far as fire goes I am so cheating and bringing some lighters. Rubbing sticks together sounds fab and everything but I’m just not that into it. I am going to have to practice making snares and setting them because I am so into the idea of hunting our own food. We are going to hike along a body of water so fishing is also going to be an option. Sweet! Rationed foods… come on now… just added weight. Speaking of which, we almost have our packing list complete. Tonight we are going to Tempe to try some packs on and see what we think. This is madly exciting. I have even found a website that sells dog packs. Jim is carrying his own stuff after all. I told him it didn’t make sense to come along and expect other people to do your work for you. That’s not even decent behavior. Since he is nothing but well behaved, he agreed wholeheartedly. We haven’t decided where this mountain man adventure is taking place yet. Undoubtedly AZ and most likely up into the inner basin of the old volcano up by Flagstaff. It sounds lovely. I would say wish us luck but that makes it sound dangerous doesn’t it? Wish us luck! Just kidding. I’m bringing my camera to record what we see and I will be blogging the hike afterwards. It should take about three days start to finish. Not bad. Besides, the way I figure it is that you don’t die in three days hiking next to water anyway. Smart. We’re going to start slow since I am just a beginner and work our way into crazy weeklong trips. Bring it nature. Being separated from my computer will be tough but I’m just going to have to man up and be brave in the face of adversity.

Oh, more god news… I think I have found a hairdresser. I’m sure it’s no Glenn but he’s got rave reviews all around. I don’t know what I am going for this time but I’ll have to put it here since I don’t see you in person anymore. Whatever happens I’m sure it’ll be perfect. If not, hair grows back right? I have better things to fret about quite frankly. As of right now, Glenn Miller and I have a date.