These pictures are of the beast of a truck we were given for moving. We managed to, with the help of our beyond fantastic friend, Nik, fit everything we own (aside from what's coming on the road trip in the car with us... but it would've fit) in a 10x10 spot on this truck. They charge by the foot... but overall it was a great deal. They're driving it 2,000 miles and we don't have to. They dropped the truck off early Tuesday and came to pick it up Thursday afternoon (actually, as I write this blog, they still aren't here to pick it up). Notice the VW Bug I've been driving in the distance in the above photo. At least 2 of them would have easily fit inside this monster truck.
That's our stuff... all the way in the back of the truck. To show depth perception, Ray is pulling it shut with at least another 15-20 feet empty.
A few pictures of compression device that was used to hold our stuff in place (in addition to a cable we used ourselves). Note the mattress and chair you can see at the top.
Our lives, in a truck!Now... onto the Part II of the blog where I talk about all the things I'm going to miss terribly about California (in order) and ways I'll cope with the loss):
1. Family and friends. You guys are amazing and while I know we'll meet friends wherever we go, we can't replace you and we certainly can't replace family. We will certainly have extra beds for you if you happen to come visit the Windy City anytime in the future!
Coping Mechanism: Modern technology, Skype, and airplanes will save us! Hopefully my parents moving to Colorado to make the plane ride/car ride/time difference even shorter.
2. The weather. It's obvious that Chicago's weather doesn't include sunny skies and 80-degree, low humidity weather with cool breezes and temperate ocean climate all four seasons of the year. Ah, but a girl can dream. At least we'll miss our first winter there-- being in Germany until March 2010.
Coping Mechanism: heated seats in my (soon to be) new car, heated garage, automatic car starter, amazing new wool lined peacoat (also future purchase), well insulated house, ponytails for windy days... or all days...let's be honest, a husband to hug, down comforters, and finally, indoor schools.
3. Mountains. We're moving to a plain (used as a homophone!) state. Sadly, we lose our mountain view and the option to drive 1.5 hours to hike these wonderful creations (on a non-smoggy day, we could actually see mountains from our place in Redondo Beach!).
Coping Mechanism: Drive out of state, visit California or Colorado to visit/ski.
4. The beach. I used to LIVE there during the summers with Alison as we baked (how unhealthy!) until it was dinner time and we were freezing with nothing but a towel as a blanket. Now, I go only a few times a year and take walks/run rather than bake in the sun. But it is beautiful and I just don't know how it will be living in a place without an ocean just a couple miles away!
Coping Mechanism: Clearly... the only thing to do is visit somewhere tropical or come back to California for a visit!
5. Similar to #4 -- The sun setting over the ocean. There's just something gorgeous about it.
Coping Mechanism: I have tons of photos... and again... just a plane ride away!
6. Pei Wei restaurant. This delicious, noodle establishment has not made its way to Illinois yet; for some terrible reason. They are a cheaper version of P.F. Changs... but I think better. Oh Blazing Noodles... how I will miss you.
Coping Mechanism: Noodles and Co.? Any ideas? Hope pray, send letters to the man and demand they open one... say... in Naperville? ;)
7. In 'n' Out Burger. Yeah... I know it's a "burger" joint... but I do enjoy going there for a grilled cheese and delicious fries every now and again. Maybe it's just because it's located near LAX airport that I always seem to enjoy seeing it...
Coping Mechanism: Five Guys? Never been there... but Ray's excited there's one located in our future Illinois neighborhood. There will be some replacement... just not sure what since... #8 and #9 will also be missed!
8. Islands restaurant: It's more of a tropical-themed restaurant (obviously successful in more tropical-ey areas... but this I will certainly miss). The clear winner: Sunset (veggie) burger, no onions, sub onion strings with a side of BBQ sauce for the fries. And... it's one of the only restaurants my parents, Ray, and myself actually enjoy going to together. We have such different taste in food...
Coping Mechanism: See #7
9. Same situation... lost veggie burger: Rascal's Teriyaki. There are only 3 that I know of, but they're amazing. They have a Veggie Curry with a side salad of the most amazing dressing on Earth. They also have one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had.
Coping Mechanism: See #7 still.
10. Disneyland: Okay, so I obviously don't go much and I'm not a season pass owner like it seems everyone I have ever met is... but I still like knowing I live close enough to go. There's something nostalgic about it. I will be a bit closer to D-world... so no major complaints.
Coping Mechanism: not sure yet. There's bound to be something exciting... like... taking the
Metra train downtown and people-watching (behind the glass of a Stabucks so I don't freeze my fingers off, obviously).
The rest of the list are items I'll miss, but that have (or will have) very similar replacements:
1. Vons Grocery Store = Dominick's in Illinois... same Safeway labels though, phew.
2. My Honda Civic. Obviously, I'm still not over it. It doesn't help I have been carless (aside from borrowing my dad's VW). I will soon have a car of my dreams... and if that's too expensive or not available, maybe a Honda Accord. Love my Hondas.
3. Outdoor schools. I love the fresh (smoggy Los Angeles) air that comes into my classroom as I teach (or the occasional bird to fly in that nearly sends some of my students into shock from fear). But... the replacement are indoor schools of which are well heated, no scary birds, no lunch in my classroom on rainy days! That last one needed some serious bolding-- any fellow teachers... can I get a hear, hear? :)
T-minus 1.5 days!
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2 comments:
Great post wife! Can't wait to start the adventure
very, very sad! We miss you!
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