300 Miles!

On July 1st, 2011, Jon and I packed up as much stuff we could fit into our 15 foot Budget truck and moved 300 miles North of Bakersfield. Jon had the luxury of driving the largest vehicle he's ever operated with our dear friend Sara as company. I, on the other hand, had my amazing mother and my two obese cats in my teeny tiny Echo. Monty and Molly are the names of my obese cats, who did pretty well after the first 2 hours of non-stop meowing from Monty.
Finally upon arrival we proceeded to unload/deliver goods to the top floor of our new apartment complex. Which is one stuffy hot elevator ride, 8 steep steps, and a hallway long enough to make The Shining directors proud. Needless to say it took a healthy 8 hours, and the herculean efforts of our dear friends. This, of course, is after a 5 hour drive and the minimum number of hours of sleep required to operate "heavy machinery." Some time around midnight I passed out.

Since we spend the majority of Friday moving our stuff into every corner of this apartment, we spent Saturday in the city. We figured that since my mom was only staying a few days that we would enjoy the time with her instead of unpacking. Before I begin, I just want to say the day was amazing, but I have never been so exhausted. The adventure started with catching the B.A.R.T. train into the city, which of course was delayed because it was the weekend. Two hours later we finally arrived at Embarcadero to catch the bus/trolly to Pier 39. After what seemed like a 45 minute wait, one bus shows up with a cart FULL of passengers, and same with the next bus. Finally we make it to Pier 39 and enjoy a delicious meal from Bubba Gumps, even though they messed up the order...horribly. We ordered a Pear and Berry Salad, which came with Raspberries, Strawberries, Pear, Grilled Chicken, Candied Pecans, and a Strawberry Vinaigrette. Unfortunately, the salad was missing the candied pecans and when we informed our waitress of such she brought us out a small bowl of chopped peanuts. When we informed her of her second error, she said let me confirm the menu, then came back to apologize that the Pecans were missing and excused it by saying the menu is 2 days old and that the chefs are still getting used to it. (This story reminds me that I need to write Bubba Gump Co.) After we ate, we explored Fisherman's Wharf and all the crazy stores. Then went to wait for the bus back to Market so we could hop in the B.A.R.T. After the first bus didn't stop to pick anyone up because it was so full, we decided to walk the 2 miles back to the station. It was a nice walk, but by the time we got back I was beginning to get jet-lag feelings. Again, it took us almost 2 hours to get back to Walnut Creek because the trains were running late and there was maintenance on the track.
But we made it eventually and enjoyed the rest of the weekend relaxing.

All in all, the moving experience was one experience I hope to not have to do again for a very very long time.