My husband is a closet mountain man. He's often said that the only thing keeping him from turning Amish is that he couldn't live without a radio. Now, it's true that five or six days a week stares at a computer as a desk jockey. But that is because he is an incredibly hardworking person who does whatever is necessary (not what he likes, or what makes him 'happy') to provide for our family. The last thing that he would ever enjoy doing is sitting in front of a computer....or sitting at all actually. He's just not a sitter. He's the guy who feels guilty if he plants himself in front of the tv to catch half of a Lakers playoff game. Joel would much rather be out in the elements doing just about anything. Unfortunately, that is a pastime to which he doesn't treat himself very often.
So, last month when I read an article in the newspaper about how the SB County Forestry Department was seeking volunteers to count the long horned sheep in the mountains, I immediately thought of Joel. First thing I did was set down the paper and call the number to sign him up. Didn't even stop to consult with Joel as to whether he'd be interested. Partly this is because I KNEW that he'd be interested but mostly it's because I knew that Joel would never volunteer himself for something that he would enjoy. He'd think it was too indulgent. That's the Norwegian coming out in him. They're a very unpretentious people.
Cut to today. Joel is sitting in an orientation meeting as we speak and will be headed up to tent camp in the mountains for the evening (in the snow) in preparation for his early morning start tomorrow. As any Italian wife would do I packed him enough food to sustain him for a week for his 24 hour excursion. He's got his trusty Bear Grylls survival kit on hand (Leatherman and flint). Neatly packed away (yeah right...probably just thrown on the passenger seat of the truck) is the most important item for any trip - reading material. He's going to have a blast and hopefully bring back some stunning pictures. In true 'us' form (ie: inappropriate) as I kissed him goodbye I asked if his life insurance was current. He replied by saying we didn't have to come looking for him unless he was gone for over a week. I love that guy. Sure hope he doesn't freeze to death.
