For more than a month now I have been talking with a gas station/restaurant/souvenir shop in AZ and NM about a workamping position. Yesterday, I had a telephone interview with the HR person .. who has since called 2 of my 3 supplied references -- and everything seems to be a 'go'. I have Feb 20 now inked in my calendar as a date to leave FL for my 2,000 mile trip. I'm ready!!
But there are a couple of things to do before I blast off. Last night, I also completed the last training class for my Technician ham radio license. I have also been studying online and think I'm ready for the test. I need a 75% to pass and have been scoring in the 80s consistently lately in the online practice tests. Saturday Feb 10 there is a for-real test being given nearby that I plan to attend.
Also on the same day -- Sat Feb 10 -- is the City of Seminole's Fire Department Open House. I was involved last year through my CERT functions and had a blast. So I volunteered again this year.
That means I can leave for AZ anytime after that. I should be able to drive 2000 miles in 4 days but that leaves no time for sightseeing in-route. That also does not allow much time for any 'issues' along the way. So a tentative launch date is Feb 20 .. we'll see.
Speaking of launches .. I read where SpaceX has set Feb 6 as the date for the maiden launch of Falcon Heavy -- the most powerful booster in the world. I have seen a launch in Cape Canaveral from this side of the state before .. or at least the glow in the sky and a vapor trail. But I'm thinking I may get closer this time to witness history!
Fox News13_ falcon_heavy_launch
This rocket has more than twice the power of the Saturn rockets of before. Supposedly it has the power to lift a loaded 737 airliner into space. But the neatest part (I think) is it's re-usability; they don't have to build a new one each time it's used. The payload for this launch is an electric car -- one of Elon Musk's Tesla Roadsters -- which I think will be put into orbit. What a waste!! Mr. Musk is also taking reservations for future space travelers. His first planned mission is allegedly a trip around the moon and back.
So the next couple of weeks will be spent getting ready for my first Workamping Road Trip .. after a 2-day side trip to Cape G to watch history being made.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018
HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2018!!
I an truly excited about 2018 and what I perceive is the beginning of the next chapter in my life. Hopefully there is more than one more chapter in MY book.
I have been in hibernation for the past several weeks for a multitude of reasons .. all of which become moot this coming Monday Jan 8; my self-imposed deadline for the conversation to stop and the action to start. I wanted a clean separation in my income after retiring last summer so I've waited until 2018 to step off.
I've also learned that I need to generate more $$ to enjoy the lifestyle I've chosen. Do not confuse 'generating income' with getting a job; at least not as a Walmart Greeter (just yet). In fact, I've not had a W2 income in more than 20 years and I'm not starting now. But I do need some cash in my pocket beyond what my social security provides. There is a limit on how much I can make before my SSA money becomes taxable tho. On the positive side, any additional income I have in 2018 goes into the calculation for my future SSA checks (I think).
My new business is now legally formed. I will go to my bank and get a checking account established next week. Then I can begin selling stories and pictures about my adventures. I am tentatively looking at Feb 5 or so to load up and head out on my next road trip -- I know not even where. But perhaps southern FL.
I have some January commitments here in town with the City of Seminole's Community Emergency Rescue Team (CERT), where I volunteer. Besides, I need to finish up the business ending of my old trucking company. There are still 1099s to get out and tax stuff to prepare. I've got about 4 weeks to get it done .. no problem!
Also high on my to-do list is: Get a Dog. I want a medium sized dog -- 25 or 30 lbs. Many campgrounds have restrictions. My dog will be trained as a Search and Rescue dog tho, so she can't be too small. As far as breeds go, I'm looking at a Spaniel of some sort; probably a rescue dog.
I met Mike Hadsell with the Peace River K9 Search And Rescue (Collier County, Florida) at a CERT Convention last summer. Then I went to one of his training demonstrations this past December. It is easy to understand why the PRSAR team is so highly regarded by the law enforcement community all over the Southeast USA for their SAR work. Mike has offered to help me when I get a dog, hopefully within the next month or two.
As most people probably know, a dogs love is truly unconditional and knows no bounds. When that dog gets that love returned, they will do just about anything you ask -- including following a scent. Watching the PRSAR Team play Hide-N-Seek centered around the dog's love to play and please under the handler's guidance. For the dog it was all about having fun. I want a dog like that.
Change is in the air -- and it has started for me. Lots to do and I'm ready.
I have been in hibernation for the past several weeks for a multitude of reasons .. all of which become moot this coming Monday Jan 8; my self-imposed deadline for the conversation to stop and the action to start. I wanted a clean separation in my income after retiring last summer so I've waited until 2018 to step off.
I've also learned that I need to generate more $$ to enjoy the lifestyle I've chosen. Do not confuse 'generating income' with getting a job; at least not as a Walmart Greeter (just yet). In fact, I've not had a W2 income in more than 20 years and I'm not starting now. But I do need some cash in my pocket beyond what my social security provides. There is a limit on how much I can make before my SSA money becomes taxable tho. On the positive side, any additional income I have in 2018 goes into the calculation for my future SSA checks (I think).
My new business is now legally formed. I will go to my bank and get a checking account established next week. Then I can begin selling stories and pictures about my adventures. I am tentatively looking at Feb 5 or so to load up and head out on my next road trip -- I know not even where. But perhaps southern FL.
I have some January commitments here in town with the City of Seminole's Community Emergency Rescue Team (CERT), where I volunteer. Besides, I need to finish up the business ending of my old trucking company. There are still 1099s to get out and tax stuff to prepare. I've got about 4 weeks to get it done .. no problem!
Also high on my to-do list is: Get a Dog. I want a medium sized dog -- 25 or 30 lbs. Many campgrounds have restrictions. My dog will be trained as a Search and Rescue dog tho, so she can't be too small. As far as breeds go, I'm looking at a Spaniel of some sort; probably a rescue dog.
I met Mike Hadsell with the Peace River K9 Search And Rescue (Collier County, Florida) at a CERT Convention last summer. Then I went to one of his training demonstrations this past December. It is easy to understand why the PRSAR team is so highly regarded by the law enforcement community all over the Southeast USA for their SAR work. Mike has offered to help me when I get a dog, hopefully within the next month or two.
As most people probably know, a dogs love is truly unconditional and knows no bounds. When that dog gets that love returned, they will do just about anything you ask -- including following a scent. Watching the PRSAR Team play Hide-N-Seek centered around the dog's love to play and please under the handler's guidance. For the dog it was all about having fun. I want a dog like that.
Change is in the air -- and it has started for me. Lots to do and I'm ready.
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