I'm on to something...

...but I'm going to need a powered exoskeleton. Let me explain.

I've been keeping pretty busy with the moving business, more or less now called "My Buddy with a Truck." It started as a simple idea--help people move their crap for a few bucks. The business model hasn't changed that much, (although I can confidentaly add "interior design consultation" to my list of services), but in order to do the job quickly and efficiently, I've had to upgrade my equipment. As it turns out, a couple of tie-downs and a little Ford Ranger don't quite do it.

For example, if it rains, you need tarps. And if you use them frequently, you need to keep a stock of unripped tarps handy. Mini bungees also help to keep the tarps from breaking loose as you barrel down the freeway at 60 m.p.h.

Non-ratchet tie-downs are fine for some jobs, but the ratchet kind work much better.

After a while, all those tie-downs with their hooks and latches and hoozits and what-have-yous tend to make an unholy ball of straps littering the limited space in the cab. So, you need to organize them. At first, an old Elfa shelf works fine, but organizing and reorganizing them becomes a pain before and after each job. So, a semi-organized truck box with a hanger works well.

Easily half of my business is from referrals now. That means business cards--lots of them. This being the Information Age, a Web site is another one of those necessities. Check.

So, now I've got the equipment, the repeat, return and referral business, experience, and I even enjoy the work. (I should write about that--I thoroughly enjoy moving people more than writing proposals all day long. That's...unexpected.) All I need now is muscles. Or, a powered exoskeleton. Man, if I had that, moving all this stuff would be a snap. Granted, I'm losing weight and bulking up, but I could make money hand-over-fist if only I had titanium alloy arms and legs. Powered by a small nuclear device or, if we're wishing for anything, a "Mr. Fusion" backpack.

You listening, Santa?