Date: 2013-02-04
To: I work to live...I definitely DO NOT live to work 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Phew!!!! Last week was crazy busy!!! I worked 73 hours!!! So awesome for my trail account, but I am tired that's for sure! This week looks to be just about the same. Even though I am super busy and tired, I think about the trail and all that I still need to do for about 45 seconds out of every minute! :0) I went to the post office and picked up 7 boxes so that I can start getting my mail drop boxes together. I am struggling a little with what to put in them though. My friend Karen who I backpack with suggested a few things and one thing I didn't think about...gallon Ziploc bags for trash along the trail. She also suggested bandanna's... I live in bandanna's and have a ton so I will definitely be sending plenty ahead so that I have a variety since I will only carry 2 at a time. TP, fuel, mini shampoo/conditioner, a razor (yes, a razor, I'm so not cool with super hairy legs or armpits...on my body at least), socks, shoes (I'll send those further down the trail), snacks, cash....those are some of the things I am planning on putting into each box. Any input would be so appreciated!!! :0)   I just got the Anker Astro 3 lithium power pack that will charge my phone 4-5 times when it is fully charged. Thanks for the suggestion Josh!!! Solar chargers just haven't been perfected enough for me to take the chance of bringing one on the trail only to be out of juice most of the time. The Verbatim mobile keyboard that I got is awesome! The low profile keys take a little getting used to but I am practicing a lot since it pairs with my I touch at work which I have to document on all day long. Any of you therapist friends of mine who are reading this???? Get this keyboard!!!! It will make your life so much easier with those pesky little I Touches. :0)   I have to share a story from this past weekend at work. I was working with a 54 year old obese man with circulation and cardiac issues who can barely walk. I asked him how he could possibly be in the shape he is in when he is only 7 years older than me??? I really wanted to know how he got to be in this condition. He explained to me that he worked 12-16 hours a day and made $150,000 a year. I said that life isn't all about work and that you have to enjoy life. I then told him about my upcoming adventure and shared with him that I am working super long hours right now only so that I can take those 6 months off. I was so astounded when he said "Imagine if you worked as hard as you are now for those six months instead of taking them off to hike the trail...Imagine all the money you would make"!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! I couldn't help myself...I had to point out to him that he is in his particular position now because of that train of thought. He then shared that all of the money he had made is now gone because of all of his health care expenses. Then he wanted to hear all about the trail....He said, "you're right, I have nothing to show for my hard work except for poor health and absolutely no memories to fall back on when I'm older". He isn't married and has no children. It's such a heartbreaking situation. But it only re-enforces my long standing philosophy to live each day to its fullest and enjoy life while your body and mind is able.   Anyway, I plan on enjoying my 6 months off and won't feel the least bit guilty for not being part of this nations work force...believe me...I won't!!!! ;0)   My ULA Circuit backpack arrived today. It is perfect!!!! The "S" shaped shoulder straps distribute the weight more toward the middle of my chest so my shoulders won't have as much stress on them. The capacity and size will be perfect as well. I'll put my gear in it this week and start hiking up and down these three flights of stairs for conditioning. With my work schedule, that's about all I got :0( I ditched my Crocs and went with the Waldies Aruba camp shoes....together they only weigh 3.7 ounces. I'm really trying to keep my pack weight with food and water and fuel down to about 20-22#'s. If I can do this, it will make for a much more comfortable thru hike and allow me to cover the distances that I will want to as I move along the trail.   The trail, for me, begins at Amicalola Falls State Park at the arch....I plan on doing the approach trail on the April 14th and starting from Springer Mountain Shelter on April 15th. I'm soooooooo excited about this! I've asked my backpacking crew (Alison, Brandon, Leynise, Sharon, Karen, Bruce and Barbara) if any of them would like to join me on my first 3 days til I get to Neels Gap. I'm hoping I have a taker!!! :0) If not, they all have said they will hike with me during particular sections. That will be nice to have some familiar company!!!! For now???? I just keep picturing that Arch and all that it represents to me...the beginning, the end, new possibilities...an epic adventure to be sure!!!!!