We’re here at our new apartment, and “borrowing” internet from a neighbor!  I’ve moved a lot this decade, but I think this was the most difficult yet.  I probably forget from year to year just how much work goes into it, but this time was really rough, having lived in that big house and accumulated a bunch of stuff over the last year.  And then moving everything up three flights of stairs… I’m just exhausted.

Our move began yesterday when Lauren and I took off work at noon and rented a U-Haul.  We spent the afternoon loading it up, and later in the day Jaime, Christian, Kate, and Tim arrived to help us.  Packing wasn’t nearly as awful as unpacking.  I had used up all my energy packing, so by the time we got to the new place I was already tuckered out.  But the six of us worked tirelessly until everything made its way up to the third floor.  How the hell we managed to get the big couch up here is almost beyond me.  It was the tightest possible squeeze up each level and through our door.

We spent the night here with boxes and furniture scattered throughout the apartment, and awoke at 6 to move another bed and bikes to the Rosok house, and then to return the U-Haul by 7.  We still had to all meet up at the old house and clean it top to bottom.  From the time Lauren and I arrived, to the time the landlord arrived to go through the walk-through, we were there for eight hours.

Finally, Lauren and I are back at the new place and slowly getting things situated.  I was so hopelessly tired that I gave up on rearranging for the night and took a hot bath.  Lauren has just passed out on the bed.  I wouldn’t be surprised if she was out till morning.

Making the trip with me to the new place was Mom and Dad’s old kitchen table, a staple at the old trailer house since 1980.  That table has served me very well over the years and I couldn’t dare leave it behind.  The TV I got for my birthday in 1997 is still here, as is my TV Guide collection shelf from 8th grade ag class.  But we did have to depart with my college computer desk and the entertainment center the Bells got me for my birthday in the late 90s.

Thanks to everyone who has helped so far: Tim and Kate Rosok, Jaime Berglund and Christian Huseby, and C. M. Walsh!  We couldn’t have made the move without you!  We’ll be sure to invite people over to see the new place as soon as we’re situated.