It's On!

All,

I've returned to the road to visit friends and places heretofore unseen (by me) in the West. I'm also hoping to network like a big dawg as my impending unemployed status grows more real. I think I forgot how to budget somewhere along the way. I'll be learning quickly... and brushing up on my skills as a calligrapher. "Will work for food." Does that look better in 24 or 36 point font?

I'm now in Salt Lake City and hanging out with a very good, long-time friend of mine, Eric. We explored a few of SLC's more exotic venues - i.e. caffeinated and ethanalated (my new word of the day) establishments. I don't know of the LDS church bans chocolate cake, but they probably should; we tried that too. So far I thoroughly approve. Plus, no rain! Sweet.

I'm thinking this might be a good place to return. It is geographically and oddly equidistant to all of the Western US markets, halfway between the sun fields of Arizona and the windfields of Wyoming, and is affordable. Plus the houses are damn nice - for once, it is good to be in real estate in the late "oughts". We'll see, but so far SLC is looking like a damn nice place to start a business. I'm still waiting for the other shoe to fall - you know, forceful baptism and/or conversion, but despite fears nothing has happened. So far. As anyone with an ounce of sense knows, however, sometimes they really are out to get you.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with friends and family. I spent a wonderful evening talking about old Navy stories at a charming party with friends in Western Montana. We might not deep fry turkeys, but folks out here know how to throw down a 30k calorie spread. 3 slices of cake and a loosened belt later and I'm off for my second soiree with beer and football. Go Denver! It was a nice night - if only I could have woken up on time this morning.

Finally, I must admit the van remains in the shop. I'm traveling by way of a rental car. I have to hang my head in shame, but I really, really didn't want to be stranded between Idaho Falls and Butte. Look it up in google (or click here). Having your car crap out in this part of the world is not for the faint of heart. I'm fairly certain both USAA and AAA give a standard response to roadside assist requests in this part of the world. "Sorry, kid, you're on your own" followed by maniacal laughter recorded earlier in front of a studio audience. Bottom line, I went with something reliable. Dad and I will be effecting repairs upon my return from the SLC/Bay Area/Portland road trip. Once new boots are in, leaks are plugged, and gas mileage is solidly above 16mpg, I'll chance being stranded in one-tooth towns.

Take care and happy holidays. More reports from the city of Temple to follow.