Getting Ready to Lock before I Roll

The thought of moving across the country this time brought up so many fears inside me, I can't name them all.  This was not the first time I had moved cross-country but it was my first time to do it 'all alone.'  Always before their had been a company making and handling arrangements, or I had someone on the other end waiting and established.  Moving to a foreign State that I had only visited before to be close to people (my family!) that I hardly knew.  This brought about a big fear compounded by many more fears.

One big surprise to me is just how much 'stuff' you can accumulate in four years despite the fact you are essentially living in a master bedroom!  In my mind, I was sure it would all fit in a small trailer (4x8) and my pickup!  I packed and sorted, getting rid of the things I could stand to part with.  I called and made reservations for the trailer, explaining what kind of vehicle it was hooking up too (my pickup) and was assured all was good and there would be no problem!

In preparation, on my first day of freedom (no more going to the office) I had the truck serviced and checked for everything possible and it only cost me about $1500!  Now this was slightly over what I had budgeted but I was not worried.  A fateful trip to a local casino (while the truck was being serviced) landed me a fair sized windfall to cover the cost of service!  (The casino win assuring me more that this was part of the Divine plan and making me more sure of the move)!

Sunday rolls around and it is time to pick up the trailer and get ready to roll!  My excitement takes a nose-dive after talking to the attendant and him informing that he couldn't hook the trailer to the bumper of my truck.  Now this is something that had been discussed and I was assured it was okay!  With not many other options, I ask if they can install the tow package needed to rent the trailer to me.  Of course they can, just not on Sunday as the technician was off on the weekend!

Frustrated and determined to leave, I put the phone lines to blazing, even calling the General Manager of the Rental Company (at the time I had clout).  It seems that there was some kind of insurance regulation in California that required a towing package (I often wondered what would happen if I showed up in the smallest car supposedly rated for the trailer?)  No matter, I was going to have to get a tow package installed on the truck if I was going to rent a trailer from this company!

Monday morning and I am hot on the trail to find another company to install the aforesaid required tow package.  Success!  I find a company that I would much rather do business with for the task at hand!  Only bad thing, they are on the other side of town.  I call and make another reservation for the trailer (at a different office though - something a little further away but that I had done business with before!)  On my way out the door to get the tow package installed and the mobile rings, it is the office and someone needs something.  While on the phone gathering the required information to complete the request I make my way back into the house knowing this is not going to be a quick fix.

Going back into my room, I find a hassock to plop down on and finish the call.  Finishing the call, I realize that I am going to have to break out my laptop and access a computer at work.  Removing my sunglasses, I toss them on the floor to move to the bag where my laptop is.  Crunch!  There are things strewn all about the floor so it was apt to be anything.  With the laptop hooked up, I access the computer and deliver the required information.  Packing up the laptop, I let the bag drop to the floor and bend over to scoop up my sunglasses.

Bending down I notice a pile of broken glass and twisted metal and my first though was 'ah what did I crunch in my haste?  Upon closer examination of the pile of rubbish I naturally find it is my sunglasses!  Now these aren't just sunglasses, they are my PRESCRIPTION sunglasses.  In preparation of the move, I had taken care to have eyes examined and new glasses prescribed.

Too much to be bothered with just now, I am all ready behind schedule and don't have enough time to get a new pair fashioned before I leave.  I decide to push on and use my transition lenses on my 'regular' glasses.  Upon my arrival to get the tow package installed, I am informed that 'it will be awhile.'  The little while turns into several hours and I am in jeopardy of missing my appointment to pick up the trailer.  Finally the tow package is installed with another entry to the deficit column (unexpected) in the amount of $400.00.  Not to worry though, as the previously mentioned windfall, though dwindling still covers the cost.

Finally I make it to pick up the trailer just as they are ready to lock the gates and I return to my soon to be ex-residence.  Tired and all ready a day late in leaving I am faced with the choice of pushing on and packing that night to leave or just wait to pack the truck and trailer the next morning.

By the time I got home, my room-mate was home and we discussed my predicament.  Also, that if I started packing it might carry on to late and disturb the neighbors.  So I voted on dinner with my room-mate and a night's rest before venturing on.