Florida Update 2

Blog Update on 5/17/12

It’s been a quick few weeks, not in a bad way at all. Florida has its ups and downs, depends where you are and what you prefer, but the weather has been great. I strongly dislike bugs and Colorado has very few, but FL is a different story. I have come to accept the presence of many annoying bugs because the lizards and birds that eats them are amazing. I woke up this morning as the sun was rising and almost fell asleep on the patio. Rain drops falling off the roof, perfect temperature, and several different birds singing. It reminded me of a sound box that includes ocean sounds, white noise, and jungle noises; this must be where they record the jungle noises. I’m always finding a moment of peace each day. 

I’ve been working at the Ringling School of Art & Design for my uncle’s painting company. He has had a contract with the school for about 13 years. 7 year ago, I was here in Sarasota painting for him at the school, a lot has changed. They have almost doubled in size and student capacity. We paint dorm rooms, classroom, offices, exteriors, and anything else they may want looking new. This is a good year because the school wants most of their buildings the same color on the exterior, and it’s been years since they wanted to invested so much into their appearance. Averaging 8 hours a day, 6 days a week it seems we haven’t accomplished very much in the last few weeks.

One thing I love about painting (compared to retail services) is that the finished product is always amazing and will last years. You don’t have to satisfy one person for a moment while helping hundreds throughout the day, then doing it all over again the next day. Paint a building or house and the joy expressed from the client lasts years. It’s going to take a while to burn out of painting. 

In the next couple week, I'll start working on the Don Liparulo Painting website. My brother built it, but it needs pictures and client referrals before we can make it live. I'll spend the rest of my summer advertising his business. 

I have been staying in my uncle’s guest bedroom, which is great! He has provided me with a job and roof over my head; such a blessing. He cooks delicious dinners and I am now trying to learn from his skills. Each night, something is always made over the grill and turns out perfect. I’m going to miss great homemade cooking while on the trails.

To sum up my last few weeks’ schedule… wake up around 6:30, work from 7:30-3:30 most days, spent a few days at the beach, hit up Starbucks for internet access once a week, picked up an RV from my uncle’s friend, and relaxing.

Plans for the summer… work on my car until it’s in sell-able condition, spend more time at the beach, go camping in the RV, visit my grandparents again, buy a gun and obtain and concealed weapons permit, spend some time on a boat on the Gulf, and enjoy whatever else comes my way.

I’m making a more detailed plan for my trip to the Appalachian Trail. As time progresses,  it looks like my late start on the trail will only allow me a month or so to hike. I will have to complete a thru-hike of the AT beginning next spring; but come August, I’ll spend up to a month on the southern part of the trail. That should give me enough time to enjoy the warmer weather and acquire experience needed to pack for such a long hiking experience.

I won’t be able to enjoy several months on the AT this year, but I’d rather be out there to enjoy its splendors and not be miserable fighting the elements.

I'll be carrying a small firearm because I'd rather "have it and not need it than need it and not have it." The southern sections of the trail are known for multiple bear encounters and psycho rednecks when you get closer to towns. The bears usually keep their distance, but every now and then a backwoods drunk might bother hikers. Self-defense is the only legal use of firearm on any part of the trails. I won't have a state-to-state permit (too many hoops to jump through), but it's been rare to hear of problems from authorities on the topic; unless you're parading it around.

I still have quite a bit of more planning to do. Fix and sell my car, buy a truck with a shell, buy a firearm, market my uncle's business, and hang out with Zac. It's going to be a busy summer.

I'll post more updates as often as I can.