[Moneyguy1]

Like it says in the "Hitchikers Guide" on page one:

"Don't Panic".

Sounds like you are a reniassance man, highly adaptable. With all the emphasis on NG exploration and on alternative fuels research and development, sounds like that would be one direction in which to search.

AS for desert, you have a number of possibilities (I love it too). THere are two lovely cities in the northern part of AZ that have four seasons, a varied topography and such: Prescott (pronounced Preskit) and Flagstaff. Flagstaff is not far from the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Monument Valley and other very picturesque places with enough to keep you interested for a lifetime. And Flagstaff is growing. There are nice places in New Mexico, although pricey, and there is always Nevada but that is beginning to go nuts as well. UNless you like humidity, I would not recommend the coastal area of Texas, although there are some interesting Cities along Rte 20 that are really heavily into fuel production and distribution. Ain't quite as humid (up nawth) in Texas.

If I were independently wealthy my first choice for the most beautiful state to live in would be western New Mexico, but I know little about the employment section of the area.