Our move - Part 1

Three weeks ago today was our last day living in this state:

We woke up early and took care of some business at the County attorney's office (oh, have I not told you that story yet?) and then picked up the U-haul. 

When my brother showed up around noon, we began the grueling task of taking all the boxes and furniture from our 3rd floor apartment and loading them onto the 17-foot-long U-haul. 

It was hot, but we were very thankful for the elevator. As more wonderful helpers arrived, our apartment became more bare and my mother-in-law and I began cleaning, a task I am never thrilled about.

Soon, I heard rumors that the U-haul was full and there was still more stuff. Where had it all be hiding? I have no clue. We filled up another car and two more trucks. 

As quickly as we had begun, the task was over. Our friends had left and I was alone in our very first apartment. Our home for the past 3 years was completely empty, yet so many memories flooded my thoughts. I don't know if it was the heat, the exhaustion, or the yucky smell from the self-cleaning oven that I had just remembered to turn on, but the tears came and they weren't to be stopped. I sat in the corner of our bedroom and cried.

Hubs soon came to find me and we got ready to leave and spend the night at his parent's home. We were planning to leave at 8am sharp the next morning and we were both mentally and physically weary. 

We fell into bed that night and slept soundly until the alarm went off. I woke up with renewed excitement and energy. Today I would see our new home. Today would start a new journey of our lives. 

Leaving the Neb

I have - count them - 16 more days in Nebraska. After living in a place for almost 5 years (3 years longer than I ever planned on staying), here are things I will remember about the Neb.

1. My first of many Husker games. The cheers that were once completely foreign to me, are now engrained in my mind. Standing in the student section, hot and sweating, losing my voice while cheering, and then going out to eat with my roommates afterwards.

2. Going to the university. One of my favorite times in life was going to class, being busy with studying and homework, watching all 10 seasons of friends at least 2 times, starbucks walks with my roomie, and the spontaneity of life at that point.

3. My first time at Bible study. I got lost, big-time. I was so frustrated by the time I got there that I was to the point of tears, so when someone told me to move my car I lost it. But loving it when I was finally there.

4. Flock - our small-group of young married friends that meets on Mondays. Monday night will feel empty for a while as we adjust to our new schedule.

5. Pioneers Park. I'll always remember this spot because it was where Hubs proposed. Nebraska will always be the place I meet and fell in love with Hubs. Whenever I think of those memories, they only take place here.

Blogging will be sporadic (but not absent) for the next month. We will arrive in Kansas on May 30. Stay with me, I will be back with full force and plenty of new stories.

Countdowns

11 days until Ruth comes to visit!
A long-awaited, much need girl visit. The whole day it will be Ruth and me hanging out together and most certainly laughing a lot.

23 more days of work!
Have any of you ever left a job that you love? I'm doing that in just over 2 short weeks. It's a job that God brought to me at just the right time and fit me perfectly. And, I think (and have been told) that I am pretty good at it, too. It is hard to leave, especially the friends that I have made there, but I also know that I am ready. I have resolved that it is time to stretch my boundaries and try something new, to get out of my comfort zone and take the next step. Doubts can flood your mind: What if I'm not cut out to be a student anymore? What if I am not any good at my new job? What will I do without anyone to talk to during the day? But, without stretching your wings, you will never grow and I am excited for a new challenge.

24 days and Hubs will be a dentist!
This has been a much-anticipated day. There will be celebrating, for sure. I have watched Hubs do his very best for the past 4 years and I can't wait to celebrate with him.

27 days until we are in Hawaii!
Need I say more?

46 days left as Nebraska residents!
That's right. We are moving down south....okay, well to Kansas. And, although we don't know the address of our new home yet, we do know we are going to the state whose claim to fame is The Wizard of Oz. It is an exciting time for us because we are starting so many new things - a new home, a new career, a new life, and making new friends. And, as much as I have loved these carefree dental school-years, part of me is finally ready for this next step.

Snow Storm In Nebraska

Let me tell you about snow storms in Nebraska.

Yesterday, the grocery stores, gas stations, and department stores were completely packed as locals stocked up on necessities in case we would be stuck in our homes for days.

This morning, before even a flake of snow fell, local schools cancelled classes in anticipation of the forecasted snow.

And 3 days ago, when we first heard that snow was iminent, the road crews sprayed solution over the major streets in hopes that they would not have to get out to start plowing as soon as snow started falling. They prefer to wait until the snow has stopped and 200 people have had accidents, to actually try and remove the snow.

No doubt, the busiest businesses tonight will be those restaurants that deliver or have take-out.

And you can't blame us for wanting to stay in, cozied up in a blanket next to a warm fire with some hot chocolate and popcorn. But, just as we mocked those down south who experienced ice and snow a few weeks ago and couldn't function, I am sure states like Minnesota, North Dakota, Alaska, and the entire country of Canada laugh at our "hunker-down until it's over" approach. I mean, people do have to live, work, commute, and function with winter weather.

We are supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow today. I'm excited. We may actually have enough snow to cover all the ugly grass!

There is a really good advantage to this snow storm. We have plans to go out to eat tonight at a popular restaurant in town. I was worried about wait, but I don't think we'll have any problems tonight!