It’s been 3 months since I’ve moved to the Phoenix area, and I’m still adjusting to Arizona. As you can imagine, I’ve received plenty of advice from long time residents. However, one of the best pieces of advice to adjusting to Arizona life is from friends, Ron and Audrey Wilde. They suggested I re-think my use of sunshine hours.

I thought, “What the hell does that mean?”

Ron followed up with, “Sunrise is generally 5 a.m. – 6 a.m. during the summer, with sunset about 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. That said, you’ll wanna complete your outdoor activities by 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. because it’ll be too hot not to hide inside.”

Audrey jumped in, “You’ll re-tool your mentality about productivity on sunny days, and hours. You’re accustomed to 65 days of sunny weather so you’ll be conditioned to get all these tasks, errands, and more done. Now you have 300 plus days of sun. You don’t have the obligation of being THAT productive as possible, or have that sense of urgency.”

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NIGHT MOVES

One reason that I transferred to 481 Gilbert as a full-time nights merchant and forklift driver was the hours: 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. 5 nights outta the week. I’ll be inside during the hottest time of the day with air-conditioning. In essence, I’ll only contend with the summer heat 2 days a week.

And that can be spent inside with air-conditioning or … pool side with day drinking on my mind.

MY NAME IS …

Speaking of work, my name tag boldly states: CARLOS. Some days that’s a blessing, and some days it’s a curse. A fair percentage of Costco Members at 481 Gilbert are Latino.

Some days being Carlos is a blessing because if I’m working or hauling a pallet with a pallet jack, they generally move aside. Maybe it’s no more courtesy than anyone else but I like to think so.

Some days being Carlos is a curse because they launch into Mexican-Spanish before establishing I’m not a Spanish speaker. I’ve learned enough Spanish to say I don’t know Spanish and apologize because I’m Tisoy. I can muddle through a Spanish conversation that is focused on Costco products, mostly food.

SIDE HUSTLES

To supplement my Clark Kent Job, I have a couple side hustles. I Door Dash, and drive for Lyft. I do this to familiarize myself with the areas and streets around the house, make note of the popular food places and services. I usually do this on one of my days off. I dedicate one day of fun for myself.

Besides, the extra cheddar isn’t a bad thing …

THE HEAT IS ON

While it’s not summer, it’s certainly barreling into that season. Actually, according to some there’s only 2 seasons: Heaven and Hell. The big burning orb in the sky is gifting the Phoenix area with triple digit temperatures on a consistent basis.

The heat is on for this guy from the Pacific Northwest! An adjustment to Arizona is having late work hours yet waking up early enough to complete errands, tasks, etc before it’s too hot for even Arizonians! Even moving from an air-conditioned building to an air-conditioned vehicle to yet another air-conditioned building is pushing it.

THE LIQUID OF LIFE

That’s right, folks. Water is the liquid of life. Without it, nothing is happening or rather nothing will continue. And for life, water consumption is a priority as much as eating, and sleeping. Without proper hydration, your health will suffer.

As a Washingtonian, my water consumption was atrocious. Now that I’m in Arizona, I can’t drink enough water. Despite my best efforts, I still feel like I could consume more. Thankfully, I can always improve.

I’m noticing I’m sorta selective about the water I consume. I’m hoping I don’t become water booshie. I’ve noticed a palatable difference in tap water, filtered water, and bottle water. Oh hell, I notice a taste difference between bottle water companies!

For a moment, I thought Jami was pretending there’s a difference. I’ve gotta admit not all bottled water companies are outputting the same product. My taste buds vote for Waiākea Water is the best! Then if I can’t have that I’ll settle for SMART Water. Lastly, I’ll drink what’s available. Of course, the least expensive option is filtered water at home and the warehouse.

Adjusting to Arizona will continue as the days pass, but I certainly look forward to it.

‘los; out