I write this as I sit in the first airport of three I will visit today.
I travelled across my country this past Friday to chase a job opportunity I could not pass up. The job is for a forest firefighter position, which is a dream of mine.
When I arrived in town I decided that right away was my only chance to get a little tipsy so, I went straight to the nearest bar. I tried new beers and met a couple of awesome people. I got to talking to this guy that sat near me and it seemed like we hit it off right away. We were joking around, laughing and having deep conversation about a wide variety of topics. He then had to leave and I decided to try another bar as well. He offered to drive me to the next bar so, I accepted. As we drove to the bar it just felt like I've known him for some time already. We exchanged numbers because neither one of us has Facebook and he said, "hit me up when you get the job, man!". That put such a smile on my face, i thanked him many times and went on my way.
Skip to the following day after a nice evening out on the town. I had an appointment for my first float in a Sensory Deprivation Tank. I knocked on this guys front door and a young man no older than 30 years of age answered. Right away I could feel a great energy radiating off him. We sat and drank some water while the tank heated up and he was such a chill guy, one I could see myself hanging with back home. He brought me down in his basement where the tank was stored for the time being before they get their commercial building set up. The tank was a little intimidating, not gonna lie. It was filled with about a foot of water and 900lbs of Epsom salts which allows you to float regardless of your height and weight. The tank had a very warm feel and was eliminated with a dim green light. He then left the room. I took my robe off and stepped my foot into the tank; it was such a nice temperature, not too warm and not too cold, perfect. I slipped my naked body into the tank completely and shut the door. When I started to lean back i instantly could feel my legs and bum start to float. When I got my body centred and I was floating on my back, I turned the light off and was submerged into complete darkness. At this point I'm floating, floating in what felt to be nothing at all. My brain was going a mile a minute trying to comprehend all of what I was, or rather wasn't feeling. After what I only assume was about a half hour I got so relaxed and just let my body and mind wander. It was so peaceful, it felt magical! All of a sudden music kicked in, beautiful classical music. It was over.. already? My hour 1/2 was done. I couldn't stop thinking, wondering where all that time went, or even if it were ever really there. As I went upstairs I had such a huge smile on my face and the guy who greeted me at the door was sitting on his couch also smiling. He got me some more water and we sat and chatted for a while, I explained my whole situation to him, why I came so far and he was so intrigued. I told him I had to have another float before I left. Even though they were all booked up the following day, he put me in for the last float at 10 pm. I was so excited!
After my float I went to the biggest mall I have ever seen in my lifetime. It had a damn rollercoaster in it! My cousin showed me all around, we ate a delicious meal, we shopped and eventually after several hours we drove back to her place to relax.
Then came Sunday. The big day, the day I came up here in the first place for, my fitness test. Everyone was so shocked to find out I traveled so far just for this test. I introduced myself to as many people as I could, to try and leave a good impression. The physical test was one of the hardest things I've done to date. I nearly passed out when I finished. I finished with 25 seconds to spare. I had hoped I'd do much better but, fuck it, I passed! I stuck around afterward to meet more people and ask as many questions as I could. I felt like I fit in so well with everyone, it was so strange. I eventually got a cab back to my cousins appartment and the cab driver loved me haha. When I got back I text some family and friends to let them know I passed and then I just relaxed for the rest of the day until my 10 pm float.
I showed up to the guys door with so much excitement and knocked, it was his business partner this time. It kinda sucked because I really wanted to tell him how it all went but, this guy was equally as cool to talk to. He set up the tank for me and away I went. I got so comfortable so fast this time, nothing but positive thoughts were racing through my head. Thinking about how exciting this whole weekend had been, the girl I recently started seeing and how amazing she already seems. She was on my mind a fair bit. It's just so crazy that I feel so comfortable with her so quickly, the compatibility is insane! Then, cue the music. It was over already! All those amazing thoughts had me flying high as I walked up the stairs after my shower. Two of the guys were sitting on the couch chilling together. They offered me some water and we sat, we sat and talked about anything and everything. Our conversation got so deep it was like I've known these guys my whole life. I looked at my phone and we had been chilling having a great time for over an hour and I never called for my ride yet! Haha. So, after I called for my ride, we sat for a while longer just chilling like good friends. My ride finally arrived and I stood up to say goodbye. I was going to shake their hands and thank them for the wonderful experience I had when both of them came in for big hugs. It was one of the most warming experiences I've ever had. Two days ago these guys had no idea I existed and now we're here acting like brothers, it was fucking amazing. I told them when I come back I hope to see their business completely up and running and wished them much luck.
So here I sit, in an airport, explaining one of the best life changing experiences of my life with whoever decides to read, if anyone at all. I am so grateful for this whole opportunity. I had to call in sick at my job back home today because they wouldn't give me this time off, aaand they just called me back but, I ignored their call haha. Fuck it, this was the time of my life! I wish you all the greatest year, 2015. I hope we all get to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves. Take care, everyone!