Christmas in the desert...

Here it is Christmas Eve in the beautiful desert. In the 30's this morning (brrrr) but still better than ice and snow and bitter cold... (sunny and in the 60's later). Just spending the holiday at home this year with my buddy Steve, who has returned to the Phoenix area after 5 months on the road touring the US. He's staying with me for a little while until he figures out where to go from here. Putting up my tree (yes, Virginia, Jim does have a tree) and planning the Christmas dinner menu... (cheese and crackers, carrots and celery, and shrimp cocktail for the games, t-bones on the grill with baked potatoes and apple pie with ice cream for dessert). Yes I will have some kind of vegetable... I don't know which kind yet.

Not much going on with me... played a little golf and am working the Cardinals game this Sunday (they have the website up and you can sign up for gigs online and then call and confirm) so I will be working security and not the parking lot (thank the Lord). Then I will be working the Insight Bowl on New Years Eve and then attending the NewYears Eve party in Scottsdale that Events & Adventures is throwing. And I'm going to the Suns-Lakers game on the 28th with E&A.

I wanted to wish all my blog readers and their families a very Merry Christmas... I miss you all and think about you often. I hope Santa brings you all the presents that you desire and my Christmas gift to you is... MORE blogs!!! (Don't thank me all at once). Enjoy the holiday and I'll be in touch...

Let it snow...

While the East is getting a "white" Christmas complete with freezing cold and horrible holiday traffic, I am laying by the pool getting some sun. Is that rubbing it in enough? While you guys rub your arms for warmth, I rub my arms with sunblock. While you don your boots and galoshes (does anyone call them that anymore and what the hell is a galosh? Sounds like Middle Eastern cuisine), I slip on my shorts and sandals. Wool hat for you... sun visor for me. Parka for you... t-shirt for me. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. If I miss the snow I'll watch the Weather Channel and the news of you guys digging out your cars and waiting for the snow plows... The only downside to this time of year is that golf prices go up and the courses are packed... (damn snowbirds!!). But I'll manage.

Worked two shifts at ASU Thursday and Friday as there were 8 separate commencement exercises. Started at 6:30am and worked til 9 pm Thursday and then 6:30am til 8pm on Friday. I still have Pomp and Circumstance playing in my head. The coolest thing I saw was the headgear from the engineering school graduation. Some of the students wore ASU hardhats with the tassel hanging on them. I was a roaming security guard and walked around the arena putting people in seats and confiscating air horns. It was a sweet gig but the time on the feet was gruesome. I wish to use this space to once again thank my cousin Beck for sending me a foot massager. My feet are the only thing not in pain today. In fact, I just came from a massage and we ran out of time bewcause she was working on my painfully sore legs and glutes... (not to worry, I'm going back on Monday to finish the job). It was an hour of physical torture but worth every second. I am going to be even sorer tomorrow. I need to stretch this old body and become more flexible or I'll be stiffer than a customer at Werson's Funeral Home. Increased flexibilty is also good for the golf swing and isn't that what it's all about? (Everyone together now --YES!!).

Planning a quiet Christmas here in the desert after the great airport debacle on Thanksgiving. I am even putting up a tree and decorations this year. Heard a great joke, will pass it on now. What's the difference between Tiger Woods and Santa Claus? Santa Claus stops after three "Ho's". (Who says golfers don't have a sense of humor?) I heard the S&M store ran out of ball gags... Tiger gave them to his lady friends for stocking stuffers. Enough already, I have to go. Got a free ticket to tonights basketball game at ASU (can you say perk?). This time I get to be ushered in and have a seat... sweet! Talk to you soon.

My island paradise...

Being in Aruba is like an extension of where I live with greater amenities... the hot weather, the sea breezes, the beach and of course the water. Its been awhile since I heard the surf lapping and crashing onto the beach and felt the sand between my toes. I came out of my self-induced coma on Saturday morning (note to self--better trip planning is a must!) raring to go and was slapped in the face by the humidity and heat (God, it felt great!). The cool thing about staying at my resort is that I can walk to visit Bob and Toni Ann at their resort and walk up to the high rises the other way... (a little over a mile each way). So I put on a bathing suit, packed my sunblock and towel in my backpack and hiked up to the high rise hotel area. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts (a necessary part of any place I temporarily "move" to) and had my coffee and walked around to see what was new since last year. A whole new section of restaurants (Hard Rock Cafe, Papillon, Chino-Latino, etc.) was open now and that's one of the things I like about Aruba. There's always something new and different being built, but the island remains pristine and wild at the same time. I then proceeded to hang on the beach at the Holiday Inn until the security guard reminded me that the chairs were for hotel guests (my towel didn't match the guest ones) but I was there for long enough to get some color so I just moved on to a different resort. If you walk around like you belong, you can pretty much get into wherever you like... (and I did because with all the construction at my resort--mad renovations--the beach and pools at the high rises aren't as crowded).

I reconnected with my cigar lady and arranged to have some sent back to Arizona. Love the "Dominican" cigars she is able to send back to the states... I also purchased some for the week and continued my walkabout most of Saturday... (another note to self--walk in your running sneakers--blisters from the sandals not good with sand in them). That was pretty much the norm for the entire week. I either walked or went for a run in the morning (baby runs, but man did they feel good-knees didn't bother me at all), had coffee and explored the island or walked down the beach along the water's edge to the ABC and laid on the beach with the New Yorkers. Then off to dinner at our favorite places and a new place thrown in either for dinner or lunch, a little gambling, a little shopping downtown, and a lot of beach and sun time. The weather cooperated with mostly sunny days and the occassional downpour. Toni Ann and I went horseback riding on Friday (Bob has turned in spurs and saddlesores) and it was great. I got to stay in one of the renovated one bedrooms (very nice update) so I am pleased with the construction going on. All in all it was a great "relocation". My return flights were pleasant and I was back in NYC Saturday night and Sunday. Did the tourist thing, saw the tree in Rockefeller Center, St. Pat's Cathedral, Central Park, etc. My apologies to Loretta for not getting in touch earlier so that she could meet me in the city.

NYC was C-O-L-D... (34 degrees and windy on Sunday) but I put some major miles on my feet walking around. I also picked up a cold that materialized after I returned to Arizona... (I hate being sick!). My flight back to Phoenix was also a bit of a pain in the ass. After landing in Dallas a half hour early I had a 3 hour layover, but because of weather in other areas of the country my flight scheduled for 9:45 takeoff didn't leave until almost 11pm meaning I didn't land in PHX (Skyharbor Airport) until after 1am and by the time I collected my car and drove home it was well after 2am. Plus because of high winds we had a roller coaster descent into Phoenix. But the Captain did a good job and landed without a hitch. So now I'm back at home and there is an unexpected cold snap (60/38 high and low). But like all good Arizonans I will adapt. I guess I'll have to wear some long pants after all. Oh well...

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!

Greetings and salutations to all of you... I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday (because mine sucked eggs--more on that later). I have returned from my "I'm living in a different place this week" trip and it was terrific. This is my seventh trip to Aruba and let me tell you it never gets old. It was great hanging with the NY friends (it always is) and I had a blast.

It didn't start out that way, however. As many of you know, I have to book my Aruba trip a year in advance so that I can stay at my resort. I also made airline arrangements well in advance to take advantage of a terrific deal. The original plan called for me to leave Phoenix at 3pm on Thanksgiving Day and fly through Dallas and on to LaGuardia in NY, landing around 12:30 or 1 am on Friday morning. Then I had a 7:30am direct flight to Aruba from JFK. Piece of cake. I would arrive in Aruba around 1:30pm and sleep on the beach until my room was ready. But American Airlines didn't want to have it so easy. They changed my flight to leave Phoenix at noon and I arrived in NY at 9pm. No problem I thought... I'll just check my luggage through and cab into the city and hang until the morning. WRONG! You can't check luggage until the day of your flight (learn something new every day) so I would have to drag my bag around with me until 3:30am and then get in line to check in. So I found a comfortable chair and began the overnight vigil...

I don't know what was worse... the piped in muzak versions of Christmas carols (I now officially hate "O Tannenbaum") or the Latina woman speaking Spanish non-stop from midnight to 3 am. But that combination and the fear of being robbed kept me awake. The airport is eerie overnight. A real collection of characters (including yours truly) inhabit the airport in the wee hours. The zamboni man polishing the floors was entertaining. So there I sat until 3am and the line started to form. I'm glad I was there already, because by 3:45 the line was snaking around and down the corridor. I was fifth in line and didn't get waited on until almost 4 am... (they had 2 people checking in passengers). I checked in, went through security, and then collapsed by the gate to wait for boarding. After 27 hours awake (a new record without the aid of questionable pharmaceuticals) I boarded the plane. I remember the safety instructions and then the next thing I knew we were landing in Aruba. Great flight (I think).

So after collecting my bag and hailing a cab, I was on my way to the beach! When I arrived at the resort, my room was ready so I went there and laid down for a nap... I woke up after midnight, rolled over and went back to sleep. My traditional cigar on the beach at sundown would have to wait until Saturday...

Media buffer and Ironman...

I had the best security gig (and one of the easiest) last week. I got a call at 9:30am on Friday (I didn't get to bed until 7am from working 12 hours overnight so I didn't appreciate it) asking me if I could work an emergency gig at 1pm that afternoon. I mumbled okay and fell back asleep until 11 when I got the second call telling me to go to ASU and see this guy and only talk to that guy... (and wear jeans and golf shirt--undercover man!). So as I'm on the road to ASU one of the bigs in our company calls and says to report to Packard Stadium (baseball facility at ASU) and report to Lynn who runs sports activities for the school. So I arrive at Packard Stadium (still not knowing what's going on) and Lynn briefs me that the the head baseball coach has resigned after 16 years and that I am to man the main gate and only allow players and coaches and anyone on the list she gives me into the facility. Everyone else is to remain outside. I am the only security at the stadium.

I tell everyone else showing up that the field is closed and practice cancelled and that its a players only meeting and "I don't know" whyn they closed the stadium. About an hour in Channel 12 and Channel 3 pull up with a news truck and cameras and begin setting up outside my gate. A print media guy is asking me what's going on and I give him the "I don't know... I am just working the gate". The cameras start rolling... (I'm sure I ended up on the cutting room floor after pleading ignorance) but it was pretty cool keeping the wolves at bay outside the gate. After the meeting a group of players and officials came out for interviews at the gate so again I might be in some footage... (I'll have to check channel 12 archives). The whole time I did my best military "at ease" stance complete with shades and "don't even try" expression. (lol) After all the players and officials left the reporter says, "okay. How about the truth. Is Coach Murphy still in the building?" "I don't know, sir " was all he got. The truth was that Murphy left the building even before I was posted but I wasn't going to be a "source at the scene". So I left around 5:30 with Channel 12 still hanging around looking to interview the coach... (Nice look for the reporter, by the way... Suit jacket, dress shirt and tie over shorts and sneakers).

Sunday I volunteered at the Ironman Arizona event... I was a Run/Aid station 1 handing out warm, flat cola to the runners... (first time I ever saw soda used but I guess the sugar and caffeine help). Over 2500 participants swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) in nearly perfect (it is Arizona after all) conditions. All I can say is that these athletes are awesome and every one of them deserves much praise for competing. It was inspiring to see them out there and be part of helping them achieve their goals. What a great experience. I am inspired to dust off the running shoes and get back on the road. Don't worry. I will take it as far as this cranky old body will let me. Baby steps are the key, but I did go for a run last night...(if you can call it that). Got back in one piece a-huffin' and a-puffin'. Felt great (not at first but long after...lol). I will bring running gear to Aruba (you knew I had to bring it up) and maybe go for a jog in Central Park for old time's sake.

Tee minus 3 days and counting... Playing golf tomorrow and Wednesday to tune up for the Aruba Open with the boys. The pink ball will be in attendance guys so bring your "A" game...

My first overnight assignment....

Tonight I will be working my first overnight security gig. I start at 6pm and work until 6am Friday morning... (just like my other job without the heavy lifting). "Good Guys" is having a car show out at WestWorld and there will over 2000 custom hot rods and muscle cars up to the year 1972 on display for three days... (with my luck they'll put me as far away from the cars as possible). But maybe I'll be able to wander the grounds a little. More on that tomorrow.

Stopped by the new digs for the security company on Wednesday and filled out the form necessary to get my credentials to work the Insight Bowl on December 31. It involves yet another background check... (my third this year--I didn't realize that my background was so important. Seems to me that there are plenty of people the government and companies should be looking at other than me, but I don't want to invade anyone else's privacy). When those creds come I better get my gig in the visitors tunnel because that is the sweetest spot I could get for a football game...(besides being on the sidelines). But I digress... What, you may ask, are all the background checks for? No, I am not running for political office, nor am I in training for the Secret Service (although I could pull off that look). The first one was for a Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card and the second was for my substitute teacher certification. You are now reading about a newly certified substitute teacher in the State of Arizona. I can now apply to school districts in the state and be put on their rosters as a sub. I hope to be able to do that for the spring semester after I return from my jaunt in the Carribean.
This was a step, I hope, toward the dream job of coaching on a golf team or at least being involved in teaching golf at some level. We will see what we will see. But don't worry. I'll only make my students call me Mr. Mullady. :)

I have begun a special project that I will work on while on the beaches of Aruba... (I seem to be inspired by nature's beauty and between Arizona and Aruba, there is plenty to inspire me). I don't want to divulge too much about it because it is in the infant stages and I don't know how the process will work out but there are some of you who know what I'm working on. It is quite fitting that this will begin in earnest around the Thanksgiving holiday because I have very much to be thankful for, not just around the holiday, but every day I am able to live in this beautiful place and have the friends and family I am blessed with. More will be forthcoming as the project proceeds...

Zombie Monday and other news...

The ordeal is over! Sunday's 12 hour shift became a 16 hour marathon but we managed to survive... (tired beyond belief, but made it home with help of a megacup of Circle K coffee). Got home around 11:30 and crawled into bed and fell asleep almost immediately. Woke up around 8 am and wasn't sure where I was at first and spent most of the morning wandering around trying to clear my head... (hence the title of this episode). Around 11 am I went back for a nap... (I just didn't trust myself to venture out or even stay awake) and slept until around 4pm. Was still having a hard time adjusting to being awake... (who thought that standing for extended periods of time could wipe you out physically and mentally--I do now!). But I was able to get it together and make my "meeting" at 6pm at Starbucks.

Some celebrity sightings on Sunday... Rusty Wallace being driven on a golf cart through my gate (lucky there were no walls for him to crash into). Managed to throw a wave at us as he was whisked into the racetrack. Roger Penske and his entourage also breezed through our gate before racetime on his way to the luxury suites on a personalized Penske golf cart. All dressed alike in very official race garb. No wave from them however. I did mange to entertain a plethora of race fans on Sunday... (the track was packed and I guess my neon yellow reflective vest caught their eyes because they kept coming to me with questions rather than go to the information booth which was about 20 feet from where I was stationed). But, being the fountain of useless information that I am, I fielded all comers and directed them accordingly...(I did my homework, studying the brochures and track maps and having the info handy). Besides, talking with the race fans made the hours go by a little easier (16 hrs. doesn't go by without a fight). I met almost the entire working staff at the track (including the track president) and everyone seemed pleased with our efforts.

On a personal note: Sunday was my first anniversary of being in Arizona. I moved into my apartment on November 15, 2008 after the 3500 mile journey across country... I can honestly say that I have absolutely no regrets about that move. I haven't really decided where I will end up permanently here (possible home purchase), but Arizona is my home... (but that could change tomorrow as all who know me are aware). I renewed my lease for 8 months at my current address, but will be moving next year to experience other parts of this beautiful place... I have also met one of several ladies I have been "chatting" with on the internet last evening at Starbucks (her choice--I hope Dunkin Donuts doesn't find out I'm cheating on them). She is very nice and we talked and got to know more about each other and plan to go out again after I return from Aruba. I am also "chatting" with a couple other women and hope to meet them also in the next few weeks... (got to answer the "door" when opportunity knocks).

This week I hope to score some more security gigs before shutting down for the next 2 weeks while I am away. I volunteered through my E & A club to work an aid station at the Ironman Triathalon on Sunday... (I have a volunteer meeting Saturday morning). So I won't be able to work the triathalon for security but this is something I always wanted to do...volunteer at a race. Without volunteers, all the races I ran wouldn't have been held, so I want to give back a little to a sport that I still want to participate in...(once my legs get the feeling back in them after this weekend. Just kidding).

I woke up this morning refreshed... (after a marathon sleep) and ready to begin getting my stuff ready for next week's trip to Aruba and NYC... (I am staying in the city for two days after Aruba to do the tourist thing). I wanted to wish a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to Molly in Kansas and to Cathy in New York State. Hope you had wonderful birthdays... I will try to keep up with the blogs, but will be out of touch while out of the country...(although I might surprise you with a blog or two from the beach...the resort I stay at has internet cafes).

My dogs are barking...

Nothing like spending 28 of 48 hours on your feet on pavement to get the dogs barking... That's what your favorite blogger (and I better be your favorite!) has been doing the last two days and will continue to do on Saturday and Sunday... (12 hour shifts on each day). In the land of security, the perfect example of "feast or famine" syndrome, I am feasting more than a horde of Huns after battle. After a summer of parking lot nightmares where it felt like my feet melted up to my ankles and I was "cheetoed" time and again for a couple hours a week... (It seemed like all the money I was making was for sunblock and foot products), I have been busier than the proverbial one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest... 11 hours at the Greek festival, 9 hours at the ASU football game and then 56 hours in 5 days... (including a 4.5 hour gig today at ASU... mere bag of shells). But do not misconstrue my apparent whining because I'm not... (whining that is!). One does not complain when the feast is being served... (did you know why they dug trenches behind the tables at feasts in the olden days? So that you could lean back, vomit, and then turn around and continue to feast and drink. No one left the table for days.). There were only 9 positions available for this weekend and yours truly was handpicked to fill one... Phoenix International Raceway is hosting the Nascar (Sprint Cup? Winston Cup? Coffee Cup?) Race this week and I get to stand outside and not see a lap (but I can hear everything in deafening clarity and the smell of spent fuel is intoxicating---literally). I am the defender of Gate 2A where the golf carts and service vehicles go in and out and must check credentials for everyone entering. I can see the cars as the enter turn 2 but that's about it. But at least I know that none of us is inside so this is the best gig I could get. I have a tent to hide under and the people going and coming are pretty cool... (Met Brandon Webb, the pitcher for the Diamondbacks and Clint Boyer, the race car driver, when they were escorted through my gate). The most amazing thing is the instant trailer park that emerged around the track grounds in a matter of days... I'd be worried that a tornado might come and wipe it out but we don't get tornadoes in Arizona (although it is one humungous group of campers and RVs).

I am stationed next to the Speed Cantina (the Speed Channel sponsored this outdoor bar and music venue so last night I was treated to some live music in between the Midget Car Race and USAC race). It was a local country band and they were pretty good. It wasn't that busy but Saturday and Sunday should be crowded as the Nationwide Race and then the big boys take to the track...(reminder to self-purchase ear plugs at CVS today). This is all good because in 13 days I will appreciate the beaches of Aruba that much more... (you know I had to mention that).
The bad news is that I had to cancel skydiving on Sunday... (but I can jump out of a plane anytime and will do so again). The good news is that I got most of my money back (minus a late cancellation fee). So my adventures are limited to watching Clem and his family leave the trailer park and hoot and holler at the racetrack... (God, I sound like such a snob!). The truth is that Clem probably has more money than I do to afford to be here for all four days... (Tickets, Concessions, Souvenirs, RV campsite, Gas, etc.). They built a full sized supermarket on the campground to handle all the fans camping here. It's going to be quite a show, let me tell you. More good news... the temps will be in the 80's on the weekend so even though I will be in the sun all day I will not need 16 layers of sunblock nor will I be standing in a puddle of my own sweat (great visual, eh?). I have one of my straw golf hats for extra coverage, bug spray for the gnats (they were swarming for about 2 hours yesterday), and a couple gallons of water. I am close to the porta-johns and they let me park my Jeep close enough to walk to. (makes not seeing the race almost worth it. NOT!). All in all, except for the barking dogs, not a bad gig.

Going Greek...

Got a last minute call yesterday morning from the scheduling department... (they called at 10am and asked if I could be in Scottsdale by 11am to work a 12 hr. shift at the Scottsdale Center for the performing Arts). For a 12 hr. shift? Heck yeah. She gave me the lead's name, I jumped in the shower, donned the purple and khaki (uniform), and raced up the 101 to Scottsdale... (about a 30 min. ride). Made it there by 11:15...(not bad, if I say so myself). I checked in with the lead and was hoping I would get an inside position because I forgot my hat and my sunblock. Luck was on my side, because they put me in an air-conditioned office, watching over the money handlers for the Greek festival, being run by a local Greek Orthodox Church. I just made sure that only their authorized personnel entered and that was about it. There were very comfortable chairs and the windows looked out over the entire festival... (felt like I was in a sky box at a stadium, without the catered food).

I guarded the door when they counted the money and talked with the ladies and guys in the group and listened to the music and had a very easy time of it. I couldn't help thinking how hard I would have worked at the warehouse job for 12 hours and I just patted myself on the back again for quitting that adventure. Just when I think I found the easiest gig I could possibly have, one like this comes along. "Working for greens fees" was never better than yesterday. I walked the bank deposit handler to his car after the event closed for the day and headed home.

Today I return to football as ASU takes on USC. I will be working the visitor tunnel and locker room again... (best view of a game you can have). Would have been a really good game to watch if USC didn't get shellacked by Oregon last week... (I'm afraid USC might take it out on the Sun Devils today). ASU must win at least 2 more games to qualify for a bowl bid and they dug themselves a hole losing last week to Cal with 21 seconds left. After #12 USC they have road games at Oregon (who just beat up USC and is considered a contender for the national championship) and UCLA and then their last home game agaist arch rival and ranked Arizona... (I will miss that game but will root for ASU from my chair on the beach in Aruba, GO DEVILS).

Speaking of Aruba...tee minus 19 days and counting until lift-off to begin my "I'm living somewhere else for a week". Can't wait to see the New York "peeps" and get in some serious beach time. Haven't heard waves crashing along the shore line in quite a while. All travel arrangements are complete... (I surprise myself sometime). I just have to decide which winter clothing I need to bring for the couple days I'll be in NYC after I come back. Two days living downtown to see the tree and Macy's and Sak's and St. Pat's...(maybe go for a run in the park for old times sake). Do the "tourist" thing. Hope it snows... (but not enough to delay my trip back to my personal paradise).

Now this is more like it...

I knew I wasn't cut out to do the same old, same old every day... (although I HAVE been doing it most of my life). I have finally re-established my connections at the security company and had a diverse week of "gigs". My buddy Mike is back from a 4 month hiatus (he does construction and was at a job site in Yuma) so I will probably get better assignments when he's working. I have another "fan" also who grabs me up and makes me a lead guy at these events... (supervise the people actually doing the work!). More responsibility, no more pay! (insert all of your names here because I know it's happened to ALL of us). But the places I am put for the events is sweet! I already explained what I did at the lecture for the religious leader (practically nothing!) so we'll finish the week off with an eclectic bunch of events...

Thursday I drove out to ASU Polytechnic's campus (in Mesa off the 202--lot closer than most of my gigs). After circling around I finally found the "command post"... (a pickup in the middle of a dirt parking lot). My lead guy was the same from the lecture event so he tells me he has a special assignment for me. I am running the stage area and have 12 people "working" for me... It's a outdoor concert, open only to ASU students featuring two bands (7 Car Pile-up and Authority Zero). So I position my crew and put on my noise reduction headphones (those things saved my ears big time--just like the NASCAR headphones) and start patrolling the grounds. It was pretty chilly so the "crowd" wasn't really one... (more came to see Authority Zero). For the second band, they allowed a "mosh pit" (for those unfamiliar, the pit is where fans run at each other colliding and elbowing and pushing each other to the beat of the music). My job was to make sure it was "friendly" bashing and didn't escalate into fighting...(hard to tell, but everyone behaved). No rushing of the stage, no fights, no ejections and I have to admit, Authority Zero was pretty damn good...(at the sound level with the headphones on!). If your into metal you should check them out. The gig went without incident and my ears remained working.

So then the lead guy says he wants me to head a detail for security at the ASU football game on Saturday (it's a brand new detail for the company and they're giving it to me...no pressure!). I ask him why he keeps making me a lead and he says because I haven't f%$^ed one up yet...(made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside). So Saturday I show up at ASU and all the head honchos are there and grilling me about this assignment and how important it is and how I need to make sure it goes right. Our detail is guarding the visitors locker room and the tunnel they use to get on and off the field. There are some areas open to fans so when the team is ready to take the field we get the fans out and shut down the area until the team gets on or off. We did such a good job that this is now my job for the rest of the season and hopefully next season too. Next week USC comes to town and then there's a bowl game on New Year's Eve. I have to find that pile of poop I keep stepping in and take some home...(can't believe the luck I have sometimes).

After the game I headed back to the Jeep, climbed in the back and changed into a white shirt and black pants and walked over to Gammage Auditorium to usher at the Phantom of the Opera. They put me at the door scanning tickets and greeting patrons and telling them which door they needed to go to. Once the play started I sat in the lobby and listened to the music piping through the speakers (Phantom is my favorite play and the music was great). That was all I had to do pretty much until the end where we made sure everone was out, barred the doors and walked out. Another plum assignment. Home at 11:30 and sleep. All in all, a much better week than I've had in a while. Happy Halloween to all and I'll "talk" to you soon...

Cold front...grab your parka!!

Look out Arizona! Here's comes the cold front... (High temps in the 60's, lows in the 40's in the valley, snow shower possibilities in the high country). Yesterday was like a crisp fall day (abundant sunshine, cool wind, fresh air and people wearing jackets). Reminded me of leaf peeping time in New York State when I used to run along the Croton Reservoir with the changing, falling leaves and the air cold on the face and in the lungs. Cold... (a very different meaning depending on where you hail from). To residents in the Valley of the Sun it's temps under 60... (no snickering, you Midwesters and East Coasters). It's hard to explain, you have to feel it to believe it. There is no moisture in the air and I guess after a couple months of baking in the oven that is summer here, it feels cold in the 50's... I love it because its the feel of season change without the sleet and snow and gray skies and bare trees and leaf raking and even colder temps. After this snap of a few days, we'll be back to 80's during the day and very comfortable at night (with windows open and hot tub waiting).

Worked an ushering gig at Wells Fargo Arena last night but didn't usher anyone... I was given to the head of ASU to help reconcile product sales at the event, so I basically walked around the arena with the sales coordinator for 6 hours and made sure the numbers added up at the end and ASU got their "cut". It was a speaking engagement by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and we had over 6000 people there, not including security, ushers, staff and volunteers. While the speakers were speaking, the sales team went inside (they were selling books and DVD's) and didn't reopen til after the speeches so for about 2 hours I walked the arena and talked with my security peeps. Got some great ideas from one of friends about part time gigs to earn a little extra coin...(more on that after some research). Thanks to my lead guy for that assignment. Couldn't have asked for an easier time.

Outside gig tonight for "Joe Security" in Mesa at ASU Polytechnic... Have no idea what's going on, but I'm working for the same lead guy. So it'll be sweatshirt and jacket night (still can't say it's cold, though, without sounding like a wuss). Let's just say there'll be a chill in the air. Then after a well deserved day off on Friday (right!) it's ASU vs. California football game (Homecoming Game) followed by an ushering gig at Gammage Auditorium for Phantom of the Opera... (perfect play for Halloween Night, eh?). So I'll be toiling from 9:30am til around 10pm. Need to pile up some hours before I leave for Aruba at the end of next month... (after 8 weeks of boot camp at the warehouse job, lying on the beach will be more than welcome).

I am also getting back in touch with the the "daylight" crowd at E&A and will return to hosting some events if they still need me. I'll get in touch with the boss later and see if there's still room for me in the hosting arena... Skydiving is set for the weekend before I leave on vacation (I don't know if I get to call this a "vacation" because my lifestyle right now feels like one). Let's call this a "I'm living somewhere else for a week" thing. Jump out of a plane on Sunday, Jump back on a plane on Thursday, jump off Thursday night, jump on Friday morning, jump off Friday afternoon and lay on the beach with my cigar, feet in the water and watch the sun set... Now that will be a wonderful week. Add in the fact that 6 of my New York friends will be in Aruba at the same time and this "I'm living somewhere else this week" will be a blast and a half.

So after a week of intense recovery from the rigors of the night job (boot camp)...man, the older you get, the longer it takes to come back!, I am up early and trying to establish some kind of routine where I can take advantage of the weight loss and not gain back all the weight I worked off... Further details on that adventure will surface when my time management skills improve. I now am free to continue this saga (blogs) and will have more interesting fodder for you to read about instead of how long I worked, how hard it is and how I have no time to do anything else...(the exact reason I moved here in the first place--history was repeating itself and not in a good way). I hope you can "read" the relief and joy in my voice as I ramble on here... I apologize to my fans and loyal readers (those who don't just delete my ramblings) for the sparcity of blogs.
I'm back with all new adventures to come and always never at a loss for words...

It was one year ago...

That I packed up the Jeep (which is still running beautifully, by the way) and said goodbye to New Jersey and the East Coast and started the trek across these here United States to my present location in sunny Arizona... A lot has gone on in that year...(all chronicled for eternity in the blogger archives) and I can say without regret that I made the right move. As fall is in the air finally (still wonderfully warm and window open cool at night), I have survived my first summer in the desert with some lessons learned (see references to the "human cheeto") and knowing that surviving those months of extreme heat is worth every minute of the present fall/winter weather. The golf courses are finishing up with the overseeding program and I will be on them shortly...

I have left my job at the food service company... it was great working nights but the job became too demanding physically for this "not yet active " adult. The days (nights) were getting longer (worked til 5-5:30 am) every week and it got to the point where all I was doing was working and sleeping and all of you know THAT wasn't the plan when I came out here... (I did that in New Jersey, which is why I left in the first place). So I quit this week and will go back to security for now (enjoying the non-cheeto part of the schedule). There are still football games to secure and two bowl games at the end of the year (Insight Bowl on New Years Eve and Fiesta Bowl in January), The FBR Open returns in February, so there are plenty of gigs to keep me busy. And the substitute teaching thing should be up and running by the first of the Craig the other day, it was like surviving boot camp. I lost a total of 27 lbs. (I now weigh 190) and am probably in the best shape of my adult life, but I was constantly nicked up and sore. I also think the weight loss was too fast, too much, because I tire easily now and am still sore (getting older sure has its perks, don't it?). How come your mind doesn't age along with your body? I still think I can go full out in my head, but the body is about 2 blocks behind...

No worries, though, I'll be fine. Taking this time for fall cleaning (it's so great to be able to open the windows) and getting back to a normal sleep cycle. I'm looking forward to losing the vampire schedule and getting back together with my E&A peeps for some hikes and stuff. I have taken the bicycle out of mothballs and will begin to ride every morning... (I want to keep this "new" body and remain on good terms with the scale). But, in the meantime, I am enjoying the baseball playoffs (East Coast rules! Go Phillies and Yankees!). My Jets are playing like my Jets again... (the newness has worn off and the same old team is underneath) but the Giants are doing well (except against New Orleans) and they look to crush the Cardinals this week...(will be nice to watch Sunday Night and Monday Night football again).

Really looking forward to Aruba this year because not only will I see Bob and Toni Ann, but Cathy and Billy and John and Denise will also be there... (New York reunion). The last time we were all there together was a blast so it should be again... Looking forward to having my toes in the water, my ass in the sand, sunset in my eyes, and a Cuban cigar in my hand...

Staying put for now...

After all the research and visiting prospective apartment complexes, crunching numbers and rental agreements, I have decided to stay in Chandler at my current address... (not only women have the right to change their minds). It's more about the timing than anything else... My current lease is up on November 30 (I will be out of the country then, sunning my bod on the pristine beaches of Aruba), so I would have to leave on the 15th, move everything to the new place, do all the address change stuff, unpack, repack for vacation, and still be at work every day in a 2 week window. My current landlord will renew my lease at the same rate I'm paying now for 6-12 months, so I am going to sign on for a 6 month term and re-think the move in May of next year. That will give me more time to search for a place...(although the one I found in Tempe was pretty sweet). It will also give me some more time with the new job. My 90 day "break-in" period ends just before I go away and they haven't said yes or no about putting me on the payroll full time (although I'm still employed as of this writing). I still get paid from the staffing agency for now. So I am saving myself the hassle of moving just for moving's sake and saving some money in the meantime... (I will get in touch with my feminine side and redecorate my apartment for the next six months or is it my gay interior decorator side? Not that there's anything wrong with that!)

With that potential monkey off my back, I'm relaxing on my night/day off after two loooooong shifts on Sunday and Monday (12 hours each). Nothing is worse than taking a break at 3:30am knowing there are still orders to pull... Going home at dawn sucks because everyone is up and the roads (especially around Phoenix) are clogged with traffic. Plus it's hard to fall asleep when it's daylight already but thanks to the long hours that doesn't pose a problem...

I am back on the adventure trail Saturday with a double header... A hike at Pinnacle Peak at 9 in the morning and horseback riding and a bbq Saturday evening with the E&A crowd. Haven't seen those peeps in a while, so that should be fun... (depending on what time I get out of work Friday, I may just sleep at the hike sight because the weather at night has been cool. Although they are calling for close to 100 degrees again by the weekend). Got to dust off the cowboy hat for the horseback trail (Yee Hah!).

Editor's note: I wish to make a correction to my last blog. Natalie, my god daughter, will be seven(7) this year and not six as was wrongly reported...(bad Uncle!) God bless them, they do grow up so fast.

A special birthday wish...

I wanted to write a very special blog to some very special young ladies... My niece Veronica (Miss V) turned 10 years old this week and I wanted to wish her a very Happy Birthday... (which I did when I called my sister's house on the BIG day). Ten years old, in fifth grade and a beautiful girl whom I love very much. I wish I could make it to your party, Miss V, but know I will be there in spirit. My two nieces are very special people in my life... (and I need to make some more trips to see them) as well as my sister and brother-in-law. Being in their home is like being in my own and that feeling is hard to come by. And I would be remiss if I didn't send BIG Happy Birthday wishes (early I know) to my other niece and god daughter Natalie... she is going to be six years old and is in first grade and is handling the pressure very well I'm sure. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY VERY SPECIAL GIRLS!!!!! I wish I could be at your party too, Nat... Your Uncle Jimmy misses you guys.

Meanwhile, my foray in the work force is both a wonderful adventure and physically brutal... (just think about the hardest workout you ever had and do it for 10-11 hours a day five days a week). I would like to compare it to boot camp without the killing and the sergeant yelling in your face. Each day reveals just how badly out of shape I had let myself get, but each week that goes by reveals just how much a body can adapt to hard work... (and again, I'm liking what I'm seeing). But, I also realize that this particular job is not what I moved to Arizona for... (I could have beaten myself up like this in NJ!). It does impose on my leisure time big time, but I'm willing to continue to see if they offer me a position with the company... (at least until I go on vacation in December). I consider this my "tour of duty" (no offense to real soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice for us) and will continue my enlistment until further notice.

The weather is becoming more beautiful (if that's possible) every day with temps in the 80-90 range during the day and 60's at night... Now that's what I'm talkin' about! In fact, I have a sweatshirt in the car (what a wuss!) and have actually run the heat once on the way home from work...(it was after a shift in the cooler working in 40-45 degrees). It's a crazy thing how your body adapts to the weather out here. I can take 117 degrees without much trouble, but 50 makes me a shivering mess... (used to be the other way around). But you know what? I'll take the change because I love it here.

Okay, with not much else to report I am off to look at what I hope will be my new home in Tempe... (I am negotiating the best deal and then taking it back here and see if my present address will do better or match the deal). I'll let you know how it turns out...

Another good week... mostly.

Off the euphoria of the Jets unbelievable win over the hated Patriots, I went to work this week wearing my Jets shirts and a huge smile on my face. The job is demanding physically and I am getting a little beat up, but nothing I can't handle... I made my first mispick this week and I'm pissed about it. (Can't let it get to me though, because too many mispicks and I'm gone). This job is tougher than workouts with the personal trainer... (who I stopped going to because of the 8-10 hours I'm "working" out at work). Between lifting 50 lb. bags of flour, 40 lb. boxes of chicken and 80 lb. boxes of beef, lifting weights in the gym seems a bit like overkill. Now that I'm sleeping regular again... (more like passing out from exhaustion), I will go back into the gym for cardio to help with my endurance. There have been some welcome changes in the way I look, but I'm not going into detail because I don't want to jinx the momentum. Let's just say there's less of me to see and what you see is looking better... (To quote Uncle Ray, "I look better because I never looked good!"). I have revamped my nutritional intake... (smarter food choices and better cooking habits) and "chef" Jim has really been cooking up a storm.

Spent some time on the road this week, driving into the mountains to watch the sun come up. The scenery here in Arizona is spectacular... (the mountains, cacti, the wide open desert) and never fails to raise my spirits even after the toughest day. I plan on driving up to Sedona on Tuesday morning to replace my red rocks pictures I lost in my computer when it crashed. I'm going right after work to miss the traffic and may catch a"nap" in the car, since the temps are about 20 degrees cooler up there. Should be a beautiful day...(what else?). I also plan to visit the two "finalists" apartment complexes this week to make my choice of the new home for the next year. Both are in Tempe and get me closer to work. The year I have spent here in Chandler was great, but I want to "taste" different areas before deciding where to buy a home. Besides, I have 4 years before I become an "active" adult, so what's the hurry. I may even change my mind and decide to move to a whole new place by then... (love to keep the readers guessing).

Jets win again! Too good be true... AND they were televised here again for my viewing pleasure...(Thanks to the Cardinals for playing tonight... although I'll catch some major traffic going to work tonight). Gotta get ready for work. The Jets are 3-0!!! WOO-HOO!

An open apology to the NY Jets

A wise man knows his limitations and when to admit he was wrong... (even an unwise man like myself). I was screaming and ranting and raving back in April when the Jets mortgaged their entire draft to select an unproven (only 16 games experience) player to be their quarterback (Mark Sanchez). I felt sure that he would be the bust that the Jets have been famous for with their first draft picks... (see Johnny "Lam" Jones, Browning Nagle, Blair Thomas, Mike Nugent, Dwayne Robertson, et al.). They have reversed the trend in past few years... (see Shaun Ellis and Darelle Revis). The jury is still out on Bryan Thomas and Vernon Ghoulston (decent but not horrible). But after the first 2 games with Mr. Sanchez as quarterback, I am humbly apologizing to the NY Jets. This kid has been nothing short of spectacular in engineering wins over Houston and the hated Patriots (ended an 8 game losing streak at home with last Sunday's win). First place Jets! Unheard of even though it's only been 2 games. The best prediction for them this year was at 7-9...(by the "experts"). He has shown some inconsistency... (horrible first half, but didn't turn the ball over). And who are these guys on defense?? The Jets have been ferocious on defense, making Tom Brady look merely mortal last week... (no offensive touchdowns given up by a defense that couldn't stop traffic with a barricade last year). Rex Ryan has got this group so fired up that they are smack talking and backing it up on the field... Is this a flash in the pan? Could be, but I am enjoying the ride while it lasts.

Two games does not make a season, but a win over the hated Patriots makes it seem so... Hopefully, other teams will watch the Jets film and copy their schemes and make life more uncomfortable for Bill Belichik and "Mr. Bundchen"... (sorry, ladies. Giselle is still prettier than Tom). Huge wins also for some other teams that have been struggling the past few (or more) years... Cincinnati over the Packers at Lambeau Field... Da Bears beating the Steelers... the Ravens winning at San Diego (Ray Lewis is still the dude!)... and the Giants winning in Big "D" and ruining Jerry Jones' debut in the new stadium... (not really an upset but "How 'bout them Cowboys?"). Useless factoid of the day... The Giants beat the Cowboys in the first game at Texas Stadium (the one before this new one). Unfortunately, the Lions have not tasted victory now for 19 straight games...

The Cardinals returned to the win column and not a moment too soon... They play Payton Manning and the Colts at home Sunday night... (should be mucho points scored in that one). Could be decided by who has the ball last. The Jets play the winless Titans and must avoid a "letdown" after the huge win last week. The defense must put a rush on Kerry Collins and keep Chris Johnson under wraps. And Mr. Sanchez must continue his positive growth and increase the confidence level this week. J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Everything else is okay. Work, besides beating me up physically (I love that!) is enjoyable. The time just flies and the work is fun... (I love playing with the machines). The weather this week is starting to break (High in the low 100's and down to 70's at night--with a couple of high 90's thrown in). It's getting to the time of year where all the dry heat (and there was plenty) will be worth the wait. Today is simply spectacular with the bluest skies and bright clear sunshine... (pretty much the forecast for about 320 days a year or more). But the oppressive heat is missing and that is a bonus worth waiting for. Unfortunately, the price of golf will go back to the ridiculous level when the snowbirds from the Midwest make their trek back to sunny Arizona... but no worries, there are plenty of deals to be had. I have signed up for a 3 month deal on a dating website, "testing the waters" so to speak (only emails for now, with my schedule it may be difficult). Updates will come if anything happens... The move to Tempe is still a go. I have to finalize which of the places I want to move to. I am investigating the neighborhoods, the proximity of stores and amenities, entertainment options and the individual amentities each complex provides.

The "change" has come...

No, I am not menopausal... I woke up this morning fully refreshed and alert. I believe the changeover (sleep patterns, etc.) has finally come. My body has adapted to the new work and sleep schedules... Even yesterday, as I worked my "other" job (security at ASU football game), I finished around 11 pm but didn't go to sleep right away to keep the sleep pattern fresh. It worked. I woke up this morning to a phone call from Victor (wishing the Jets and I good luck), and I felt good for the first time since I started the job... (less aches and pains and well rested). I hope it's not just the fact that I am psyched to watch the Jets vs. the hated Patriots... (the gods are smiling on me by allowing me to watch the game at home). For a while, I didn't think I'd ever adjust. I was achy, my mind was fuzzy (more than usual) and I was tired all the time. What a difference now. I am multi-tasking to the max today. While I'm blogging , I'm doing laundry, cooking for the week, baking cookies and watching the games (with my free hand I'm patting myself on the back...). Basically, I'm able to do what normal adults do every day. I hope its not a fluke...

Working security at the football games is a pretty sweet gig... we start at 3:30 and nothing really happens until the gates open at 5:30 and I do bag checks and make sure nobody is sneaking stuff in... Once the game starts it stays quiet until halftime...(they allow people to walk out and come back in for the second half). So, I do the bag check thing again and hang around until the end of the game. Except for being on my feet for 8 hours, it's found money. And I get the same spot for every game. I can't see any of the action but I can hear it, see the scoreboard and the fireworks are fired right over my head (touchdowns, field goals and extra points). ASU has scored 88 points in 2 games (both wins) so there's been a lot of fireworks. The games are every other week and on Saturday, so it's ok with the primary job... (what a change, huh? from working once in a while to having two jobs!!). I like 'em both and if the sleep thing is finally in place, then its not a problem...(we'll see what happens tomorrow when I wake up).

Ok, I gotta go... 3 minutes left in the game and the Jets are winning!! The laundry is done and so are the cookies... (in touch with my feminine side). J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Are you ready for some football???

Football season opens on a grand scale today and once again my hopes are high for a good season for my team...(although with a rookie qb I have my doubts--let's face it, as a Jets fan, I have my doubts). But, I am rooting hard for the Jets and their new coach (a defensive madman from the Ravens) and am looking forward to watching them play this season (whenever I can). The work schedule will interfere with a lot of games, but ESPN late night will give me all the highlights I can handle. The Jets have concentrated on shoring up their defense in the offseason (last year they couldn't stop the run in a stocking!) and who knows how good Sanchez will be... That's why they play the games...

I am going to opening day at Phoenix Stadium for the NFC Champion Phoenix Cardinals (if the Cards can get to the Super Bowl, then anybody can get there... Sorry, Detroit, I didn't mean to include you in this discussion) and am now willing to put in writing my picks for the football year...(so we can go back and laugh at them in February). In the NFC, the division winners will be (drum roll please) the Giants in the East... (Sorry, Romo, but you still can't win the big game), Green Bay in the Central... (Sorry, Brett, but a traitor is a traitor), the Saints rule in the South... (sophmore jinx for Ryan in Atlanta), and Seattle in the West... (I don't think lightning strikes in the desert 2 years in a row--too many sunny days). The wild cards will be Philadelphia and "da Bears"... In the AFC, the hated Patriots will once again be East champs as the golden boy returns... (sorry, Sanchez and Chad, nice try), Pittsburgh will win the Central... (they find so many ways to win), the Colts will take the South (since when is Indiana considered the South?)... (are there any more Mannings out there? the Jets could use one) and San Diego will win the West... (Hey, Merriman, stop hitting women and get to the quaterback, will ya?). The wild cards will be Houston (the Cinderella story in this year's season--although the Jets will beat them opening day!) and the aforementioned Jets (it's my blog and I'm making the predictions--get your own blog if you don't like it). There you have it...call Vegas and get your bets down!!

Spent most of Friday night at work in the cooler/produce area... temps range between 50 and 38 degrees... (nice!). Need to remember to bring a hoodie and hat because it gets pretty damn chilly in there... Next week (tonight, actually) I am officially off training and run on my own just picking orders from the "box"... (they place the orders in numbered pigeon holes and you pick in number order. You can't see the orders so no one can "cherry pick" the easy ones...). We had a meeting the other day with the night manager and he went over the guidelines of what they expect... show up and do your job was pretty much the theme... Not much else to report for now, but I am finally getting the hang of this night shift thing... as the weather begins to get more manageable (read that: under 100 degrees) I will be doing some more outdoor activities (hiking and biking and such)... Oh yeah, one last thing-- J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Time flies...

Time flies when your day is night and your night is day... Some observations about my return to the workforce on the night shift. You really have to be on your game to work at night... "See you tomorrow" doesn't apply... (unless you're starting a night off...) it's "see you later" or "see you tonight". Tuesday is my "day" (night) off, but I work Tuesday morning until 2 or 3 am... The "day" (night) off starts at 3am Tuesday morning and run until 5:30 PM Wednesday. Technically, I have EVERY "day" off... (confusing, isn't it?). Then there's what to say when you leave work. "Good night" is out of the question... (Enjoy your day? Sleep tight? Don't nod off on your ride home?). "Later" seems to do the trick for now until I can come up with something more clever.

The guys I work with are very helpful to the "new" guy. They go out of their way to show me the tricks on how to pick faster and check quicker and how to load the pallets so they don't fall over around a turn... (a lesson I have learned the hard way already). Riding around on the pallet jack is a hoot...(some of them can fly). I wear a headset and the computer announces the aisle, level and amount of cases to pull for each item of the order... (and keeps repeating it until you get there and pull the item, which is annoying at times). It keeps a running percentage of productivity for the night and that is what the company bases bonuses on and pay increases... (I'm still in training until next week). After my shift, I'm assigned a clean-up duty (usually plugging in equipment for next shift) and then I sign out and head home. Amazing how many people are still riding the roads at 3 in the morning...

On a lighter note, I finally saw my first snake here in Arizona on the golf course...(not a rattler). It was on the path ahead of the cart in front of me. He jammed on the brakes and it slithered into a storm drain and out of sight... (about 4-5 feet long). The temperature was 104 and a shiver went up my spine like I was in the cooler at work...(don't like the snakes!!). I gave the drain a wide berth and looked back a few times just to be sure he wasn't stalking me...(what a wuss). Didn't effect the game, though. Played well, broke 80, but still the putting is slow in coming around (about 35 years now)... Sunday, I'm going to the Cardinals season opener against the 49ers... (I hope they finish the game early enough so I don't have to leave too soon). It's close to the job, so I'll hang out as long as I can.

Still trying to regulate my sleep to squeeze more golf in... (not rushing it but I want to get some rounds in before overseeding starts into October)... Also working on moving again in November, closer to the job and other amenities (restaurants and such)... I have wanted to move to Scottsdale, but Tempe is the better location and I found two places that have received good reviews and are in the price range I'm looking for. (One of them shares a boundary with a golf course, hmmmm, will that influence my decision?). I am starting to pack up a room at a time, starting with the guest bedroom and working through the rest of the apartment... I will keep you posted as I tour the apartment complexes and set everything up. I've become quite the nomad... (this will be the 5th move in 10 years).

Caught in a time warp....sort of

I can't believe so much time has gone by since my last blog... (I hope you have missed me as much as I have missed you). A major change has come to the Arizona Kid's life... he has gotten a full time JOB! (a pause here for you to pick yourself up off the floor). That's right, my faithful bloggees, I have returned to the workforce. But, before you lose all hope for this adventurous blogger, please keep in mind that this return is on my terms and doing something that's right up my alley...(no, I am not a pin-setter at the local bowling facility).

The job I have is as an order selector for a food distribution warehouse in West Phoenix... (I have mentioned this in previous blogs). The reason for the title of the blog is that I will be working nights (my idea) starting at 5:30 pm and finishing sometime in the early am...(so far between 2:30 and 3 am). The idea is to keep days free to continue my pursuit of MY "Great American Dream" (all together, now---Golf Every Day!!). That pursuit is going to happen but for right now the plan is on hold...the reason being is that the adjustment for working nights (sleep patterns, etc) takes awhile and the work for the first week was brutally physical. The first week consisted of being "pallet boy" for all the order selectors. Each selector rides a motorized 2 pallet jack around the warehouse and I had to put down pallets for them to use. Consider that on the average, there are between 35 and 60 selectors a night pulling 40,000 to 50,000 cases per night, that's a crapload of pallets... (and a world of hurtin' for "pallet boy"). But the system works...if you can't cut it as "pallet boy'' you don't move on to selector... Needless to say, I passed pallet training and have moved on to pallet jacks (a very cool toy I must say). I traded my vat of sunblock (from my Ronnie parking Lott days) for a tub of Icy Hot (for the muscles in my shoulders and back and legs...even my butt hurt!).

Now you may say "What are you crazy?? This job will kill you!" (I said it to the mirror when I couldn't reach up to scratch my head), but it's all good. I wanted a physical (sort of) job to keep me active (even though I won't be officially "active" until I'm 55--don't get me started). It's constantly moving and reaching and lifting. It's completely computerized...you have a headset that directs you to the aisle, slot number and number of packages to pull and you stack them on the correct pallets. It takes you from one end of the warehouse to the other and the aisles are one way so there's few "run-ins". After you pick the orders you shrink-wrap the pallets and bring them to the door assigned and start again. The computer tells you how long you have to pick the orders and grades you accordingly with a productivity percentage. So, that is it in a nutshell. I am in "training"for the next couple months and if I make the grade, they will offer me a contract (including health benefits, raises, etc). The work is actually fun, the other guys are really helpful with shortcuts and tips and the trainers are cool...(they've all come up the same way I have and the more people they help get in, the higher seniority they get). The main thing is to be accurate (no mis-picks). It's all about customer service and getting it right (which is what I'm about).

So, the hardest part of the job now is absorbing all the information needed to do the job (which is fairly easy for the "fountain of useless knowledge"). And don't forget the perks of working with food...there is a cooler section for produce and meats that is kept between 40 and 50 degrees and a freezer that gets down to -10... I have been in the cooler and it reminds me of New Jersey in November/December (delicious, because I can walk back into 90 degrees anytime I want). I keep my water bottle in there and it never gets warm. I have clean up duty after all the orders are pulled (low man on the pole) but they give me the cooler dock to clean up... hooded sweatshirt and hat for that...dry cold is WAY cold). Now that there's a new "pallet boy" I ride around picking orders all night and the time flies... Traffic is another "perk". I drive against the traffic around 4:30pm (everyone is leaving Phoenix) and at 3am I pretty much have the road to myself... My "days" off are Tuesdays and Saturdays. Once I get the sleep thing down, I think this will be a welcome addition to the "new" lifestyle...

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change (the economy, cost of living, taxes and living expenses...i.e. groceries, rent,etc.), the courage to change the things I can (where I live and what I do to afford it), and the wisdom to know the difference... The serenity prayer, to those who know, was taught to me by my recovery friends at AA and group therapy. This prayer along with "one day at a time" has kept me alive and well and clean and sober for a lot of years... It's not just a prayer for recovery but a prayer for every situation no matter how large or small...

All systems are go (I think)

After filling out more forms online and going to the job for pre-employment testing (computer tests of math skills, etc.) all systems are "go" to begin the job on Monday night... (At least I think they are). Going out to get my steel toe work boots after hosting duties later this morning and then I am ready to rock on Monday night. I took a ride around the work "hood" to familiarize myself with my new surroundings. It's in the middle of an industrialized section of southwest Phoenix, with many businesses and industrial parks around. The parking lot is fenced in with a security guard at the gates... (I'm still hoping they let me in on Monday). The traffic scene should be no problem... I will be driving into Phoenix in the afternoon (while most people will be leaving Phoenix) and driving home in the wee morning hours when everything is closed up.

Hosted "Exotic Eats" at a Brazilian restaurant here in Chandler last night... Skewers of meat coming at you from all angles non-stop until you wave the white flag. Good food and some good conversation... 16 different kinds of meats and the warm pineapple was great between skewers to cleanse the palate... We will definitely recommend a return engagement because everyone raved about the food as they struggled to their cars, stuffed to the ears. As an after dinner treat, a thunderstorm/dust storm greeted us on the way out...(massive lightning strikes, high winds, the whole nine yards). Got blown all over the highway on the way home, avoiding tumbleweeds and full grown trees (just kidding), but the light show was amazing out over the desert. Slept like a rock and now I'm up to host again at noon...

We are going to learn how to use circus apparatus today... (I feel some sore muscles coming on). Circus of Arizona is going to teach us how to use them...(and hopefully not kill me in the process). I just hope they don't pick me for "human cannonball"... Then it's home to lick my wounds and catch the Cardinals in their home preseason debut... (and not in the parking lot)...

What a week it was... Part II

When we last left our intrepid author (that's me), he had filled out an online application and had an interview set with the staffing company to see if they would set up another interview with the company actually hiring... (so it was a pre-interview interview???). I met with the woman and she asked a bunch of questions and told me flat out that she thought I was way over-qualified for the position, but that she would set me up with an interview anyway...(she seemed more worried that they would think SHE was crazy for sending me, then if I had a chance to get the job). She told me that I would have to "sell" myself if I really wanted this job. I appreciated her honesty and told her that I wouldn't apply for a job if I didn't want it...(I'm not doing this to pass the time). So she set me up Thursday night at 10:30pm for an interview at the company... (about a half hour commute from my present address).

I arrived early (always make a good impression) and waited in the break room for the man to finish his previous interview. I shook his hand and we sat down and talked the talk...(warehouse experience, job knowledge, what is expected, etc.) After about a half an hour we shook hands again and I told him he wouldn't be making a mistake hiring me, just check my references and previous job performance. I left there feeling good...(I felt I represented myself well and "sold" myself fairly well). Obviously, that was the case, because I got a call the next day offering the position. And I accepted... ("will work for greens fees" has taken it up a notch). I start at 5:30pm and work until all the orders are picked for the night - 8-12 hours per shift. In the words of Bob Seeger, I'll be "working on the night moves" (Sorry, Bob). I'll be dusting off the old steel toed work boots (the ones that aren't hanging in memorium at my last job--don't like the fact that they're hanging in R.I.P. section remembering employees and customers who died!). The Arizona Kid is joining the work force again...

I celebrated by going to the Dbacks vs. Dodgers on Friday night and watching the Dbacks kick some Dodger ass! This is a very heated rivalry (lots of Dodger fans in attendance) but let's face it, it ain't nothing like Red Sox-Yankees (pardon my East Coast bias). But the game was exciting and the crowd was into it and there were fireworks after the game...(after they determined the wind wouldn't be a problem--fireworks and wind and desert --don't make a mistake with THAT combination). A good time was had by all. Saturday, my E&A friends and I invaded Moto (Japanese restaurant) for all-you-can-eat sushi and let me tell you, those sushi chefs earned their money with our crowd... a definite return trip if they don't go out of business doing all-you-can-eat...(I had to promise not to come in every week).

Sunday was early golf and then watching the final round of the PGA Championship. Kudos to Mr. Y.E. Yang of South Korea for being the first man to beat Tiger in a major when he had the lead after three rounds...(although 14-1 is still mighty impressive). Anytime Tiger is in the last group, you just wait for him to strike or for his opponent to crumble (nice job last week, Padraig. Way to pull a triple bogey out of your ass with three holes to play!). But, Tiger couldn't drop the putts and Mr. Yang remained calm and cool through it all.

The best news of all is that the human "cheeto" is retiring... (hanging up the 55 gallon drum of sun block). I will continue to work security (better chances to be inside or in the shade), but the parking lot days are done. Gone are the 11 hour shifts standing in one place while I became a puddle that instantly dried up--gone are the shifts where I drank 4 or more gallons of water and didn't "pee" until the next day--gone are the massive body cramps and leg soreness that accompanied the "cheeto" patrol... Ronnie (parking) Lott has hung up his melted sneakers. I do not regret being a member of the "cheeto" patrol for it supplied me with entertaining stories (for you) and some interesting information about myself... my ability to do what was necessary to live this new adventure I'm on.

What a week it was... Part I

Much to report in this blog... (which is a different way of saying that I'm long-winded and will share virtually everything with the blogger community). This is so different from my "previous" life...(the one with the drinking and the drugging). In that life, the only thing I shared was a bunch of lies (and even I couldn't keep them straight or remember which one I told to whom). This is so much easier because it's the truth and I can remember it.

Virtual golf last Sunday was a complete blast... My group played St. Andrew's in Scotland (the birthplace of golf) and it was as realistic as you can imagine without being outside...(which was good, because it was 107 degrees outside at the time). We had a crapload of fun and it was an enjoyable "round" of golf...(anytime you can play 18 holes and only have to walk 4 feet to retrieve to your ball after each shot has got to be a good round). To the six of us that showed up, it was a blast. To the others who didn't show...your loss.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I had tickets for the Mets and Diamondbacks series at Chase Field...(I had purchased them on opening day in April when my hopes were high for the Metropolitans to finally put the two year collapse behind them). But, as fate would have it...(which is part of the "joy" of being a Mets fan), the team lost its key players to injury and the team flat out sucked (not official baseball terminology). So I sold my Monday seats to a fellow "cheeto" out in the parking lot and went to the Tuesday and Wednesday games...(each very entertaining and the Mets actually won one of them) Chase Field is a great place to watch a game, especially with the roof closed. Easy to get to, lots of parking and plenty of places to hang out before and after the game. Because there were no "gigs" for the "cheeto" or security man I signed up for the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks on Friday night (fireworks night -- bonus).

Which brings me to the end of Part I with the backstory (only its in the front) for Part II. Because of the lack of "quality" security opportunities (being a "cheeto" was frying not only my skin, but also my brain) I began searching for alternative employment... (aka a JOB). You already know about the substitute teaching license I am applying for (my fingerprint card came in the mail, so now I have to send another application--and another fee--to get my license)... I went on jobing.com (the employment website) and typed in "night shift" to see what was out there...(if I was going back to work (yuk!), it was going to be on my terms--I hoped). I figured if I could find something at night, my days would still be free to pursue something teaching or golf related...(which was one of the main ideas behind the great Western migration of 2008). I applied for a night security guard at a golf resort in Chandler (but haven't heard anything yet). Then I said to myself, "Self, working from 11pm-7am doing practically nothing is going to fry your brain even more". So I looked a little deeper into the night shift category and found a warehouse position available with a food service company from 5:30 pm til whenever (guaranteed 8 hours, possibly more) being an "order selector". It was offered by a "staffing" company that was accepting applications by email and then pre-interviews to see if you "fit" the company's criteria. So, I filled out the online application and set up an interview with the staffing company.

So here is where I will end Part I and I promise that Part II will be coming shortly. The "job" thing has been deemed (by your favorite author--ME) a necessary evil to continue what many of my readers (myself included) call "living the dream". Having a constant source of income will allow me to continue the adventure I embarked upon back in October of 2008. I am not seeking a new "career", I am doing what is necessary to remain here in Arizona... (if this is where I decide to stay, that is---and it is!). Cost of living and the economic times have "changed the rules" of this adventure and the man who doesn't adapt is forced to abandon the "dream" and return to a place where I refuse to go... My life now is something I will not give up, no matter what is thrown my way. So, there are some adjustments or "tweaking" that must be implemented to keep the adventure going...

The box of crap

Many of you will not understand what I am writing about, but to my friends at my former employer in New Jersey, this will make sense... (or not. Who can truly understand the ramblings of a man who spends most his time outside in 110 degree heat?). This is an ode to the "box of crap".

I came home Friday afternoon from running around doing some errands and the UPS driver had left a message on my door that a package was waiting for me at the apartment manager's office. I thought "I haven't ordered anything, who is sending me packages?" as I signed for it in the office. I took a look at the label, saw it was from NJ and my former employer and started to laugh. No way! They sent me the box of crap! I went inside and popped it open and sure enough, it was filled with crap... But first, a little history... (you know how I love my history). The tradition is that when an employee leaves the location or leaves the company... (and it's someone you like) you fill a box with useless junk that has meaning to that person and reminds them of the people still there... and send it to them. And I must say that my friends did an excellent job with the "crap" they sent me. I still laugh when I think of some of the contents which only have significance because we worked together... the empty box of Godiva chocolates (thanks for finishing off those stale candies, Al), the box of plastic spoons (congratulations on your promotion, Tina, to supply procurer), the LL Bean catalogs and Outside Magazines (I left them there for a reason, you know), the Pain Away pills (don't let Dave know I have some of his stash).

Some of the items brought back some memories I thought I had successfully "blocked" out...the adjustment form pad (God, how I hated doing adjustments!! How about another 60 scrap tires from Traction--how about some steel belt cuts and stagnant water), the empty UPS label rolls...(which always ran out when we were busy. And the fact that our location did more UPS shipments than the all the other locations combined!). "Wonder" gloves...(Hey Alan, loosen up the purse strings and let us buy some freakin' gloves). I will do my best to rebury these memories...(although those memories have a positive motivational effect in that I will do everything necessary to NOT have to do those things again...LOL).

But the rest of the "crap" is proof that my friends back East will be my friends no matter where we all end up. The Jets ticket...(many years of fun watching the games together, when it was affordable anyway), the Pierre's menu... (still the only place to get a decent lunch around there), the hot dog truck... (Thanks for taking the ride, Pat!), the cigar catalog...(going back to Aruba in December, RD), Pure Trim...(breakfast and lunch of champions...I'm doing it old school now--exercise and eating right), the "used" lottery tickets...(dollar and a dream--living the dream but could always use a few extra dollars--Powerball in Pa, Vun Suong). These "momentos" were a welcome surprise last week and I can't thank you guys enough for all the laughs and smiles that came with them. Show them you care by sending the very worst. Thanks again to you all...

Where's Jimbo???

Jimbo has been sighted at a number of places this week... Las Vegas, Bagdad (yes, Bagdad) Kingman, Wikieup and the "middle of nowhere", Surprise, and of course Glendale... (which is becoming a second home, although its a parking lot).

Thursday morning I arose and got in the Jeep and set Paris (my GPS) for Las Vegas, Nevada and the hotel I had booked for one night... (I got it for free from my priority club with Holiday Inn). She (Paris) took me north and west above Glendale and through Surprise, Az. (no real surprise here, just a whistle stop on the way west). Lots of cactus and desert and the feel of the "Old West" especially in Wickenburg, Az. where the old town and hitching posts and liveries reminded me that Arizona was wild until the 1900's... (and still is I'm sure in some places). Cruising along "the" 60 to 93 north I encountered the "middle of nowhere"... (no towns, no cell service, no nothing but desert) and I decided that it was time to find a fuel stop and stretch the legs because my ass was going numb...(this trip reminded me of the cross country trek, especially across Texas). So I punched "fuel" into Paris and all the arrows pointed behind me but one... (and it was 38 miles away) so I headed for the S&D "convenience" store. Convenient to whom was what I was wondering as I meandered off the main road and wound through even more desolate desert scenery. I came to a T intersecton where a sign said Prescott to the right and Bagdad to the left. Paris told me to go towards Bagdad... (Hmmm, a desert town called Bagdad... where have I heard that one before?). After a few more miles I was in the heart of Bagdad, Arizona... (safely, too with no roadside bombs or ambushes). I filled up at the convenience store and grabbed a snack and toured Bagdad (Main Street--how original) before heading back to 93 (I had to return the same way because there aren't many roads in "nowhere"). I travelled on 93 through the Joshua Tree Forest... (not a forest like I'm used to) and now I know what they look like. I then arrived and passed through Kingman which is a sprawling city between the Cerbat and Hualapai mountains (useless factoid of the day). It is nicknamed the "heart of the historic Route 66" which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles (bonus factoid). The road then took me to the Hoover Dam, which is truly spectacular... (complete with security checkpoints and massive traffic) Winding along the road and going over the dam was very cool and the pictures I took while driving came out pretty well (will be posted on Facebook).

Twenty miles further down the road and I saw the "strip" come into view. I checked into the hotel (not bad for nothing), and called Bill and Cathy and we made plans to go out for dinner. At this point I must discontinue the story (what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas). Just kidding, nothing but a great dinner and walking around revisiting some places I haven't seen since the last time I was here...(I'm such a party guy, NOT). It was good to see my New York peeps. A great night's sleep and then back on the road back through the desert and home to Chandler...(And I don't mind saying that Vegas got none of my hard earned "greens fees". The "cheeto" didn't stand in those parking lots to give up his cash to no fancy blinking lights).

Saturday was spent in the parking lot again, working the handicap lot for the Home and Garden Show at Phoenix Stadium. Most of the time was spent pointing people away from coming in without a handicap placard and finding a sliver of shade to hide in... (no matter how well you prepare, the Arizona sun and heat beat you like a rented mule). So you can see why I didn't gamble in Vegas. Only nine and a half hours this shift... (a walk in the park--ing lot). So today I'm up early, nursing my sore muscles, because I'm off to play "virtual" golf at 1pm with E&A... (indoor air-conditioned golf). What a concept. I have never actually played, but it sounds cool so I'll let you know how it turns out. It's golf, so how bad could it be...

Dueling in the desert...

I survived man vs. nature...(but barely). What started out as an eleven hour marathon on Saturday quickly (poor choice of words) became a thirteen and a half hour march. I was scheduled to work from 10am to 9 pm but the "lead" in my parking lot asked me to stay to handle egress (that's parking lot for getting the cars out of the lot). So I stayed until 11:30pm. What a freaking day. We were assigned to the west side...(which meant we got the sunshine the longest) and it was an "overflow" lot so cars weren't sent in it until all the other lots were full. So I basically was standing around searching for shade...(there were a couple trees that provided some relief) until around 6pm when they opened the lot. I didn't realize there were so many "monster truck" fans in Arizona, but the stadium was packed. It was organized chaos for 2-3 hours and the egress went as good as you can imagine with the cars generally paying attention to me as I tried to get them out. By the time I finished in the lot and drove home, it was after 1am and I was toasted. The human "cheeto" had completed another "greens fees" gig.

Sunday was spent laying around, trying to walk (very difficult) and stretching as much as possible. Hot asphalt and being on your feet all day and all night (Maryann) takes its toll on your legs. But on Monday I was back on the golf course, sore legs and all. The rest of the week is going to be fun. I have outdoor volleyball Wednesday night in Glendale, then I'm driving up to Vegas to meet Bill & Cathy for a day... (I have a free night's stay at a hotel so we'll meet for dinner Thursday night and breakfast on Friday, maybe, before they fly back) and maybe throw a few games of chance in between. Then it's home Friday to prepare for my next parking lot gig (security jobs are slow) on Saturday...(back to Phoenix Stadium 8:30am-7:30pm). Weather is "cooling off" this week. After a high of 113 today, it drops to an average of about 104 for the rest of the week. But the nay sayers say just wait... the worst is yet to come. August is supposedly the worst month of summer, so here we go on this adventure...

Not much else going on. Football season will begin at the end of this month and I will be working college and pro games here. I played golf with Danny Sullivan on Monday. He is ASU's starting quarterback this season and a good golfer. I was told by my company that I will be getting "lead" training for the ASU games (movin' on up!) to handle security. I also put in an application for an overnight (11pm-7am) position as a security guard in a resort golf hotel not far from where I live at the moment. So things are moving along. Rental prices are also coming down so I believe another address change may be in the future for the Arizona Kid. I am looking to move closer to the area between Tempe (ASU) and Glendale (Cardinals) for football season. I am checking out places online and investigating the neighborhoods... (checking out shopping and amenities). Oh yeah, and I am hosting "virtual" golf on Sunday for E&A. Indoor golf complete with air conditioning and a choice of world famous golf courses...(maybe I'll play Pebble Beach again or Beth Paige Black). That should be a hoot.

And before I go, I would like to wish Grace (Cousin Beck's daughter) good luck tomorrow as she undergoes a surgical procedure to correct a vision problem. Prayers and good karma are flowing to you from Arizona, Grace.

The week that was...

Hello, Friday... a good thing for most people signaling the start of the weekend and a much needed rest from the week of work. Some of you I know have to force yourself to take some time off whether it be the weekend or not, but that's an issue you must deal with. Weekends for me coming up at the end of August will mean football and working the football games... (ASU on Saturdays and the Cardinals on Sundays). In fact, the human "cheeto" will be working tomorrow outside in the parking lot of Phoenix Stadium from 10 am until 9pm. The occasion? Monster Truck Jam 2009. The forecast for tomorrow you ask...(I'm going to tell you even if you don't ask--that's the beauty of blogging, no one to say shut up! until it's out there) is for sunny skies, 0% precipitation and a high of 110. I tell you this not to evoke pity or sympathy, but to enlighten you. I firmly believe this is the precursor to eternal fire and damnation and I, for one, feel fully prepared for hell just by surviving out here...(I'm joking of course, hell will be much worse). I have my frozen water bottles, towels and bandanas, and fruit and food packed in my coolers for a rigorous test of man against nature... (in which nature wins on a consistent basis). But again, this was part of the deal when I moved out here.

Went to the Jobing.com Arena last night and saw Cirque de Soleil with my E&A group. What a show! If it comes around to your necks of the woods, I urge you to see it. The music and the acts were incredible. Two hours of watching the most limber people I have ever seen. Saltimbanco (the name of this particular show) featured juggling, trapeze, trick bike riding, feats of strength and of course the clown. Jobing.com Arena is across the lot from Phoenix Stadium and surrounded by a mall of stores and restaurants and shops called Westgate in Glendale Arizona. I was there a few weeks ago to work a party for the soccer matches held there... (I was doing ID checks at the north gate. You would figure as a security professional (Easy, don't take yourself too seriously) that I would familiarize my self with the venue and the surrounding area. I thought I did... (I didn't).

When I was in California last Monday, sister and I asked the hotel clerk for a good sushi place in the area...(the one sister knew was closed on Monday). The clerk gave us a place a few miles away and even printed the directions out... 6 minutes in travel time according to Mapquest. Thirty minutes later and ready to scream we tried one last shopping mall and found it! (great persistence, sis). Of course the directions were wrong...(but like Christopher Columbus we found something. Unlike him, we found what we were looking for). The place was great, the sushi was delicious and we saw they had two locations in Arizona... (one in Tempe and one in Glendale). To make a long story short...(something I ALWAYS have trouble with) I found the location in Glendale across Westgate from the Jobing.com Arena. It was on the second floor right in front of where I stood for 2 days and never noticed! (some professional, huh?).

So tomorrow I park cars... (and layer myself with sun block about 300 times). I love the parking lot. Mind numbing boredom and listening to the "veterans" bark about how they are the only ones who know how to park cars. Oh, well. A necessary evil in the quest for green fees...

Where have I been?

Where have I been? I can't believe that my last blog was on July 18th... Totally unacceptable behavior on my part and a thousand apologies to my readers and fans (both of them). When I last left you, I was sweltering in the Valley at an event called Mighty Mud Mania and seeking shade wherever it presented itself. As you can read, I survived and have been fairly busy keeping myself hydrated and air conditioned whenever possible. I tried to host Evening tennis on Monday the 20th but was denied by weather (can you believe it?). This is the "monsoon" season in Arizona... (read that as "blistering hot, humid and chance of thunderstorm at any minute"). The days are still a balmy 100-120 (mostly in the 114-115 range) and sunny but around 6:30 pm the clouds come out of nowhere and lightening and thunderstorms arrive. So there I was in Tempe waiting for the members to show when I received my first phone call... ("Is tennis still on?"). I walked outside and saw the clouds coming from the West right at me... The wind picked up to about 40 mph (which means a sandblasting in this state) and the trees started bending like Hurricane Andrew was bearing down. I quickly called the members on my list and canceled the event (with the help of Susie in the E&A office--she is a great help). I made a judgment call and it was a good one. By the time I was blown to my car (Auntie Em, it's a twister!) and made it about a mile from the venue, the lightening and rain started... (and a spectacular lightening event it was). So much for evening tennis...

The rest of the week followed suit... Beautiful day followed by evening wind and thunderstorms. But not the T-storms I was used to. Downpours that don't cool anything off, puddles that don't remain puddles for very long, and rain that blows through so fast that if you not looking you miss it. Thursday the 23rd was how badly can you overdo it day. Early morning golf, mid-afternoon workout in the gym and indoor volleyball for two hours at night... (I thought I would eventually outgrow this behavior--how great it is that I haven't!!). Sore muscles (even my fat was sore!) are the precursor to memories. I find that the more something hurts the greater the retention of the memory... (here's to me not killing myself to prove this theory).

Friday began my exodus to the land of less heat... i.e. California. Sister Sheryl had to go there for work the following week and Cousin Beck (who lives there and had arranged her schedule to accommodate--thanks Beck!) were planning to meet so Southwest Airlines carried my carcass (an hour plane ride--what a great thing) to LAX where I met Sister Sheryl and we trekked to Cousin Beck's place. We had a great visit catching up and playing with Grace, Beck's daughter... We took a water taxi ride in Marina del Rey and ate dinner in Malibu where Mel Gibson was before his infamous arrest and tirade about the Jewish faith... We also went to Pinks a famous hotdog stand in LA (est. 1939) and waited 45 minutes on line for hotdogs. They were worth the wait. Beck let us invade her home until Sunday (I am NOT tired!) and then we moved further up the coast to Valencia where Sister had to be for work... Monday we drove around (had great sushi for lunch), discovered a great lake in the middle of nowhere (Lake Piru) and then went to Manhattan Beach and walked in the Pacific Ocean... (not bad--two Oceans in less than a month). She then dropped me at LAX and I flew home to the Valley (it was still over 100 at 9:30 pm when I landed). The weather was gorgeous in California...(80's during the day and 60's at night).

So here I am back in Arizona and trying to resume routine living (what the heck is that and why would I want to do it?) The hell with routine. Bring on the unexpected and spontaneous... Many thanks to Sister Sheryl for suggesting the trip and hanging with her bro. Many thanks to Cousin Beck for opening her home and letting us come for a visit... (it was way overdo and it was great to see her and Grace). Hope your feeling better, Beck... (keep using that inhaler--great call Sis). I am working this weekend and have another event coming up, but I have rambled enough and that stuff will be handled in future blogs... Hope everyone out there in blogdom is doing okay. Type at you later.

New heights in hotness...

"Mighty Mud Mania" was the name of the event I worked at in Scottsdale this week... Unfortunately I was nowhere near the mud pits or water slides they had for the kids... (which meant I was nowhere near the hoses to make the mud, the hoses to fuel the water slides, or the sprinklers to wash the kids off after the muddy fun). I was in the overflow parking lot which was serviced by the shuttle buses taking people to and from the event about a mile or so from the park. It was set up at the local middle school on the ball fields...(and you know from experience that ball fields don't have trees. There was one tree next to the smallest field, but that wasn't usable until the afternoon. So, the human "cheeto" was baked from 7:00 am until around 3 pm. I think it made it up to about 112 or so, but it was hard to tell after awhile. I drank water and gatorade the whole day and never visited the restroom...(almost 2 1/2 gallons I figured).

I also met my trainer at 4:30 that afternoon, but when we started working out, the cramps started coming... (more cramps than a PMS clinic). I had so many cramps, I thought I was two people. Hips, hamstrings, quads, calfs, feet, toes, back, and glutes all took their turn locking up. So we stopped working out and he just stretched me out for the next 45 minutes... I was able to walk (under my own power) to the car, came home and ate a banana and had some Chinese food to load up on some sodium, several bottles of Gatorade and a loooooong shower...(hoping to absorb water through osmosis). That seemed to do the trick because I made it through the night without waking up as "pretzel boy". A little sore but none the worse for wear.

The rest of the week was quiet. Steve, my friend and houseguest for a few days, has set off on the IRBIB tour of 2009. (I Rather Be In Boise). It is the first time I've heard that expression and most definitely the last time. It struck me so funny that when we finally stopped laughing we named his trip after it. Job hunting for him here has gone nowhere so he is off on a trip west to LA and up the coast to visit friends and family (he's originally from Oregon), eventually ending up in, you guessed it, Boise, Idaho where the job market hopefully will be more kind. I wish him good luck in his adventure. He is posting the trip in Stages like the Tour De France and only leaving clues as to where he is...(pretty obvious though if you think about them). Happy trails, Steve-o.

I hope to go to the driving range this afternoon (after kickboxing--will I never learn?) because I couldn't play golf during the week, thanks to my sadistic trainer. He killed me so bad on Monday that I was sore until Thursday night... (Discovered new muscles that haven't ever been sore before). He promised to let up (a little) on me next week and even offered a peace offering... a free round of golf Sunday with him and two friends (sweet!). It's at a course I haven't played yet so it's even better. We'll meet for breakfast and then off to the course. Four East Coast guys on the golf course...(should be a lot of "f" bombs dropping). Not sure whether to beat him too badly because he could take it out on me next week...(screw that, go for the jugular!). I'll give a some tips and beat the pants off him (if I not too sore...lol).

After all is said and done...

After all is said and done...hot is still hot. As I experience my first "summer" here in Valley...(to me it's summer all year long) this last week has climbed into the 110-120 range. I worked...(yes, I'm using the "w" word again) on Saturday and Sunday at a festival celebrating the Gold Cup Soccer matches at Cardinal Stadium (technically the University of Phoenix Stadium) and the temperatures were 114 and 115, respectively. Taking into consideration that it's a "dry heat", it is still HOT! The sun is so intense that you can feel it burning your skin as you stand in it. The breezes, unless they're coming across water, are just like opening the oven door on a preheated oven... and please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining! I am absolutely loving this...(maybe I'm suffering from heat induced delusions). It's still beautiful and sunny and warm (make that very warm) with daytime temps in the 1-teens going down to a balmy 85-90 at night. It's hard not to want to be outside when you look out the window in the morning and see how beautiful it is, it's just that you have to be very careful. That's why I'm working... to adapt to the heat more.

Last Thursday we went tubing down the Salt River again (not E&A, but my bff Mary Ellen and her parents, who flew in from North Carolina). The river was running faster than the last time and the water temperature was 68... (so damn delicious!). We cruised on another 6 man tube complete with coolers and "picnicked" on the raft for 4 glorious hours...(tough work if you can find it). Later that day I hosted an indoor volleyball event in Tempe and only 2 of the people who signed up showed up (way to go guys!). I ended up shooting hoops for a couple of hours before packing it in... (good free throw practice). The rest of the week was spent surviving P.J. my personal trainer...(trying to do it right this time, with someone who knows what they're doing) and he worked me like a dog. Sore as hell, but no pain. One day a week we do "rehab" exercises to strengthen the muscles around my knees... (and it seems to be working already--15 hours on my feet last weekend and no swelling in the knees).

This morning, after a rigorous (read that as long and sweat-filled) workout I took the car for an oil change and hand wash (she deserved both as the dust and bugs are no friend to a white vehicle). The Jeep has turned 130,000+ miles and (knock wood) is going as strong as ever, even in the "dry" heat. The hand wash is because Daddy (me) kept locking his keys in the car in NJ and AAA had to go in through the top of the door to rescue them. Now the door doesn't close completely and when going through the "rinse" cycle and blow dry in the autowash, the driver (me) gets a full blown shower, so baby (the Jeep) gets a hand washing when she needs one. Squeaky clean and fresh oil and filter...nothing is too good for baby. FYI, Paris (my GPS) and I are getting along famously again, ever since I almost left her in the rental car back in NJ. No problems at all...(sometimes you have to threaten these devices).

So, while the temps remain in 1-teens (read that freakin' hot!), I will be playing golf mostly in the early am until I am more used to this balmy weather...(and I will be playing in the afternoon because the prices are phenomenal--unlike the wallet rape I experienced back East). No events for me this week until Saturday and Cardio Kick Boxing (yes, I'm a glutton for punishment). And speaking of balmy here's what the week looks like temp-wise (Tues. 114-86, Wed. 111-87, Thurs. 112-88, Fri. 113-88, Sat. 112-88) but the good news is it's DRY heat. Enjoy your humidity back East and I will enjoy being "microwaved".